Help us shape the future!

Otago Polytechnic is about to move into an exciting phase as we create and shape our strategic direction for the next 3-5 years.  

We’ve got a long and rich history and this kaupapa will help determine our next chapter…and we want your voice to be part of that!  

What’s a strategic direction?  

A strategy is a high-level, long-term plan designed to guide decisions, allocate resources, and achieve a specific major goal. A good strategy clarifies purpose and sets priorities.  

We want to define who we are as an organisation, understand how we will make the biggest impact on those we’re here to serve, and map out how we might get there.  

Why does it matter to me?  

Strategy is a practice that’s woven through our entire approach at OP – what we teach, what services we provide, how we honour our Treaty commitments, what we focus on, how we ensure you’re getting the things you need to succeed in the way you want to.  

• If you’re studying with us across a few years, we’re keen to hear your thoughts as it will shape your experience of studying with us.   

• If you’re finishing up your studies soon, we’d still love to hear from you as your experience and insights will help shape the future for others. And who knows, maybe you’ll head back to be part of our whānau again sometime 😊 

How can I get involved?  

1. Survey  

Next week, we’ll send you all a quick survey to complete. This is optional but if you take part you’ll go in the draw to win some awesome prizes!!

2. Drop-in session  

All welcome! These three sessions will be held in-person and online and are hosted by our Student Succes team. 

3. Small focus groups 

We’re keen to ensure a range of student voices are heard so our Student Success team will be sending out some invites to small focus groups. These will be led by a Student Success team member, and a light kai will be provided.  

4. Engagement wall  

From 21 September – 2 October, we’ll also have an engagement wall in The Hub. This will reflect the questions you’re asked in the survey, but will be a quick and easy way for you to add a few thoughts with a post-it note.  

What happens to my insights?  

We’re committed to a tikanga-true process and will respect your voice.  

We will gather your feedback, theme the information and show you what we’ve got. These insights will then be used by our senior leadership team and Council to make strategic decisions which shape our strategy. The final strategy will be signed off by Council and we’ll then present it back to our students and staff early next year.  

Next steps  

We’ll send another email to you all at the start of next week with that survey link and would love to see as many of you as possible at our drop-in sessions! 

Thanks for any time you can give to this – we know you’re really busy as we head towards the holidays!