A union P for the Central Institute of Technology

Abstract

This study considered the desirability of the establishment of a Union P at the Central Institute of Technology at Heretaunga, Upper Hutt, New Zealand, and proposed that a Union P was a programme designed to enhance and enrich the educational experience of students. A literature-based investigation of Unions P in the United Kingdom, and their development there, and in the United States of America, was supplemented by visits to five university unions P in Australia and New Zealand, and three technical institute unions P in Australia, since no technical institute in New Zealand has a Union P. The development of technical education in New Zealand and the development and role of the Central Institute of Technology were also important to this research. Enquiry as to provision for leisure at the Teachers' College, Wellington, the Police College, Wellington, and two industrial establishments gave opportunity for consideration of leisure provision in a wider area than university or technical institute. Four propostions have been made with regard to the development of a Union P at the Central Institute of Technology, the conclusion being that the Students' Union SA is strongly placed to pursue this development, though the importance of partnership with the Central Institute of Technology is acknowledged.