New students experience Kiwi culture

Students visit the Auckland Museum

As a cold spell made its way across New Zealand, new NZTC students made their way to the college’s Auckland and Christchurch campuses for orientation week.

Rain, wind and the winter chill couldn’t curb students’ excitement as they commenced their NZTC study journey, getting to know the college and more about life in New Zealand.

Orientation kicked off with a pōhiri – a traditional Māori welcoming ceremony – where students from all over the world, including countries such as China, India, South Africa, Sri Lanka, South Korea and the Philippines, were welcomed to the college.

After the formal proceedings of the ceremony, which includes speeches, waiata (songs) and a hongi (the ceremonial touching of noses), staff and students joined together to share kai (food) in keeping with the Māori tradition of manaakitanga (hospitality).

“The welcome that we received at NZTC was very fun, well-organised and warm, especially because so many of the college’s top management personally welcomed us. We feel that we can now begin our new journey,” said Manhua Li from China, who is studying a Certificate in Early Childhood Education (Level 5).

Following information sessions on topics such as college support systems, field practice, study preparation and NZTC Online, the week ended with a guided tour of the campus cities.

Students in Auckland travelled by train to the bustling suburb of Newmarket, then journeyed to the Auckland Museum, where they were immersed in New Zealand history and culture.

“It was wonderful. Everything that I have imagined or read about New Zealand, I found at one place,” said Master of Early Childhood Education student Mani Singh of her museum experience.

Christchurch students tour the city

Christchurch students explored the Garden City, taking in the many sights it has to offer such as the Bridge of Remembrance, Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Botanic Gardens and Cathedral Square.

 “Orientation was very beneficial to me. Before, so many things were going through my mind, but after orientation I am much more relaxed and I am thankful to the NZTC team for doing such wonderful and professional work,” said Mani.

For Indian student Harpreet Singh, who is studying a Certificate in Early Childhood Teaching (Level 6), orientation week helped to alleviate feelings of homesickness that he had been experiencing since arriving in the country. He said, “After arriving in New Zealand I was very confused, but the college team is very supportive, which has helped me to overcome my homesickness.”