There are 15 per cent more students enrolled at the University of Waikato Tauranga campus now than at the same time last year.

Vice-chancellor Professor Roy Crawford outlined this in his speech given this morning at Classic Flyers before stakeholders, including mayors Stuart Crosby and Ross Paterson.

Professor Roy Crawford speaking in Tauranga this morning.

He also highlighted the university's unique partnership with the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, and Whakatane-based Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi.

'In this partnership we have three autonomous, independent organisations working together to provide pathways for students and we are working with the community to identify your educational needs,” says Roy.

He says the partnership has delivered a high quality, cooperative tertiary education system for people of the region, which builds on the distinctive teaching and research strengths of each institution. Tertiary education and research is also matched to the region's needs.

Future developments of the partnership include creating a unique university campus experience in the Bay, developing linkages with other countries to promote international excellence which will benefit the region and creating research opportunities with other sectors, such as horticulture.

About 80 people attended the breakfast including Mayors Stuart Crosby and Ross Paterson, business and community leaders and school principals. They were joined by senior members of the University.