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Kia ora and welcome to the December edition of We are AIC
Summer has arrived, and we’re entering the holiday season. In the final newsletter for 2025, we’d like to share some of the highlights from the year and bring you a few recent updates. We wish you happy holiday celebrations and a restful break.
A message from the CE
Dear Students,
As we come to the end of another successful year, I want to take a moment to acknowledge your hard work, commitment, and perseverance. Whether you were beginning your journey with us, continuing your studies, or preparing for the next step in your career, you have shown determination and resilience that deserves recognition.
This year brought many achievements across our campus — from strong academic progress and successful projects, to outstanding participation in events, internships, and industry engagements. Your dedication to learning and your willingness to challenge yourselves have been truly inspiring. We are proud of each one of you and the progress you have made.
Thank you for the energy and enthusiasm you bring to AIC. You contribute to a vibrant, diverse, and supportive learning community, and you play an important role in shaping the positive culture of our campus.
As we head into the holiday break, I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Please stay safe, look after yourselves, and enjoy a well-deserved rest. We look forward to welcoming you back in the new year, ready for another exciting chapter in your learning journey.
Kind Regards,
Amin Soleimani - Chief Executive International Division
Looking Back
Our Success Stories
2025 brought many success stories from students of diverse backgrounds and programme areas. Learners secured jobs, completed internships, and made the most of their New Zealand study journey.
Highlights included:
- Manjot Singh, who was selected as a Student Representative at the Building Institute Aotearoa.
- Master’s student Ruwanthi Silva, who landed a management role in the apparel industry, helped by her overseas experience and our Employability Team.
- Representative cricket player Aditya Rajesh Rangwani, who brought his love of the game to his study.
- Mary Grace Estrella, who landed a job as a Business Development Manager at the property management company where she completed her internship.
- Ruvangi Wijekulasuriya, who secured the position of Digital Marketing Intern at the premium New Zealand honey company Bee Positive.
- Master’s student Siraj Junaideen, who came to us with extensive experience in finance and accounting and built his knowledge of the New Zealand business landscape through his internship.
Our Wins
We also saw our people recognised on external stages. Students from different subject areas were acknowledged for their talent, and an institutional award recognised a team effort.
- Tianyi Yin came first in the Quantity Surveyors Emerging Professionals essay competition.
- OPAIC student Wei Qi (Beatrice) Hong and her teammates won one of New Zealand’s top construction competitions, the BRANZ ArchEngBuild Challenge.
- OPAIC student Sisi Li took out the Bronze Medal in the NZ Pastry Chef of the Year 2025 category at the prestigious NZ Chefs Championships.
- Future Skills received a 2025 ISANA NZ Pioneer Partners Award for its work in Critical Incident Strategy and Prevention.
Cultural Celebrations
As always, we felt privileged to be able to celebrate the important dates of many of the cultures represented at AIC. Take a look back at these celebrations through the links below.
Research at AIC
We’re continuing to grow our research culture here at AIC. This year our researchers collaborated with thinkers around the world, with an eye on work that aims to make the world better and more sustainable.
Some of our top stories:
New Zealand’s most employable graduates
We remain focused on our vision to develop New Zealand’s most employable graduates. This year brought industry speakers to campus, supported internships, and offered networking events both on and off site. It all culminated in a careers expo where our industry partners met with students on campus.
Some employability highlights:
Latest News
Auckland International Campus launches podcast
The Auckland International Campus is excited to launch What’s Up AIC, a brand-new student-led podcast where we dive into the study and work experiences of students, lecturers, and graduates.
In each episode, we talk with our people about their journeys, challenges, and advice to help students gain fresh perspectives on studying in New Zealand, building careers, and life at our Auckland campus.
Meet the podcast team and learn more about the initiative below.
From Research to Mindfulness: The Journey of Varun Bhardwaj
In our very first episode of What’s Up AIC, we sat down with Applied Management Lecturer Varun Bhardwaj to explore how curiosity, compassion, and creativity shape learning and life.
He Waka Eke Noa: Jennifer’s Journey of Reinvention at AIC
In Episode 2 we met Jennifer Black Hannah, an American student at AIC who’s embraced a bold new chapter in New Zealand. Starting fresh in Aotearoa, Jennifer shares her journey of courage, resilience, and rediscovery.
Mā te Huruhuru ka Rere te Manu: Learning Support at AIC
In this special episode of What’s Up AIC, we shine a light on the Learning Support team at AIC. Guided by the Māori whakataukī “Mā te huruhuru ka rere te manu,” - Adorn the birds with feathers, so they can soar! This episode explores how support, guidance, and care help students grow, gain confidence, and reach their full potential.
Ako Tonu, Ako Tonu - Keep Learning, Keep Growing: The World of Dr Badger | Barry Dowdeswell
In this episode, we explore the inspiring journey of Dr Barry (“Dr Badger"), whose career spans Chemistry, Engineering, Teaching, Programming, Research, and Entrepreneurship. He shares how each stage, from teaching in Ōtara to building an international software company, shaped his passion for innovation and education.
Christmas comes to AIC
Christmas arrived early at our Auckland International Campus. Our Student Christmas Party included a speech about the meaning of the season, games, prizes, food, and of course Santa. A big thanks to those who helped organise the event.
Celebrating our peer tutors
Our Auckland International Campus Learning Support Team got together to celebrate our Peer Tutors last week. These student tutors make a real difference for other students because they have been through the journey themselves and know exactly how to guide, encourage, and walk alongside their peers. We celebrated with games, kai, and a Secret Santa.
Notices
Public transport discounts for students
Auckland Transport (AT) is increasing the public transport concession for eligible tertiary students from 20 percent to 40 percent, effective Sunday 14 December 2025. This now aligns with child and secondary student concessions. This 40 percent discount applies to most standard adult AT bus, train and ferry fares. The process for applying for the tertiary concession has not changed. This is detailed on the AT website: Tertiary student concession.
No vaping on campus
This is a reminder that vaping is not allowed anywhere on campus, including bathrooms. Please ensure you are following the rules and being considerate of others.