Unitec

Unitec alumni connect to te ao Māori through dance. “The bigger message is, we are Māori, and you’re enough just being yourself. Just that simple message.”

After three years studying te reo at a wānanga, Unitec Dance alumna Bianca Hyslop (Te Arawa) returned to the Atamira Dance Company to co-choreograph a new work, Whakamaheahea, which was performed in KA MUA KA MURI at Q Theatre last month.

The work was performed by Unitec alumni Abbie Rogers, Caleb Heke, Madi Tumataroa, Oli Mathiesen, and Toalei Roycroft, alongside another work, Remain, choreographed by fellow alumnus Eddie Elliott, with sound design by Unitec alumnus Eden Mulholland. The double bill explores the concept of time from a te ao Māori lens.

Read the Sunday Star-Times interview with Bianca Hyslop: https://www.waikatotimes.co.nz/culture/350307781/connecting-te-ao-maori-through-dance

📢 Calling all Unitec Masters and Doctoral students!

Showcase your research at this year's 3-Minute Thesis Competition! Win fantastic prizes and hone your presentation skills.

📅 Date: 15 October 2024
🕒 Time: 1-3 pm
📍 Location: Mt Albert Campus

Don’t miss out—submit your entry via the competition page https://www.unitec.ac.nz/about-us/2024-3-minute-thesis-competition by 30 September 2024 and prepare to impress!

Unitec StudentsUnitec School of Creative IndustriesUnitec School of Architecture: Architecture, Interiors, Landscape Arch.Environmental and Animal Sciences - Unitec

2024 3-Minute Thesis Competition Event Details: Date: 1-3 pm, Tuesday, 15 October 2024 Location: Mt Albert Campus Competition Highlights: Grand Prize: $1000 for the winner Runner-up Prizes: 2 x $500 for runners-up Eligibility: Open to all students currently enrolled in a Unitec Masters or Doctoral programme. Entry Deadline: Submit....

What an incredible start to the new semester at Unitec! 🎉Last week, our O-week welcomed new and returning students back to campus with a bang! From VR games to tasty snacks and lunches, campus tours, and introductions to our study facilities, student support services, and hangout spots. Huge thanks to our awesome teams from Student Services, Student Council, Creative Industries, and everyone who made our campus buzz with joy!

Four of our third-year acting students from Unitec School of Creative Industries just returned from a three-week summer intensive at Shanghai Theatre Academy, supported by the Shanghai Education Committee.

Shannon Brill, Kayla Hamilton, Ruby Gilligan, and Caleb Arkwright explored Shanghai, trained in Chinese Opera, and visited Beijing’s iconic sites, including the Great Wall. Shannon said, "It was an unforgettable experience, offering a new perspective on theatre."

They’re back for Semester Two and ready for their end-of-year projects in November. Here’s to international learning and cultural exchange! 🎭🌟

Big cheers to Courtney Willan! Starting with a night class in 2020, she’s now a Level 4 apprentice and recently won 1st place in the NZ Certified Builders Northwest Challenge and 3rd at the National Challenge. 🏆

Courtney shows that anyone can succeed in trades. “The competition attracts people who want the best for the industry,” she says.

Way to go, Courtney! Keep shining and inspiring! 👏 https://www.unitec.ac.nz/about-us/from-night-classes-to-national-acclaim-championing-women-in-carpentry

From Night Classes to National Acclaim – Championing Women in Carpentry Over the past four years, Courtney has honed her skills remarkably. Her dedication and expertise were highlighted when she clinched first place in the 2024 NZ Certified Builders Northwest Auckland Apprenticeship Challenge and secured third place at the prestigious National Challenge held in June. Si...

🎉Our Matariki celebration at Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae on July 3rd was a night to remember! After nine months of anticipation, the Puna Kōrero project lit up the evening with a fantastic lineup.

We kicked off with a morning working bee, then unveiled our storytelling app, Allana Goldsmith’s mesmerising reo Māori music video “Manaakitia,” and an awe-inspiring projection-mapped animation show. The marae buzzed with joy as our whānau and local community came together, filling the night with song, laughter, and the excitement of tamariki playing.

Heartfelt thanks to Associate Professor Leon Tan, the Marae and MAIA teams, Creative Industries staff, and our talented students for bringing this vision to life. Your efforts made this Matariki celebration unforgettable. Ngā mihi nui to everyone who joined us!

🌟 Mānawatia a Matariki! 🌟

'Tukua kia tū takitahi nga whetū o te rangi'
'Let each star in the sky shine its own light.'

This Matariki, we celebrate every win from our Unitec whānau: studying something new, winning a scholarship, passing exams, finding a job, receiving an industry award, helping the community, saving a puppy in Tonga, solving a pollution issue... These achievements make our night sky sparkle even brighter. ✨✨

Also, this year’s theme is "Matariki Heri Kai", inspired by the Maaori proverb, ‘Matariki whetuu heri kai’, meaning ‘Matariki, the bringer of food’. Join us for the Matariki Celebration - Puna Kōrero on July 3rd! Let's celebrate and share kai! Register here: https://www.unitec.ac.nz/about-us/matariki-celebration-puna-k-rero

The vision for downtown Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland is now on display! Check out the stunning models created by our Bachelor of Architecture students.😍

Are you a fan of the Disney animated movie Moana? Exciting news: a live-action version is in the works! Our Unitec acting graduate, John Tui (Battleship, Young Rock), has been cast as Chief Tui, Moana's father. Can't wait to see him shine!🤩

Our Bachelor of Design and Contemporary Art students submitted their 'Zine, Zine, Zine' project as part of their Digital Technologies course. This 7-week exploration of digital image-making techniques led to a 3-part zine series focusing on texture, type, and photography elements. Each piece is brimming with creativity and passion, showcasing their artistic talent beautifully. 🤩

Unitec School of Creative Industries

Our Biodiversity students had an amazing time exploring the 'behind the scenes' Natural History Collections at the Auckland Museum this week! They got to see crucial biological collections, including type specimens and historically important pieces. The students learned about specimen curation, the cultural significance, and how these collections aid in scientific research and biodiversity management.

It was a fantastic hands-on experience highlighting the importance of verifiable evidence in conservation and biogeographic studies. 🌿🦋🦉

Environmental and Animal Sciences - Unitec

So inspiring! 🌟 Jeron Gwaite’e is the first in his family to pursue tertiary education, and he credits the Manaaki scholarship for this life-changing opportunity. “I’m beyond grateful for the Manaaki scholarship,” Jeron says. “It’s shaped me into the person I am today. Working for MFAT and using my skills to help develop my home country is a dream come true.”

It's heartwarming to witness how a scholarship can brighten a life and transform communities: https://www.unitec.ac.nz/about-us/high-flying-futsal-fan-credits-scholarship-for-landing-dream-role

High-flying futsal fan credits scholarship for landing dream role Thousands of students from developing countries vie for the Government-funded Manaaki scholarships each year, with less than 500 applicants making it through the competitive selection process. A life-changing experience The three-year scholarship covers full tuition fees, a living allowance, travel,...

🎓 Great news! Our Masters Scholarships are now open for applications!

If you're considering a master's at Unitec, we have a variety of scholarships available for programmes like Biodiversity Management, Social Practice, and Landscape Architecture. There are also scholarships specifically for Māori and Pacific students pursuing a master’s degree at Unitec.

Most applications close on 22 July 2024, so don’t miss out. Take the next step in your academic journey and apply now: https://shorturl.at/ZkPHi

Scholarships and Awards Browse the list of scholarships and awards on offer and see if there could be one for you.

Celebrate Matariki with us as we honor our vital waterways and the rich cultural heritage of our campus. Enjoy various activities, including tree planting, the launch of our campus storytelling app, and a new music video by Allana Goldsmith. This event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with our land and each other.

📅 Date: Wednesday, 3 July (Rain date: 10 July)
🕙 Tree Planting: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
🌌 Puna Kōrero: 4:45 PM - 7:00 PM

Join us in deepening our connection with the land and each other. Let’s celebrate the past, cherish the present, and plant seeds for a sustainable future!

For more info and to register, visit our event page: https://www.unitec.ac.nz/about-us/matariki-celebration-puna-k-rero

🎬 Interested in Screen Arts and dreaming of a career in the industry? Check out Unitec’s Bridging Education Creative Industries (BECI) programme, led by the talented Will Wallace!

Will, renowned for his roles in Shortland Street, King Kong, and The Vector File, brings 30 years of industry experience to the classroom. As a lecturer at Unitec’s School of Creative Industries, he's dedicated to nurturing the next generation of screen and performing arts professionals.

This 16-week course is your gateway to mastering production, acting, and more. With real-world insights and hands-on projects, students grow in confidence and creativity. Many BECI graduates advance to degree-level studies, ready to shine on any stage or screen. Learn more about Will and the programme: https://www.unitec.ac.nz/about-us/legendary-actors-share-their-craft-with-budding-stars-through-unitec-s-bridging-education-programme

Bring your imagination, curiosity, and a desire to have fun! 🌟 Explore this opportunity and let Will Wallace and his team guide you to become the best version of yourself.

Legendary actors share their craft with budding stars through Unitec’s bridging education programme Led by producer and actor Will Wallace, famed for his role in TV series Shortland Street and Orange Roughies as well as international films including King Kong and The Vector File, the 16-week long Bridging Education Creative Industries (BECI) programme introduces students to the basic principles of...

Elevate your AI skills this winter! Join the Winter School Microsoft Data & AI Bootcamp and gain the sought-after Data & AI expertise Australian and New Zealand businesses seek.

Why you should participate:
👉 Network with industry experts.
👉 Develop the skills needed to lead in tech.
👉 Unlock the potential of Data & AI for transformative applications.
👉 Learn to create tech solutions with Microsoft experts.
👉 Connect with industry partners, Microsoft, and Akkodis as you embark on your tech career.

Starting on 1 July, this intensive course offers hands-on experience with industry professionals in areas like computer vision, natural language processing (NLP), conversational AI, real-time analytics, databasesandmore! Don't miss this golden opportunity to be at the forefront of tech.

Register now to secure your place in the bootcamp:https://www.unitec.ac.nz/about-us/winter-school-microsoft-data-ai-bootcamp

Another successful Unitec Techweek event concluded last week. 🚀

A huge shoutout to the amazing teams at IT Professionals New Zealand and Unitec School of Computing, Electrical and Applied Technology for making this year's event a success! 🙌 With the dedication and hard work, we brought together 105 passionate participants for an event filled with innovation, collaboration, and inspiration.

Thank you to our insightful speakers: Alex Smart, John Berry, Izzy Fenwick, and Ratan Kumar. Special thanks to moderators Avinash de Silva and Susan Bennett for guiding the discussions.

A standout project on the event night was DriVR, a VR driving game developed by our students Jesse N., under the guidance of Masoud Shakiba. Supported by Sairam Sagiraju, co-founder of Meraki Studio, DriVR aims to make driving instruction more accessible for people with anxiety and disabilities.

Key takeaways from our speakers included:
Human Sustainability: Embrace long-term well-being practices.
Self-Improvement Beyond Career: Focus on personal growth for overall well-being.
Problem-Solving Skills: Continuously enhance these crucial skills.
Active Engagement: Seek experiences that challenge and build your skills.
Value Proposition: Understand and articulate your strengths.
Authenticity: Be true to yourself; authenticity is your greatest asset.

For our students, Techweek was an invaluable opportunity to connect with industry leaders, gain insights into future careers, and understand the latest tech trends. Engaging with professionals and participating in projects like DriVR provided practical industry knowledge, preparing them for the future of technology.

Techweek isn't just about showcasing the latest technologies; it's about fostering connections, driving change, and shaping the future together.💡



Photos by: Masoud Shakiba and Cher Wang

👏 Our awesome Unitec Waitākere students have put together some fantastic videos to help new students settle in. These videos offer a fresh perspective from the students themselves!

Unitec Waitākere campus is home to Nursing, Medical Imaging, and Social Work students. Seeing them showing so much love for their campus, getting creative, and lending a hand is heartwarming. 💖 💖

One video we’re spotlighting gives a great overview of the courses available at Unitec Waitākere and introduces you to our vibrant student community: https://youtu.be/98Kc9AgZ1E4?si=K2F3noSkHo00fH40

Check out the full playlist of our Waitākere campus videos! https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbDLwhbzDXMHGMkidwk2dqLPVBsOSnKjV&si=PIJkylvaZHtt-65M

Waitākere - Place, People, Purpose Overview of what courses students can study at Unitec Waitākere campus and an introduction to the student community at Waitākere Campus.

Are you ready to unlock the secrets to career success in the tech world? Join us for "Future Fit - Navigating Career Growth" at Unitec/ITPNZ Techweek! This exciting evening (THURSDAY 23 MAY) is for anyone passionate about technology, innovation, and career development.

What To Expect:
✨ Inspiring Speakers: Hear from three dynamic speakers on the future of work.
✨ Collaborative Activity: Participate in our Future Work Vision Group Activity, explore AI in computing, brainstorm, and present your ideas to win prizes!
✨ Networking: Connect with industry professionals, educators, and peers over drinks and snacks.

Don't miss this chance to innovate, inspire, and connect. Whether you're a student or a seasoned professional, this event is for you. Register now and secure your spot: https://www.unitec.ac.nz/about-us/unitec-itpnz-presents-future-fit-navigating-career-growth

Unitec | ITPNZ presents: Future Fit - Navigating Career Growth Are you ready to unlock the secrets to career success in the tech world? Get ahead of the curve and join us for the "Future Fit - Navigating Career Growth" event at Unitec/ITPNZ Techweek! This exciting evening is designed for anyone passionate about technology, innovation, and career development. Wh...

Would you like to connect with your future employers while on campus?

Last Wednesday's Construction and Engineering Connect event was a huge success! Over 200 students connected with 24 leading companies, gaining invaluable insights and advice on kickstarting their careers.

Our students were inspired by top employers like Beca and Brosnan, learning about potential career paths and how to stand out in the job market. These events highlight the support and opportunities we provide to help our ākonga thrive in their professional journeys.

🎉 The 2024 Brick Bay Folly Winner is here: Femme-ly Velues! This stunning piece celebrates the heritage of textile craft among women through its unique design. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JIj9CFlNco

We’re incredibly proud of our Lecturer, Keith Mann, for his invaluable mentorship and support. Keith guided the talented winners, Claire Ford, Elise Cautley, and Jennifer Gao, helping them bring their vision to life using our facilities.

Since 2015, Unitec has supported the Brick Bay Sculpture Trail with their ‘Folly Competition,’ challenging architecture graduates to create experimental structures that bridge the gap between art and architecture.

Femme-ly Velues: The Journey of Brick Bay’s 2024 Folly | Women in Architecture Join us as we explore the creation of "Femme-ly Velues," the stunning 2024 Brick Bay Folly designed by an all-women team of architects—Claire Ford, Elise Cau...

From student to industry professional, Genevieve Sang-Yum steps back into the classroom, this time as a lecturer in the Bachelor of Social Practice. Now, she is a qualified and registered social worker who has served her community for many years, including seven years of service with Women’s Refuge. She shares invaluable wisdom with her students and social workers entering the field.

Her three pillars of advice resonate deeply:
🌟 Stay True to Your Values: Challenges will come, but remember who you are. Don’t allow yourself to be swept away.
🌟 Embrace Inclusivity and Objectivity: Keep an open mind. In social work, inclusivity and remaining objective are essential.
🌟 Self-Care Matters: Take care of your mental, spiritual, and physical well-being. Refill your kete daily with positivity and healthy practices.

Dive into her journey and embrace these guiding principles. Join us in shaping a brighter future for your community! https://www.unitec.ac.nz/about-us/social-worker-comes-full-circle-out-west

Social worker comes full circle out West New Zealand is ranked as the worst-developed country in the OECD for family violence. So, having people with real-world insights to train new social workers is essential if we want to achieve change. Genevieve Sang-Yum is such a person, and she’s not only incredibly eloquent and passionate. Still,...

Renée from HAN University took a leap of faith from the Netherlands to New Zealand for a semester abroad at Unitec.🌏 Embracing independence, she explored diverse subjects and Kiwi culture. Now back home, Renée cherishes the lessons learned and eyes future adventures. Read more about Renée's exchange experience: https://www.unitec.ac.nz/about-us/exploring-new-horizons-from-the-netherlands-to-new-zealand

Exploring New Horizons: From the Netherlands to New Zealand To be honest, I've wanted to be fully independent from a very young age, says Renée. “Of course, when you go to university and start living on your own, you become slightly independent, but my family and friends always stayed close during that time. When I got the opportunity to study abroad, I d...

Join us for the grand opening of Ilo-ilo, showcasing the talent of Pacific students and alumni from Unitec School of Creative Industries. Experience captivating works from the Bachelor of Design and Contemporary Art, and Master of Creative Practice programmes. 🎨

You are warmly invited to the opening of Ilo-ilo, an exhibition featuring works from Unitec School of Creative Industries Pacific students and alumni from the Bachelor of Design and Contemporary Art and Master of Creative Practice programmes. The exhibition which opens next Monday, 13 May at Toi o Wairaka Gallery in Building 108 and will be open to the public for viewing until 26 May, aligns with the beginning of the 2024 Pacific Language weeks which are being celebrated at Unitec and organised by our Pacific Centre. The exhibition focuses around our current tauira with contributions from our Creative Pacific Alumni and Community. The opening of the exhibition next Monday will unfold in accordance with Pacific/Fijian protocols. All are welcome to attend.

Toi o Wairaka Gallery
Building 108, Unitec Mt Albert
Dates: 9 – 26 May
Opening night is Monday, 13 May from 5.30pm – 7.30pm: all welcome
For more info: [email protected]

image credit: Sia Sione (2023 Unitec BCE graduate). Alani Azariah Sione. oil on canvas

As an international student from Vietnam, Thanh An Le shares his journey of transformation at Unitec. Moving from theoretical studies to hands-on coding and app development, he's honing his skills like never before.

Recently, he proved that by taking third place at the Smart Sustainable Development (SSD) 2024 alongside Unitec’s Dr Masoud Shakiba and Dr Iman Ardekani. Read more: https://www.unitec.ac.nz/about-us/practical-skills-lead-to-third-place-win-for-international-postgraduate-student

Practical skills lead to third place win for international postgraduate student There are lots of factors to consider when choosing a career path. Thanh An Le vividly remembers making that decision. At the time, the two most popular options in his home country of Vietnam were economics and technology. Ultimately, his family persuaded him to explore electrical engineering at the...

From plumbing apprentice to senior lecturer, John Pepere's journey has come full circle. After two decades overseas, he's back at Unitec, enriching minds with his vast plumbing expertise.

Following his father's legacy, John's path inspires as he imparts wisdom to the next generation. With Unitec's exceptional facilities and experienced team, success is inevitable. John's advice? Work smart, learn plenty, and embrace the world of possibilities as a qualified plumber. Dive deeper into his story and catch him on Radio New Zealand for an inspiring listen: https://www.unitec.ac.nz/about-us/the-world-is-your-oyster-as-a-qualified-plumber-says-senior-lecturer

The World is Your Oyster as a Qualified Plumber, Says Senior Lecturer. John Pepere’s career in plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying has taken him all over the world. When life brought him back to Aotearoa shores, he began sharing his knowledge and insights with the next generation. Today, John is a senior lecturer in Unitec’s Trade and Services School. Recently, he...