Kia ora ,

I am Kevin, your newly elected Student President for Unitec.

A small bit about me; Seven years ago, I put my studies on hold for our growing family and proud to say I came back and finished my degree in Sports last year being the first in my family to get a degree. I am now studying for a Masters in Applied Business and work part-time in the sports department as a tutorial assistant.

As your Student President, my role is to help your voice be heard and ensure that you are supported in your studies and well-being. I work with a team of council members made up of students across Unitec who are also passionate about supporting all tauira (students), so feel free to contact us anytime.

During my time, one of my priorities is to encourage social events for students and find opportunities to bring us together, like representing Unitec at the University Games throughout the year. Regardless of the event, though, tauira is my main focus and will always be.

With our move to Alert Level 4, I hope you and your family are safe. Please take the time to be mindful of your health and well-being first. Anything you need in terms of your studies, do not hesitate to contact Unitec to support you. There are a handful of services you as a student have access to.

Below you will find information on where to access support or resources at Level 4 and where to reach out if you need more help.

Ngā mihi

Kevin Toto
Unitec Student President

A reminder that all Unitec campuses are fully closed from 11:59pm, Tuesday 17 August.

Online/Remote Learning

Any information around your class delivery will be communicated by your lecturer. Please also check your moodle and student portal for updates.
Where possible, all classes are expected to move online from Monday 23 August.
Unitec will continue to update you about any changes to teaching and learning as we anticipate Alert Level Changes.

If your zoom classes are showing the incorrect start time, you may need to reset the time zone to (GMT+12:00) Auckland, Wellington via the ZOOM app. Find Instructions here.

For more information about our online resources such as Moodle, Office360, Zoom, and more, click here.

Please be prepared for the possibility that Auckland's Alert Level 4 status extends beyond Wednesday 25 August.

Equipment and materials

Due to the aggressive nature of the more transmissible delta variant, the Government has advised New Zealanders to stay home unless for essential travel:

You can only leave home to shop for groceries, access necessary healthcare, get a covid-19 test, exercise in your local area, or go to work if you are an essential frontline worker.
Only make physical contact with those in your household bubble.
You are encouraged to wear a face covering and to social distance from others when leaving your home.
Under Alert Level 4 you must wear a face-covering on public transport

As such, Unitec is unable to operate a click and collect service under Alert Level 4. Unitec will continue to follow Government Guidelines and update you of any necessary changes.

Please ensure you advise your lecturer/s immediately if you have limited means to participate in online classes.

Health and Wellbeing

This may be a challenging time for you and your whānau. If you ever feel you are not coping, it is important to talk with a health professional.

Puāwaitanga - Remote Counselling for Unitec Students

Our Puāwaitanga service provides free individual phone and online counselling sessions to current Unitec Students between 9am – 9pm 7days a week.

Visit https://puawaitanga.nz/ to register with Puāwaitanga.

For 24hr support, if you need to talk, you can call or text 1737.
It is free, anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Student support

A number of student support services are still available to you while you are studying remotely. You can find a list of our services at unitec.ac.nz/help.
Call 0800 10 75 10 to book an appointment with one of our services.

Remote delivery: click here to view student services

Te Puna Waiora Medical Centre

The Medical Centre will remain open for phone or virtual consultations only.

If you require a COVID test: you must call ahead on 0800 10 85 10 to book an appointment. Walk-ins will not be seen.

Further support

Unitec will continue to keep you updated on further news as it comes to hand. In the meantime, we encourage you to follow the guidance outlined on the Ministry of Health and COVID-19 websites.