Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki

02/09/2026

They didn't just learn how to build a house. They built one. 🔨🏠

Every year, our Level 3 Carpentry students put what they're learning into practice by working together on a real house at our WITT New Plymouth campus.

It's hands-on learning on a pretty impressive scale; reading plans, working with materials and construction methods, solving problems and developing the practical skills they'll take with them into the industry.

And when one group finishes, the house moves on so the next group can start again. This year's house is now for sale and looking for its next piece of land.

So while we're pretty proud of what our students have built, we're also hoping someone out there might know exactly where it belongs.

Explore Carpentry at WITT: https://www.witt.ac.nz/study/trades/carpentry/new-zealand-certificate-in-construction-trade-skills-carpentry-level-3

See the house for sale: https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/property/residential/sale/taranaki/new-plymouth/welbourn/listing/6091846465

28/08/2026

It’s hard to beat a leisurely lunch. WITT’s delightful Impressions Restaurant is hosting one of its popular lunch services (the first of four this semester) this Thursday 3 September 😃

And the menu looks spectacular! 🤪

Choose from Halloumi Mushroom Bagel or Blueberry Peach Cobbler Pancakes.
Also baked beetroot salad, rustic leek & potato soup, omlette with feta lemon rocket and smoked salmon, and delicious desserts 🥯🥗🍰

Prices between $12 and $20 🫶

Book today for a memorable meal made and served by our talented hospitality students! 🏃‍♀️‍➡️🏃‍➡️

Phone: 06-757-3700 ext 8940 or E: [email protected]

See schedule for dates and details

27/08/2026

Trauma can affect people in different ways – leading to behavioural issues, relationship difficulties, addiction and self-harm, educational delays and physical health problems...

Trauma Informed Practice – a specialist micro credential unique to WITT - is a gamechanger 🫶

It equips professionals working in health, education, justice and social services with understanding as well as constructive, compassionate ways to interact with patients and clients affected by trauma.

An additional intake of the Level 7 course starts 21 September, runs for 8 weeks.
It’s online and interactive, with 2 face-to-face workshops.
There’s still time to enrol whether you live in Taranaki or elsewhere in NZ.

Read more about this amazing programme developed by experienced nurse tutors and health researchers Tara Malone and Helen Bingham (pictured):
https://www.witt.ac.nz/news/extra-intake-for-trauma-course-as-interest-grows

For more information and to enrol:
https://www.witt.ac.nz/study/nursing-and-wellness/short-courses-and-micro-credentials-health/trauma-informed-practice-micro-credential

27/08/2026

At the recent Taranaki Business Showcase WITT ran a business card draw for a Prezzy Card 😀📨

The lucky winner is Grace Burmeister, from BNZ, one of the exhibitors at the event organised by the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce 👏🥇

Congratulations Grace! Enjoy spending your Prezzy card (presented by WITT marketing manager Mieke Rotteveel on the left) on something special! 🎉

It was a pleasure to meet you Grace and to connect with all the other participants 🤝

Thanks to all who entered the draw! We’ll be in touch with fresh news and updates on WITT’s business courses soon…

27/08/2026

Got the land? We’ve got the house. 🏠

We have a 121m², three-bedroom transportable home for sale. This has been constructed right here at WITT by our carpentry students, supported by experienced construction tutors.

It’s ready for its next stage and its next piece of land.

The home is being sold at its current stage, giving the new owner the opportunity to complete the services and fit-out to suit their plans.

Asking price: $165,000

Know someone with a farm, lifestyle block or section looking for a house? Tag them below!

Trade Me listing with full details: https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/property/residential/sale/taranaki/new-plymouth/welbourn/listing/6091846465

26/08/2026

Tummy rumbling?? 🤔

Head to Trades Academy Market Day – Thursday August 27 🏃‍♀️‍➡️🏃‍♂️‍➡️

Spice up your lunch break at WITT campus tomorrow with tasty dishes from Mexico, Italy and Taiwan! 🌏

Our clever Trades Academy hospitality students are creating delectable dishes to warm your day – including dumplings, chilli and pizza 🍕🍜🥟

Nothing over $5! 😃🫶
See you there at Impressions Restaurant: 11.30am - 1.30pm🧑‍🍳

24/08/2026

HAPPY MONDAY! 😄🌞

WITT’s cute Garage Café opened today. First time this Semester 🎉

Welcome to the new team of beaming baristas – rockin’ new skills to make great coffees, hot chocs and a bevy of beverages! ☕️🧋

Rylee, Lisa and Tara (pictured with L4 student supervisor Alexis and tutor Peter Lang) are doing Level 3 NZ Cert in Food and Beverage – a great stepping stone into the world of cafes and cuisine 👩‍🍳

Sharing delicious kai with pride, knowledge and a friendly attitude is the essence of hospitality mahi 🫶

See you at the sun-drenched (well, it was today!) Garage Café for your fav caffeine fix and sweet treat 🏃‍♀️‍➡️🏃‍➡️🥞🍕

Open Monday to Wednesday: 9.30am – 1.30pm

18/08/2026

What a fantastic Taranaki Careers and Training Expo that was this year! Thank you all for joining us, chatting with our team, grabbing a few Fruit Bursts and our study guide, and joining in the fun activities we had!

RNZ's Robin Martin was there on day one and created a lovely article about the general vibe at the Expo and how AI is influencing our future workforce.

Have a read/listen. You may even see or hear yourself if you were there!

Despite high youth unemployment and the spectre of AI, teenagers attending the Taranaki Careers and Training Expo this week are optimistic about their futures.

17/08/2026

It’s buzzing here at Taranaki Careers and Training Expo at TSB Stadium today! 🐝

Lots of interesting interactive displays and demos to try your hand at...😃
..or test your knowledge.

WITT'S hospitality team have a bunch of unusual veg & fruits for you to guess the names of. (Spot the dragonfruit)
Maybe you could learn how to turn them into delicious cuisine at WITT ?? 🤔🍲🥗

We (and 40+ other educational, training and business exhibitiors) are here till 6.30pm tonight. Especially here for school leavers and anyone contemplating a new career path 👍

14/08/2026

Hands together for hands-on demos and displays 👏👍😃

That’s the magic of Taranaki Careers & Training Expo: August 17 & 18.

Around 50 employers, businesses, government departments plus vocational trainers and universities under one roof 🫶

WITT’s diverse programmes will be on show, with fun activities to give you a feel for what’s involved in a specific trade or career…(photo flashback to last year’s Expo)

Loads of new activities this year at WITT stands!

🩺 Nursing and health: Learn how to check for vital signs, do CPR and test your anatomy knowledge with a 3D puzzle.
💅 Hair and Beauty: curl creation, nail art, LED face masks and mini facials, or try your hand at a small fade if you’re a wanna-be barber!
🌱 Horticulture and conservation: Grab a free packet of flower or vege seeds. Play the Flying Kiwi game to help our native birds survive
🔨 Trades: change a tyre, try a variety of building tools and the Nail Stacking challenge, install a kitchen tap, see electricity at work
🎨 Art & Design: play with clay to add to a growing spiral pot, and create a small clay animal sculpture
🍹 Hospitality: Fruit and veg identification game, mocktails.

WITT staff and students will be ready to chat and answer your questions.
See you there! 🏃‍➡️🏃‍♀️‍➡️

Event details:
Taranaki Careers Expo 2026 at TSB Stadium 1 Rogan Street, Welbourn.
o Monday 17 August: 12pm – 3pm and 4pm – 6.30pm
o Tuesday 18 August: 8.40am – 3pm