orthTec strives to satisfy investments made by students

NorthTec strives to satisfy investments made by students

All across NorthTec learning sites yesterday, hundreds of eager new students and those returning to study were warmly welcomed into the institution with their commitment acknowledged by Chief Executive, Paul Binney.

At Raumanga Campus in Whangarei, 2011 Orientation Day festivities began with a powhiri at Te Puna o Te Matauranga Wharenui or (meeting house) , which saw it packed to capacity with many others listening to proceedings from outside. Afterwards, a morning tea was held in the Wharekai and students were able to meet staff and familiarize themselves with their surroundings before classes at 1pm.

NorthTec Chief Executive, Paul Binney, acknowledged that the investment students were making to learn at NorthTec was considerable for some in terms of their time, dollars being spent and the direct impact it can have on families.

“We recognize that, and we will strive to give you a quality education so that you get a good return on that investment you’re making.”

He said NorthTec was about preparing people for work, and its focus was its students and those employers and industries in the region, “who hopefully, most of you will go onto,” he said.

Mr Binney said some staff at NorthTec had been preparing for the arrival of students for over a month and that it was great to see the place “come alive” not only with yesterday’s Orientation Day, but also with its Graduation ceremonies happening next Tuesday and Wednesday at Forum North.

He reminded those gathered just how fortunate they were in light of what happened last Tuesday in the Christchurch earthquake, suggesting Orientation Day presented an opportunity for reflection. He said CPIT, NorthTec’s sister institution would not be having an Orientation Day for some time, and NorthTec was ready to offer whatever they required.

Along with the rest of the country, Mr Binney said NorthTec would be observing two minutes silence at 12.51pm today, marking a week since Christchurch’s catastrophic earthquake.

For Mark Cochrane of Kaikohe, Orientation was a new experience, as it was his first time studying. He is undertaking a Bachelor of Applied Arts degree and will specialise in Maori art and design.

Mark was excited about starting his tertiary education and said once he obtains the relevant knowledge he could take his creativity in any direction, whether it be with traditional Maori carving, design or tattooing.

Carmen Snellgar was also doing a Bachelor of Applied Arts degree and had returned to NorthTec for her second semester of study after taking a year off to have a child. The mother of two said she was most looking forward to learning skills that not only enables her to explore her art, but also sets her up as a complete artist.
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