EIT Hawkes Bay

Tairāwhiti Polytechnic provides international students with lots of extra support and value, which makes all the difference when you are faced with a whole new culture for the first time.

Visas and Immigration

Your agent will help you understand the visa regulations, and we can assist in visa renewal and changes to visas once you are in Gisborne. Full details of visa and permit requirements, advice on rights to employment in New Zealand while studying, and reporting requirements are available through the New Zealand Immigration Service and can be viewed on their website – www.immigration.govt.nz

Airport Pick-up

Airport pick-ups can be arranged if required at Auckland International Airport. The Airport pick-up costs include a one way domestic air ticket from Auckland to Gisborne. In Auckland we provide refreshments and take you to your flight to Gisborne. After the one-hour flight we will meet you in Gisborne and take you to your homestay.

Accommodation

Accommodation should be arranged before you leave home. We encourage students to use homestay accommodation. We will match you with a family, so that your learning continues in the home environment. This way, you not only improve your English language skills, you also learn about our cultures. For those who do not wish to live in a homestay/hostel, boarding and flatting options are also available.

International Student Orientation

On your first day at Tairāwhiti Polytechnic you will be collected from your homestay and driven to the campus. Your orientation programme will include familiarisation with the campus and the city. We help you to set up banking and computer access, and get your student ID card. You must plan programme application processes, accommodation arrangements and travel plans to ensure you are available to start the programme on its first day.

Email and Internet Facilities

Email and internet services are available to students in the Polytechnic computer suites, available five days a week.

Health and Travel Insurance

Health and travel insurance is compulsory for all international students in New Zealand. We strongly recommend that you organise insurance in your home country before you depart for New Zealand. We can also organise and renew insurance cover for you from our office when you are in Gisborne.

Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students

Tairāwhiti Polytechnic has agreed to observe and be bound by the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students published by the New Zealand Ministry of Education. The Code of Practice aims to protect international students and provide them with quality care from the schools and institutions that they attend.Copies of the Code are available on request from our Information & Enrolment Centre or from the New Zealand Ministry of Education website – www.minedu.govt.nz

Fees Protection Policy

Tairāwhiti Polytechnic guarantees the following under its Fee Protection Policy for international students:

• If a student is unable to obtain a visa in their own country prior to departure we will provide a full refund of all fees paid;
• If a course is cancelled or unable to be run, we will provide a full refund of all fees to the student, and provide assistance to find another similar course within New Zealand if required;
• If a student arrives in New Zealand and their course is cancelled or unable to be run, we will provide a full refund of fees and assistance to find another course in New Zealand if required. If the student has arrived in Gisborne we would also provide financial assistance to relocate to another part of New Zealand if required.