Semester Two ākonga welcomed with pōwhiri on Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae at the Mt Albert campus

In Brief:

  • More than 3,500 new ākonga are beginning their Semester Two study journey across Ōtara, Manukau, Tech Park, Mt Albert and Waitākere campuses.
  • Around 1,800 ākonga registered for Orientation, designed to help students make connections, discover the support available and feel ready for the semester ahead.
  • Fourteen pōwhiri at Ngā Kete Wānanga Marae and Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae welcome new ākonga as they take their first steps into campus life.
  • From navigating nerves to embracing the challenges of learning, our message to new ākonga: support is available, and asking for help is part of the journey.

A total of 3,508 new ākonga are enrolled for Semester Two. Orientation programmes across the campuses have helped them prepare for the semester ahead, with 1,820 students registering to take part across campuses.

At Ngā Kete Wānanga Marae, Ōtara; more than six hundred and eighty ākonga were formally welcomed through six pōwhiri. Schools of Nursing and Health and Counselling had the largest gathering, accounting for a little less than half of those attending events there

At Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae on Mt Albert campus, eight pōwhiri will welcome new ākonga in total — five held last week, with another three to take place this week. Of the more than eleven hundred students registered for Orientation across Mt Albert and Waitākere, over four hundred and thirty were international students who attended a dedicated International Student Orientation Day.


Semester Two ākonga welcomed with a pōwhiri on to the Ngā Kete Wānanga Marae, Ōtara at the Ōtara campus

For Phil Bennett, Student Life Manager, Orientation is about helping students feel connected and supported from their very first day.

“Watching our Orientation events come to life has been one of the most rewarding experiences. There is nothing better than seeing new students arrive with excitement, make new connections, and discover the support available to help them succeed throughout their study journey.

“From the pōwhiri through to our Study Ready and Tech Ready sessions, students gain the knowledge and confidence they need to start strong.”

For Annette Pitovao, Director – Student Success, one of the highlights is watching ākonga and their whānau experience the welcome for the first time.

“Many new students don’t really know what to expect, so when you see their faces as they enter our beautiful whare, the moment is priceless. There are always smiles, expressions of amazement, surprise mixed with awe and sometimes tears in the moment they experience being welcomed into the whare.

“In particular, I love it when parents join too as part of the support for their loved one becoming a student. That’s a key moment where generational positive impact is made overall. What a privilege to be part of it.”

Kylie Smith, Head of Education and Social Work – Ōtara, says seeing students arrive with a mix of excitement and nerves is one of her favourite parts of Orientation.

“Seeing that little bit of nervousness is actually a great thing because it tells me people are really invested in why they’re here.

“Their studies don’t officially start until next week, but by coming to Orientation they’re already taking that first step. They’re saying, ‘I’m ready. I’m fresh. I’m keen to get started.'”

As ākonga prepare for the semester ahead, Professor Martin Carroll, Deputy Chief Executive – Academic, acknowledged that beginning tertiary study is a significant step and encouraged students to embrace the challenges that come with learning.

“Learning isn’t meant to be easy. You haven’t come here to learn what you already know. You’ve come here because you want to grow.”

Professor Carroll reminded students that moments of frustration are a normal part of learning and encouraged them to ask for help when they need it.

“Those moments when things don’t quite make sense are often the moments where the most learning happens. That’s the time to reach out because our people are here to help.”

Susan Bennett, Head of School, School of Computing, Electrical and Applied Technology – Mt Albert, says choosing to study is a decision that comes with a significant level of trust.

“We appreciate and value their [students’] decision, choosing to study with us. Our purpose is to help learners develop the skills and knowledge they will need to be successful in their chosen futures.

“Our learners have trusted us, and we do not take that responsibility lightly.”

Her advice to ākonga starting this semester was also simple: show up.

“The number one factor contributing to learner success is coming to class. Showing up is really important.”

Behind the Orientation programme are months of planning by teams across our campuses, with staff, student leaders, volunteers and partners working together to help new ākonga make the transition into study.

Mr Bennett thanked everyone involved in bringing the programme together.

“Your contribution extends far beyond Orientation. It helps shape each student’s journey from their very first day, laying the foundation for a positive, successful and connected student experience.”

Orientations continue this week for students starting at Mt Albert and Waitākere campuses.