The national polytech, Te Pūkenga, is facing a backlash for its plan to cut four hundred jobs.

The mega-polytech has 10,000 employees, and will cut 950 jobs in a major overhaul - but 550 staff members will be re-employed.

The New Zealand Union of Students Associations says tauira have been anxious at the prospect of lecturers leaving part-way through their courses.

The union's president, Ellen Dixon, spoke to Gyles Beckford.