Haere mai, welcome!

Whether you’re a new ākonga (student) or a returning ākonga, studying online or on campus we’re stoked you’re back. Find out what you need to know to have a great semester with us! 

What’s on this week? 

Warm welcome event – TODAY!

The Hub, 10.30am – 1.30pm 

Head along to our expo-style Warm Welcome today and set yourself up for a successful semester. With free dumplings, music, competitions and giveaways, this will be a great first-day back event. Find out all you need to know about our student support services, as well as info about Studylink, Tenancy Services, UniPol, Study Abroad Opportunities and our student associations (OPSA and OUSA). Our IT Support crew will also be available if you need a hand with setting up your device. 

Find out more > 

Employment expo – THURSDAY!

The Hub, 10.30am – 1.30pm 

With around 35 businesses attending, this event is a fantastic opportunity to network and explore potential employment avenues, including internships, new graduate opportunities, and casual, part-time or full-time work. 

We’ve selected these businesses to align with the programmes you’re all studying. And the staff are keen to meet and connect with you and will provide valuable insights into various roles whilst also offering advice about future study and career pathways. 

No need to register, just drop in when you can! 

Find out more and add to your calendar > 

Matariki events – ALL WEEK!

The Hub, various dates and times 

Our Māori learner support team – Te Punaka Ōwheo – and our Students’ Association (OPSA) invite you to celebrate Matariki with us. From hot soup and buns, to giveaways, poi making and a hāngī in The Hub, there’s plenty to get involved in! 

Find out more > 

Ongoing info and support 

Kāpehu

Your student intranet is called Kāpehu (which means ‘compass’ in Māori). This central, online space is where you can stay in the loop with news, events, blogs and notices. 

We’ll soon be adding an easy-to-use form where you’ll be able to add your own content. Keep an eye out for info about that!

Kāpehu is your one-stop shop for links to things like your timetable, next class information, your email, Moodle (your learning platform), your documents, room availability, teams, onedrive (for saving your documents in a safe place) and the library. 

Click here to find out more >   

Watch video tour > 

Student Support services

We have a wide variety of Student Support services for you to tap into. Please reach out and use these whenever you need them, it’s what they’re there for and our staff love supporting you in whatever way they can. 

Support services include:

• Accessibility / Neurodiversity
• Career Services
• Counselling
• Chaplains
• International Support
• IT Support
• Learning Advice
• Māori Support – Te Punaka Ōwheo
• Online/distance support
• OPSA Rainbow Support
• Pasifika Support
• Peer Tutors
• Refugee Support
• Student Advice
• Wellbeing Support. 

You can find out more about these support services on our Student Support website – Te Ama Tauira: https://studentsupport.op.ac.nz/ 

And you can book an appointment with any of our support services here. 

Student Health

Find out more about how to access health services here. 

Staying safe

We know that living in a new place/living away from home can feel a bit daunting. We’ve got lots of measures in place to keep you as safe as possible. You also need to play your part in this and not take any unnecessary risks.

Find out more > 

OPSA

OPSA is your Otago Polytechnic Students’ Association. They’re an independent organisation run by students, for students. They can represent and promote your thoughts, safeguard your welfare, and give you access to awesome social, recreation and entertainment events during the year (loads with free entry!)

Find out more >