Otago Polytechnic (Te Kura Matatini ki Otago) is one of New Zealand's foremost public institutes of technology, tracing its origins to the Dunedin School of Art founded in 1870—the oldest art school in Australasia. Consistently awarded Category 1 status by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) with the highest possible confidence ratings for educational performance and capability in self-assessment, Otago Polytechnic delivers vocational, degree, postgraduate, and master's qualifications. Operating flagship campuses in Dunedin, Central Otago (Cromwell & Wānaka), and Auckland, Otago Polytechnic is world-renowned for its Food Design Institute (Bachelor of Culinary Arts), Dunedin School of Art, Sydney Accord-accredited Engineering Technology, Occupational Therapy, Nursing Council-approved Healthcare education, Construction & Quantity Surveying, and specialized Southern Alps Avalanche & Alpine safety programmes.