Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) campuses in Gore, Christchurch, Balclutha (Telford), Queenstown and Invercargill were a hive of activity this week as they welcomed students during O-Week for the start of the 2025 academic year.
A stunning day on Monday created the perfect start and set the scene for the three days of outdoor events at Invercargill campus, helping to bring out big numbers of new and returning students, who had the chance to meet with classmates for some relaxed fun and find their bearings on campus.
Staff and students, along with invited guests were formally welcomed with a pōwhiri in the courtyard, which was followed by morning tea. The pōwhiri was attended by Minister of Vocational Education and MP for Invercargill Penny Simmonds, and Mayor of Invercargill City, Nobby Clark. Well-known SIT Kaumatua Michael Skerrett conducted the opening welcome and closing karakia, and led the whaikōrero (formal speech), with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa (TWOA) kaiako, Henry Johnson responding.
At the conclusion of the pōwhiri, SIT Operations Lead, Daryl Haggerty, welcomed the students and highlighted what was provided at SIT to assist their “great experience” there. The Zero Fees Scheme for financial support, industry-standard facilities and cutting-edge technology available across SIT’s faculties, as well as Student Services - a team specifically devoted to student support, were amongst SIT’s many qualities. Engaging with local businesses, industry, and the community, helped SIT to produce current, relevant courses, and performance measurement came from SIT’s annual Student Satisfaction survey, which showed “96% (2024) of students were happy with their programmes of study”. He encouraged the audience to make the most of opportunities that Invercargill and Southland presented to them, and “to strive for success” with their studies.
After formal proceedings, the activities continued with plenty to see and do at the Market Day, including stallholders, an array of fun games and the all-important attraction of free food. SIT’s barbecue kept everyone fed, and regulars, such as XO Church’s popular coffee caravan, were there to add to the welcoming spirit of the day. The festive atmosphere was enhanced by “fantastic” Pacific Island dancers organised through PIACT (Pacific Island Advisory Charitable Trust) and a SIT band playing well-known covers, made up of Bachelor of Music students.
Around 20 stallholders helped to make the day interesting and informative, allowing local businesses and organisations to share what services are available to the students to support them while they are living in the city. Political parties, government agencies, interest groups and sports clubs – orienteering, hockey, chess, fitness - and more, chatted with students throughout the day.
Tuesday saw local food caravan, Halo’s Hangi, in the courtyard at lunchtime providing free food, with around 500 people served a range of takeaway food.
The orientation culminated in a Wellbeing Festival on Wednesday, where more than 20 wellbeing providers including Southland Multicultural Trust, Number 10 Youth One Stop Shop, Diabetes NZ, Cancer Society, Autism NZ, and more, shared information for supporting students. SIT Student Services encouraged attendees to pause for a few minutes and try some rock painting to enrich their day.
Mr Haggerty said the arrival of new and returning ākonga (students) at the start of the year brought a lot of energy and positivity to all SIT campuses. “It’s fantastic to have all ākonga back; the campus is buzzing.” He also acknowledged the dedicated SIT kaimahi (staff). “I really appreciate the preparation and delivery of our programmes by kaimahi; they mentor and inform our ākonga to give them a rewarding experience while at SIT.”