A powerful start to Semester for 2,800+ ākonga beginning their journey
There was a real sense of momentum across our Mt Albert and Waitākere campuses as Semester One launched into action.
More than 1,200 ākonga were formally welcomed onto Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae through eight pōwhiri over the past week, representing the Schools of Applied Business, Architecture, Computing, Electrical and Applied Technology, Bridgepoint, Community Studies, Creative Industries, Environmental & Animal Sciences, Healthcare & Social Practice, Trades and Services, and Building and Construction.
In total, 2,852 new domestic and international ākonga have joined our whānau for 2026 — with enrolments continuing throughout the semester.
“Our final numbers for Semester One won’t be confirmed until the end of the semester, as more students enrol and some may withdraw,” says Jeffrey Wu, Manager Student Central, Ask Me & International Success.
The orientation events were more than a welcome to introduce classrooms and timetables — it was a launchpad for success designed to connect ākonga with the people, services and spaces that will support their success.
Across O-Week — coordinated by the Student Events and Communications Team — students settled into student-life by meeting their kaiako and kaimahi, exploring campus facilities, discovering the academic and wellbeing support available to them, and meet other students through a series of fun and engaging activities.
For Director-Student Success, Annette Pitovao, the highlight was seeing whānau and aiga (families) actively involved.
“I love those conversations with the friends and family who form the at-home support system. It’s very special to reassure them that their loved one made the right choice by coming to Unitec.”
Deputy Chief Executive – Academic, Professor Martin Carroll acknowledged the significance of the decision students have made to study with us.
“You’ve made a massive choice to invest three years, maybe more, of your life in pursuit of this kaupapa. You’re doing it for yourselves, your whānau and your communities. There is no one here who doesn’t appreciate the magnitude of that investment. Our kaimahi are here for one reason — to help you succeed.”
That message was echoed by General Manager – Operations, Dan Brady.
“Our people are here to help you. Whatever issue you have, if you’re ever in doubt, come and have a kōrero with us.”
At the Trades and Services pōwhiri, more than 200 new students were encouraged to embrace curiosity and commitment from day one.
Student Experience Partner Tu Nuualiitia shared a simple but powerful message:
“In Trades, we say ASK — Always Seek Knowledge.”
Head of School, Building Construction, Paul Jeurissen reinforced the value of industry-connected learning.
“Getting the qualification is important — but that’s just the start. We have strong relationships with industry, and that’s where you’ll go next. Be proud of yourselves. You’re representing your whānau, our community, and the future of Aotearoa. We need good people in our industry.”
New Student Council president and Civil Engineering student, Thao (Tiffany) Nguyen, reminded ākonga that Unitec is committed to being a safe, inclusive and responsive community.
“Your voice matters. If you struggle, we will listen. If you have an idea, we will support it. If something isn’t working, we will advocate for change. Unitec is a community — and you belong here.”
As Semester One begins, the message is clear: our ākonga are not just starting a qualification — they are stepping into a community committed to practical learning, industry connection, and shared success.
