Amalgamation isn't being ruled out for two of the Bay of Plenty's biggest tertiary institutes as they look to increase study and training opportunities across the whole region.

Bay of Plenty Polytechnic and Waiariki Institute of Technology confirmed yesterday that they've begun investigating potential options for increased collaboration.

Bay of Plenty Polytechnic and the Rotorua-based Waiariki Institute of Technology are in talks to increase tertiary study and training opportunities for people in the Bay of Plenty. Photo: File.

Bay of Plenty Polytechnic council chairman Ian Turner says anything from keeping the status quo to full amalgamation would be considered in a consultation to determine the level of collaboration between the two.

The announcement was made along with Waiariki Institute of Technology council chair Graeme Nahkies.

The pair have been discussing the idea for the last five years, having collaborated on various projects and joint initiatives in the past.

This is backed up by strategy documents for the Bay that clearly highlight the need for greater collaboration to increase delivery across the region rather than in 'pockets”, says Ian.

Collaboration between tertiary institutes is encouraged under the Tertiary Education Commission's strategy for 2014 to 2019.

'It has the potential to be very good for the whole region,” adds Ian

The two institutes are already co-operating to establish a new $88 million tertiary campus in Tauranga's CBD. The other partners in the project were the University of Waikato and Whakatane's Te Whare Wananga O Awanuiarangi.

Ian says both are keen want to find ways to increase tertiary education delivery options to a wider range of people.

'Demographics show there is going to be a bit of a shift in population distribution, and an increase in Maori,” he says.

'I think it's increasing in the Eastern Bay and some of those outlying districts don't get as much attention as they deserve.

'Their job is to perform as each institution can, but sometimes that can be competitive and it may not produce the best results. So finding a way to collaborate cooperatively can only be good for New Zealand.”

An assessment of potential options, including possible costs and benefits, will be undertaken as part of the exploratory approach.

The councils of the two institutions are also engaging with staff, unions, students and the wider community, including iwi and employers.

The councils will develop a consultation document within two-to-three months, which will outline proposed options for further development.