Talented musician and Wintec graduate Chen Xiyao (Yao) saw his passion for music flourish during his time in New Zealand. A Chinese-born Kiwi, Yao was the first international student to graduate from Wintec with a Master of Arts (music) with distinction, completing his studies in 2011.
Graduating ākonga (students) recently took to the stage at Wintec’s 2025 graduation events. The celebrations spanned four ceremonies, across two days and acknowledged the academic achievements of graduates from a range of disciplines.
The Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec) has partnered with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) to bolster the performance of its jockey athletes. Researchers from Wintec’s Centre for Sport Science and Human Performance continue to work closely with NZTR to shape and deliver components of its existing Elite Jockey Programme. Introduced in mid-March, the new aspects of the programme combine modern, scientific methods with traditional practices.
Ten students from various technical institutes in Thailand, accompanied by two teachers, recently concluded a two-week study tour focused on artificial intelligence (AI) at Wintec. The group, sponsored by the Office of Vocational Education Commission (OVEC), Thailand, was officially welcomed in early March with a pōwhiri event at Te Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa Marae, located on Wintec’s City Campus.
Wintec acknowledges the incredibly sad passing of its former board Chair Niwa Nuri (Te Arawa). A much-loved part of our Wintec whānau, Niwa was previously both a member and Deputy Chair of Wintec’s board and went on to become the final Chair of Wintec’s subsidiary board during the establishment of New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, prior to the formation of Te Pūkenga.
Wintec music and performing arts graduates continue to make their mark on the local, national, and international theatre scenes. From touring New Zealand and Australia to working with Universal Studios in China, Wintec alumni have been putting their skills to use.
Wintec recently welcomed 20 high school leavers into its brand-new 'earn as you learn' NZ Certificate in Manufacturing Level 3 pilot programme. Over 30 weeks, students will split their time between paid, hands-on experience with top Waikato manufacturers and in-class learning at Wintec's Rotokauri Campus.
Amateur rugby players from Hautapu Sports Club recently took to Wintec’s specialised Human Performance Hub to hone their skills for the 2025 rugby season. A number of players from the club’s premiership, A, B, Colt, and Women’s teams kicked off their pre-season preparation, taking part in the first of many workshops included in a targeted performance development programme.
1,400 competitors from 66 countries and regions took to the global stage in Lyon, France last year, testing their talents against each other in 62 skill events. Leading team New Zealand was Bryce Arnold from Wintec’s Centre for Trades.
Budding communication professionals from Wintec have gained valuable industry experience working with the international, not-for-profit organisation Dress for Success. Wintec communication students provided the Hamilton branch of Dress for Success with specialised marketing content and support as part of their course's advertising agency module.
The wait is finally over for secondary students across the country to receive their NCEA results and secure plans for 2025. If your plans are for tertiary study in 2025, it’s not too late!
In a career spanning over four decades, Janet Taiatini has woven together the threads of nursing, midwifery, and Māori cultural practices to create a tapestry of care that has touched countless lives across New Zealand. Now, as she imparts her wisdom to the next generation of midwives at Wintec, Janet continues to bridge the gap between Western medical practices and traditional Māori birthing customs.
Wintec is part of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology Learn More about Wintec Te Pūkenga.
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