Toi Ohomai Accounting Students Find Their Fit

Forty-two Bachelor of Accounting ākonga (students) from Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology took part in the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) Find Your Fit networking event in Tauranga last Wednesday, connecting directly with local chartered accountants and learning about the diverse career pathways available across the rohe (region).

The event brought together 60 accounting students from Toi Ohomai and the University of Waikato. It featured presentations from accounting professionals followed by a speed-networking session, where ākonga rotated in small groups to meet representatives from a range of organisations, including Atomic.io, Baker Tilly Staples Rodway, BDO, Deloitte, Inland Revenue, PMG Funds, Seeka, Tauranga City Council and William Buck.

Students heard firsthand about the speakers' career journeys, the day-to-day realities of working in accounting, and upcoming internship and graduate opportunities.

Toi Ohomai Programme Manager – Business and IT, Sarah Lockwood, says the CAANZ Find Your Fit event was a fantastic opportunity for Toi Ohomai accounting ākonga to connect directly with the profession, build confidence, and gain insight into the many pathways available within the accounting sector locally.

“Creating opportunities where students can engage with industry leaders, ask questions, and see the possibilities beyond the classroom is a really important part of preparing our students for successful careers.”

“Strong partnerships with organisations such as CAANZ and local accounting firms are critical in creating meaningful learning experiences for our students. These relationships ensure our programmes remain connected to industry needs, while also creating opportunities for our ākonga to develop networks, understand the profession, and see themselves as future contributors to the accounting community,” Sarah says.

Toi Ohomai kaimahi (staff) supported discussions throughout the speed-networking session, helping students build confidence before leading conversations themselves.

Toi Ohomai Academic Staff Member - Business, Rebecca Tereu, says the Find Your Fit event highlights the value of collaboration between industry and education.

“It was a great example of what can be achieved through collaboration. By bringing together CAANZ, Toi Ohomai, the University of Waikato and local employers, we created an opportunity for Bay of Plenty accounting students to gain practical networking experience, connect with industry, and make a strong first impression while hearing directly from professionals working in the field,” Rebecca says.

Find Your Fit was held in Tauranga on Wednesday, 29 July 2026.