Future Learners Explore Pathways at Toi Ohomai Open Days

More than 2,000 future learners from across the Bay of Plenty and South Waikato explored tertiary study, vocational training, and career pathways at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology's 2026 Ngā Rā Whakawaia Open Days in Rotorua and Tauranga this month.

This year, Toi Ohomai re-introduced dedicated open days for secondary school students, held on weekdays, alongside our traditional public open days.

Toi Ohomai Events and Engagement Manager Megan Wheeler said the events were designed to make it easier for local rangatahi to access information about vocational study and career opportunities through coordinated school visits.

"We wanted to make career and study information even more accessible. Within the school week, Year 11, 12 and 13 students were able to experience tertiary education and campus life first-hand, learn about vocational study and training options, and explore the careers these pathways can lead to."

Across the four open days in Rotorua and Tauranga, prospective students toured campus facilities, met academic staff, and explored the subjects and industries that interested them most. They also connected with ākonga success services to learn about the range of support available to Toi Ohomai students, including wellbeing and pastoral care, career and employability services, academic and assessment support, mentoring, scholarships, and advocacy.

Megan said the events provided an authentic showcase of the industry-connected and employment-focused education opportunities available at Toi Ohomai.

"That really shone through at the events. Visitors left with a clear understanding that they don't have to leave paradise to build a successful career. The Bay of Plenty lifestyle is hard to beat, with its beaches, lakes, forests, and sunshine. At the same time, there are strong employment opportunities and growing industries right here on our doorstep. We're home to New Zealand's largest port and major sectors including horticulture, agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, and tourism."

"By choosing to study locally at Toi Ohomai, students can gain practical qualifications and build rewarding careers while staying connected to their whānau and communities. Studying close to home can also help ease some of the financial pressures associated with gaining a tertiary qualification," Megan said. 

Many Toi Ohomai programmes include practical learning opportunities through work placements, industry projects, and real-world experiences, allowing students to gain valuable skills and build professional networks while they study. Flexible options, including part-time, remote, and evening classes, also make it easier for learners to upskill while balancing work and personal commitments.

At the Rotorua Open Days, prospective students learnt about the institute’s Free Frees initiative, which enables eligible secondary school leavers to undertake their first year of study or training at Toi Ohomai's Rotorua (Mokoia) campus without paying tuition fees throughout 2027. Free Fees is open to students who are enrolled in Years 12 or 13 at any secondary school at any time in 2026. It applies to all qualifications (Level 3 or above) offered at the Toi Ohomai Rotorua campus, whether students choose to study part-time or full-time.

Applications are open now for Toi Ohomai courses commencing in Semester 1, 2027.