A large group of new (or newish!) staff were welcomed to the Unitec whānau last week and given the chance to explore some of our significant social and cultural spaces.
Due to COVID lockdowns and the resulting schedule changes, the usual four orientations were reduced to two this year, meaning a larger than usual group of 45 staff joined in the pōwhiri and activities.
Our beautiful wharenui, Ngākau Māhaki, was the starting point where the manuhiri (guests) were welcomed, and became Unitec whānau.
Following the formal part of the powhiri, everyone joined the kaitahi (shared kai), before setting off to explore the Mt Albert campus in small groups in an ‘Amazing Race’ type activity. The aim of the experience was to help our new staff to locate and identify special spaces on campus and understand how they help in forming an enduring and meaningful relationship with Unitec, its values and its people. It was also an opportunity to connect with colleagues and have a little fun!
The day was well-received by participants, who gave the following positive feedback:
“Thank you very much for the warm welcome, the effort made to provide an engaging, informative and interactive day. Loved the food, the hospitality, the warmth of the staff providing this rich experience. I have recommended engagement to fellow colleagues who have missed the opportunity.”
“This was such an awesome day, I really appreciate so many staff coming out to welcome us. Unitec is very inviting and this just reflects this. Thanks so much!”
“Thanks so much for this orientation. It’s the best I’ve ever been to; everyone was so welcoming and it was fun and interactive as well! (Plus with food, excellent!)”
Welcome to:
- Rosario Iguin
- Janette Daunakamakama
- Ana Pickering
- Stacey Middleditch
- Anna Handyside
- Caleb Wong
- Tianyi Tang
- Kris Wang
- Pa Tepairu Tere
- Lubna Khan
- Michelle Paki
- Gabriel Frederikse
- Kate Lee
- Gil Graham
- Sarah Gray
- Laurian Wheeler
- Lifu Sun
- Rowena Knight-Brown
- Moeen Wani
- Alen Buchevich
- Paige Clements
- Tanisha Ripp
- Attie Loots
- Luke Bourneville
- Eugene Nehring
- Shadi Sadat Safavi
- Laurian Wheeler
- Mark Smith
- Untaka Cai
- Denis Murphy
- Gregory Lokes
- Nikolas Herbert
- Philip Bennett
- Saeideh Aminian
- Joanne Low
- Yanina Purcell
- Camelia Pirika
- Grace Phan
- Natalia Moroz
- Vijaya Rath
- Sacha Bouwmeester
- Marleen Bailing
If you haven’t experienced a new staff orientation, even if you’ve been here a while, you are welcome to attend next year – register your interest here.
The dates are:
- Tuesday 30 March
- Thursday 17 June
- Wednesday 25 August
- Thursday 11 November
Pictured: The teams completing their ‘Amazing Race’ around campus.
