"The projects will integrate research and learning with industry requirements – in particular developing leaders capable of taking New Zealand’s primary industries into a new phase of productivity and export-led growth.

“Enhancing New Zealand’s international competitiveness is vital if primary industry is to remain a foundation of our economy.”

Trevor Mallard said that although the equine industry has the potential to earn more per hectare for New Zealand overseas than the dairy industry, to date it has not benefited from the same level of investment in research.

“It is hoped the government’s investment will go someway to remedying the under-investment in the equine industry. The partnership is expected to result in some excellent outcomes for the industry as well as regional and national economies, “ Trevor Mallard said.

“It will provide the industry with more skilled graduates, ensure that the New Zealand’s equine biosecurity, health and welfare remains world-class, and enhance equine veterinary care and science.”

The government has pledged more than $40 million this financial year to Partnerships for Excellence.

Partnerships for Excellence were launched by the government in 2003, was established to enhance innovation, encourage greater private sector investment in tertiary education and foster relationships between tertiary institutions, business and industry.

It allows tertiary institutions to seek funding from government for large-scale investment projects that will develop teaching and research partnerships between tertiary institutions and business.

“Partnerships for Excellence has created a climate for joint private investment on a scale never seen before in the tertiary sector,” Trevor Mallard said.

“By doing so, it will increase the capability of the tertiary education sector to underpin New Zealand’s social, regional and economic development by producing graduates with skills more closely aligned with industry needs.”

To be eligible for the scheme, projects need to be new and unable to be funded through other means. Private sector investment has to match that of government, with government funding to be used for capital costs such as buildings and equipment or endowment funds.

The Tertiary Education Commission, which administers the scheme, assesses individual projects, with funding set aside as part of the government’s annual budget process.

Detailed information about Partnerships for Excellence, including the assessment criteria, can be found on the Tertiary Education Commission website at www.tec.govt.nz.