Waiariki Institute of Technology

Waiariki Institute of Technology,( _mi. "Whare Takiura o Waiariki") based in Rotorua, is one of the largest tertiary institutes in New Zealand outside of universities. Originally developed as a centre for adult and trades education, the institute began to offer bachelor degree programmes in the early 1990s. The main Rotorua campus is set in clean, green and safe rural surroundings only ten minutes from the city centre. Regional campuses exist in Taupo, Tokoroa and Whakatane.

Dr.Pim Borren is its C E O.

The largest courses (by student volume) are nursing, forestry, business, computing, tourism and hospitality. In addition to degrees offered by Waiariki, the institute also collaborates with Lincoln University, Unitec, University of Auckland, University of Canterbury, The University of Waikato, Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design and Wintec on a range of qualifications.

Waiariki is somewhat unique in having an on-site marae named Tangatarua, which translates as "two peoples" and reflects the bicultural nature of the institute. Approximately 10% of Waiariki students are from overseas.

The new purpose-built Waiariki National Centre of Excellence for the Forest and Wood Industry was opened in July 2008 on Waiariki's Mokoia Campus in Rotorua. This high tech training centre, the first of its kind for the forest and wood industry in New Zealand, features a $3 million software and simulation package that will take forestry training to the next level. Through the new centre, Waiariki's School of Forestry, Wood Processing and Biotechnology will train people for such careers as silviculture, practical logging, wood processing and manufacturing, forest management and harvest planning.

The Institute celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2008.

The institute consists of six Schools of Study:

* School of Business and Tourism – ( _mi. "Te Kura Taki") * School of Computing, Technology and Communications – ( _mi. "Te Kura Pärongo") * School of Forestry, Wood Processing and Biotechnology – ( _mi. "Te Kura Takawäö") * School of Mäori Development and Humanities – ( _mi. "Te Päkaro a Ihenga") * School of Nursing and Health Studies – ( _mi. "Te Puna Whai Ora") * School of Trade Training – ( _mi. "Te Kura Mahi-ä -Rehe ")

These schools offer degrees, diplomas and certificates in their respective subject areas.

External links

* [http://www.waiariki.ac.nz Waiariki Institute of Technology home page]