Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT)

The Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT) or Te Kura Matatini o Taranaki, is a government-funded tertiary education provider that offers education to all people within the region and from around the world.

As the local hub of learning, WITT is here to serve Taranaki. Our role is to cater to the needs of learners, help address local and national skills shortages, keep talented people in the region, and provide our key industries and local businesses with the skilled workforce that they need.

From degrees and diplomas to apprenticeships and short courses, WITT delivers practical, industry-relevant training to people at all stages of their learning journey. WITT has an increasing range of blended delivery, part-time and professional development courses available to those who need flexible study options. We provide education to respond to the needs of industry and align with the regional development priorities outlined in the Taranaki 2050 Roadmap and Tapuae Roa.

Our industry-experienced kaimahi are focussed on providing ?konga with hands-on, practical education that often involves work placements, industry projects and internships. Importantly we pride ourselves on our comprehensive and inclusive support services caring for the hauora of our kaimahi and ?konga. Our ?konga also benefit from a low student-to-tutor ratio.

Learners leave WITT as work-ready graduates, equipped with industry-relevant qualifications, networks, and skills that will enable them to contribute to the needs of our community and beyond. We’re committed to ensuring learners are not only equipped with the skills and knowledge required to get the job they want, but they’re supported to be themselves, meet other like-minded people and have experiences that’ll set them up for personal and professional success.

WITT is part of Te P?kenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, together with all the other polytechnics in New Zealand. From 2023, all WITT learners will be enrolled with Te P?kenga, instead of WITT. Find out more about Te P?kenga.

Te Henui Lodge - On-campus Accommodation
Te Henui Lodge provides modern, spacious and secure apartment-style living and facilities with Lodge managers living on-site. Common areas and facilities give you great opportunities to socialise or relax, with the option of independence and privacy within your own space if you need it offering great immersion language opportunities for international students wanting to practice their English language.

Located on campus, the Lodge gives you convenient access to the library, the Fitness Factory – an on-site gym with free membership for WITT students, basketball court, ping pong table, the 24/7 student lounge with computer access and free Wifi and all the attractions of the central city within easy walking distance. 

Facilities at the lodge include swipe card access, large commercial-standard kitchen, café style eating areas; TV room with large screen satellite TV; comfortable lounge areas, coin-operated washing machines and dryers and onsite student carparking. Security cameras operate.
Room Facilities include ensuite bathroom- toilet, basin and shower, queen bed, fridge, wardrobe, study desk, central heating and all linen provided (bed sheets, pillows, bedding and towels).

Rental accommodation (flatting)
Flatting is an option available to students, where you can rent anything from an apartment to a large house and garden. In a flat, you can have your own room or share it with others. Bathroom and kitchen facilities are shared. Rent is paid per room with all other expenses (food, power and Wifi) along with cooking and cleaning shared. Flats are usually unfurnished.

If you choose this type of accommodation, you will need to find your own rental property. Useful sites include Trade Me where most Kiwis go when they are looking for a place to rent on their own or with others; Facebook groups can be another good way to see who is looking for flatmates or call one of the local real estate agencies in New Plymouth.

Homestay accommodation - international students under 18 years
Homestay accommodation is when a student lives with a local family in the family’s home. For international students, it offers a caring family living environment, which can ease the adjustment of living in a new country with different food, language, and customs. Homestay accommodation is a requirement for international students under 18 years who are not living with their own families and is particularly suitable for students who are studying English language. Homestay accommodation includes three meals each day, a private bedroom, bathroom (maybe shared), study and laundry facilities, bed linen and towels and Wifi. Homestay costs do not include personal items such as toothpaste, shampoo, and toiletries.

Room in a private home - International Students 
We have families who welcome international students into their homes on a shared living arrangement. This type of accommodation will have you living within a family home, with your own bedroom but responsible for buying your own food, and doing your own cooking and laundry. Home Provider accommodation includes:

• Your own private furnished bedroom
• access to kitchen and laundry facilities,
• access to WIFI,
• bed linen and towels (e.g. sheets and blankets),
• Private or shared bathroom

The campus is equipped with modern amenities such as digital classrooms, seminar halls, a cafeteria, and a library that boasts a vast collection of books, journals, magazines, and research documents. The students have easy access to online resources through the library. The campus offers a peaceful atmosphere for learning and many cafes and restaurants in proximity to the campus. Medical shops, stationery, and general stores are conveniently located nearby. Public transportation is easily accessible from the campus. The institution's managing committee ensures that the campus is well-maintained.