IPU New Zealand

27/08/2026

Only 3 DAYS LEFT to APPLY for the next Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) held right here at IPU New Zealand! 🇯🇵🇳🇿

We will also be holding FREE MOCK TESTS prior to the main test to help you do your best and better understand what to expect this coming December. 🗓

So don't be shy, APPLY NOW using the link in the comments! ⬇

#𝐉𝐋𝐏𝐓

27/08/2026

🎌 Omatsuri 2026 🎌

On the evening of Friday 21 August, our IPU New Zealand campus in Palmerston North came alive with colour, culture, and community spirit for Omatsuri 2026! This special event was held in response to requests from Japanese language teachers at high schools across the lower North Island, who were keen to see the beloved Omatsuri festival return to inspire their students' passion for Japanese language and culture.

Around 200 people took part altogether, including 125 students, teachers, and parents from multiple high schools between Hawke's Bay and Wellington (including some of our wonderful local schools), alongside IPU students and staff, as well as students from Clark Memorial International High School, who are currently visiting us all the way from Japan.

The energy on campus was absolutely infectious, with everyone joining together to celebrate the sights, sounds, and traditions of a real Japanese matsuri.

Events like this are close to our hearts here at IPU. As one of four majors within our Bachelor of Contemporary International Studies programme, Japanese Studies remains a key focus of ours, and we're proud to be one of only three official test centres for the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) in New Zealand. Watch this space, as we're already looking forward to hosting more events for Japanese language learners and teachers in the future.

Finally, we thank all of our lovely guests for visiting our campus, and we look forward to seeing you all again soon.

24/08/2026

🌸🌸🌸

Join us - alongside IPU New Zealand and Youth Space - to celebrate the culture and springtime vibrancy of Cherry Blossom Fest 2026 under the beautiful sakura (cherry blossom trees) at Coleman Place!

Featuring:
🌸 Performances by the IPU New Zealand Kodama Japanese Drum Team + interactive experience
🌸 Performances by the Soran Dance Team - Hana
🌸 Shodo - Japanese Calligraphy demonstration + interactive experience
🌸 Paper crane origami construction
🌸 Traditional Japanese Gown 'Dress Up Photo Booth'
🌸 Matcha Tea Making demonstration
🌸 Candyfloss machine
🌸 Themed face painting
🌸 Spot prizes!

BE IN TO WIN!
Follow Palmy BID and IPU New Zealand on our socials for details on how to take part in our Cherry Blossom Fest prize promotions - featuring exciting giveaways including...

👉 Purchase the ‘Cherry Blossom' Patisserie at Alexandre Patisserie & Chocolaterie & enter the draw to win a Kodama Drum Team performance for your nominated school! (Winner must have receipt of purchase & be present upon announcement at Cherry Blossom Fest to claim their prize)
👉 Take a selfie with the IPU Cherry Blossom Tree in the City Centre to be in with a chance to win either 1 of 2 $400 The Plaza vouchers or a cherry blossom tree!

Keep an eye out on our socials and watch this space for more on the above promos so you don’t miss out!

21/08/2026

What an incredible afternoon at the NextGen Track II Masterclass at the IPU NZ Library!

Held last Tuesday (18 August) this event was truly informative, engaging, and inspiring, giving students the opportunity to explore international relations, Track II diplomacy, regional security, foreign policy, and New Zealand’s engagement with Asia.

Led by Dr James To from the Asia New Zealand Foundation, the sessions went beyond simply listening to presentations. Students were encouraged to ask questions, exchange perspectives, and take part in meaningful discussions about real-world international issues and what a future career in this field could look like.

The event was made even more valuable by the presence and contributions of guests and attendees from the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Palmerston North (NZIIA), Massey University - Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa, Palmerston North City Council, and the Asia New Zealand Foundation network. Their experience and diverse perspectives brought the conversations to life and gave our students a valuable opportunity to connect classroom learning with the realities of international engagement.

A huge thank you to Dr James To, our invited guests, partner organisations, and everyone who joined us and contributed to such a thoughtful and lively afternoon.

And to our students, keep an eye out for more IPU Library career and professional development events. These are opportunities not only to learn, but to meet professionals, build your network, ask questions, and discover where your studies could take you.

20/08/2026

What makes you YOU, and how can understanding your personality help shape your career?

Our recent Personality Profiling for Career Success workshop gave students an insightful look into the connection between personality, professional identity, and career choices.

A huge thank you to our guest speaker, Tony Vincent, an experienced Career Consultant and MBTI Practitioner, who guided students through the key aspects of personality profiling. Tony provided an engaging, practical introduction to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), helping students understand how different personality preferences can influence how we communicate, make decisions, work with others, approach challenges, and navigate the workplace.

It was a highly informative session and a great reminder that career planning isn't only about qualifications and experience, it also starts with understanding yourself.

Thank you to everyone who joined us!

If you missed this session, don't worry! More career workshops and events are coming from the IPU Library. Watch out for our announcements and take advantage of these opportunities to learn, connect, and prepare for your future career.

19/08/2026

Quick reminder, our CAMPUS OPEN DAY is on this SATURDAY and there is still time to join us!📍

Register now via the link in the comments.⬇

18/08/2026

🇯🇵 IPU Japanese Immersion Programme 2026 🇯🇵

Calling all NZ Japanese Language Teachers! Join us for a FREE one-and-a-half-day programme of professional learning, cultural experiences, and connection with the IPU NZ community.

🗓 Sat 14 – Sun 15 November 2026
📍 IPU New Zealand, Palmerston North

Teachers living outside Palmerston North may be eligible for travel support of up to NZ$500 from Language Circle towards travel and accommodation costs.

Registration required – for more information, check out the link below in the comments. ⬇️

16/08/2026

A few weeks ago, we said farewell and gave our well wishes to Blair Fangshu, one of our enthusiastic ELS teachers.

Though her stay with us was relatively short (1.5 years), her impact on our lucky students, and on anyone who had the privilege of working alongside her, was immense. Beyond her everyday commitments, a few highlights included teaching our visiting Clark High School students from Japan, and accepting the invitation to be the official MC for our 2025 Graduation Ceremony.

Blair's passion for education was evident from the get-go, and as you can see from this photo, her willingness to give 100% left a lasting impression on all of her students.

Now that her time working and studying abroad is complete, with a new doctoral degree in hand, she returns home to China to begin a new role working as an assistant professor.

We wish Blair all the best for the next chapter of her life, and again say thank you for her giving and faithful service. Her new university is blessed to have her.

15/08/2026

A huge thank you again to Massey University Pickleball Club for making our collaborative tournament so successful. Everyone had such a blast! 🤩🫶🤓

If you are an IPU student, feel free to come along to our IPU Pickleball Club nights:

🗓️ Tuesday
🕕 6:00PM
📍IPU Rec Centre

Hope to see you there! ✨👋

13/08/2026

Nau mai, haere mai!

Last week was orientation for all our new students (including those online!), with many joining us from different parts of the globe, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Pakistan, India, South Korea, Japan, and Aotearoa New Zealand.

Here are some highlights from Wednesday’s pōwhiri (formal Māori welcome), which was held at our campus library. From the opening karanga (welcome call) through to the shared waiata (songs) and hongi (pressing of noses in greeting), this was a truly moving experience for these new members of our IPU community.

A very special thank you to tangata whenua and Rangitāne o Manawatū representatives Terry Hapi and Nuwyne Te Awe Awe Mohi for their kindness, support, and guidance regarding tikanga; to Chris Collins (President of IPU NZ) for his welcoming speech delivered in Te Reo Māori; and to all our wonderful IPU NZ staff for their presence during this special occasion.

Ngā mihi.