An emerging local talent and Wintec ākonga (student) has been recognised as the Master Plumbers Wintec Apprentice of the Year at the 2025 Waikato Master Plumbers Awards. Rhys Kimber is currently enrolled with Wintec and is in the final stages of his Plumbing, Gasfitting, and Drainlaying apprenticeship with Soda Plumbing and Gas in Hamilton.
The end of Semester One 2025, saw the final in-classroom teaching for Wintec’s Design Factory New Zealand (DFNZ), following the decision earlier this year to close the programme. For eight years, Wintec has been a proud member of the Design Factory Global Network - a network of innovation hubs in universities and research organisations spanning five continents of the world.
Wintec continues to strengthen its relationships internationally, signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Changzhou College of Information Technology (CCIT) in Hamilton last week.
A Waikato mum’s brave decision to U-turn her career and retrain with Wintec has led her to the Netherlands. Gabrielle (Gabby) Rawhiti is a proud Māori single mother of two teenage girls, who made the courageous decision to leave her job of 17 years in pursuit of a new career in accounting.
Wintec proudly celebrated the achievements of its most outstanding adult learners at the institute’s annual Adult Learner Awards, held at its City Campus as part of Adult Learners’ Week – He Tangata Mātauranga, running from 8–14 September. The Adult Learner Awards recognise ākonga (students) aged 25 and over who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their studies while balancing the responsibilities of adult life. Whether retraining, returning to education after a long break, or studying while supporting whānau and communities, these learners embody the spirit of lifelong learning.
Wintec welcomed Hon. Penny Simmonds, Minister for Vocational Education, to its Hamilton City Campus this week, acknowledging a significant step in its journey to becoming an independent institution once again. The visit follows July’s announcement from the Minister, confirming that Wintec will stand alone from 1 January 2026, alongside nine other Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) currently part of Te Pūkenga. For Wintec, this will mark a return to local governance and a renewed focus on serving the specific needs of the Waikato region.
Secondary school students and guests from across the country made their way to Wintec’s Rotokauri Campus this week for the 2025 Wintec Wāhine in Trades and Engineering panel event. Attendees filled the campus lecture theatre, eager to hear the inspiring career stories of the seven female panellists, each excelling in their respective fields.
Wintec is gearing up to host hundreds of prospective ākonga (students) and their whānau (families) at Ngā Rā Tūwhera | Wintec Open Day 2025, next week. Taking place on Friday, 29 August, from 9am to 1pm, across Wintec’s City and Rotokauri campuses in Hamilton, the event offers visitors curious about Wintec the chance to experience campus life, explore study options, and connect with staff and students in a fun and informative environment.
Wintec continues to strengthen its presence overseas, partnering with India’s Sahrdaya College of Engineering and Technology, and overseas education consultancy MSM Unify, to open a new pathway for international learners.
Third-year Wintec electrical engineering student Ronald Adecir is helping to tackle real-world logistical tasks using robotics as part of his engineering development project.
Wintec welcomes Monday’s announcement by the Minister for Vocational Education that it will become an independent institution once again on 1 January 2026, along with 9 other ITPs (Institutes of Technology & Polytechnics) across New Zealand that are currently part of Te Pūkenga.
Wintec continues to grow its relationships in China through its nearly decade-long partnership with the China Education Association of International Exchange (CEAIE), which was recently highlighted by the hosting of representatives from multiple Chinese tertiary institutions and the CEAIE. The visiting group met with Wintec leadership and kaimahi (staff) at Wintec’s City campus to discuss New Zealand’s vocational education sector and identify opportunities for further collaboration.
Wintec is part of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology Learn More about Wintec Te Pūkenga.
Learn with purpose
