Kia ora and welcome to the March issue of Agent Connect

In this edition, we share a range of stories highlighting industry partnerships, student success, cultural celebration, and learning beyond the classroom.

Our News

Industry partnership delivers job opportunities and curriculum boost

AIC’s growing partnership with SkillsVR is already delivering real outcomes for students, including a graduate hire and new curriculum opportunities aligned to industry demand. The relationship began through early conversations with SkillsVR’s leadership team and a connection made at the Auckland International Campus’s Careers Expo, where the two organisations identified shared goals around employability and building stronger pathways from study into work.

Design internship leads to full-time creative role with Otago Cricket

Studying Photography and Communications Design gave Johannes Guldner valuable real-world experience which led to a full-time creative role with Otago Cricket. He’s enjoyed the mix of work at the major cricket association, which has included regular game photography of both the Men’s and Women’s teams, some out of town Super Smash coverage, and community‑focused content. Johannes credits his courses and tutors at Otago Polytechnic for setting him up well for a creative career that values his versatility.

Opportunities in an evolving industry

Choosing a learning pathway with strong employment opportunities was a key consideration for quantity surveying graduate Kahutia Whaanga-Davies. At just 22, Kahutia Whaanga-Davies (Kahu) has already built a strong start to his career in quantity surveying, moving smoothly from study into industry and now working on major construction projects in Queenstown.

New nursing scholarship for OP

Otago Polytechnic’s School of Nursing has proudly presented its first Doris Irene Milne Scholarships, supporting a group of final year nursing students. Five Bachelor of Nursing and three Enrolled Nursing tauira have been awarded 2026 Doris Irene Milne Scholarships to help support their final year of study ($3,000 for Bachelor of Nursing students and $1,500 for NZ Diploma in Enrolled Nursing students).

Otago Peninsula becomes living classroom for global architecture students

Students from leading New Zealand and Australian tertiary institutions have been exploring Otago Peninsula, as part of a collaborative summer school run by Otago Polytechnic’s School of Architecture. More than 40 students and staff are spending part of their summer holidays working alongside local communities to design real world solutions for climate resilient living.

Horticulture knowledge “amazing” for Patagonia Chocolates owner

Purchasing an established fruit orchard near Clyde was just the first part of a new adventure which saw Patagonia Chocolates co-owner Alejandro (Alex) Gimenez go "back to school". Their decision to enter the horticulture industry came after weighing up the costs and benefits of building a new factory to house their Patagonia chocolates, ice cream, and coffee operations in one single location. He decided his best move was to go and study at Otago Polytechnic's Cromwell campus, signing up for the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Production (Level 4) (Fruit Production).

Celebrating Lunar New Year

AIC celebrated the Lunar New Year on campus with games, activities and delicious food. Many students and staff dressed in red, coming together to learn, connect and enjoy the festivities as one campus community.