Unitec Open Day attracted a record crowd with more than a thousand potential learners and their supporters attending on Saturday 6 September 2025.

1,098 pre-registered, a 16% increase on the previous record set last year (948) with a 10% increase in the number of people checking in on the day (717) compared to 2024 (652).

It’s estimated several hundred whānau-members and prospective students were also there to hear about the learning options Unitec has to offer.

“Thank you to all our kaimahi who organised and worked on the weekend to make this a great event. Well done, amazing team effort,” says Executive Director, Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga.
“Positive experiences during enrolment have a lasting impact on students and their whānau, influencing their choice to study with us.”

The Mt Albert campus saw visitors arrive early from 9:30am with foot traffic into Te Puna intensifying throughout the morning and into the early afternoon.

The floor plan was designed to manage that traffic flow and give the school and services stands increased visibility and space to showcase their activations.

The Creative Industries and Trades and Services schools were particularly busy with their guided tours of B108 (Te Pūtahi) and Mataaho.

For King’s College student and aspiring actor, Logan McCarthy, he decided to enrol at Unitec last month after doing his own research. But that did not stop him from coming to Open Day with his mother Lydia.
“I wanted to meet some of the tutors and get some tips on the audition process as well as getting a feel of this place,” Logan says.
“I also met some of the staff from the Pacific Centre and they made me feel really welcome like a home away from home.”

Our Waitākere-based kaimahi across town were equally busy with the flow of traffic into Rangimarie (B500 ground floor) particularly heavy between 9:30am-11:30am.
“We had a very busy morning in Waitākere,” says Head of School, Healthcare and Social Practice, Linda Aumua.
“I thought it would be a bit slower because it was a rainy day, but obviously the enthusiasm and the excitement to come in and enrol early was evident in the numbers.”
Dr Aumua says most enquiries were about the courses and the application process which highlighted the value of providing an on-campus experience and opportunities for prospective learners to connect with our kaimahi. 
Linda says the Waitākere campus has a community feel which is an attraction for learners from West Auckland in particular.
“We are a very homely campus, we wrap our arms around everybody. So it's quite friendly and easygoing. All the lecturers and the students know each other.”

Events and Communications Business Partner, Romy Sunny, says he was “absolutely thrilled” at the turnout, adding that the focus was on showcasing our strong manaaki (support) for learners and the whānau environment we provide. 
“We were committed this year to provided an experience that gives every visitor a true sense of belonging,” Romy explains.
“We want every prospective student who steps onto our campus to feel confident that they’ll be supported in pursuing their dreams, aspirations, and passions.”

Peseta adds: “It’s part of showing our visitors the difference we offer in building close connections with our learners and providing them with a clear pathway to employment through training.”

Mr Sunny credited the teamwork and mahi kotahitanga (cooperation) of everyone involved – from the Events team, to the Marketing team, Unitec Student Council, kaimahi and student volunteers – for the event’s success.

“Each of them generously gave up their Saturday to help us deliver an unforgettable day. None of this would have been possible without their incredible support. All of our work embodies exactly why we do what we do.”