This is here just to preload the mouseover images. In 1995 this vision was reviewed and reconfirmed, with the development of a specific strategic initiative to achieve university of technology status by the year 2000. It does not specifically focus on the validity of this course of action in the wider New Zealand tertiary education environment. In this environment, polytechnics and universities are frequently competing for the same students.
Polytechnics share the same legislation as universities in New Zealand.
Many polytechnics therefore offer degrees at undergraduate level, and the first postgraduate polytechnic degrees are underway at three polytechnics. However, there remains a significant perception gap in the public arena which separates universities and polytechnics into first and second class institutions respectively, based on name rather than on performance. This creates a significant competitive advantage for the university sector. If a polytechnic meets the definition of a university laid down in the legislation, it can therefore be argued that no unreasonable external barrier should be erected to prevent that polytechnic from achieving university status. The critical hurdles for the aspiring institution, then, should be those within the institution that relate to meeting the characteristics of a university, and creating the organisational environment to achieve this objective.