Next-generation marketers and communication professionals are putting their skills to the test, supporting Hamilton’s Pasifika community.

The student-led agency, headed by student director Chey Johanson, is working with Hamilton-based charity K’aute Pasifika Trust to enhance the visibility of its early learning centre.

The project forms part of Wintec’s communication degree, where students take a hands-on, practical approach to learning, with ākonga (students) operating as a professional creative agency to deliver solutions for real clients.

Chey says the experience is “truly preparing” her for life after her studies. “I look forward to utilising all my newly found skills in the communication industry.”

To support the centre’s needs, the team has produced new photography and social media content, interviewed teachers about their work, and developed a corporate video showcasing the wider K’aute Pasifika village and learning environment.

“Getting the chance to hear the client’s needs, come up with ideas, and then produce marketing solutions is both satisfying and an incredible learning opportunity,” says Chey.

Tutor and agency director Abby Dalgety is guiding the students through the project. She says working alongside local communities and organisations provides invaluable learning outcomes for ākonga.

“Working with an organisation like K'aute Pasifika gives our students the opportunity to hone and refine the skills they have developed, applying what they’ve learned to real-world scenarios.

“It also gives them the chance to work with an organisation grounded in strong values.”

Each student takes on a specialised role within the agency, including digital marketing, public relations, videography, and photography, bringing a dynamic suite of skills to the table.

To understand the needs of their client, the group is working closely with ‘Amelia Takataka-Kaur, the Trust’s communications and engagement project manager, and an alumnus of Wintec’s media arts degree.

In a full-circle moment, ‘Amelia is now mentoring the next generation of communication and marketing professionals, sharing the skills and experience she has gained since graduating.

“The ākonga have been a pleasure to work with, engaged, collaborative, and ready to take action. They’ve brought fresh innovation, creative ideas, and culturally responsive storytelling that’s adding real value to our early learning centre marketing,” says ‘Amelia.

“Seeing their project briefs come to life has been super special, and the talent they bring is a real strength. It feels like a true partnership, growing capability on both sides. Mālō ‘aupito fānau ako, we’re really pleased to be working and learning together.”

Rose Marsters, Wintec’s executive director of learner success and experience and K’aute Pasifika Trust board member, says partnerships like this create valuable opportunities for learners to connect with communities and industry.

“It is a genuine privilege to witness our learners step beyond the classroom and into real-life learning, in partnership with K’aute Pasifika,” says Rose.

“In these spaces, learning becomes lived, grounded in culture, community, and connection, where our learners are not only gaining knowledge, but growing in confidence, identity, and purpose.”

The agency module is part of Wintec’s Bachelor of Communication degree, preparing ākonga for careers in communication and marketing by equipping them with the knowledge and tools to navigate the industry successfully.

To learn more about Wintec’s Bachelor of Communication degree, head to wintec.ac.nz/study-at-wintec/courses/communication/bachelor-of-communication