Fun is focus for students before hard yards begin

Students had a chance to experience a live performance by local soul star Ben Ratima at NorthTec's newly-branded Apprentice cafe. Photo / Stephen Parker

Orientation Week marked the start of another chapter in the lives of many Northland tertiary students as classes got under way at NorthTec.

More than 2000 students enjoyed a host of activities last week with a powhiri at the NorthTec marae kicking off events. Students also enjoyed a market day, with a free sausage sizzle, giveaways, stalls by NorthTec and various community groups, and music provided by Mai FM.

Students also had a chance to experience a live performance by local soul star Ben Ratima at NorthTec's newly-branded Apprentice cafe. The cafe is run by staff from the hospitality programme and gives students the chance to put their skills to use in a real-life cafe.

There was also a movie night at the campus Interactive Learning Centre.

For students at NorthTec's smaller learning centres in Kaitaia, Kerikeri, Rawene and Kaikohe, the week started with a whakatau for students and their whanau, followed by a barbecue and campus tours.

Huhana Seve, director of Learning Support, said he hoped all new and returning students enjoyed the events last week.

"This week is a chance for students to get to know the campus and find out all about the services available to them, to give them the best opportunity to succeed in their studies."