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    • Health-and-Social-Services-Information-Evening
      • Page Title: Health and Social Services Information Evening Wednesday 16 August 2017, 6pm Description: Take the opportunity to find out about study options, talk to staff and take a tour of our health and social services training facilities, including the state-of-the-art clinical learning environments for nursing and paramedic students Posted Date: 31/07/2017 11:00 a.m. Page Content Centre: Health and Social Services Information Evening Wednesday 16 August 2017, 6pm (presentations start at 6.15pm) Wikitoria Katene Building, Porirua campus Take the opportunity to find out about the following study options, talk to staff and take a tour of our health and social services training facilities, including the state-of-the-art clinical learning environments for nursing and paramedic students: Early Childhood Education Foundation Studies Health and Wellbeing Nursing Paramedic Social Work Postgraduate Health and Social Services You can also find out about the following study options offered by WelTec: Addiction Studies Exercise Science Funeral and Embalming Veterinary Nursing Youth Development Choose success, choose Whitireia; study with us in 2018.

    • Whitireia-and-WelTec-gearing-up-provide-training-to-care-and-support-workers
      • Page Title: Whitireia and WelTec gearing up provide training to care and support workers Description: The Care and Support Workers Pay Equity Settlement will allow employees and those seeking to enter the industry to follow a career path with qualification attainment linked to wage increases. Posted Date: 12/07/2017 2:00 p.m. Page Content Centre: The Care and Support Workers Pay Equity Settlement will allow employees and those seeking to enter the industry to follow a career path with qualification attainment linked to wage increases. “For people working in the fields of aged and disability residential care, and home and community support services, training programmes are available through Whitireia and WelTec in Petone commencing on 17 July 2017, with offerings in Porirua and Kāpiti being planned for 2018,” says Chris Gosling Chief Executive of WelTec and Whitireia who provide training across the Wellington region.    Part-time options including evening classes will be available from 2018, or earlier as demand requires. Both WelTec and Whitireia provide the New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing Level 3 which is one of the qualifications which rest home workers must obtain within three years of employment.  The programme is made up of blended learning methods for delivery that combines face-to-face tutorials, online delivery and work-integrated learning which means that there is substantial flexibility for students who are working. “We deliver the qualifications in such a way that there is maximum flexibility for the learner and their employer,” says Chris Gosling.  “We look forward to working with the Wellington region’s employers to facilitate training programmes for their staff resulting from the Pay Equity Settlements.” Head of Health at Whitireia and WelTec Carmel Haggerty says, “The Pay Equity Settlement has been long awaited by this group of workers.  “Whitireia and WelTec are pleased to be able to offer training solutions to employees and their employers that mean the workforce can be upskilled as per the Settlement.”

    • Whitireia-Performing-Arts-bound-for-France
      • Page Title: Whitireia Performing Arts bound for France Description: ​Students from the Whitireia Performing Arts programme will be travelling to Marseilles in July to perform at International Folkloric Festivals in the region. Posted Date: 29/06/2017 12:00 p.m. Page Content Centre: ​Students from the Whitireia Performing Arts programme will be travelling to Marseilles in July to perform at International Folkloric Festivals in the region. This follows a very busy year of activities which has seen them performing at the Wellington waterfront for two weeks during the Capital E children’s festival, a trip to Chengdu, China, in early June and the possibility of another trip to Taiwan in September. While in Chengdu the students performed at the launch of the inaugural direct flight from Chengdu to Auckland. The New Zealand Consul General, Alistair Crozier, thanked the students "“for such a dynamic and professional kappa haka performance." He also commented that their involvement in the event "provided a fantastic opportunity for our local guests to better understand and appreciate New Zealand’s unique culture." The students on the Whitireia degree programme are renowned for their striking performances of Māori, Samoa, Cook Island and New Zealand contemporary dance. They will showcase their talent at the Whitireia Theatre from July 6 to 8 at 7pm. www.thetheatre.co.nz

    • Whitireia-and-WelTec-welcome-new-Chair-and-acknowledge-contribution-of-departing-chair
      • Page Title: Whitireia and WelTec welcome new Chair and acknowledge contribution of departing chair Description: The appointment of new Council Chair Mr Greg Campbell by Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Paul Goldsmith has been welcomed by WelTec and Whitireia who have had a single governing body in place since 2012. Posted Date: 20/06/2017 10:00 p.m. Page Content Centre: The appointment of new Council Chair Mr Greg Campbell by Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Paul Goldsmith has been welcomed by WelTec and Whitireia who have had a single governing body in place since 2012. Greg Campbell takes over from current Chair Hon Roger Sowry ONZM on 22 June 2017 and has been appointed with a term of office to 30 April 2021. “I am delighted to be part of such special organisations which play such a unique role in our communities. We live in a growing, vibrant place and WelTec and Whitireia are very much part of that,” says Greg Campbell. Greg Campbell is the Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Wellington Regional Council. He has held senior marketing roles in the telecommunications, banking and finance sector, including being the Chief Marketing Officer for Vodafone New Zealand. His governance experience includes five years as a Council member of Auckland University of Technology, four years as a Director of Vodafone New Zealand and current board roles in education and transport. “We warmly welcome new Council Chair Greg Campbell to our institutions,” says Chief Executive WelTec and Whitireia Chris Gosling. “In doing so we acknowledge the contribution of outgoing Chair Hon Roger Sowry.” In 2010 Roger Sowry was initially appointed as Chair of the separate Councils of Whitireia and WelTec. In 2012 he was appointed as Chair of the Combined Council. “Roger Sowry has overseen the Strategic Partnership between our institutions which has resulted in increased access for learners to tertiary education and greater efficiencies. Students are also achieving at high rates. We are amongst the highest performing institutions in the tertiary education sector in terms of course and qualification completions. “Significant capital projects have been successfully undertaken during Roger’s term. This has resulted in outstanding award-winning facilities for our students including: the New Zealand Centre for Culinary and Hospitality Excellence – the joint campus in central Wellington with Le Cordon Bleu the completion of the first phase of the Wellington Regional School of Construction at Petone the major extension of Wikitoria Katene to house the latest simulation suite technology and provide an integrated learning approach for students in a state-of the-art health building at the Whitireia Porirua campus the investment into a new Kāpiti campus situated at Paraparaumu the construction of Te Kāhui Auaha which will firmly establish a New Zealand Institute of Applied Creativity on Cuba/Dixon Streets,” says Chris Gosling. Roger Sowry will continue his involvement with WelTec and Whitireia as a trustee for Te Auaha.     Greg Campbell

    • Whitireia-and-Weltec-welcome-announcement-on-Mandatory-Social-Work-Registration-Requirement
      • Page Title: Whitireia and Weltec welcome announcement on mandatory social work registration requirement Description: The announcement on mandatory registration for social workers by Minister Tolley has been welcomed by Whitireia and WelTec. Posted Date: 10/06/2017 12:00 a.m. Page Content Centre: The announcement on mandatory registration for social workers by Minister Tolley has been welcomed by leading tertiary education health and social services providers Whitireia New Zealand and the Wellington Institute of Technology. “The requirement for all social workers to be registered has been long-awaited by those working and teaching in the social work field,” says Jean Mitaera Whitireia Social Work Lead and Registered Social Worker. Jean Mitaera, attending the Family Violence Summit in Wellington yesterday where the announcement was made, says, “The registration requirement means professional standards will be in place across the social work sector; the use of the name and profession of social work will be protected; and there will be recourse around the practice and safety of social workers which can be accessed by the public. “This is a landmark announcement which has been supported by Whitireia, not only as an educator of social workers, but also as an Executive Member of the Council of Social Work Education Aotearoa New Zealand. “The profession of social work will now have the same status as others working in the health and social services sectors. “People will be able to have confidence in the competence and qualifications of registered social workers,” says Jean Mitaera. “At Whitireia we also put learning centres inside an organisation to support health and social service organisations. We partner with organisations to develop learning centres mentoring staff currently employed to progress them through the registration process helping to develop a qualified workforce. This in turn supports the quality of service provision for the wider community and Whitireia student placements.” Whitireia and WelTec Chief Executive Chris Gosling says, “The challenge for government agencies and NGOs is to make the investment to ensure staff are properly qualified and registered. We are very well placed to meet the new demand for training that will be generated by mandatory registration. The Bachelor of Social Work degree is the ideal pathway which allows graduates to meet these new registration requirements. “Social workers deal with some of New Zealand’s most disenfranchised children and families,” says Kendra Beri Whitireia and WelTec’s Head of Social Services. “The work is important and complex and it is therefore important that practitioners keep up-to-date in their competency which will be assured through the compulsory registration process. ​

    • Whitireia-Stage-and-Screen-Arts-students-present-‘Love-and-Information’
      • Page Title: Whitireia Stage and Screen Arts students present ‘Love and Information’ Description: Whitireia Stage and Screen Arts students present ‘Love and Information’ from Tuesday 27 June to Saturday 1 July, 7.30pm at the Whitireia Theatre, 25 Vivian Street Posted Date: 8/06/2017 10:00 a.m. Page Content Centre: The Whitireia Stage and Screen Arts programme presents Love and Information a play which is truly of our time. Twenty actors play over 100 characters who grapple with communicating in this complex age of information overload. Carol Churchill explores the impact that Facebook, Twitter and the other myriad communication networks have on our lives. In a script deliciously written for this age of the splintered attention span, the 57 moments that make up Love and Information hurl audiences through an information bombardment that reflects our lives back to us, caught up in a daily mass consumption of data. Annie Ruth and Ricky Dey direct a generation of actors who have grown up in this world of information overload. Together they question how we separate ‘fake news’ and ‘alternate facts’ from reality and retain our grip on what is really happening. In a review of its opening season at the Royal Court in 2012 Michael Billington said ‘one of the many points made by this exhilarating theatrical kaleidoscope is that we live in a world where information bombardment is in danger of leading to atrophy of memory, erosion of privacy and decay of feeling.’ But for this young cast, information overload and human connection go hand in ha​nd. Shows run from Tuesday 27 June to Saturday 1 July, 7.30pm at the Whitireia Theatre, 25 Vivian Street, Wellington City. Tickets are $20 waged, $14 unwaged. Book at www.thetheatre.co.nz ​

    • Trades-Information-Evening-2017
      • Page Title: Trades Information Evening Description: Check out our Trades Information Evening, this Thursday between 4.30pm – 7.30pm at our Trades campus, 12 Mohuia Crescent, Elsdon, Porirua. Posted Date: 30/05/2017 8:00 p.m. Page Content Centre: ​Check out our Trades Information Evening, this Thursday between 4.30pm – 7.30pm at our Trades campus, 12 Mohuia Crescent, Elsdon, Porirua.   We’ll be showcasing: Automotive Carpentry Electrical Plumbing Road Transport Enrolments are now open for programmes starting in July; come down and talk to us and see if there is a programme of study for you.  Some programmes have fees free options available, talk to us to see if you are eligible.   Choose success, choose Whitireia. Enrol now.

    • Kāpiti-Campus-Information-Evening
      • Page Title: Kāpiti Campus Information Evening Description: We're holding an information evening next Tuesday, 30 May, between 4pm and 7pm at our Kāpiti campus. Posted Date: 22/05/2017 10:00 p.m. Page Content Centre: We're holding an information evening next Tuesday, 30 May, between 4pm and 7pm at our Kāpiti campus.  Come in and see us and find out about the range of programmes we offer.  Talk to staff, and take a tour of the campus. Photography National Certificate in Computing (Level 2) New Zealand Certificate in Creativity (Level 4) New Zealand Certificate in Make-up and Skin Care (Introductory) (Level 3) New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) New Zealand Certificate in Business (Administration and Technology) (Level 3) New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills (Level 2) [Computing and Business] New Zealand Diploma in Cookery (Advanced) (Level 5) New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4) New Zealand Certificate in Hospitality (Level 2)   Enrol Now, Start July  

    • Whitireia-and-WelTec-celebrate-student-success
      • Page Title: Whitireia and WelTec celebrate student success Description: The culmination of 100 students’ academic endeavour will be recognised today at a graduation ceremony hosted by WelTec and Whitireia New Zealand at the Auckland Town Hall. Posted Date: 12/05/2017 10:00 a.m. Page Content Centre: ​The culmination of 100 students’ academic endeavour will be recognised today at a graduation ceremony hosted by WelTec and Whitireia New Zealand at the Auckland Town Hall. “This is the first time WelTec and Whitireia have combined to have a single graduation ceremony and reflects the maturing of our strategic partnership,” says Chief Executive of Whitireia and WelTec Chris Gosling. The strategic partnership provides new and existing students with access to a more diverse range of programmes of study through shared campuses on Queen Street and Wakefield Street, Auckland. “Our graduates are well-educated and equipped with first-class, sought-after qualifications,” adds Chris Gosling. “We’re pleased to be bridging the skills gap in New Zealand and providing communities with flexible, industrious and productive individuals.” Whitireia graduands from a number of disciplines will be graduating. These disciplines include business and IT at bachelors, graduate and postgraduate level; early childhood education and Tamariki Ora Well Child services; and hospitality management and cookery. Graduands from WelTec’s School of Health and Social Services, comprising nationally renowned qualifications in alcohol and drug studies, addictions support, youth development and counselling will have qualifications conferred. Graduands who have studied construction, engineering and IT in Wellington, and who now live and work in Auckland, will also be graduating. Guest speaker Kriv Naicker, who has a long-standing background in the telecommunications industry and is a founder and director of Synaptec, will address the graduands. The ceremony is being held at the Auckland Town Hall and begins with a Haka Pōwhiri at 3pm.

    • IT-Information-Evenings
      • Page Title: IT Information Evenings Description: We're holding information evenings this month at our Kāpiti, Porirua and Wellington campuses. Take the opportunity to find out about our IT programmes, talk to staff, and take a tour of our facilities. Posted Date: 9/05/2017 1:00 p.m. Page Content Centre: IT INFORMATION EVENINGS TUESDAY 30 MAY 2017, 4PM-7PM KĀPITI CAMPUS WEDNESDAY 31 MAY 2017, 4PM-7PM WELLINGTON CAMPUS THURSDAY 1 JUNE 2017, 4PM-7PM PORIRUA CAMPUS   Take the opportunity to find out about the following Whitireia IT programmes, talk to staff, and take a tour of our IT training facilities.   Bachelor of Information Technology Diploma in Information Technology (Level 6) Diploma in Information Technology (Level 5) Certificate in Information Technology National Certificate In Computing (Level 2) Graduate Diploma in Information Technology (Level 7) Also find out about our postgraduate IT study options, including the Master of Information Technology, Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology and Postgraduate Certificate in Information Technology. ​​​​

    • New-Pacific-Strategy-Chief-Advisor-for-Whitireia-and-WelTec
      • Page Title: New Pacific Strategy Chief Advisor for Whitireia and WelTec Description: Tae Moala-Mafi Tu’inukuafe is the Chief Advisor Pacific Strategy for WelTec and Whitireia. Posted Date: 13/04/2017 10:00 p.m. Page Content Centre: ​Tae Moala-Mafi Tu’inukuafe is the Chief Advisor Pacific Strategy for WelTec and Whitireia. Coming from a family of teachers it is no surprise Tae is working in the tertiary education sector. Having attended Tonga High School and teaching at St Andrew’s High School in Tonga, Tae went on to complete a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws at the Victoria University of Wellington which was followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts at the University of Otago. Tae has now started in the role of Chief Advisor Pacific Strategy and has been enjoying getting to know key stakeholders for Whitireia and WelTec. Work priorities have included talking with the Pacific communities to help increase participation and success rates of Pacific people studying at Whitireia and WelTec. “Part of this work involves promoting the role of Institutes of Technology & Polytechnics and what we offer to Pacific communities. Many in our community do not appreciate the careers that are possible with a polytechnic qualification. There is always a role for trades training and many people pick up jobs with good prospects and go on to succeed in their lives with a trades qualification. Many run successful businesses employing a lot of people. “Alternatively students can choose to study in areas which are also critical to our economy such as ICT, Engineering, Health and Social Services, and Creative Arts. I am very keen to work with Pacific communities to share the opportunities for their young people that can be realised through study at our institutions,” says Tae. “The labour market is very strong at the moment and there are many opportunities for Pacific people to do well. The success of the New Zealand economy depends on as many people as possible having the ability and skills to participate productively as an effective employee. A qualification from Whitireia or WelTec achieved through applied learning means graduates can make a contribution from day one in the workplace. Pacific People need to be at the forefront of these opportunities.” In addition to her busy WelTec and Whitireia role Tae finds time to contribute to the education of the coming generations of tertiary learners. Tae is very involved in homework centres for primary and secondary school students. These students attend sessions where they get help to get their homework done. “I currently run one of these centres at WelTec in Petone and we have a lot of girls attending. It is very rewarding and there are some big benefits to young people getting together in this way. I want them to succeed at school so they can go on and do well at tertiary level,” says Tae. Tae Moala-Mafi Tu’inukuafe has more than 17 years’ experience in policy and operational advice in central government: Ministry of Pacific Peoples, Ministry of Justice, and Office of Treaty Settlements. Among Tae’s community roles she is the Senior Advisor and Project Manager of the Wellington Tongan Leaders’ Council, on the Pacific Advisory Board for the New Zealand Police; and has previously been a Board Member of the South East and Capital Primary Health Organisation, Taeaomanino Trust, and the Vice Chairperson of the Wellington Pacific Health Services.

    • Study-with-us-in-2017---Semester-Two
      • Page Title: Study with us in 2017 - Semester Two Description: Enrolments are now open for our Semester Two programmes. Click through to see a full list of the programmes on offer. Posted Date: 2/05/2017 2:00 p.m. Page Content Centre: Enrolments are now open for the following Semester Two programmes. To find out more, click on a programme below that interests you or call us on 0800 944 847. Choose success, choose Whitireia! Porirua New Zealand Certificate in Business (Administration and Technology) (Level 4) (July) New Zealand Certificate in Business (Administration and Technology) (Level 3) (July) New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills (Level 2) [Computing and Business] (July) New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills (Level 1) (July) New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) (July) New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) (July) Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Advanced) (July) Certificate in Automotive Engineering (July) New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trades Skills (Level 3) (Carpentry) (July) New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering Theory (Level 3) (July) Certificate in Trade Skills (July) Certificate in Commercial Road Transport (May) (August) Certificate in Road Transport [Heavy Rigid] (May) (August) New Zealand Diploma in Cookery (Advanced) (Level 5) (May) New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4) (May) New Zealand Certificate in Hospitality (Level 2) (May) (August) Bachelor of Applied Business Studies (July) New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5) (July) Graduate Diploma in Applied Business Studies (July) Bachelor of Information Technology (July) Diploma in Information Technology (Level 6) (July) Diploma in Information Technology (Level 5) (July) New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology (Level 5) (July) New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Level 2) (August) Graduate Diploma in Information Technology (July) Postgraduate Certificate in Information Technology (July) Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology (July) Master of Information Technology (July) Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice (July) Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Practice (July) Master of Professional Practice (July) Online Diploma in Creative Writing (July) Graduate Certificate in Editing (July) Kāpiti New Zealand Certificate in Business (Administration and Technology) (Level 3) (July) New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills (Level 2) [Computing and Business] (July) New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) (July) New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) (July) New Zealand Diploma in Cookery (Advanced) (Level 5) (September) New Zealand Certificate in Hospitality (Level 2) (May) (August) New Zealand Diploma in Photography (Level 5) (July) Wellington  Certificate in Introduction to Film and Television Production (July) New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) (July) New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) (July) New Zealand Certificate in Hospitality (Level 2) (May) (August) National Diploma in Journalism (Multi-media) (Level 5) (July) Diploma in Radio Journalism (July) National Certificate in Radio (Foundation Skills) (July) Postgraduate Diploma in Management (June) (September) Postgraduate Certificate in Management (June) (September) Postgraduate Certificate in Information Technology (July) Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology (July) Master of Information Technology (July) Petone New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice (July) Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Practice (July) Master of Professional Practice (July)     ​

    • The-Whitireia-campus-in-Auckland-is-closed-today
      • Page Title: Auckland campus closed today Description: The Whitireia campus at 450 Queen Street, Auckland is closed today, Thursday 13 April, due to the adverse weather conditions. Posted Date: 13/04/2017 1:00 p.m. Page Content Centre: The Whitireia campus at 450 Queen Street, Auckland is closed today due to the adverse weather conditions. It will re-open on Wednesday 19 April 2017.   Have a safe and happy Easter.

    • Whitireia-has-opened-doors-to-opportunities-and-chances-of-success
      • Page Title: "Whitireia has opened doors to opportunities and chances of success" Description: This year's graduate speech was delivered by Bachelor of Health Science (Paramedic) graduate Steve Walsh. It's an honest and inspiring story about life as a student, and is well worth a read! Posted Date: 10/04/2017 11:00 a.m. Page Content Centre: Last month, Whitireia and its communities celebrated the success of their latest batch of graduates with the annual March graduation ceremony. The ceremony was a colourful and festive event, with plenty of tautoko (support), waiata, and haka acknowledging their fantastic achievement. This year's graduate speech was delivered by Bachelor of Health Science (Paramedic) graduate Steve Walsh, who has been working for Wellington Free Ambulance since finishing his studies at the end of last year. Steve's speech was an honest and inspiring story about life as a student, and is well worth a read! Tēnā koutou, talofa lava, malo e lelei, bula vinaka, welcome. I’m Steve Walsh and I am very honoured to have been asked by the Faculty of Health to represent us on this amazing occasion. It’s quite clear there are some proud people here, and I’m here to talk to you about how we got to this point.     Most of us started this journey around three years ago, some more, some less, depending on our qualifications. Even though we’re from various faculties and programmes, I think we’ve shared many of the same experiences over the length of time it’s taken to reach today. For many of us in this room, it all began with entering the unknown. Most of us had never met before, and we come from various backgrounds, family situations, cultures, experiences, various parts of the country, and various parts of the world.  Some of us came straight out of high school, others were having a change of direction in life, some were looking for a new start. It all started with a feeling of nervousness, fear, excitement, bewilderment – all of that mixed into one – but before long we were straight into our classes, we were meeting our tutors, we were finding out when our assessments were, we were being informed of the high expectations of us, and we were meeting our new classmates.     Quickly, we were in a rhythm, things started falling into place, and we were learning how to balance our workload. For many of us, our personal spaces were pushed to the limits. For example, we on the Paramedic degree were taking pulses of people we’d never met before, we were listening to their breaths through their chests, we were strapping them to hardboards, and we were carrying them up and down stairs. It was a very intimate environment to be experiencing so soon, and bonds quickly began to form. But soon, the stress kicks in; the first assessment is due and you’re nervously waiting to find out if you’re on track. Placements start and you’re working with people who’ve been doing this craft for years, and they’re watching your every move and critiquing.  For the remainder of our studies, we don’t really get away from this stress. One assignment is done, another test comes up, we’re straight into a practical assessment, with tutors assessing our every decision and monitoring our mastery of new skills learnt, and we’ve got forums due in. All this occurs while we’re trying to balance our home life. People are working part-time, full-time, they’re doing volunteer shifts, they’re looking after sick members of their whānau, they’re trying to raise children.     But slowly, we come towards the end. As we reach the end of our studies, we’ve got another stressor – we’re trying to find work or we’re trying to decide if we’re going to do further study. Applications are sent out, interviews are performed, and as we come towards the end of our assessments, we’re entering an unknown future. But the milestones are gradually ticked off. The last assignments are handed in, we pass the final practical assessment and then we’re sitting that final exam, nervously waiting to find out if it’s all done – to get to where we are today. Life as a student, just as life in general, isn’t always straightforward. Some people have had to navigate the despair of losing a loved one or the joy of a newborn child. They’ve pushed through the frustration and pain of failing an assessment or enjoyed the elation of getting a better than expected grade. We can experience the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in a very short period of time. It’s a mental and emotional rollercoaster. Fatigue sets in, but we find our outlets, whether it’s running, sport, socialising, going to a movie, reading a book that isn’t a 1000-page textbook that weighs about 25kgs, going down to the mall for food and to hang out with our friends. Or to just relax – relax our mind and ready ourselves for what comes next. One of the most important things that happens is that bonds are formed. Those strangers that I mentioned, they’re no longer strangers. Some of them will become our work colleagues, we may even form lifelong friendships, which all started here at Whitireia.     I think it is the small things that make the student life an enjoyable experience and balance out the other demands we might have. It might be meeting someone in the library or the late-night computer room from a different walk of life. You hear about their experiences, about the troubles they’re going through with their studies as well. It might be playing a game of table-tennis with someone from another faculty that you’ve never met before to unwind. It might be assisting a new student to find their way around the campus, or helping someone with an aspect of their studies that they’re struggling with, or having someone explain something to you that they know to finally make something make sense to you. For me, it was knowing that going into class, I was probably going to have a good time – I was always going to laugh. We always had good banter between myself, my fellow students and our tutors. Today is a culmination of months, even years, of application and sacrifices. To be here today, is recognition of the late hours in the library, staying up all night putting the finishing touches on your assignment, saying no to friends or family because you’re on placement, have something due in, or have an exam to prepare for. Today means various things to all the individuals here. For some it’s entering into a new field they’ve been dreaming of for years. For others, it’s a stepping stone towards more study, or a new job opportunity or progression. What it means to us is a new set of opportunities, ones that weren’t open to us prior to starting what we’ve achieved today. For everyone else in the room, we couldn’t have done it without your help. On behalf of all the graduates, I’d like to thank all of the various faculty members who’ve allowed us to get here today. Without the guidance and expertise of our tutors, we may not have made it to this point. Thank you for the banter, the laughs and the multitude of memories that we’ve gained during our time here with you. Thank you to the backroom staff, who do all the things behind the scenes, things that we probably don’t even know they’re doing to help us achieve. Thank you to the local iwi, Ngāti Toa, for all your involvement with Whitireia. Most of all, I want to thank you, the whānau, the friends, the siblings, the partners, the children, who've been involved in this journey with us. You’ve made a sacrifice just as much as we have. Thank you for understanding why your partner, your parent, your loved one hasn’t been involved as much in your lives as much as they have been in the past. Thank you for putting up with the mood swings, for supporting us through the hard times, for celebrating our successes. Thank you for the monetary support, as well as the emotional support. Without you, getting to this point would have been a much harder experience, and I can tell from the reactions of the people here that these qualifications mean as much to you as they do to us.     But what do our futures hold? I can’t comment on our individual futures, but hopefully, you’ve achieved what you set out to do and opened doors to opportunities and chances of success. As we go out into this new world, I just have one request, my fellow graduates – don’t ever forget what is was like to be a student. Soon we’re going to have students in our lives – be patient, be understanding. Remember that there are multiple things going on in their lives. Remember how intimidating it could be. Remember the good mentors but also remember the bad, because you can also learn from them. Congratulations to everyone here. It’s a massive achievement and we’ve done plenty of work to get to this point. Thank you. ​​​​      ​​​

    • Whitireia-hosts-Porirua-Grand-Traverse
      • Page Title: Whitireia hosts Porirua Grand Traverse Description: Whitireia has continued its long-standing relationship with Porirua Grand Traverse, hosting the popular multisport event at the Porirua campus on Sunday. Posted Date: 3/04/2017 3:00 p.m. Page Content Centre: Whitireia has continued its long-standing relationship with Porirua Grand Traverse, hosting the popular multisport event at the Porirua campus on Sunday. This year’s event attracted more than 800 starters, including double Olympic gold medal rower Mahe Drysdale. The two-time Olympic champion paddled the kayak leg for a multisport team that also included Porirua Mayor Mike Tana and New Zealand mountain running champion Dougal Thorburn, before enjoying the 7.5km Arena Fitness Fun Run/Walk with wife Juliette and son Boston. Defending champion Daniel Jones once again took out the men's multisport title, while reigning Coast to Coast two-day champion Kathryn Bunckenberg was victorious in the women's event.   A Porirua Grand Traverse competitor approaches the finishing line at the Whitireia campus atrium. The Porirua Grand Traverse attracts some of the country’s best athletes, but event manager Michael Jacques says, first and foremost, it is a great community occasion. “We started this event to showcase Porirua’s awesome outdoors, and to get locals experiencing their own backyard.” Whitireia is proud to host the annual Porirua Grand Traverse and congratulates Michael and his team on another fantastic event. A big congratulations must also go to the numerous Whitireia staff members who participated in one or more of the event options on the day. Ka mau te wehi! See you all at the starting line next year!

    • Victoria-Spackman-Appointed-To-Lead-Te-Auaha-New-Zealand-Institute-Of-Applied-Creativity
      • Page Title: Victoria Spackman Appointed To Lead Te Auaha New Zealand Institute Of Applied Creativity Description: Recognised as one of New Zealand’s most influential business women and advocate for the creative arts sector, Victoria Spackman ONZM has been appointed to lead Te Auaha. Posted Date: 2/04/2017 12:00 p.m. Page Content Centre: Recognised as one of New Zealand’s most influential business women and advocate for the creative arts sector, Victoria Spackman ONZM has been appointed to lead Te Auaha Victoria Spackman, whose ONZM is for services to theatre, film and television, takes up the role of Director Te Auaha in May 2017 when she leaves her current role of CEO of the visitor experience, film and television production company Gibson Group.   Roger Sowry Chair of WelTec and Whitireia, the institutions establishing Te Auaha, which will open early 2018 says, “Victoria Spackman has the skills and experience to lead the formation of Te Auaha, establishing it as New Zealand’s Institute of Applied Creativity. She is very well placed to take up this leadership role particularly with her experience as a Chief Executive and Board member of Education NZ. “We are establishing a prodigious reputation for Te Auaha in New Zealand and internationally, building on Whitireia and WelTec's long-standing delivery in applied arts and creative technologies. "Te Kāhui Auaha, the name of the new campus on Cuba/Dixon Streets in Wellington – New Zealand’s creative capital city - is currently being fitted-out to a very high standard reflecting a modern tertiary learning environment with outstanding facilities for theatre, performance, music, broadcasting and art. Creative technologies and applied arts programmes ranging from certificates through to Master’s level will draw students from around New Zealand and overseas. “When Te Auaha opens in 2018 we will be at the cutting edge of creative technologies and able to support Wellington’s flourishing film and television production companies as well as others in the creative sector,” says Roger Sowry. “Victoria Spackman is the ideal person with her background in the arts and law, and her experience in Wellington’s theatre and film sector to drive Te Auaha to reach its full potential. Victoria Spackman says, “Te Auaha will be a leading contributor to Wellington’s creative scene. It will match Te Papa and WOW as a major drawcard for students and visitors to Wellington. The campus will be incredibly vibrant with up to 1000 students and 100 staff on site. I’m looking forward to welcoming the public to performances, concerts and exhibitions in the galleries, studios and theatres under construction at Te Auaha. We’re going to invite the creative community to mix, mingle and exchange ideas with young talented creators at Te Auaha as our spaces are opened up to industry and the public. “I’m incredibly excited to be part of this new venture and I can’t wait to meet the exceptionally talented staff and students who will form Te Auaha and work with them to realise its full potential,” says Victoria Spackman.

    • World-Poetry-Day-2017
      • Page Title: World Poetry Day 2017 Description: Today is World Poetry Day. To celebrate and support the kaupapa, we wanted to share four great poems from writers associated with the Whitireia Creative Writing Programme. Posted Date: 21/03/2017 3:00 p.m. Page Content Centre: Today is World Poetry Day, a UNESCO initiative that aims to promote the unique ability of poetry to capture the creative spirit of the human mind. To celebrate and support this kaupapa, we wanted to share four great poems from writers associated with the Whitireia Creative Writing Programme. Enjoy! Whirinaki Erin Donohue   Before the moustached policeman marched towards us. Before the helicopter landed and all the blades of grass bowed before it. Before the faraway sound of the propellers made us all sit up straight. Before we dialled the emergency services but couldn’t get through. Before the water ran off us but the desperation stuck. Before the tears and the one hundred river crossings and the piggybacks along flooded paths. Before we even left the cabin that morning. There was a rain so heavy it nearly washed away everything. Erin graduated from the Whitireia Creative Writing Programme just last week, and has already landed a deal with Escalator Press to publish her first book, Because Everything is Right but Everything is Wrong.  Ode to da life Tusiata Avia You wan da Ode? Ok, I give you Here my Ode to da life Ia, da life is happy an perfek Everybodys smile, everybodys laugh Lot of food like Pisupo, Madonal an Sapasui Even da dog dey fat You hear me, suga? Even da dog! An all da Palagi dey very happy to us Dey say Hey come over here to Niu Sila Come an live wif us an eat da ice cream An watch TV2 evry day Days of Our Lives evry evry day Hope an Beau an Roman an Tony De Mera Dat how I know my Ode to da life An also Jesus – I not forget Jesus He’s say to us Now you can Do anyfing you like Have da boyfrien, drink da beer Anyfing, even in front of your fadda An never ever get da hiding Jus happy an laughing evry time. Tusiata studied Creative Writing at Whitireia in 2001 before going on to do her Master’s at the Institute of Modern Letters. She has since held a number of residencies including the Fulbright Pacific Writer’s Fellowship at the University of Hawaii, and the Ursula Bethel Writer in Residence at the University of Canterbury. Tusiata was the 2013 recipient of the Janet Frame Literary Trust Award, and her latest collection, Fale Aitu, has been longlisted for the 2017 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards. The carpet sweeper, 1952 Adrienne Jansen The travelling salesman persuaded her. She paid by skimping on housekeeping. She props the sweeper beside the door and proudly shows her neighbours how the brushes revolve and pick up fluff. She rests her chin on the handle and dreams of owning a carpet. Adrienne is a tutor on the Whitireia Creative Writing Programme, and is a published author of fiction, non-fiction and poetry. She has lived and worked among immigrants in New Zealand for many years, and her writing draws strongly on that experience. From my front deck on Wellington Road Rob Hack On the front deck the sun warms me. Billie Holiday, soft from the kitchen. Passing boys sing macho macho man laugh like Mexicans. My teacup steams ghosts of camellia leaves as blackbirds flit in seesaw harmony from power line to power line. The apricot tree foliage lively in the spring breeze. A neighbour’s blunt push mower receives advice as some Joe strummer passes, hopefully on his way to a tutor. Molly short haired short fused at the bottom of her drive yaps. Faded plastic chairs splotched with bird shit, stacked in chaotic pose in a sunless corner. Campervans convoy past. Their tyre grooves hum. Rob is a Kāpiti Coast-based poet and another graduate of the Whitireia Creative Writing Programme. His first collection of poems, Everything Is Here, was published by Escalator Press last year. He also hosts a poetry show on Paekakariki FM radio called Not at the Table: poetry and stuff.  

    • Congratulations-to-our-2017-graduands
      • Page Title: Congratulations to our 2017 graduands Description: Around 600 Whitireia graduands from the Faculties of Arts, Business & IT, Health, Te Wānanga Māori and Trades & Services will graduate at an official ceremony at Te Rauparaha Arena next week, Thursday 16 March. Posted Date: 7/03/2017 3:00 p.m. Page Content Centre: Around 600 Whitireia graduands from the Faculties of Arts, Business & IT, Health, Te Wānanga Māori and Trades & Services will graduate at an official ceremony at Te Rauparaha Arena next week, Thursday 16 March. The Whitireia graduation ceremony is a time for our graduates to celebrate their success with their whānau, friends and peers, and is always a colourful and festive event. We congratulate all of our graduands on their achievement, and look forward to celebrating this occasion with them. ​

    • Whitireia-Graduate-Forges-the-Way-for-Young-Women-in-the-Building-Industry
      • Page Title: Whitireia Graduate Forges the Way for Young Women in the Building Industry Description: ​Azaria Felagai has gone from carpentry training at Whitireia last year to working on projects for construction firm Hawkins. Posted Date: 24/02/2017 4:00 p.m. Page Content Centre: ​Azaria Felagai has gone from carpentry training at Whitireia last year to working on projects for construction firm Hawkins. “It's pretty intense working in the industry, but I'm definitely in the right place.  At the moment I'm working on apartments in Roxburgh Street,” says Azaria. “Hawkins has also been moving me around lately so I get used to different parts of the business.” “I've learned so much right from my first day.  When my colleagues mention certain timbers or parts of the building, we covered that on the course so I have a good idea of what they're talking about,” she says. Azaria studied the pre-trade Certificate in Carpentry qualification last year at Whitireia in Porirua. “We learned the basics of carpentry. It got us used to using the tools that I use now on the job,” she says. “Looking back I enjoyed just getting in there, I hate sitting around.  We built a house from the ground up and we were so proud we did that, doing something that people didn't think we could do,” says Azaria. “I'd like to encourage more females into the trade industry because our abilities as women are underestimated.” The 18-year-old says she didn't really have an idea of what she wanted to do after finishing school, however, her dad had encouraged her to follow her interests. “My dad pushed me to do it.  He does a lot of work around the house and I've always helped him with that. I'd also built a chair for school and everyone said 'oh, you're really good at that',” says Azaria.  “I also already had friends signed up for carpentry.  It's worked out great for me.” While she was studying she worked part-time on Thursday and Friday, her non-class days. “We did labouring work through a recruitment company to gain experience.  They were also trying to get me a full-time opportunity once I'd finished, but the Hawkins opportunity came up first.  My tutor put my name forward for that.  I did work experience for three weeks and then they hired me.” Azaria Felagai with Site Manager Darren Mead (left) and Site Supervisor Joe Witana (right) in front of the Hawkins building site in Wellington. Azaria received a Pasifika Trades Training Scholarship, which supported her financially as well as providing mentoring support. “I'm grateful for Whitireia and all the tutors as I wouldn't be where I am without them. They really treated us well and would come and ask us how we're doing on-site.  Even now I'm waiting for a tool grant which is part of the scholarship so they're still helping me out,” she says. “My family too gave me endless support throughout.” Matt Wilton, Hawkins Wellington Regional Manager, strongly endorses the Wellington Māori and Pasifika Trades Training programme, “It is providing a significant and much needed pipeline of talented women and men into our industry. Azaria is a wonderful addition to our team and we look forward to supporting her continued growth and development. More women should be looking at construction as a career opportunity particularly those that like working in teams, working with tools in an exciting industry with a lot of opportunities.”  “Getting more women in careers like trades is very good for women, but it is also good for the New Zealand construction industry where there is high growth and high demand. Women bring a different set of abilities that helps to broaden a company’s overall set of skills,” says Wilton. ​

    • Whitireia-welcomes-new-students-with-Orientation-2017
      • Page Title: Whitireia welcomes new students with Orientation Week 2017 Description: Our new students are about to embark on their own unique study journey with us. It’s an exciting time and our aim is to support them every step of the way – starting with Orientation Week. Posted Date: 9/02/2017 4:00 p.m. Page Content Centre: Ko te manu e kai ana i te miro, nōna te ngāhere. Ko te manu e kai ana i te mātauranga, nōna te ao. The bird that feasts of the miro berry, is of the forest.  The bird that draws sustenance from knowledge, is of the world.   Our new students are about to embark on their own unique study journey with us. It’s an exciting time and our aim is to support them every step of the way – starting with Orientation Week.   We want to get our students Whitireia-ready so they can hit the ground running from their first day. We offer a number of fun and engaging workshops, activities and events to prepare our new students for study, giving them the required information, knowledge and tools to succeed.   Following official pōwhiri on Monday 13 February at our Porirua, Kāpiti and Wellington campuses, as well as the Whitireia Performance Centre, Orientation Week will kick off with the Whitireia Expo at the Porirua campus. The event is two hours of full-on fun, with local businesses, community groups, healthcare organisations and Whitireia Student Support Services on-hand. Students will be able to take a campus tour, enjoy great food, prizes, giveaways, music and lots more.   Over the rest of the week, a series of workshops, activities and events will be held across all of our campuses to inform, inspire and invigorate our newbies.   Below is a link to our Orientation Booklet, which has all the information students need to know. Inside are tips on what to expect, and information on the workshops, activities and events.   Orientation 2017 Booklet (1.03MB PDF)         ​

    • Whitireia-library-and-support-services
      • Page Title: Whitireia library and support services Description: The earthquake on 14 November affected our Porirua campus library building and it remains closed as a precautionary measure. In the meantime, library and support services are being provided as follows: Posted Date: 2/02/2017 5:00 p.m. Page Content Centre: The earthquake on 14 November affected our Porirua campus library building and it remains closed as a precautionary measure.   We are awaiting the completion of a detailed structural assessment from structural engineers. Along with any building work that is required on the back of the structural engineers report, we are also taking the opportunity to review and enhance our library environment with the aim of providing students with innovative and contemporary learning spaces, and additional electronic resources.  The first stage of this will involve the installation of new and highly versatile shelving, which arrives in early-February. The date of the reopening of the library building will be dependent on the structural engineers report. In the meantime, library and support services are being provided as follows: • Porirua Public Library from 14 February.  One library staff and one learning advisor will be available between 10am-3pm daily (except Saturday and Sunday).  Study spaces will be available at the Porirua Public Library. • The Student Hub is open with the student help desk and a librarian present at all times.  This will continue until the library building is up and running again. Library services will operate from the Student Hub on Monday to Thursday 8am-8pm and Friday 8am-5pm.  There will be no library services available at the Student Hub on Saturday mornings at this stage.    • Students have direct access to any of the WelTec libraries for resources and support.  We do encourage students to use the WelTec library closest to them.  Libraries are situated at the following locations: Petone campus 21 Kensington Avenue Petone Wellington CBD campus 11-17 Church Street Wellington  School of Hospitality  52 Cuba Street Wellington • From 14 February student support staff will be based in Ako Ake Café from 7.30am-11pm, Monday-Friday. This arrangement will remain in place until the library building reopens.   • Student support staff will also be based in the Learning Street, Wikitoria Katene building, 10am- 3pm daily.   • A designated quiet room is available in the atrium, next to the Health Centre. All Whitireia books and journals are in-accessible; e-resources are available.  If print material is required, staff will order this from one of our SMART libraries (including WelTec) or via inter library loan.  The earthquake on 14 November affected our Porirua campus library building and it remains closed as a precautionary measure.   We are awaiting the completion of a detailed structural assessment from structural engineers. Along with any building work that is required on the back of the structural engineers report, we are also taking the opportunity to review and enhance our library environment with the aim of providing students with innovative and contemporary learning spaces, and additional electronic resources.  The first stage of this will involve the installation of new and highly versatile shelving, which arrives in early-February. The date of the reopening of the library building will be dependent on the structural engineers report. In the meantime, library and support services are being provided as follows: • Porirua Public Library from 14 February.  One library staff and one learning advisor will be available between 10am-3pm daily (except Saturday and Sunday).  Study spaces will be available at the Porirua Public Library. • The Student Hub is open with the student help desk and a librarian present at all times.  This will continue until the library building is up and running again. Library services will operate from the Student Hub on Monday to Thursday 8am-8pm and Friday 8am-5pm.  There will be no library services available at the Student Hub on Saturday mornings at this stage.    • Students have direct access to any of the WelTec libraries for resources and support.  We do encourage students to use the WelTec library closest to them.  Libraries are situated at the following locations: Petone campus 21 Kensington Avenue Petone Wellington CBD campus 11-17 Church Street Wellington  School of Hospitality  52 Cuba Street Wellington ​

    • Research-Symposium-Celebrates-Diversity-of-Polytechnic-Delivery-in-the-Capital
      • Page Title: Research Symposium Celebrates Diversity of Polytechnic Delivery in the Capital Description: Researchers from across the country are converging in Wellington on Friday 3 February to showcase their research and innovation across an incredibly diverse range of disciplines and teaching areas. Posted Date: 2/02/2017 1:00 p.m. Page Content Centre: Researchers from across the country are converging in Wellington on Friday 3 February to showcase their research and innovation across an incredibly diverse range of disciplines and teaching areas. The Symposium – Enriching the Future – is the fourth to be held jointly between Whitireia and WelTec – an event which has grown each year to now include 53 presenters and exhibitions. As well as researchers from WelTec and Whitireia there are presentations from the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand, Manukau Institute of Technology and Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology with participants attending from Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) around the country. The diversity of applied research undertaken at Whitireia and WelTec will be on show at the symposium – from engineering to nursing, paramedics, construction, ICT, creative technology, social work, youth development, publishing and Te Tiriti o Waitangi – almost every area of teaching and learning at Whitireia and WelTec is featured. An exhibition of R&D projects will accompany the Symposium. This includes a broadcast digital collage, “The Bricoleur”, which uses everyday objects and experimentation to create a collision of sculpture, performance, broadcast and visual arts.  A prototype for a CNC Plywood house which provides an accessible and affordable construction option is also part of the exhibition. “The Research Symposium is further evidence of the strength of research and innovation in ITPs and showcases the beneficial ways applied research contributes to teaching and learning, well-being, business, industry, and society,” says Chris Gosling WelTec and Whitireia Chief Executive.   The prototype for a CNC Plywood house​  ​​​​

    • Merry-Christmas-2016
      • Page Title: Merry Christmas Description: Merry Christmas and a happy new year to all our past, present and future students. Whitireia will be closed for Christmas and New Year from 5pm Tuesday 20 December and re-opens on Monday 9 January at 8.00am. Have a safe and happy holiday. Posted Date: 14/12/2016 1:00 p.m. Page Content Centre: Merry Christmas and a happy new year to all our past, present and future students. Whitireia will be closed for Christmas and New Year from 5pm Tuesday 20 December and re-opens on Monday 9 January at 8.00am. Have a safe and happy holiday.                          ​​

    • Poly-Movement-Episode-2
      • Page Title: Poly Movement Episode 2 Description: The next instalment of Flax Production's 'Poly Movement - Kaikanikani' screened last night, with the episode following our Performing Arts students as they opened this year's CubaDupa Street Festival. Posted Date: 14/12/2016 12:00 p.m. Page Content Centre: The next instalment of Flax Production's 'Poly Movement - Kaikanikani' screened last night, with the episode following our Performing Arts students as they opened this year's CubaDupa Street Festival. Catch Episode 2 below:

    • Poly-Movement-web-series-launched
      • Page Title: Poly Movement web series launched Description: A new web series following the journeys of a group of talented and dedicated Whitireia Performing Arts students kicked off with the screening of Episode 1 on Tuesday night. Posted Date: 8/12/2016 2:00 p.m. Page Content Centre: A new web series following the journeys of a group of talented and dedicated Whitireia Performing Arts students kicked off with the screening of Episode 1 on Tuesday night. Producer Tash Sinclair from Flax Productions says 'Poly Movement - Kaikanikani' is a shining example of what can happen when cultural connections are made and performance art forms are nurtured.  "A creative spark is ignited," says Ms Sinclair. "Space for development and growth are provided and a foundation of empowerment is established for our youth-turned leaders." The Whitireia Bachelor of Applied Arts (Performing Arts) programme transforms lives, making true Pacific ambassadors of the students. This year they represented New Zealand at three International world folk dance festivals in Portugal.  The web series follows the students as they train and perform, and tour for a month in Portugal. We experience their highs and lows as the group juggles study, performing and life. With infectious motivation and commitment, these students are undoubtedly role models for the next generation. Check out Episode 1 of 'Poly Movement - Kaikanikani' below and be sure to follow the series as it unfolds by going to show's Facebook page - www.facebook.com/PolyMovement101

    • Award-winning-student-design-helps-stutterers-find-their-voice
      • Page Title: Award-winning student design helps stutterers find their voice Description: Whitireia Bachelor of Applied Arts (Visual Arts and Design) student Matariki Wilkins-Hodges has ended her final year of the programme in award-winning style. Posted Date: 28/11/2016 11:00 a.m. Page Content Centre: Whitireia Bachelor of Applied Arts (Visual Arts and Design) student Matariki Wilkins-Hodges has ended her final year of the programme in award-winning style. The Titahi Bay local has taken out the Mana Zonta Award, given annually by the club to a stand-out female student from the Whitireia Visual Arts and Design programme on completion of their degree, and has also collected a Resene Best in Show award for her piece ‘Troubled Songbird/Tweet Sweet’ in this year’s graduate exhibition. With the guidance of design tutors Brenda Saris and Alice Moore, Matariki’s Body of Work project, which spawned the video ‘Troubled Songbird’ and the brand ‘Tweet Sweet’, explored the subject of developmental stuttering. “I knew I had to pick something that I was passionate about,” she said, “because I would have to spend all year working on it. I decided I wanted raise awareness about stuttering in New Zealand. As a stutterer, this subject is very close to home.” Matariki created the concept of a songbird that has trouble tweeting but finds other ways to communicate. The story is told through a video incorporating flashcards and frame-by-frame animation, and promotes a branded website she designed to serve as a repository for information about stuttering and resources for those affected by it. “Hopefully this story helps people who stutter find other ways to communicate, and gives others an understanding of developmental stuttering. Everyone deserves a voice, including those with a stutter.” The work has been on display at Pātaka Art + Museum’s Bottle Creek Gallery as part of ‘Toast 2016’, this year’s Whitireia Visual Arts and Design graduate exhibition. Pātaka Design and Marketing Coordinator Stu Forsyth, who judged it Best in Show - Design, said it was a very thoughtful piece of design that was well-executed and fitting for the subject matter. “It’s refreshing to see a multi-layered piece of student design work that isn't just a pretty picture, but starts with a strong concept, enriched by illustration, typography, video, music, animation and branding,” said Mr Forsyth. Whitireia Visual Arts and Design Programme Manager Deb Donnelly said Matariki was an exceptionally determined student who overcame many challenges in her first year. “She took on each challenge as a team player and often led us into unnavigated teaching areas. We wholeheartedly support her successes,” said Ms Donnelly. In accepting her Mana Zonta award earlier this month, Matariki noted that her goal for 2017 was to design and publish a children's book. She worked on several projects with Huia Publishers’ design team as an intern this year and has been commissioned to create the book.    Matariki Wilkins-Hodges (left) receives the Resene Best in Show - Design Award at Pātaka Art + Museum Matariki's award-winning video can be viewed by clicking on the following link: Troubled Songbird/Tweet Sweet - Matariki Wilkins-Hodge ​

    • Whitireia-and-WelTec-Wellington-Operations-Resume
      • Page Title: Whitireia and WelTec Wellington Operations Resume Description: Following the earthquakes we are pleased to advise that all of our Wellington campuses are re-opening with ICT services fully operational. Posted Date: 18/11/2016 4:00 p.m. Page Content Centre: Following the earthquakes we are pleased to advise that all of our Wellington campuses are re-opening with ICT services fully operational.    Classes are running at some CBD campuses with all classes resuming on Monday allowing time for staff to get back on site with all other Wellington and Kāpiti campuses open.  The library at the Whitireia Porirua campus is closed pending further engineering assessments. Alternative arrangements are in place for students to access library services and support.   “Overall we are pleased with the way our campuses have performed following the major earthquake experienced in the Wellington region in the early hours of Monday morning,” says Roger Sowry Council Chair of Whitireia and WelTec.   “The safety of students and staff is paramount.  Over recent years we have systematically undertaken a seismic strengthening programme across all of our Wellington campuses.  This investment has contributed to buildings performing well with all delivery sites cleared for occupation by consulting engineers,” says Roger Sowry.   “Across all campuses there is some minor remedial work required such as painting and tidying up. “From a governance perspective we would like to acknowledge the hard work of our staff getting our campuses up and running again.  We would also like to thank students for their patience,” says Roger Sowry.

    • CampusclosuresNovember2016
      • Page Title: Whitireia Wellington Campuses are closed all day today Description: Due to last night's earthquake, all Whitireia campuses in the Wellington region are closed today. This includes Porirua campus, Industry Training Centre, Kāpiti campus, Wellington campus, Performance Centre, and the Film School. Posted Date: 14/11/2016 8:00 a.m. Page Content Centre: ​Due to last night's earthquake, all Whitireia campuses in the Wellington region are closed today. This includes Porirua campus, Industry Training Centre (Mohuia Crescent), Kāpiti campus, Wellington campus (Dixon Street), Performance Centre, and the Film School. Note that the Auckland campus will remain open.

    • Enrolments-for-2017-are-now-open
      • Page Title: Enrolments for 2017 are now open Description: Enrolments for 2017 are open and programmes are filling fast. Apply now to ensure a spot on your chosen programme of study. Posted Date: 3/11/2016 12:00 p.m. Page Content Centre: Whitireia is the tertiary institution of choice for over 8000 students, who study at one of our contemporary campuses in Wellington, Porirua, Kāpiti and Auckland. We offer over 120 programmes of study, covering master’s, postgraduate, degree, diploma and certificate levels, along with a number of short courses. We are committed to teaching what employers want you to know - all of our programmes have been developed in conjunction with industry to provide excellent applied qualifications. Our student support services and learning resources are exceptional and available to all who study here. These teamed with our unique campus culture and the fact that we are one of the top tertiary institutions in New Zealand for student success and course completion, make Whitireia a great place to learn. Enrolments for 2017 are open and programmes are filling fast. Apply now to ensure a spot on your chosen programme of study. Choose success – choose Whitireia. To view our 2017 study guide, Āpōpō, click here.

    • Toi-Poutama-Exhibition
      • Page Title: Toi Poutama: Graduate Exhibition of Weaving and Carving Description: Showcasing art work representative of the Toi Poutama flavour, all the contributing artists have utilised natural materials indigenous to Aotearoa. Posted Date: 31/10/2016 4:00 p.m. Page Content Centre: Titled Toi Poutama, this exhibition takes its name from the weaving and carving degree programme​ offered at Whitireia. Programme manager and renowned artist Kohai Grace describes it as "an exhibition guaranteed to provide a feast for the eyes and to nourish the soul." Showcasing art work representative of the Toi Poutama flavour, all the contributing artists have utilised natural materials indigenous to Aotearoa, such as harakeke, pingāo, kiekie, tree barks, as well as feathers for woven art forms and various wood types for carving, and the occasional use of pāua shell for further adornment. The artists show how they have drawn from ancient Māori art forms, including whāriki (woven mats), tukutuku (lattice panels), and weaponry such as tewhatewha and taiaha, to create pieces to bring into a modern context. Artists include Moana Hilliard (BAppA), the very first Toi Poutama graduate (2015), with her kete range and tukutuku work, Year Three students Te Rehia Matthews, Emma Ariu, Linda Scott and Ranea Aperahama, each showcasing their Body of Work to mark their final degree year. The show will also feature a kete created by Sonia Snowden, a renowned weaver and specialist who has been a guest tutor on the programme. Nau mai, haere mai! The exhibition runs from 5-18 November, with an official opening on 4 November at 5.30pm. ​

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