Whitireia and WelTec kicked off 2026 with kōrero and community connection, joining three iconic Wellington region events that celebrate culture, wellbeing and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
From the vibrant Te Rā o te Raukura festival in Waiwhetū, to a fun-filled Waitangi Day in Porirua, to the bustling Petone Rotary Fair, our teams were out meeting people, strengthening connections, and sharing the value of accessible, local vocational education.
Across all three events, hundreds of visitors explored study options, asked questions, and had conversations with our kaimahi (staff). Many were curious about pathways into trades, engineering, health, digital technology, and the creative industries. Others were seeking support to re-enter study, change careers, or find programmes close to home.
Our programme kaiako (tutors), the Māori and Pasifika Trades Training team, and kaimahi from our Enrolments and Student Support teams brought their knowledge and enthusiasm, helping visitors map out potential study pathways, understand enrolment requirements, explore financial and pastoral support, and picture what their next step might be.
Whitireia and WelTec is proud to wrap strong, culturally grounded support around ākonga Māori through the Tamaiti Whāngai team. Hinemoa Priest, Kaiwhakahaere Ngā Ara Me te Tautoko, says the approach is holistic.
“Everything we do is about supporting the whole person. We’re here to listen, to kōrero, and to walk alongside our ākonga (students) as they navigate their study journey.”
This commitment sits at the heart of Whitireia and WelTec. Dr Leanne Ivil, Operations Lead, says that remaining connected to our communities is essential to our identity and purpose. “Local, accessible learning opens doors for ākonga and their whānau. When people can study close to home with the right support, they flourish.”
With great conversations, lots of curiosity, and a shared sense of belonging across all three events, the start of 2026 highlighted exactly why community matters – and why we’re proud to be part of the Wellington region.
