Mayor will meet Waiariki’s international students

Media Release


25 March 2010


Mayor Kevin Winters will meet Waiariki’s international students

Upholding the reputation of Rotorua being a friendly city, Mayor Kevin Winters will personally welcome Waiariki Institute of Technology’s international students in the Council Chamber at Rotorua District Council on Wednesday, March 31.

The meeting, scheduled for 12.00-1.00pm, gives international students a chance to meet the Rotorua mayor in person, and learn more about Rotorua and the services and resources available to them as residents of the city.

“Waiariki works closely with the District Council, the Chamber of Commerce and the community,” said Graeme Rennie, manager of Waiariki’s International Centre. “Waiariki and all of our students are part of the community and this is a chance for the international students to meet the mayor and see how the community works.

“In most of the countries these students come from, they don’t have the chance to meet official dignitaries like this. Every year they really enjoy it and love having their photo taken with the mayor. That’s what New Zealand is like – friendly and open. It’s part of Rotorua being a warm and welcoming city.”

Waiariki’s International Centre schedules orientation activities and many events throughout the year for the students they oversee in order to ensure a positive experience while living and studying in New Zealand. It’s also a great way to promote Rotorua – and the country – to the friends and family overseas that the students know.

Part of the early orientation process for the students includes presentations by settlement support representatives and the police. Meeting the mayor does not have a political bent, rather, it is another part of welcoming the students, Mr Rennie said, and making them feel part of the community.

“At Waiariki we can explain the academic and support services we offer on campus,” Mr Rennie said. “Meeting the mayor and other officials presents a complete package, giving the students insight and a chance to ask questions about how they can fit in, what resources are available to them, the sustainable practices in place.

“We’ve been doing this annually for a few years now and the mayor enjoys it, too. He shows them a presentation, provides some light snacks, and then mingles and answers questions.”

ENDS

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