NorthTec Whangarei Campus

NorthTec is the only Northland-based Tertiary Education Institute (TEI) that provides programmes ranging from foundation, certificate, diploma and degree levels.

Working closely with local and national industries, NorthTec provides practical, quality training that meets Northland’s needs. NorthTec has campuses and learning centres in Whangarei, Kaikohe, Kaitaia, Kerikeri, Dargaville and Auckland. NorthTec also has over 60 community-based delivery points as well as online learning options. 

NorthTec transforming lives right here in Northland so whether you imagine yourself as a chef, a nurse, or dream of getting a job in a trade, check out our over 100 programmes and enrol now for a brighter future.

HISTORY
Originally opened as the Northland Community College in 1978, with a staff of ten tutors, the college was hailed as "a significant centre for learning and an administrative centre for courses to be run in the wider community." In 1987 Northland Community College changed its name to Northland Polytechnic [Tai Tokerau Wananga] and to NorthTec [Tai Tokerau Wananga] in June 2006. On 1 April 2020, Northland Polytechnic Limited (NorthTec) became part of Te P?kenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.

NorthTec - Whangarei Campus
NorthTec's main campus is located in the city of Whangarei, New Zealand. Whangarei, Northland's largest centre, lives up to its name of ‘cherished harbour’ as you sit at one of its quayside cafes and restaurants watching the many international yachts moored in the Town Basin Marina. Or you could head out to the seemingly endless beaches of the Tutukaka Coast on the Pacific for a leisurely cruise taking in the breathtaking seascapes or explore the Poor Knights marine reserve, one of the world’s top 10 dive sports.

Whangarei’s sub-tropical climate, stunning coastline, relaxed lifestyle and relatively low cost of living have been attracting a diverse group of people from around the world to add to its population of around 70,000. You will hear many different languages spoken from German, Dutch and French to Japanese, Mandarin or Hindi while sampling the fresh local produce at the Saturday market or admiring the wares at the arts and crafts fairs.

WHY CHOOSE WHANGAREI?
Whangarei is only a 2-hour drive from Auckland with a regular bus service providing a safe and cost-effective link between the two cities.

• A good variety of different accommodation types is available to international students in Whangarei ranging from hostels and rental flats to homestays with local families – an excellent way to improve your English and experience the New Zealand way of life.
• The cost of living in Whangarei is much lower than in Auckland or other major cities.
• As a smaller city, Whangarei is compact enough to make it relatively easy to get around by walking, cycling or using a local bus service. There is also considerably less traffic on the roads here than in Auckland.
• The warm Northland climate means lower heating costs over the winter, while it’s also ideal for many outdoor activities throughout the year.
• Northland is one of the top holiday destinations in New Zealand because of its warm climate and natural beauty.
• Whangarei has a vibrant city life with a good variety of retail outlets, restaurants, bars and night clubs, as well as an active international community from Europe, the US and Canada, Asia and the Middle East.

Finding the right accommodation can take time so please provide us with at least two weeks’ notice before you leave your country. We are happy to provide assistance in finding suitable accommodation and recommend the following options:

Homestay

• Living with a local homestay family is the best way to discover Whangarei, experience the Kiwi way of life and to practice English on a daily basis. 
• According to The Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2016 (The Code), students under the age of 18 years must stay in supervised accommodation which is either a family member living locally or a NorthTec-approved homestay.
• NorthTec International recommends that all international students new to New Zealand or still studying English live in a homestay for the first few months regardless of age. 
• NorthTec works with a wide range of fully vetted and checked local hosts to match students to a suitable homestay.
• In a homestay, you’ll have your own private fully-furnished bedroom and all meals provided in a warm, supportive environment so you can focus on your studies.

Board

• After the first few months, long-term, independent students sometime prefer to live with local families as private boarders rather than homestays students. To keep costs down, they only pay the rent of a fully-furnished room inclusive of power/ water/ internet use and usually take care of all their own meals and transport.
• A Private board is also a lot easier to set up than flatting as you don’t have to worry about buying your own furniture/appliances and dealing with local service providers of electricity, water, internet, etc.
• The NorthTec International Accommodation Coordinator can help you with information on currently available providers, but ultimately you will be responsible for negotiating and making the weekly payments directly to your landlady/lord, or for managing any issues that may arise.

Rentals

• A group of students renting a house together is called ‘flatting’ in New Zealand. Flatting is a good cost-effective option for experienced, independent students. 
• You and your flatmates will have to source your own furniture, pay the power, water, and internet bills, do your own grocery shopping, cooking, laundry and cleaning so we recommend flatting for responsible students only with good English and living skills, e.g. cooking, cleaning, budgeting.
• The cost of flatting varies depending on your desired standard of housing, location and the number of students living together. Usually a refundable bond also needs to be paid.
• It can take some time to find the right flat and flatmates you get on with so it’s best to book temporary accommodation for when you first arrive.

The Raumanga Campus offers a dedicated student space called Te Whare Manaaki, which is a student-focused hub. It includes a student standard room, where you can unwind, socialize with peers, and prepare food and drinks comfortably. The campus also has kitchen facilities, Wi-Fi, couches, tables, and chairs, among other amenities. Additionally, there are five meeting rooms that students can use for meetings or as study spaces. The NorthTec Library, Te Whare Pukapuka, is located at the center of the Raumanga campus.

Apprentice Café is situated in the Toi Te Pito Arts Precinct on the Raumanga campus. The Red Barn Gym is also available for students and staff to join and is staffed at select times throughout the week.