Changes at the Bongard Centre in Tauranga's CBD are expected to bring benefits to students and staff of both Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology and the University of Waikato.

Toi Ohomai has decided that from the beginning of 2019, operations that are currently based at the Bongard Centre will move to Windermere Campus, bringing all their Tauranga-based students together in one place.

The University of Waikato shares Toi Ohomai's teaching facilities at Windermere.

The decision allows the University to take up the opportunity to shift to the CBD, using the Bongard Centre to support a smooth transition to the new partnership building being constructed in Durham Street.

Toi Ohomai Executive Director Corporate Services Anthony Robertson says the planned move is a win for Toi Ohomai as well as the University, which will be able to begin the 2019 academic year based in the CBD.

'Toi Ohomai is committed to providing an outstanding experience for students across the region and we're delighted to be able to bring all our Tauranga students together on one campus.

'We have listened to our staff and students who overwhelmingly supported a move to Windermere where they can join the rest of the Tauranga-based Toi Ohomai whānau, and access the excellent facilities we have there.

'While our classrooms are moving out of the CBD, we're still very much connected to our city-based community. We will continue to support local events and partner with iwi and industry to deliver innovative education for the region.”

University of Waikato Senior Deputy-Vice Chancellor Professor Alister Jones has welcomed the announcement.

'We're really happy to be working in partnership with Toi Ohomai to ensure the best experience for all our students, and delivery of quality education options for the Bay. Both institutions will benefit from this move.”

As members of the Bay of Plenty Tertiary Education Partnership, Toi Ohomai and the University of Waikato work together to ensure the ongoing delivery of quality learning programmes to all students and provide greater study options in the region.

Under the Partnership, pathway programmes – including bridging, certificate, diploma and degree qualifications – are offered between the institutions.