Otago Polytechnic Transitioning (Grandparenting) From New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST) Policy

1.1. Otago Polytechnic policies and procedures (policies) are guided by and give effect to Te Tiriti ō Waitangi and honour our obligations as a Te Tiriti partner. 

1.2. This Policy applies to those seeking to rely on the policies of the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST) also formerly referred to as Te Pūkenga when Otago Polytechnic becomes an independent entity. 

1.3. This policy provides that a NZIST Policy will continue to apply to the ongoing operations and activities of Otago Polytechnic unless there is an applicable Otago Polytechnic policy. 

1.4. From the 1 January 2026 Otago Polytechnic will operate independently of NZIST. Certain functions of the organisational structure will be implemented and go live before all supporting policies have been adopted. This policy is extended to apply to those circumstances. 

2.1. The purpose of this Policy is to ensure continuity by bridging any gaps in the policy framework that arise between the date Otago Polytechnic begins operating independently and the date Otago Polytechnic approves and adopts applicable policies. 

2.2. Otago Polytechnic policies are being developed to support the functions and processes required to operate as an independent entity. In the interim it is essential to minimise operational, financial and other risks or disruptions to ongoing operations, activities, and matters identified in clause 2.1. 

• Education and Training Act 2020 and subsequent amendments 

• The Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 

3. The following definitions apply to this policy: 

Council: All those operating at a governance level, including Council members and members of Council’s advisory committees  

Grandparenting: an exemption allowing Otago Polytechnic to temporarily continue to use NZIST Policy until Otago Polytechnic adopts policies and/or procedures. 

Kaimahi: Staff of Otago Polytechnic, contractors, volunteer workers and people gaining work experience.  

Otago Polytechnic Policy Library: the location of all relevant Otago Polytechnic policies and relevant NZIST policies. 

NZIST: New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology   

NZIST policy: Is a Policy of New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST) formerly Te Pūkenga that applied to any part of NZIST’s business. May include but not limited to policies, student regulations, supporting procedures/guidelines, frameworks and statutes and kaimahi code of conduct. 

4.1. Otago Polytechnic will apply NZIST policies to its operations and activities until Otago Polytechnic adopts applicable policies. 

4.2. Otago Polytechnic policies are published in the Otago Polytechnic Policy Library and must be followed by all kaimahi, ākonga and visitors to Otago Polytechnic premises. 

4.3. Where Otago Polytechnic does not have policies in relation to a particular matter, but there is a NZIST policy, Otago Polytechnic should apply this. 

4.4. Where a gap in the policy framework of Otago Polytechnic is identified, the Policies Committee should be notified - policies@op.ac.nz 

4.5. This policy will be revoked when Otago Polytechnic has a complete policy framework that supports the organisational structure or at such a time as Otago Polytechnic Council considers appropriate. 

4.6. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between an NZIST policy and an Otago Polytechnic policy, then the Otago Polytechnic policy will apply. 

4.7. Relevant NZIST policies will be grand-parented for academic matters for an interim period to ensure compliance with teach out obligations. 

Otago Polytechnic Policy Library 

Kaimahi Code of Conduct