Invercargill businesswoman launches Stand up for SIT campaign

Friday, 22 February 2019

Invercargill businesswoman Carla Forbes has launched a Stand up for SIT campaign opposing the Government's proposed polytechnic merger.

An Invercargill businesswoman has launched a Stand Up For SIT campaign in opposition to the Government's proposed national polytechnic merger.

Market South creative director Carla Forbes feared what impact the centralisation of 16 polytechnics would have on the Southern Institute of Technology and Southland as a whole.

Under the proposal, SIT would merge with 15 other training providers to become a centrally managed, single entity called New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.

Forbes wants Southlanders to join her in a campaign opposing the proposal, which was announced last week.

Posters, advertisements, clothing, banners, billboards, social media and much more will become emblazoned with the Stand Up For SIT mantra, Forbes said.

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'If I could paint the whole town orange in support of SIT, I would. So, I'm going to try my best to get as close to that as possible.'

Forbes, who is a former Southland Chamber of Commerce president, said she had been inundated with support from businesses and community groups from throughout Invercargill and Southland, wanting to lend a hand to the cause.

'It's exciting how many people have mobilised in support of this – so many have donated their time, space and resources to support and advance the campaign that it's actually overwhelming,' she said.

'I knew a lot of people would be on board with what we're trying to achieve, but the sheer volume of support and enthusiasm we're seeing is stunning.'

Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt also encouraged everyone to get behind the campaign.

'This is our chance to go in to battle for something we really believe in as a region,' he said.

'SIT is one of our greatest assets and Southland will absolutely suffer under the Government's proposal.

'Let's show Wellington what Southlanders are really made of and put our hardy spirits into this campaign – they won't be able to block their ears to an entire region that's shouting out in protest.'

During the next week, the campaign's brand will become evident across Invercargill and afar.

Any show of support, from a car toot to a shop front covered in Stand Up For SIT campaign material, was welcome.

Earlier this week, Invercargill city councillor Alex Crackett launched an online petition to Save Southland's SIT.

Government representatives, including Education Minister Chris Hipkins, are expected to be in Invercargill next week to discuss the proposal.