Waiariki Institute of Technology: Waiariki Institute of Technology is a tertiary education facility (or Polytechnic) in the Waiariki Rohe (Bay of Plenty). We have five schools of study, a wānanga, and a sports academy. Our mission is to increase the education and therefore, the contribution, prosperity and health of our region.
Waiariki is New Zealand’s fastest growing tertiary institute. It is here that students begin their journey to success! Our main campus is in Rotorua and is set in clean, green and safe rural surroundings only ten minutes from the city centre. Regional campuses exist in Taupo, Tokoroa and Whakatane. We work with industries, training organisations and community groups to support their requirements by providing qualifications and training to fill gaps where skilled employees are needed.
We provide up-to-date and relevant vocational training in key industries such as forestry, tourism, hospitality, and the trades, which are vital to our region’s growth and success. Our extensive list of qualifications range from graduate level degrees to diplomas and certificates, all of which have various study options, including:
* Online Courses: including distance learning online
* Part-time qualifications: including distance learning online and various start dates
* Short Course Certificates: including free IT and correspondence courses
Established in 1978, Waiariki is one of the largest tertiary institutes outside the university centres.
Originally developed as a centre for adult and trades education, Waiariki has been offering quality vocational studies for 30 years. Waiariki has a student population of around 9,000 full- and part-time students, of which 200 of these are from overseas. Waiariki began to offer bachelor degree programmes in the early 1990s.
Waiariki has strong links to local and national training and governmental bodies ensuring students obtain relevant and job-ready qualifications when they graduate.
Courses Offered:
Bachelor of Applied Management
Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Social Work)
Bachelor of Arts (University of Canterbury)
Bachelor of Commerce (Lincoln University)
Bachelor of Commerce (University of Canterbury)
Bachelor of Computing Systems (Unitec)
Bachelor of Computing, Communications and Technology
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design)
Bachelor of Management Studies (University of Waikato)
Bachelor of Maori Development
Bachelor of Nursing
Bachelor of Nursing for Registered Nurses
Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Primary) (University of Canterbury)
Bachelor of Tourism Management
Graduate Certificate in Infection Prevention and Control
Graduate Diploma in Applied Management
Graduate Diploma in Computing and Technology
Graduate Diploma in Infection Prevention and Control
Graduate Diploma in Tourism Management
National Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4)
National Certificate in Computing (Level 2)
National Certificate in Journalism (Introductory) (Level 3)
National Certificate in Tourism (Core Skills) (Level 3)
National Diploma in Forestry (Operations Management) (Level 5)*
New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 6)
Waiariki is known for its high level of student support and prides itself on ensuring that the needs of its students are met with the provision of our excellent services and facilities. The institution offers a small classroom environment, maximizing individual attention and learning. Tutorial support is also available in many forms.
Technical education in Rotorua began in 1939 with the establishment of the Rotorua High School (now Rotorua Boys' High School) Technical Department.
In the early 1960s, Rotorua Boys' High School separated out its engineering, carpentry and secretarial night classes. The secretarial classes were transferred to Rotorua Girls' High School.
In 1968, Rotorua Girls' High School formed its secretarial classes into the "Rotorua Girls' High School Business College".
In 1972, Rotorua Boys' High School formed its technical classes (automotive engineering and carpentry) into the "Rotorua Boys' High School Technical Institute Division (TID)".
In 1976, the Rotorua High Schools' Board of Governors (which oversaw the five Rotorua high schools before the advent "Tomorrow's Schools" in 1989) merged the TID and Business College into the autonomous "Rotorua High Schools' Board Senior Technical Division".
On 1 April, 1978, the Waiariki Community College was established and it was officially opened by the Minister of Education, the Hon. L.W. Gandar, on 21 June, 1978. Waiariki changed its name to 'polytechnic' in 1987, and 'institute of technology' in 1998.
* Rotorua High School Technical Department, 1939.
* Rotorua Girls' High School Business College, 1968.
* Rotorua Boys' High School Technical Institute Division, 1972.
* Rotorua High Schools' Board Senior Technical Division, 1976.
* Waiariki Community College, 1978.