Enrolments up as new students welcomed to WITT

Hundreds of students poured onto the WITT campus on a fine summer morning for the first day of Semester One on Monday (February 23) to attend pōwhiri as part of a formal welcome.

Domestic enrolment numbers are up slightly from 965 to 975 EFTS (Equivalent Full Time Students) on this time last year. Many programmes are fully subscribed with extra cohorts added for some, such as Electrical and Agriculture trades training.

New and returning students packed out Te Piere o Te Rangi – the central campus gathering space, where Kaimahi (staff) welcomed them with karanga, waiata and whaikōrero.

In her welcome address, WITT Operations Lead Executive Nicola Conley wished students a rewarding learning journey and urged them not to be daunted by challenges but to embrace them. She encouraged students to be creative and innovative problem-solvers who will continue to learn after they have completed their programme of study.

“This region needs you and the skills and knowledge you’ll gain. The world’s changing and we need to stay current.”

She emphasised the importance of asking for help when needed, with comprehensive learning and pastoral support available to all students.

Mature student Jane Tovin, who has enrolled to do a Bachelor of Applied Management, says she was looking forward to studying again. A business owner who has worked in Human Resources (HR), she wants to gain a qualification so she can work in HR management. She had previously studied Administration and Technology at WITT and her two daughters have studied hospitality programmes here.

School leaver, Chonti, studying for a Diploma in Business, says WITT is a great option for her because there are less costs and less stress than if she had moved away to study.

Campus facilities have undergone changes over the past few months with the opening of an extensively upgraded and expanded nursing simulation centre at the top of A Block and additional electrical labs in A Block to meet high demand for electrical engineering courses.

A reconfiguration of office space has opened up a central campus block which is now being leased by Health NZ - Te Whatu Ora, where around 60 staff are now located.

Caption: New and returning students filing into Te Piere for one of two powhiri on campus where they were welcomed on the first day of Semester One.