Unitec attracted record numbers to its recent Open Day, with nearly a thousand people touring its Mt Albert and Waitākere campuses.
In addition, nearly 300 staff members were on hand as volunteers to welcome visitors, lead guided tours, run information sessions and demonstrate hands-on activations.
This was the biggest Open Day for Unitec on record in terms of prospective ākonga attending and kaimahi volunteering to help out.
It marks a strong recovery since 2020 when numbers declined due to COVID-19 which forced the event online.
More than 900 potential new students and whānau pre-registered to attend Open Day this year, an increase of 53% on the number of pre-registrants last year.
Unitec’s annual Open Day provides a unique opportunity to showcase the interactive and hands-on nature of its range of programmes, with visitors offered tours of its state-of-the-art trades training facility,
Mataaho, and Te Pūtahi, its newly refurbished Creative Industries faculty offering study options in art, design, digital media and film, as well as aspects of acting and dance.
Ākonga interested in a career in Environmental and Animal Sciences had the chance to pet Tūmanako, the School’s bearded dragon, and tour its herbarium, one of the most significant in the Southern Hemisphere with more than 14,000 preserved specimens.
The School of Architecture offered prospective students the chance to try 3-D printing on a large scale, while Sports department staff put visitors through their paces on a vertical jump test.
Lee Baglow, Head of the School of Trades and Services, comments, “It was a pleasure to support potential learners in choosing the next step on their journey, showcasing the incredible learning opportunities and facilities that we have to offer at Unitec.
“I counted 12,000 steps as I guided visitors through Mataaho and the school’s building site. It truly felt like a turning point for us, with our awareness and profile continuing to grow stronger.
“A special shoutout to the other team members who clocked even more impressive step counts. It’s great to see the Unitec brand on the rise again and witness such enthusiasm and dedication from our Unitec whānau. I was proud to be a part of it.”
Despite inclement weather in West Auckland, there was also a steady stream of visitors to Unitec’s Waitākere campus throughout the day.
Teaching and support staff were on hand to host information sessions about the range of programmes offered at Waitākere, which include nursing and health science, social work, and health and wellbeing.
“Our staff really loved the experience of welcoming prospective students and helping them explore their options in healthcare and social practice,” says Dr Linda Aumua, Head of the School of Head of School, Healthcare and Social Practice. “There were lots of smiling faces, and the buzz of conversation and excitement on campus made for a really special day.”
Mastering the art of juggling many balls
Romy Sunny, Unitec’s events and communications business partner, is the mastermind behind this year’s Open Day, slated to be one of Unitec’s most successful ever.
Born and raised in the United Arab Emirates, Romy completed a Commerce degree in India before relocating to New Zealand six years ago to study post-graduate Event Communications at Unitec.
During his time in Tāmaki Makaurau, he has also pursued a highly promising football career, playing and coaching for Mt Albert Ponsonby FC. This year, he captained the team to a third-place finish in Division 1.
“I ran away from home to follow my dream,” he laughs. “Once I’d enrolled in my post-graduate programme, I changed every single elective to sport so I could have the best of both worlds.”
Romy has worked at Unitec since he graduated in 2019, first volunteering at industry and recruitment events before moving into his current role. He works closely with fellow team members Kit Yim and Nhi Nguyen in organising, facilitating and hosting a range of staff and public events, including Volunteer expos, Industry Connect networking sessions, Staff Excellence awards, international agent summits and Open Days.
He likens his work role to playing on the pitch.
“I enjoy the fast-paced environment and having to juggle many balls,” he says. “You’ve got to know how to multi-task, be comfortable working under pressure, but the benefits of helping people make connections are so worth it.
“A career involving unexpected changes and inevitable twists and turns appeals to me far more than a life of routine ever could.”
Ever the true captain, Romy reserves all his praise for those around him – the team of staff volunteers who help make things happen.
Check out some of the Open Day pics! (CLICK HERE)
Well done team!
Well done team, great mahi!