Wintec students set to celebrate delayed graduation
More than 600 Wintec graduates will be donning regalia and celebrating in Hamilton next week as they finally get presented their well-deserved qualifications.
Covid-19 frequently asked questions
Wintec is operating in Red guidelines for tertiary education under the Covid-19 Protection Framework (traffic lights).
Please find answers to your most frequently asked questions about studying at Wintec on this page, which we will continue to update during the Covid-19 pandemic following Government advice for tertiary education in Aotearoa New Zealand.
If you need help, for any situation affecting your wellbeing or your study, you can email us at help@wintec.ac.nz.
If you have a question we can add to this page, please email winteccomms@wintec.ac.nz.
General
As a Wintec student, what does the red traffic light setting mean for me?
At Red:
- Wintec is open and learning will continue onsite
- Everyone must wear a mask on campus
- Keep your distance from people - 2 metres outside your home and 1 metre in workplaces and at Wintec
- Practise good hygiene
- You can use the contact tracer app to scan or sign in
- If you feel unwell, please isolate and get tested
- Regularly check locations of interest
- Read the Ministry of Education advice for tertiary students
Read the tertiary guidelines for Red.
During semester, can I access Wintec buildings and services including health services during Red?
Wintec is open during Red and all areas and services are available:
City Campus
- The City Hub is open.
- The City campus Library is open for all students and also operating online.
- ITS Help Desk is open, email servicedesk@wintec.ac.nz or call 0800 494 6832. You can also return loan technology, eg laptops, vodems and accessories. Remember your ID card.
- CaterPlus Café and the Sushi Hub are open.
- Wintec Health Services clinic on the City campus is open. Please call 07 834 8869 to make an appointment.
- Kidz@Wintec is open.
- Wintec Student Enrolment and Information Centre is open at the City campus from 8.00am-4.00pm.
Rotokauri Campus
- The Rotokauri Hub (S Block) is open.
- The Readout Café is open.
- The Library is open.
- Health Services at Rotokauri is closed but you can still organise an appointment or seek medical advice. Please call 07 834 8869, do not attend in person.
General
- Student Accessibility Services is available by appointment, email accessibility@wintec.ac.nz.
- Kaiāwhina / Pastoral care is available by appointment, email kaiawhina@wintec.ac.nz.
- Student Learning Services is available for online support, email SLS@wintec.ac.nz to talk to one of the team.
- International student support is available online, email internationalhelp@wintec.ac.nz if you have an urgent issue, call the 24/7 number 021 703 730.
I am a Wintec student and I have tested positive for Covid-19. What action do I need to take?
You must notify Wintec of your positive COVID-19 test. Please fill out this form and we will be in contact to support you.
Wintec, along with every other tertiary provider in Aotearoa New Zealand, must follow a process outlined by the Government. Here is the link to the Toolkit and the Step-By-Step Guide we have been provided for your information.
What are requirements for masks at Wintec in Red?
Masks are required to be worn in teaching and learning situations by both kaimahi/staff and ākonga/students and in all public-facing areas.
Tutors, may remove masks if they can physically distance by 2 metres when teaching. This is in accordance with the Government guidelines for tertiary teaching.
Mask wearing is mandatory in hospitality, Windows Restaurant, Urban Spa, Ramp Gallery, Wintec hubs, Kids@Wintec, events and gatherings (except when eating and drinking).
I'm struggling financially. Where can I get help?
I’m feeling overwhelmed - what support is available to me at Wintec?
- For answers to questions about student allowance and living costs payments refer to StudyLink.
- For health advice, refer to the Ministry of Health.
- For government advice on Covid-19, refer to the Covid-19 NZ website.
- For more student advice, refer to the Ministry of Education.
- Find help with feelings of isolation or stress here: mentalhealth.org.nz, hpa.org.nz and allright.org.nz.
- If at any time you wish to speak to someone you can free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor for free through the Ministry of Health.
- For localised support including food delivery, counselling and employment support contact Here to help u.
What external support resources are available to me?
What should I do if I feel unwell with cold symptoms?
If you are feeling unwell please stay away from Wintec and get tested for Covid 19 Find information on Covid-19 testing, including where to find testing centres here.
Support services
What student support services are available?
Wintec Support Services are operating, and we are here for you. At the Red traffic light setting, our City Campus and Rotokauri Hub, Library and ITS Helpdesks are open, and we are also operating our library online.
Check out the Learner Success Toolkit designed to help you through your study journey and connect you to additional support services. If you need IT support, email servicedesk@wintec.ac.nz or visit the Service Desk at the City Campus Library; you can also return loan laptops and vodems here.
Our Health Services are open by appointment. Wintec counsellors are available for support. Please email healthservices@wintec.ac.nz to ask about a session. For support, you can also contact our Wintec chaplain, Carissa Allen, by email at Carissa.Allen@wintec.ac.nz.
Our International team is here to help you if you're an international student — email internationalhelp@wintec.ac.nz. If you have an urgent issue, call the 24/7 number 021 703 730.
If you require a JP for certifying your Fees Free declarations, Study Link and Real Me documents etc, this may still be possible electronically. Please email Rachel Posa, JP (Wintec Student Learning Services), for more details, along with your full name, student ID number and the nature of your request.
Or, if you are not sure what help would be best right now, email help@wintec.ac.nz and we can put you in touch with support.
Wintec students can access an external counselling service, Benestar. Contact them on 0800 360 364 or email counsellingsupportnz@benestar.com to arrange an appointment via phone-based counselling during this challenging time. You will need to let them know you are a Wintec student. You can also connect with SAWIT, the student union team leader at Wintec, Hannah Strauss.
Course information
What Wintec programmes/modules are available online?
The following Wintec centres offer programmes and modules than can be studied online:
Design Factory NZ
- Post Graduate Certificate of Innovation and Master of Applied Innovation
Centre for Education and Foundation Pathways
- Certificate of Health and Wellbeing – can be studied online but students must be in employment
- Certificate in Computing
- Graduate Diploma in Information Technology in Education
Centre for Sport and Human Performance
Modules only but not programmes
Centre for Applied Science and Primary Industries
- Modules in Agribusiness Management and Landscape Design
School of Media Arts
- Masters and Honours programmes on a case-by-case basis
Centre for Business and Enterprise
Please enquire as there is potential for degree and graduate diploma programmes to be delivered online depending on class sizes and NZQA approval.
LearningWorks
- Introduction to Team Leadership 3 – awards the New Zealand Certificate in Business (Introduction to Team Leadership) (Level 3)
- First Line Management 4 – awards the New Zealand Certificate in Business (First Line Management) (Level 4)
- Adult and Tertiary Teaching 4 – awards the New Zealand Certificate in Adult and Tertiary Teaching (Level 4)
Other online programme options are being considered, with more information coming in 2022, so please keep in touch with us as we want to do what we can to help you continue your studies.
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?
Your tutor will update you on this.
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?
Your tutor is working through any changes to assessments, group or otherwise, and will communicate to you as soon as possible. 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?
As all Wintec campuses are only partially open, you may not have access to specialist software and equipment in our computer labs. 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.
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, home address and contact phone number to info@wintec.ac.nz or call us on 0800 2 WINTEC.
I need to return loan technology e.g. Laptop, vodem
Please bring your loan technology into the ITS helpdesk at the City or Rotokauri Hub. Remember to bring the accessories you received with it e.g. charger, bag, mouse etc. and your Wintec ID. Thank you, we really appreciate the return of these items.
Can we get access to specialist software/equipment during this time? (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.
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 on the Covid-19 situation?
The official Covid-19 website provides reliable information. It also provides help and advice in other languages.
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’m nervous about coming to class with Omicron around. Will my teacher and classmates be wearing masks?
In the red traffic light setting, everything possible is being done to keep everyone safe. Everyone MUST wear a mask on campus and everyone must be fully vaccinated to be on campus. Everyone is required to keep a 2 metre distance from people outside home and 1 metre in workplaces and at Wintec. Your teachers will be wearing a mask in class, however if they are 2 metres away from students while teaching, they are permitted to remove their mask.
Is there an option for me to study online/remotely while Omicron is in the community?
INZ have recently reminded us that it is a visa condition that international students attend class in person, so no, remote/online study is not an option.
Are International students eligible for any financial support?
Yes financial help is available.
The Wintec Manaaki Financial Support Grant is available to students who need immediate and temporary financial help. You can apply here. You will need to explain what's changed in your situation and why you no longer have money for your day to day living expenses. It’s also a good idea to explain 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. If you have enough money in your bank account to pay for your living expenses, you should be using this money now.
Further support may be available from your Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. Click here to find your representative in New Zealand.
I am feeling a bit stressed and worried, who can I talk to?
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 for urgent issues, call the 24/7 number, 021 703 730, to talk to one of the student support team. Once we better understand your situation, we’ll be able to connect you with appropriate support and help you. You can also meet with one of the Wintec counsellors. Email counselling@wintec.ac.nz to make an appointment or meet online. To talk to a professional counsellor, any time day or night, call 1737.
I have a few questions about life in New Zealand, where can I get information?
The International Student support team are here to help you. Contact them at internationalhelp@wintec.ac.nz. They have a lot of experience and resources available to answer your questions.
It’s a good idea to register with NauMai NZ , too. Naumai NZ are New Zealand Education’s official support website for international students. You will find useful resources and information about life, work, study, Covid-19 – everything you need to know while you’re in New Zealand. When you join, you will receive regular email updates regarding study, visas, healthcare, finances, Covid-19 and more.
How can I stay up to date with news about international student support, events and activities?
Join the Wintec International Students closed Facebook group and connect with your community. You'll get updates and find out about events and activities. You can also contact Coco at student_activities@wintec.ac.nz or email internationalhelp@wintec.ac.nz, with general questions. Be sure to read our emails too!
Waikato Trades Academy (WTA)
I am doing a WTA course. Is this still going ahead?
Your school will update you about WTA for 2022.
When you do come onsite to Wintec, please ensure you have your school ID with you and you wear a mask while on campus.
How do I access my WTA course online?
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 or:
How to reset your Moodle password
- Go to www.mylearning.wintec.ac.nz
- Click “Moodle” then “Log in” or “Wintec Login”
- Click “Don’t know or forgotten your username or password”
- Click “Start or "Continue process”
- Enter your username that can be found in the above link or Don’t know or can’t remember your username? Find it here.
- Once you’ve entered your username, you will need to either enter the last 4 digits of your phone number to receive a token or enter the start of your email address to receive a token via email. If your phone number or email address isn’t correct, please get a hold of your student advisor who can update this information for you.
- Once you have received a token, enter the digits, and proceed to change your password.
- Remember to save your username and password securely for future reference.
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: jackie.uerata@wintec.ac.nz
Yvonne Maru: yvonne.maru@wintec.ac.nz
Will Helu: will.helu@wintec.ac.nz
Natalie Freeman: natalie.freeman@wintec.ac.nz
Tuakura Ford: tuakura.ford@wintec.ac.nz
Tori Mitchell: tori.mitchell@wintec.ac.nz
Danielle Marsh: danielle.marsh@wintec.ac.nz
