Open Day Events 2026

Awanuiārangi Comes to Life with Open Day Events 

Prospective tauira, including rangatahi, whānau, community groups and businesses, came through the doors of Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi at two Open Day events held over the past week, bringing the spirit of Awanuiārangi to life across its Whakatāne and Manukau campuses. 

From the moment manuhiri arrived, both campuses were alive with kōrero, laughter, waiata and connection. The marketplace-style setup gave visitors the freedom to explore study options and get a feel for life as an Awanuiārangi tauira, with campus tours, interactive activities, practical demonstrations, presentations and panel discussions. 

Conversations flowed as people moved between activities, gathered information, and enjoyed live entertainment, music, giveaways and free kai.  

Awanuiārangi Bachelor of Education, Teaching Lecturer Shelly Mitai said. 

“It was encouraging to hear the genuine interest, particularly around programme options, study requirements and the support available to balance study with work and whānau commitments. 

“A common theme was whether returning to study was achievable. We were able to reassure people that they would be supported throughout their journey. 

“Many were motivated by creating better opportunities not only for themselves, but for their whānau and future generations. 

“Most importantly, experiencing the wairua of Awanuiārangi kanohi ki te kanohi at events like this helps them to see that higher education is achievable and that there is a place for them here." 

Rangatahi had a strong presence with Year 12 and 13 students from several secondary schools attending both events. 

Career Advisor Manaia Sorenson from Te Whānau-a-Apanui travelled almost two hours from Te Kaha with a group of Year 12 tauira to visit Awanuiārangi, the closest tertiary education provider to their rural East Coast community. 

“For rangatahi who come from small, rural, isolated communities, opportunities to experience university like this are rare. We made the most of our time, visiting every stand, talking to programme kaiako and exploring the different pathways available. Our rangatahi were particularly interested in teaching and nursing, so we spent a lot of time learning more about those study options and what a future in those fields could look like.  

“There is something special about bringing our rangatahi to a Māori tertiary institution, where they see themselves reflected in the people around them, and where te reo Māori, mātauranga Māori and their identity are valued. 

“It was cool to watch their curiosity grow, and they left with a much clearer idea of what subjects to take in Year 13, what steps to take after they leave kura, and how they can work towards the careers they are interested in. Bringing them to Awanuiārangi to experience this for themselves and see what is possible gives them the confidence to think, ‘I could do this too.’ That’s powerful.”