After several years of disruption and instability across the sector, the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) is now gearing up for a strong revival.

One that signals both an educational comeback and the determination of the wider Southland community.

SIT is formally to return to independence, restoring local governance to one of Southland’s most defining and community-built institutions.

When SIT was absorbed into Te Pūkenga, Southlanders watched a proud, independent organisation lose visibility inside a centralised system that did not understand its model or its role in the region.

For decades SIT had been a cornerstone of Southland identity.

Its Zero Fees Scheme transformed thousands of lives, and continues to, it reshaped the region’s economic trajectory and ensured local industries had access to skilled workers when and where they were needed.

Under centralisation that connection began to weaken. Decision making slowed. Concerns grew that what made SIT extraordinary was being eroded. By 2024, the fear of losing control of Southland’s own future became real.

The region decided that was not an option. When the possibility of losing SIT autonomy emerged, Southlanders rallied with characteristic determination.

Local leaders, iwi partners, employers, alumni, families and students mobilised and demanded that SIT remain locally governed and regionally accountable. Their message was unwavering. Local knowledge matters.

Regional education drives regional prosperity. Autonomy is essential. Southland won that fight. SIT will again stand on its own, locally led, regionally responsive and empowered to serve the people and industries of Murihiku.

Interim Chief Executive, Amanda Whitaker, has been central to preparing SIT for independence and reconnecting the institution with the community.

Her message is clear. “The community fought for us, and we will honour that by remaining true to what makes SIT special. Zero Fees stays. SIT belongs to Southlanders and our future will reflect their needs, their aspirations and their lives.”

Whitaker stresses that the return to independence is not administrative. It is cultural, regional and deeply personal.

Southland’s demographic challenges make SIT’s role more critical than ever, with an ageing workforce, a new generation with evolving needs and intensifying demand across essential industries.

“We exist to remove barriers, not create them, we need to work within our community, deliver what is needed and do it in a format that works,” Whitaker says.

To mark SIT’s return to autonomy, Whitaker has orchestrated a temporary street name change and has brought together business and civic leaders to create a public celebration in the heart of Invercargill.

The event will include a street takeover for graduation 4pm Friday 12 December, Kelvin Street will become Graduation Lane, a showcase of student success and highlights the collective strength that carried SIT through the past four years.

Designed as a display of unity, pride and unwavering belief in local education, the celebration will reflect Southland’s commitment to its own future. She notes the remarkable speed at which support arrived.

“The Mayor was one of the first to come forward, along with our business leaders and community partners. The response was immediate and generous. There was no hesitation. Southland wants SIT to succeed and that support has been inspiring. SIT will once again be a driver of success for Southland, and I am thrilled to be part of this moment.”

As SIT prepares to mark its return to independence, Whitaker says regional support remains unwavering.

“Southland stood up for SIT and that support has not faded. Local businesses, community leaders and partners are lining up to stand with us as we step into our new era. In true Southland fashion the response has been immediate, generous and united. We will share more details shortly, but it is clear the region wants to celebrate this moment together.”

The celebration will be announced soon, with Whitaker emphasising that it will honour SIT’s independence, its learners and the community that fought to protect it.

SIT’s next chapter will be defined by flexibility, regional delivery and deep community connection. For Southland the message is clear. SIT is not simply returning to independence.

It is stepping into its role as a regional anchor, an economic driver and a symbol of the strength of the people who fought for it. Southland stood up for SIT.

Now SIT stands ready to stand up for Southland.