Students from across the globe have joined the latest intake at Otago Polytechnic Auckland International Campus (AIC).

They were introduced to the Māori concepts of mihimihi (introduction) and waiata (song), at today’s Orientation event.

Māori Advisor Matt Rua shared AIC’s core values, while Te Kaihapai Sean Bell explained the campus culture and how learning is approached here. Sean highlighted the concept of ako, where teachers and students learn from one another, each prepared to give and receive knowledge.

He also spoke about AIC’s kaiako (teachers), who are dual professionals bridging the gap between education and industry. He said AIC’s hands-on, experiential learning approach helps students gain confidence and apply what they learn in real-world contexts.

“This is your passport to a global workforce,” he said.

One of the advantages of a small campus, he said, is that learning is personalised, and each ākonga (student) is at the heart of everything AIC does.

Although formal classes begin next week, students have already taken part in workshops on academic success, employability, and industry engagement. Today has been a day of introductions, presentations, and inductions.