International ākonga warmly welcomed into our Whānau

Among them, 110 ākonga are beginning postgraduate study in the School of Applied Business, enrolling in the Master of Applied Business and Master of Professional Accounting.

Altogether, Unitec’s newest international cohort represents more than 20 countries, with the largest groups arriving from India (81), China (75), Sri Lanka (45) and Bangladesh (35).

“The Welcome Day event was a powerful way to demonstrate to our students how much we care about them from the very beginning of their journey at Unitec,” says Jeffrey Wu, Manager of Student Central, Ask Me and International Success.

“By welcoming them into our whānau with warmth and intention, we helped set a positive tone for their future academic and personal success.”

Building on last year’s successful format, the programme was designed to be interactive and engaging. Rather than simply delivering information, the day created space for meaningful conversations, new friendships and a strong sense of belonging from the outset.

After the formal introductions in the Red Lecture Theatre, students were split into rotating groups culminating in a market event in Te Puna where all our services were on hand to assist with their enrolment, course info, student ID, visas and other documentation.

“The energy in the breakout rooms was wonderful,” Wu says.

“It was inspiring to see students connecting with one another, asking questions, and beginning to find their place within the Unitec community. The structure allowed us to move beyond simply presenting information — it created space for conversation, belonging and genuine engagement.”
For many students, that sense of welcome has already made a lasting impression.

Alexandra Emilio, who recently arrived in Aotearoa-New Zealand from Cebu City in the Philippines, says she has felt at home since landing and is excited to begin her nursing studies.

Rianna Ahlam, from Sri Lanka, has enrolled in the Bachelor of Design and Contemporary Art in the School of Creative Industries after searching for the right place to study digital media. “The welcome today was really good and I got all the support I needed to settle into my new surroundings,” she says. “The staff here are very helpful.”

Amarjeet Singh chose Unitec after hearing positive experiences from his cousin and brother, who are currently studying Civil Engineering with us. Originally from Punjab, India, he has enrolled in the Diploma of Electrical Engineering and is living with relatives in Hobsonville.

“From what I heard from my cousin and brother, Unitec has a good environment for learning and the support for overseas students is very good based on what I experienced at the welcome today,” he says.

Mr Wu says he is immensely proud of his team, staff from the wider Support Services and volunteers who helped deliver the event.

“Everyone worked collaboratively and supported one another to ensure the day ran smoothly. It was a real team effort, and that spirit of unity was evident throughout the event.”

For our newest ākonga, Welcome Day was more than an introduction — it was the first step in building connection, confidence, belonging and community.

During this week and next, many will get to experience a traditional Māori pōwhiri welcome with their respective schools which formally welcomes them into our whānau.