MIT Open Day breaks attendance records, showcases cutting-edge technology and facilities

Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) welcomed a record number of prospective ākonga and their whānau to its recent Open Day, with over 1,400 people touring Manukau and TechPark campuses.

With more than 1,100 pre-registrations, this year’s Open Day saw a 57% increase from the previous year.

The Ask Me! Student Services team received over 130 on-the-spot applications from ākonga interested in studying at MIT.

Technological installations were a major drawcard for visitors, with tours of MIT’s purpose-built trades and engineering facilities and nursing clinical learning suites adding to the attraction.

Open to those just starting out on their tertiary education journey, transitioning to a new career, or wanting to upskill; MIT's annual Open Day showcased its diverse range of programmes across our five campuses.

School of Business offered a glimpse into the future of work with their Virtual Reality simulation glasses, while School of Nursing provided attendees a chance to try HoloLens equipment, an augmented reality solution that when introduced to the classroom will allow learners to study the human body in virtual 3D.

Prospective nursing ākonga Grace said it was fun to try out the HoloLens and she looked forward to trying it in class. “It was cool that we got to see how technology works and how they create it. I’ll try it again,” she says.

School of Hospitality showcased their culinary expertise with cake icing and cocktail mixing knowledge sessions while Floristry and Hairdressing school provided visitors hands-on experience wrapping flowers and braiding hair.

At TechPark, School of Professional Engineering drew a large crowd.

Bob, a former MIT student who completed his Trades training 20 years ago, brought his son to experience the facilities, expressing his admiration for the state-of-the-art-infrastructure MIT now offered.

Kylie Smith, head of Education was excited to talk to ākonga on Open Day.

“There is always such great energy that comes with an open day – it's exciting to talk with those who have purposely chosen to visit us, to have their questions answered,” she says

“These are connections that are full of possibilities, underpinned by their hopes for future success.”

Over 160 teaching and support kaimahi were on-hand to engage with the attendees’ answering questions and hosting information sessions.

“Staff enjoyed the buzz of so many young people trying to figure out what it is they want to do with their lives,” says Dr Simon Bilton, head of Digital Technologies

Eden Te Uira, team leader, Ask Me! Student services said she volunteered to be at Open Day to make a difference. "Choosing where to study can be a big decision. We want to help you make sure you are making the right choice."

“We’re seeing huge interest from our community wanting to study on campus at MIT in Semester One 2025,” says Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga, Te Pūkenga Rohe 1 executive director.

“Open Day means being welcomed by our enthusiastic lecturers, getting shown where you’ll be studying with us and receiving support to make an application. I am really proud of everyone who helped make the day such a great success," he says.

If you would like to talk to our team about how MIT can help you take the next step towards your future call Ask Me! on 0800 62 62 52