Education Minister Chris Hipkins has said the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST) head office will be based outside Auckland and Wellington, but a location has not been decided.
Cr Andrew Whiley asked councillors at a full council meeting this week to support having the NZIST head office in Dunedin, noting Otago Polytechnic brought in 2846 full-time equivalent jobs and $180million to the city in 2018.
Graduates would play a ''big part in the future rebuild of the hospital and other construction around the city''.
Mr Whiley had graduated from the polytechnic with a degree in applied management, having gone through the Capable NZ pathway.
''The key focus of this motion is that the Dunedin City Council works with key local parties to present a strong business case to the board of [NZIST],'' he said.
''Everyone around this table would agree that besides the recent growth of jobs from the ACC, that previous governments haven't shown Dunedin enough love in growing jobs in our city.
''Dunedin is the best location for this hub.''
Mr Whiley said the council needed to partner with local MPs, to get them to convince their colleagues.
''We do have to fight for this.
''It will not just come to us.
''I am asking for all councillors to support this motion, so our residents and Central Government get a clear indication we want to be New Zealand's education city, and we as a council are doing everything to grow jobs in our city.''
