International Student Guide Whangārei Campus QUALITY EDUCATION IN NEW ZEALAND Welcome Sushri akai Bemvindos Bienvenue Kyo-so-ba-thi Haere mai Aloha E Komo Mai Hartelijk welkom Baruch haba Soyez la bienvenue Marsha dogheela Titambre Kawai Kinh Chao Quy Khach Huanying guanglin Irasshaimase Dobro pozhalovat’ Foon ying Welkom Isibingelelo Bonvenon Aasantu Bonvenu Velkommen KAITAIA BAY OF ISLANDS KAIKOHE RAWENE Whangārei NORTHLAND AUCKLAND NEW ZEALAND Welcome Nau mai, haere mai ki te Tai Tokerau Wānanga Welcome to Northland Polytechnic Tai Tokerau Wānanga (NorthTec) and thank you for choosing to study with us. NorthTec is Northland’s largest provider of tertiary education, with centres in Whangārei city, Auckland city, Dargaville, Kerikeri in the Bay of Islands, Kaikohe and our northernmost site in Kaitaia. NorthTec is a New Zealand Government owned Institute of Technology and Polytechnic (ITP). You will receive a quality education that meets the high standards set by the New Zealand Government. Our expert academic staff members come from around the world where many have taught in polytechnics and universities. They are warmly welcoming of international students and passionate about teaching. Many of NorthTec’s staff and tutors have international reputations in their fields. NorthTec cares about the welfare and safety of international students. If you have concerns or need help about any aspect of your studies or life in Whangārei, please come and see the International Pastoral Care Coordinator and the rest of the Student Success team. We hope your time here is both successful and enjoyable. Nga mihi nui NorthTec International Contents Life on Campus Welcome page 1 Whangārei Campus page 4 Student Services and Facilities page 5 Health Centre page 6 Student Support Services page 7 International Team: Pastoral Care page 8 International Team: Accommodation page 9 Studying in New Zealand page 10 Tips to succeed on Academic Pathway page 11 Want to get involved? page 12 NorthTec Regulations page 13 Attendance and Attainment page 15 Complaints and Appeals page 16 Withdrawal/Cancellation and Refund Policy page 18 Conditions for Terminating Enrolment page 19 Code of Practice page 20 Immigration page 21 Powhiri Welcome Protocol page 22 Living in New Zealand Culture Shock page 24 Cultural Information page 25 Health and Safety - Insurance page 26 Keeping yourself safe page 27 Driving in New Zealand page 28 Cycling and Bus Service page 30 Banking and The Law page 31 Community Support and Help Lines page 32 Useful Contact Information page 34 Employment and Volunteer Opportunities page 35 Potential Employers page 36 The information contained in this guide was correct at the time of printing. Refer to our website: www.northtec.ac.nz. Printed February 2021 Life on Campus WHANGĀREI CAMPUS NorthTec’s main campus is located in the city of Whangārei, New Zealand. Whangārei, Northland’s largest centre, lives up to its name of ‘cherished harbour’ as you sit at one of its quayside cafes and restaurants watching the many international yachts moored in the Town Basin marina. Or you could head out to the seemingly endless beaches of the Tutukaka coast on the Pacific for a leisurely cruise taking in the breath-taking seascapes, or explore the Poor Knights marine reserve, one of the world’s top 10 dive spots. Whangārei’s sub-tropical climate, stunning coastline, relaxed lifestyle and relatively low cost of living have attracted a diverse group of people from around the world to add to its population of around 70,000. You will hear many languages spoken from German, Dutch and French, to Japanese, Mandarin, Hindi or Punjabi, while sampling the fresh local produce at the Saturday market or admiring the wares at the arts and crafts fairs. www.northtec.ac.nz 4 STUDENT SERVICES AND FACILITIES APPRENTICE CAFÉS HAIR AND BEAUTY SALON We have cafés at both our Raumanga and Future Trades Located at our Raumanga Campus, this modern salon is open to campuses. Both cafés are part of our student training facilities students. Hairdressing and beauty therapy students get a chance and are run by our hospitality students. They offer a range of to hone their practical skills while providing salon services at great sumptuous cabinet food, freshly made salads and handmade rates. Please book appointments at the salon. baking. The café is a great place to relax and unwind. EDUCATION MEDIA SERVICES (EMS) COMPUTER SERVICES The EMS at our Raumanga Campus provides binding, wide-format printing, scanning and laminating services at competitive rates for Computer labs and laptops are available at every campus. You students. Photocopying and printing equipment is available in the can bring your own device and connect with NorthTec’s Wi-Fi, library for students. or you can borrow laptops, iPads and other equipment to assist you while you study. LIBRARY Internet access is available at all our campuses and our ICT The NorthTec library is located at the heart of the Raumanga Service Desk provides support for computer service issues or Campus and features books, journals, online information, DVDs questions. Everytime you log into Northtec’s network you agree and other digital resources such as eBooks. The library has to use it appropriately. photocopiers, a study room and computer room with desktop GEOFF WILSON GALLERY computers, or students can borrow a laptop for the day or an iPad/ Windows 8 tablet for a week. Our experienced and friendly staff The Geoff Wilson Gallery is located centrally at NorthTec’s are keen to help you succeed in your studies and are on hand Raumanga Campus. The exhibition programme aims to feature to help you with research or to find the information you need. or a range of contemporary art practices, including painting, order text books printmaking, photography, sculpture, ceramics, Māori art, video Contact: [email protected]; 09 4703790; 0800 808856 work, and installation art. The gallery is an integral part of the option 3. learning experience of art students studying at NorthTec, as it provides an opportunity to see high quality art on campus. Contact (09) 470 3805; [email protected]; www.facebook. STUDENT VOICE com/geoffwilsongallery The NorthTec Student Voice team represent the interests and TE KAINGA - Student Common Room views of all NorthTec students, and advocates for them at all levels of the organisation. They aim to improve the student learning This area is in Te Whare Manaaki. It is designed as a student experience and are involved in organising student events and common room, where you can relax, catch up with friends, hang activities and improving student services. To join up or share out between classes and prepare food and drinks. your ideas contact 09 4703819; [email protected]; www. facebook.com/northtecstudents STUDENT MEETING ROOMS There are five meeting rooms available for students to use as STUDENT PORTAL study spaces or for meetings. Two of the rooms are available For more information about all our student services and events, on a first-come, first served basis, while others can be reserved opening hours and contact details please visit online. www.northtec.ac.nz/mynorthtec Phone +64 9 470 3775 Email [email protected] 5 HEALTH CENTRE The student Health Centre based at Raumanga Campus is staffed by experienced Registered Nurses who offer a comprehensive range of professional and confidential health services. We provide high quality health care that is sensitive to students’ needs. We are here to support your physical, cultural, spiritual, mental and emotional wellbeing. So the Health Centre is a great first place to go for any health problems – whether you are unwell with a headache, have a sore throat or stomach-ache, are homesick or you are worried about something. We offer you support to live a healthy lifestyle such as smoking cessation, healthy eating, contraceptive advice, activity and exercise support. We can also support you to a Doctor (GP) or other health services if needed. We also have a quiet room if you need a space to be still. Our service is free and confidential. So come and see us for all your personal health needs. We welcome all your queries, please call in or see us or contact by: Phone: 09 4703745 Text: 0272460269 Freephone: 0800 808 856 extension: 3745 Email: [email protected] 24-hour health advice phone health line 0800 611 116 NorthTec provides a smoke-free and vaping-free study and work environment. Smoking and vaping shall not be permitted in any NorthTec building, vehicle or outdoor area. Students that smoke are encouraged to quit smoking. For those who wish to do so, the nurses at the Health Centre will provide advice and support in a smoking cessation programme. www.northtec.ac.nz 6 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES THE NAVIGATORS TEAM COUNSELLING & COACHING SERVICE - Te Ara Mātauranga We all experience times in our lives when we have personal or The Navigators team is based in the Whare Manaaki building at relationship problems, feel homesick, anxious about studies or the heart of the campus. We are here to help you on your journey stressed about the future, At these times it is important to talk from enrolment to graduation. We have the knowledge and to someone about it. NorthTec students can talk to counsellors expertise to guide you through issues that may impact on your provided by Vitae for free. Vitae is a 24-hour counselling study and to help you make the most of your time at NorthTec. and life-coaching service You can even request to speak to We are committed to your achievement and success and making someone in your own language. Vitae is a professional company, the most of your time at NorthTec. independent from NorthTec, so your privacy and confidentiality is maintained.