Waikato Institute of Technology

The Waikato Institute of Technology, also known as Wintec, is one of New Zealand's leading institute of technology based in Hamilton. Approximately 20,000 students from 52 countries study at Wintec each year, and the organisation employs around 840 staff. The institute currently provides 10 degree programmes, 35 diplomas and 12 postgraduate qualifications.

The institute has three main campuses in Hamilton itself: the main city site, Rotokauri (Formerly Avalon) in north Hamilton, and the Hamilton Gardens horticultural campus. The institute also uses three additional campuses in the Waikato region.

Wintec offers training in engineering, trades, science, technology, agriculture, sport, health and social services, education, business and manufacturing, tourism, hospitality, events, English language, media and the creative industries. The qualifications range from certificates and diplomas to degrees and post-graduate degrees. Wintec works closely with employers, industry and community organisations to develop programmes that reflect real-world standards and produce work-ready graduates.

The current institution stems from the The Waikato Polytechnic, previously the Waikato Technical Institute, and further back to the Hamilton Technical College founded in 1924 to provide technical and trades training. The "Wintec" branding was adopted in 2003.

As of late 2015, Wintec now offers apartments on campus (Hamilton City), as well as continued accommodation in the Student Village a few minutes walk from the same campus.^{[1] [2] [3]}

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).

References

External links

• Wintec website
• Wintec Spark Media, Art and Design Festival website
• Student Association of Wintec website