New Zealand University for Business & Computing

Whitireia Community Polytechnic, Wellington:
Based in Porirua, near Wellington, Whitireia Community Polytechnic is a government owned tertiary institution with a history of graduating work ready New Zealand and overseas students. We specialise in hands-on learning in a wide range of subjects, from arts to business, IT to teacher training, nursing to trades and many others. Founded in 1986, Whitireia offers over 130 different courses and programmes, from short courses and introductory level certificates to national diplomas, undergraduate degrees and postgraduate certificates.

The 130 programmes and courses offered by Whitireia are managed and administered by one of five Faculties. This allows them to concentrate on individual areas of excellence.

Each Faculty has it's own distinct character and concentrates on delivering first class teaching and training in their area of specialisation. The faculties are:

- Faculty of Arts and Communication
The Faculty of Arts & Communication is a vibrant, groundbreaking, friendly study zone with an extensive range of programmes. From internationally acclaimed Performing Arts to industry-feeding Journalism, Graphic Design, Creative Writing and Publishing, to qualifications in Musical Performance, D.J. Musicianship, English, Commercial Photography or our artist-taught Visual Arts offering specialisation in Paint, Print, Jewellery, Ceramics and more, we will equip you with the tools, hands-on practical skills and knowledge to explore and develop your individual potential for a creative career. We offer the flexibility of intensive specialist workshops and programmes, part-time options and also internet based courses.

- Faculty of Business and Information Technology
The faculty offers programmes and courses in the best of business practices and computing and information technology, up to bachelor degree level in both disciplines. Faculty staff are drawn from business and IT industries and know the realities of their professions from hard won practical experience. This knowledge is passed on to students to equip them to succeed in modern society.

Students can start their studies at a lower level foundation level course, progress up through Certificate and Diploma levels and finish up with a degree. Some students can enter the system at much higher levels, depending upon their previous experience and/or study. There are a number of options open to new students in both the business and IT areas. The business degree offers options in Finance, Marketing and Management. Computing and IT covers PC Support, Networking, Systems Analysis and Programming.

All our programmes are fully approved by NZQA and respected by employers. In fact one survey of employers rated our degree as a first class qualification because the student spent a considerable part of their course working with real industries and real live business problems and solutions. The students were work ready the day they graduated.

- Faculty of Health Education and Social Sciences
The Faculty of Health Education and Social Sciences was established to create an environment that role models and nurtures leadership qualities and excellence in tertiary education. Seven Centres of Learning sit within the faculty and offer a range of programmes from introductory level through to postgraduate level.

Support for these programmes is provided by a network of lecturers and support staff who are dedicated to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed in their learning.

- Faculty of Service Industries and Trades
The Faculty of Service Industries and Trades is a diverse Faculty, which offers predominantly foundation/entry level programmes that incorporate practical applications. The focus of the Faculty is to produce graduates who are work-ready for a junior role or as an apprentice. Work experience and applied knowledge and skills are embedded in all programmes with a number of specialist workshops and training rooms. Pathways are provided for students with various entry and exit points for both in-house and distance students. Programmes range from Community Computing at Level 1 to Diplomas in Hospitality Management, Aviation and Outdoor Adventure at Level 5.

The Faculty is also very involved in full-cost recovery industry training and this linkage is an important aspect for staff and students.

The Faculty has nine active programme advisory committees with appropriate industry representatives who are involved in curriculum development and the monitoring of standards. With specific advisory committees, the Faculty is able to keep up-to-date with industry and respond to changing needs and demands.

The Faculty also has strong linkages with twelve Industry Training Organisations, which means our staff are fully informed on trends in industry and can monitor future training requirements.

Most of the tutors have come directly from the industry sector they serve and as such are able to pass on practical knowledge to their students.

- Te Wānanga Māori
Our performance arts programmes are at the forefront of developing a distinctively New Zealand culture, one which is evolving from the unique mix of all the cultures that have settled here. Te Wānanga Māori programmes involve Māori education and career development and aim to help all students gain a greater understanding of things Māori, and help return Māori students to their heritage.

Our Wellington campuses are ideal for those students wishing to meet local students and enjoy a truly New Zealand "Kiwi" study experience.

Porirua Campus
The Porirua Campus is Whitireia's largest campus, offering a full range of programmes, with more than 10,000 local and international students studying together in park like surroundings beside the beautiful Porirua Harbour.

Porirua City is about 20 km north from Wellington located around two beautiful harbours. When Kupe the Māori explorer paddled through the harbours many years ago, he described the region as 'the flowing of the two tides' ie. Porirua.

Its population of 50,000 is a unique blend of people from many different cultures and ethnic backgrounds. Whitireia has a close partnership with the local Māori people - Ngati Toa. They arrived here from Kawhia in the north some 200 years ago and settled around the two harbours of Porirua, which were once rich in fish and seafood.

Wellington Campus
The Wellington City Campus sits in the centre of Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand. You can walk the length of downtown Wellington in 30 minutes, exploring the contrasts of each of the four quarters that make up the heart of Wellington. From shopping arcades to elegant department stores, designer boutiques and local arts and craft, to funky cafes and markets, to elegant civic architecture, and a 24-hour neon playground of bars, cafes and restaurants, downtown Wellington celebrates its compact diversity at every turn.

Perched on the edge of a spectacular harbour, encircled by green, towering hills, Wellington is a stunning and compact city. Vibrant, exciting and cultured, the nation's capital combines the stimulation and sophistication of a big city with the friendliness of a charming village. Wellington has a feast of cultural attractions and its crowning glory is Te Papa Tongarewa, the National Museum of New Zealand. Situated on Wellington's magnificent waterfront, this internationally acclaimed museum combines leading edge technology with traditional exhibits to tell the stories of New Zealand's land and people.

With over 50 museums and galleries, three professional theatres, the headquarters of the Royal New Zealand Ballet and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Wellington can truly lay claim to the title Arts and Cultural Capital.

Wellington Airport is the busiest in New Zealand for domestic scheduled flights and is only 10 minutes drive from central Wellington. Wellington has more restaurants, bars and cafes per head than New York, with over 300 eateries. It has been rated 25th on a list of the most desirable cities in the world compiled by the US magazine Travel and Leisure.

Kapiti Campus
Kapiti Campus is situated on the south-west coast of New Zealand's North Island 65 km north of Porirua. It is in the heart of the fastest growing area in the greater Wellington region. The Kapiti Coast stretches 40 km from Otaki in the north to Paekakariki in the south, but you can walk with nature in the ranges to the east and within 30 minutes be swimming at one of the many safe beaches in the west.

Among its special attractions are the world-class Southward Car Museum, the dramatic Otaki River Gorge and magnificent sea vistas, all dominated by Kapiti Island, the internationally famed nature reserve protecting some of the world's rarest and most endangered birds.

Kapiti, a long-time popular holiday destination, is renowned for its arts, culture and heritage and offers an increasing range of quality tourist attractions to visitors.

Auckland
Our Auckland Campus is ideal for students wanting a learning environment focused exclusively on the needs of international students, in a bustling inner city location.

Whitireia's Auckland campus is located in the centre of Auckland, the largest city of New Zealand with a population of over one million people. It is the centre of commerce and industry and is a vibrant, bustling and multicultural city. Volcanic Hills, the twin harbours, bays, beaches and islands dominate the city landscape. Its nickname "City of Sails" is very apt. Auckland has more boats per capita than anywhere else in the world, and has twice hosted the America's Cup in and around the popular Viaduct Harbour.

Every year, within its lively fusion of international style, local creativity and Polynesian charm, more than 20,000 international students take advantage of Auckland's world-respected educational programmes.