Dawn of a new tertiary era

Monday, 10 October 2016

Dawn of a new tertiary era

Today dawned the beginning of a new tertiary era for the Bay of Plenty region with the blessing of the newest tertiary institute, Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology (Toi Ohomai).

Hundreds of invited guests gathered at the Mokoia Campus in Rotorua and the Windermere Campus in Tauranga to bless the new institute and see the new brand.

Cathy Cooney, Toi Ohomai Council Chairperson, was delighted to be able to share the special moment with students, staff, iwi and stakeholders at the Mokoia blessing.

“This is a very significant day for our new institution and for charting the way for a bright future for those seeking a tertiary qualification in our region,” said Ms Cooney. “The name Toi Ohomai encourages young people, and learners of all ages, to ‘look up and aspire to great heights through learning’.”

“The new brand also signals the critical importance of continuing to build a network of purposeful and connected partnerships with iwi, industry, and the wider community. We are very pleased to be at this point in the development of our institution.”

Business student Hamish Hahunga was excited to see the new brand and is proud to be one of the founding students of Toi Ohomai.

“Change is a constant in life,” said Hamish. “The integration of the two institutes is a great thing for students and the region. As a student studying business being able to see first-hand what we’re being taught in the classroom come to life in the real world is a fantastic learning opportunity. I am excited for the future of education in the Bay and look forward to seeing how Toi Ohomai grows.”

An amalgamation of Bay of Plenty Polytechnic and Waiariki Institute of Technology, Toi Ohomai is home to over 14,000 students, 1,000 staff and is the largest tertiary provider in the region – and the third largest technical institute in the country.

Toi Ohomai offers more than 150 programmes ranging from certificate to post-graduate level. With specialties in business and information technology, creative arts, engineering, forestry, hospitality, marine science, nursing & health, road transport, trades and more, there’s something for everyone.

Ends.

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