Aoraki Polytechnic Dunedin Campus Official Opening

AORAKI POLYTECHNIC

10/7/2011 7pm

The official opening of the newly refurbished Aoraki Polytechnic Dunedin campus was held last night (Friday 8 July) at the new site on Cumberland Street.

Over 60 guests attended including a mix of Aoraki students, staff, councillors and invited members of the community.

After campus tours, blessing and official speeches, Aoraki Polytechnic Council Chairperson Kevin Cosgrove and Chief Executive Kay Nelson jointly unveiled a plaque to commemorate the opening.

Cosgrove commended Nelson and her staff on the quality of the ‘fresh’ campus and said he is confident the new site will attract more students.

Nelson said the Dunedin campus has 220 students, studying beauty therapy, hair dressing, and a range of media programmes, as well as an additional 16 students starting makeup artistry on 18 July.

The site used to be the fashion design school of Otago Polytechnic.

“Otago Polytechnic Chief Executive Phil Kerr recommended the site, and it suits the needs of education”, Nelson said.

The refurbishment project, totalling $440,000, approved by the Aoraki Council, was designed and fitted by Dunedin project management company Arrow International, also known for redevelopment projects including the Dunedin Airport.

The facility setup includes two beauty therapy clinics, make-up artistry suite, film and animation lab and photography studio”.

Aoraki Polytechnic Marketing and Communications Manager Bronwyn Hargraves said tours of the campus “highlighted the scale of the refurbishment”.

“The campus provides a purpose built blend of industry and education facilities – ensuring students gain the practical skills and knowledge they will require to go on to a career in their respective specialist fields.”

Adding to campus life is a student common room area with internet kiosks, brightly coloured designer furniture and large television.

“Students enjoy the modern and clean formal and informal learning spaces.”, Hargraves said.

Current students will return back to the campus for semester two starting 18 July The campus is open to the public for tours or to come in and talk about career and course options. For more details visit Aoraki Polytechnic’s webpage www.aoraki.ac.nz or www.facebook.com/aorakipolytechnic

ENDS