Tai Poutini Polytechnic

Based on New Zealand’s spectacular West Coast, offering learners exciting opportunities to get a head start in their career or take the next step on their learning journey.

Tai Poutini Polytechnic, based on New Zealand’s spectacular West Coast, offers learners exciting opportunities to get a head start in their career or take the next step on their learning journey.

We are part of Te Pūkenga, the national vocational tertiary education provider, offering popular study options that meet the needs of our local region. Tai Poutini Polytechnic works collaboratively with industry, community partners and training providers to deliver programmes that help people get into real jobs in the community or get ahead in their chosen career.

More than a polytechnic, Tai Poutini Polytechnic also supports the West Coast’s economic and social development by getting behind great local initiatives. Our size is often our strength. Because we’re small we can get to know you; our staff and students are a family and we can flex to meet local needs.

Tai Poutini Polytechnic offers a wide range of programmes that support local businesses and aim to get learners ready for work on the West Coast – you’ll find a full list of programmes and short courses here.

Our popular Outdoor Education programmes teach technical, leadership and teamwork skills on West Coast rivers and mountains. A base on the West Coast also allows Jade and Hard Stone Carving students to get right to the cultural and historic source of their material. Likewise, Infrastructure Works students prepare for jobs in the roading, forestry and mining industries on purpose-built work sites in Greymouth and Westport, while agriculture students have the use of the Reefton farm.

These are just some of our many popular full-time, part-time or short programmes, which include business, cookery, hospitality, carpentry, automotive and engineering. All programmes are focused on industry expectations and tutors enjoy strong relationships with local businesses so learning is relevant and useful to the market. The institute’s aim is to get students into real jobs in the community and help create better futures for everyone.

Tai Poutini Polytechnic is part of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (Te Pūkenga).