Manukau Institute of Technology Otara Campus

Manukau Institute of Technology has been transforming lives through education for more than fifty years as one of the largest providers of technical, vocational and professional training in New Zealand.

Every year, 11,000# students choose to study with us. We deliver academic qualifications from certificate to degree level, and our students graduate with the real-world practical experience they need.

MIT has campuses located in Otara, Mahurangi, Auckland CBD along with TechPark and MIT Manukau in Manukau City Centre.

MIT recognises that we have a special obligation to serve the people, communities and employers of South Auckland. Achieving significantly improved tertiary education outcomes in this region is critical to the future economic and social prosperity of New Zealand.

MIT - Otara Campus
Located in the heart of ?tara, and just off the southern motorway, MIT ?tara occupies what was once called '?tara Farm', a fertile and productive farmland, and an agricultural education school, back in 1917.

MIT ?tara is now home to many of our hands-on vocational schools, and our Ng? Kete W?nanga marae and Pasifika centre , giving our students a place to call their own.

Searching for accommodation, especially in Auckland, can be hard if you don’t already live here. We are hoping that the following information and resources can help you to find something suitable for your needs.

How to choose

• What type of accommodation do you want?
• Do you want to live by yourself or with others?
• Look for accommodation close to shops, your campus and public transport
• The length you want to stay for (short term or long term)
• Budget of how much you want to pay for rent/board

The most popular types of accommodation in Auckland are:

• Houses
• Apartments
• Homestays (living with a family)
• Hotel/Motel

Long term accommodation
Long-term accommodation is more cost-effective while living in Auckland.

Renting a house or a room
If you want to live on your own, or you want your partner/spouse and children with you, renting a private apartment or house would be the better choice.

Most rentals in Auckland can be expensive depending on the area you choose to live in. Expect to pay a bond usually 2-4 weeks of rent and approx. $280-$560 per week for rent. The bond is returned to you at the end of your stay, as long as the house and property are in a clean, tidy and undamaged condition.

You will need to also think about the extra cost (and time) to travel to your campus each day.

You may find these websites useful:

• Trademe property
• myRent

Flat sharing or becoming a flatmate
Sharing a flat or house with other people is a good option.

Before you go flatting, think about the kind of flat you want and what you can afford. Think about things like:

• You could be paying $130-$300 per week
• Paying for upfront costs, like rent in advance and the ‘bond’ (security deposit)
• Transport costs and times to get to your classes
• Insurance – like contents insurance
• Costs for things like food, electricity, internet and other bills – how will you share them?
• The type of flat you want to live in, and who you want to share it with.

Getting started
There are lots of websites that can give you information about how to choose a flat, what you need to consider, your legal rights and responsibilities, and how to budget. Some are listed below.

Advice and information about flatting knowing your rights as a tenant

• Tenancy.govt.nz - flatting
• Citizens Advice Bureau

Managing your budget if you are on student allowance or part-time job during studies

• Sorted - budgeting tool

Needing financial assistance?
Try Studylink for an Accommodation Benefit or Accommodation Supplement . StudyLink should ask you about your needs during the application process for your tuition fees. They won’t pay all your rent or board but they will pay a percentage.

There is also the MSD emergency housing website .

Check out these websites for help to find or become a flatmate:

• Trademe - flatmates wanted
• Roomgo - Auckland flatmates
• Roomies.co.nz
• NZ Flatmates

Short term accommodation
Short term accommodation can be helpful if you need accommodation for a block course for your apprenticeship or a short course or if you’re looking for somewhere for now until you settle yourself into a permanent home.

Below are some links to apartments within walking distance to our Manukau and TechPark campuses.

• Proximity apartments
• Ramada Manukau

Homestay accommodation
Here at MIT, we work closely and exclusively with VCI Homestay. If you would like to stay in a family environment with caring, supportive hosts, consider VCI Homestay.

Homestay families provide you with good home-cooked meals, a private room with a study desk, access to Wi-Fi and they can help you to adapt to life in Auckland. In a homestay, you are treated as a member of the family, while the hosts respect your privacy.

Information and application process
There is an application process that you can find on the website or Vibha can send it to you. While students are in a homestay, Vibha monitors your experience and has both you and the family complete evaluation forms in week 3.

Your family will:

• be sensitive to your needs and culture
• provide a comfortable home environment
• provide a separate bedroom and study area
• provide clean bed linen and towel each week
• provide reasonable heating of your bedroom
• launder your clothes
• provide nutritious breakfasts and dinners on every day of the week and reasonable lunches on weekends and public holidays, e.g. Easter, Waitangi Day. Note: lunches are not included Mon-Fri during any other holidays, such as MIT breaks or if you arrive early before your course starts
• encourage you to meet other New Zealanders
• help you to find ways to spend your leisure time
• explain the house rules regarding the use of showers, telephone, laundry and electricity, smoking, staying out late, being on time for meals
• respect your privacy
• involve you in family conversations and activities.

The Institute offers a range of facilities that are available to the public, including a children's daycare center, a student training salon, a restaurant, a cafe, and a bakery. For those driving, there is free parking available in the multi-story car park, and for those using public transportation, there are convenient links nearby.

The Institute provides many amenities for its students. These include a recreation center with heated swimming pools, a public library, an art gallery, and the Ōtara town center, which houses various shops and food outlets.