Animation school sets up in Rotorua

Animation College marketing manager Gene Harris is looking for students for the school's new Rotorua campus. Photo / Stephen Parker

Rotorua is set to become the new home of a tertiary provider which promises to fill "a gaping hole" in the city's education profile with the opening of an animation school.

Animation College, formerly Freelance Animation School, has picked Rotorua to be its first regional campus since it was established in Auckland more than two decades ago.

The college will open its doors on May 18, offering a diploma of applied animation from the top level of the Rotorua Television Station building.

Animation College, in conjunction with Te Taumata o Ngati Whakaue Iho Ake Trust, held the first of three whanau days yesterday at Ohinemutu.

"The diploma we're delivering in Rotorua is all about the art of emotion and story telling," College marketing manager Gene Harris said after the information sessions.

"On our posters we have depictions of Hinemoa and Tutanekai because it's such a beautiful story and we feel people in Rotorua have a lot to offer in the world of art and design."

He said the first intake for the qualification would be around 25 to 30 people.

"We've had a lot of interest from prospective students and I don't think we'll have a problem filling seats."

Animation College co-founder and owner Barry Pearce said there was a "gap in Rotorua for art-based qualifications".

"I know there are other tertiary providers in Rotorua that do have art courses but they only scratch the surface, they don't get down to the nitty gritty stuff that we do. There is a gaping hole in Rotorua where extensive art qualifications should be.

"There is huge untapped potential in Rotorua and I think we'll do well here."

Mr Pearce said the decision to move to Rotorua was not one driven by revenue.

"We haven't moved here to make money, we moved here because we have a qualification that can lead to an exciting, fun career opportunity and we felt there were people in Rotorua who would benefit from having this qualification in their home town," he said.

"We will be at our current location for about a year and a half before we start to look for a stand alone campus."

The two remaining whanau days will be held on April 20 and May 4 at the Holiday Inn's Kauri Room. Text your name to (021) 1603 640 to register.