Waikato Institute of Technology facts for kids

The Waikato Institute of Technology, also known as Wintec, is an institute of technology based in New Zealand's Waikato region. Wintec nurture and guide individual students as part of a community so they are confident and equipped to navigate their way in a world where change and new ways of working are happening faster than ever before. Based in Hamilton, they deliver high-quality training to approximately 13,000 ākonga/learners every year, who study more than 130 vocational courses across many fields from certificate to degree, postgraduate and master's level. They provide relevant training and qualifications, but we also acknowledge that confidence and wellbeing are important for ākonga to succeed.  

Kaimahi/staff are employed for their experience, knowledge, and ability to guide ākonga on their journey. Graduates are supported to be confident, so they know how and where to apply their skills and knowledge out in the world.  Students get the chance to put their learning into practise from the very start. They work on relevant, real-life projects and learn what it is really like in their chosen career through work placements. They can ask questions and discover there are often many ways of doing things, not just one.

Wintec is committed to engaging in an environment where an authentic and deliberate commitment to Māori and Te Tiriti partnerships delivers an educational system that serves our ākonga - our learners - and our communities well. Improving equitable outcomes for our Māori, Pacific, disabled, and all learners is a priority. We value diversity and we support inclusion. Relationships are important. Understanding the needs of local industry, iwi, hapū, and our Waikato community is critical in helping ākonga succeed and our community to flourish.

Wintec has grown from a small technical college to one of Aotearoa, New Zealand's largest tertiary education institutes. Wintec, along with 16 other technical institutes and 11 Industry Training Organisations (ITO's), is part of Te Pūkenga, New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology. Wintec is part of a growing online, on-campus, and on-job learning network to give learners more flexibility in what, where, and how they will learn.

Locations

• City campus — Anglesea Street 37°47′20″S 175°16′46″E / 37.7890°S 175.2794°E / -37.7890; 175.2794 (Main campus)
• Rotokauri (formerly Avalon) campus — Akoranga Road 37°45′41″S 175°13′50″E / 37.7614°S 175.2306°E / -37.7614; 175.2306 (Rotokauri/Avalon campus)
• Hamilton Gardens campus — Cobham Drive - 37°48′17″S 175°18′14″E / 37.8046°S 175.3039°E / -37.8046; 175.3039 (Hamilton Gardens campus)

History

As detailed from Wintec's website, some context of the growth of the campus from the previous technical college, Polytech, to the rebranded technical institute it is today.

A History of Innovation and Growth

• 1924 Hamilton Technical College is founded to provide technical and trades training in the Waikato region. First building is erected on the corner of Anglesea and Nisbet Streets (this now historic building, well known as the face of Wintec, is currently being renovated).
• 1950s The demand for skilled tradespeople after the Second World War leads to a surge in growth in the 1950s.
• 1968 Becomes known as the Waikato Technical Institute - a provider of vocational training for farming, industry and commerce. The institute offers a wide range of programmes in engineering, science, accountancy, business management, secretarial, carpentry and building trades, including Māori pre-trade apprentices.
• 1983 Student residence is opened to provide students with accommodation close to the campus.
• 1985 Horticulture teaching begins at Hamilton Gardens.
• 1986 Tainui Trust Board representation on Waikato Technical Institute Council.
• 1987 Name changes to The Waikato Polytechnic to reflect the widening in the scope of its educational activities.
• 1990s Following Government tertiary reforms, the institute becomes a body corporate with a Chief Executive and Council. A range of degrees in nursing, midwifery, business, sport and exercise science, information technology and media arts are developed in response to changing employment needs. The strong practical aspect of these degrees supports the successful, long-standing trades and technology reputation of the institute.
• 1990 Satellite campuses opened in Te Kuiti and Thames.
• 1991 Whare built and named Te Kākano ā te Kāahu - the seed embraced/nurtured by the indigenous hawk or cloak (or korowai). The seed represents students and the hawk refers to the Late Māori Queen or a korowai which provides the nurturing and development of the seed.
• 1991 Childcare centre opens to provide students with affordable convenient childcare on campus.
• 1992 First degree (Bachelor of Business) is offered.
• 1994 Innovative Artechmobile is built and hits the road to provide mobile computer education to regional communities.
• 1995 Land is purchased on Avalon Drive to establish a campus with ample space for trades, sports and hospitality training.
• 2000 First postgraduate qualification is offered (Postgraduate Diploma Nursing).
• 2001 Name changed to the Waikato Institute of Technology and two years later, the modern Wintec brand is adopted.
• 2003 Wintec opens office in Beijing.
• 2007 Award-winning Gallagher Hub is opened as a student study and recreation space.
• 2009 Wintec wins three national tertiary education awards for its global role (particularly its partnerships in China), innovative support services (for its creative industries business incubator SODA Inc.) and relevant learning (for its employer partnership groups).