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COVID-19 frequently asked questions
Wintec is operating under Alert Level 1, and we are here to support our students’ learning. Together we are working with our students to support your education.
Please find answers to your most frequently asked questions on this page, which we will continue to update as we hear more from you.
If you have a question that is not answered here, please email info@wintec.ac.nz.
General
As a student, what does Alert Level 1 mean for me?
At Alert Level 1 it is considered COVID-19 is contained in New Zealand but we need to be ready in case it reappears in our community.
Some important things to remember are:- There are no restrictions on numbers of people gathering and everyone can return to work, school, sports and domestic travel.
- Keep checking in with QR codes – it’s important we continue keeping track of where we’ve been. As an educational institution we are required to ensure that staff and students are scanning QR codes.
- Face coverings – You do not need to wear a face covering in Alert Level 1 in class or on campus, but keeping safe is still important. You can be prepared by having a supply of face coverings for the people in your household.
- There are no restrictions on personal movement at Alert Level 1, however border restrictions remain while COVID-19 is uncontrolled overseas. Under Alert Level 1, isolated local transmission could be occurring in New Zealand.
The most important things you can do to protect yourself and others are:
- Stay home if you are sick
- hand hygiene
- physical distancing
- coughing and sneezing into your elbow
- regular cleaning of high touch surfaces and
- seek medical advice via your doctor or Healthline on 0800 358 5453.
Find out more about Alert Level 1.
Access to Wintec buildings and services during Alert Level 1
Wintec buildings and services are open as normal.
City Campus
- The City Hub is open to everyone from 7am-8pm Monday–Thursday and until 5pm on Friday with swipe access for staff and students outside of these hours and over the weekend.
- The Library is open 8am until 4pm weekdays, and also operating online.
- ITS Help Desk is open from 8am until 4pm or email servicedesk@wintec.ac.nz or call 0800 494 6832.
- Wintec Health Services on the City campus is open 8.30am–3.30pm Monday-Friday.
Rotokauri Campus
- The Rotokauri Hub (S Block) is open from 6am-7pm Monday–Friday with swipe access for staff and students outside these hours and over the weekend until 10pm.
- The Library is open 8am until 4pm weekdays, and also operating online.
- Health Services at Rotokauri is open from 8.30am–2pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
I am unable to study in this situation and I want to withdraw. What happens with my fees?
I'm struggling financially. Where can I get help?
I’m feeling overwhelmed - where can I get support?
Wintec counsellors are available for face to face and phone-based support. Email healthservices@wintec.ac.nz to ask about a session.
The Mental Health Foundation has a number of tools to help with your mental wellbeing. You can also check out these pages for support:
You can find out what government support is available to you if you are struggling to get essential services and basic needs here.
What other external resources are available to me?
The following resources contain up-to-date information relating to COVID-19:
- For answers to questions about student allowance and living costs payments refer to StudyLink.
- For health advice, refer to the Ministry of Health.
- Find out more about COVID-19 and Alert Level 1.
- For more student advice, refer to the Ministry of Education.
What are rules for safe distancing in social spaces like the hub?
At Alert Level 1, COVID-19 is contained and social distancing no longer applies.
Wintec hubs and services are open during Level 1.
Remember to scan your QR code when going into the hubs so that we can continue with contact tracing.
I’m worried I may have come in contact with COVID-19. Should I stay at home?
Unless you are feeling unwell, or have symptoms, it’s business as usual for study and work. If you were in any places the COVID-19 Government tracing team are concerned about, then you may get a phone call if you used the contact tracing app.
If you have symptoms, then please get tested. If not, please try not to stress about it. Find information on COVID-19 testing, including where to find testing centres here. If you have been tested or confirmed with COVID-19, you will also need to complete the Wintec COVID-19 update form.
Support services
Are the student support services available?
Yes, all Wintec Support Services are open and available as usual. You can also check-out the Academic Learning Toolkit designed to help you through your study journey and connect you to additional support services.
Course information
My tutor is holding "live'' Zoom classes and I was unable to attend. Will a recording of this class be available to me?
Do we still have to submit hard copies of our assessments?
Now that we have returned to campus some classes might require hard copies, however, your tutor should have informed you of this. Check with your tutor if you are unsure.
Will marking and assessment concessions be more flexible?
We recognise that this is a stressful time for everyone and will be taking students situations into consideration. Keep communicating with your tutors if you are struggling or you feel your performance is impaired and follow normal processes. We are certainly taking a gentle approach in these uncertain times.
Will our assessments be changing?
Any changes to assessments, group or otherwise, should have all been made and communicated to you. If you are still unsure about your assessments, please get in touch with your tutor ASAP. If you need an extension for any assessments, then discuss this with your tutor. If you still need clarity, then talk to the team manager for that programme.
What if I need specialist equipment to complete an assessment, but I don't have it?
All Wintec campuses are fully open. On campus, you will have access to specialist software and equipment in our computer labs. Some software is also now available in the cloud so that staff and students can get access to it. Contact your tutor to find out what the situation is with the software you require.
Will I be able to access one on one support with my tutor?
This should be possible. Contact your tutor via email and request a specific time to meet with them on-line via zoom. Remember that they will be busy with other students too, so be ready with specific questions and perhaps even email some questions through so that they can prepare before they meet with you.
I don't have a laptop/computer at home - can Wintec help?
Let us know. Email your student name, ID number, centre, programme/module to info@wintec.ac.nz or call us on 0800 2 Wintec. Also, there are laptop dispensers, where you can borrow a laptop for a few hours, at both our City and Rotokauri hubs.
Can we get specialist software put on our personal computers (at no cost)?
Some software is now available in the cloud so that staff and students can get access to it. Contact your tutor to find out what the situation is with the software you require.
Can we get access to specialist software/equipment during this time?
All Wintec campuses are fully open. On campus, you will have access to specialist software and equipment in our computer labs. Some software is also now available in the cloud so that staff and students can get access to it. Contact your tutor to find out what the situation is with the software you require.
I need access to Microsoft 365 for my online learning, can Wintec give this to me at a discount?
Yes, Wintec students can get Microsoft 365 for free. Click here to get more information and steps on how to download this software.
International students
As an international student, where can I get relevant and useful updates about being an international student in New Zealand, especially during Covid-19 Alert Level 1?
We recommend you register with NauMai NZ - a New Zealand Education resource for international students. You can join to receive regular email updates regarding study, visas, healthcare and finances. Visit their website here.
Don’t forget to check the Wintec COVID-19 page for up to date information on what is happening in the country and at Wintec here.
I am feeling a bit nervous about being on campus right now – is there someone I can talk to?
We understand that you might feel some stress being on campus while there are Alert Level restrictions, but don’t worry – we’re here to help. Contact the International Student Advisors at internationalhelp@wintec.ac.nz or come to B Block at the City Campus between 10am and 3pm, or to The Hub at Rotokauri Campus any Tuesday to find an advisor. We can chat with you to better understand your concerns, take a tour of the campus with you and help ease you back into things.
Are International students eligible for any financial support?
Yes they are. The Wintec Manaaki Financial Support Grant is available to students who need immediate and temporary financial help.
When you apply, you'll need to explain what's changed in your situation, why you no longer have money for your day to day living expenses, how much you need, what you will use the money for and how much your living expenses are. The more specific information you can provide, the better. The application form is here.
If you have enough money in your bank account to pay for your living expenses, or if you have FTS, you should be using this money now.Can you help me to find a job?
Yes, our Careers team can help. They’ll help you create a New Zealand style CV and cover letter, assist with interview skills, show you great places to search for jobs and help with general employability skills. They also run workshops designed to help you find work. Contact them at Careers@wintec.ac.nz.
I have a few questions about my visa – who can I talk to?
As an international student, you're in New Zealand legally because of the visa granted to you by Immigration New Zealand. If you have visa questions, you should contact them here https://www.immigration.govt.nz/contact
I am feeling a bit stressed and worried about everything. It’s starting to affect my studies. Where can I get support?
Your wellbeing and academic success are important to us – we’re here to help. Contact the International Student Advisors at internationalhelp@wintec.ac.nz or pop in and see us. Once we better understand your situation, we’ll be able to connect you with appropriate support and help you get back on track. Drop-in times 10am-3pm daily at B Block reception, City campus and every Tuesday, in the Hub at Rotokauri campus. Look for the International Student Support flag – come and see us!
I have a few questions about my studies and my life in New Zealand, who can I talk to?
The Student Support Team at the International Centre are here to help you. Contact us at internationalhelp@wintec.ac.nz and we’ll talk things through with you. Once we better understand your situation, we’ll be able to connect you with appropriate support and help you get back on track. Drop-in times 10am-3pm daily at B Block reception, City campus and every Tuesday, in the Hub at Rotokauri campus. Look for the International Student Support flag. Come and see us and we’ll help you get the answers you need.
Are there any trips or events happening between now and February 2021?
Now we are back in Alert Level 1, we've scheduled some great activities and events and we'd would love you to come along. Join the Wintec International Students Facebook page to stay up-to-date or click here for the current event schedule.
Joining in is a great way to make new friends, relax and try something new! Contact our International student events team at student_activities@wintec.ac.nz.
Waikato Trades Academy (WTA)
I am doing a WTA course. Is this still going ahead?
Yes, it sure is. We are keeping in regular contact with your schools so that they can notify you of any changes.
How do I access my WTA course?
To access your online learning site (Moodle) and course information, click here.
Follow the link and log in using your 'Username' and 'Password' details.
Once you have logged in, you will see the course or courses that you are enrolled in on your dashboard.
This also includes a course named 'Keteparaha - Toolbox of Resources'. This course contains helpful information and resources about learning online, meeting the team, and how to get support. Please take the time to have a look at this. We have also attached a Student Moodle User Guide with some basic instructions on how to navigate your way around Moodle.
If you select your course, it will open your programme's Moodle site. Our expectation is that you will log in to Moodle on your normal designated Trades Academy days. This is when your tutors will be available for any questions or additional support. You should continue to work on your schoolwork, as assigned through your school, for the remaining days of the week.
I don’t know my WTA login or password.
If you need your login and/or password, head to the "student password portal" and follow the instructions to find your username and reset your password. Alternatively, phone 0800 4 Wintec (0800 4 946832) and we can help you out. We are open from 8am–5pm Monday to Friday.
I have questions about my WTA course.
If you have any questions please contact your tutor, their contact details are available for you on the main page of your Moodle programme site. If you are having issues logging into Moodle for the first time, you can contact your student advisor.
WTA Student Advisors:
Jackie Uerata, Kopu Campus: jackie.uerata@wintec.ac.nz
Yvonne Maru, Otorohanga Campus: yvonne.maru@wintec.ac.nz
Koro Amai, Rotokauri Campus: koro.amai@wintec.ac.nz
Will Helu, Rotokauri Campus: will.helu@wintec.ac.nz
Natalie Freeman, Rotokauri Campus: natalie.freeman@wintec.ac.nz