This afternoon, the Stand Up For SIT campaign lodged more than 700 submissions on the Reform of Vocational Education.

The Reform of Vocational Education is a series of proposals to overhaul the vocational education sector and how that education is delivered. It proposes to merge New Zealand’s 16 Institutes of Technology (ITPs) into one entity, which includes the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT).

Since the announcement of the proposed reform, the Southland province has pushed back strongly. 

Stand Up for SIT campaign organiser Carla Forbes said the response to the campaign had been more than what she could have hoped for.

Given the sheer amount of submissions that were received, it was clear SIT was something Southland would fight for to the end, she said.

"It’s unbelievable how many people have thrown their support behind the campaign. I think everyone realises just how serious the situation is and they’ve also come together the make sure the Minister hears our voice loud and clear.

"We’ve sent in more than 700 so that should give the Minister [of Education Chris Hipkins] plenty of reading over his weekend.”

The Reform’s website says the public can expect to hear about what decisions the Government makes in mid-2019.