Welcome to Wintec - January 2026

Kia ora!

Welcome! And thank you for choosing Wintec for your study journey. We are super excited to see you on campus soon.

In this newsletter you will find important infomation, please read it carefully. You will find what to do on your first day here, about transportation in NZ and about international student events, and much more!

Please join our online webinar this week 16 January - see below for details. This will help you prepare for your first day and beyond. We want to make sure you have a great time and a wonderful student experience with us.

Meet the team

Meet the International Student Services team. We are here to help you navigate life in NZ while you study with us. We offer you the guidance and information you need to thrive as an international student.

Our team come from different backgrounds and different countries – we understand the international student journey. Come and chat with us anytime. Your health, wellbeing and success is important to us.

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Please Attend! Pre-arrival Information Webinar 2 (online)

After the great questions and discussions in our previous webinar, we’re looking forward to continuing the conversation. This webinar will focus on what to expect on your first day on campus, living and studying in New Zealand, transport from Auckland Airport to Hamilton, accommodation options, student insurance, and more. We welcome new questions and look forward to hearing from you again!

* Date: Friday, 16 January 2026

* Time (NZT): 3.00 pm - 4.00 pm

* Where (click here to join): Teams Meeting

You'll have time to ask questions, though we will not be able to answer questions about your specific enrolment or study plan.

If you miss this information session, please click here for FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions).

Your first day on campus

Complete your enrolment:

Visit the Wintec Student and Enrolment Centre (SEIC) located in A Block at the City Campus, once you arrive in New Zealand. Bring your Passport and visa with you. View the Campus maps here to find A Block, and click here to find the opening hours to plan your visit.

SEIC will provide information about your timetable, student ID card and much more.

Wintec Student Account login:

Within 3 working days after completing your enrolment, you will receive a welcome email from SEIC. This email will include your Wintec student account login details.

Log in to your Wintec student account as soon as you receive the email.

Exciting Events Await You!

There is a full calendar of exciting international student events and activities throughout the year, providing excellent opportunities to make friends and take a well-deserved break from studying.

Please click here for more details.

Opening a NZ bank account

You can start the process to open a bank account before you arrive. Please see below for links to the banks that enable you to do this.

Please know it can take up to 2 weeks to open a bank account.

ANZ

BNZ

ASB

International Student Orientation (on Campus)

You must attend the International Student Orientation. Attendance will be recorded on the day. Click here for information.

*Students arriving before 30 January 2026

International Orientation

Date: Friday, 30 January 2026

Time: 8:45 am – 4.00 pm

Where: Events Room 1, Hamilton City Campus

*Students arriving on or after 30 January 2026

International Orientation

Date: Thursday, 12 February 2026

Time: 8:45 am – 4.00 pm

Where: Events Room 1, Hamilton City Campus

Entering New Zealand

New Zealand's nature is unique. Kiwis are very committed to protecting our beautiful country from anything that could harm it, like foreign bacteria, plants and pests. Because of this, there are things you can't bring into New Zealand.

NauMai NZ is a great resource for international students and has a section where it lists the things you cannot bring with you - click here to learn more.

Don't be afraid of New Zealand Immigration and Customs. As long as you obey their rules, the immigration officers are really nice and happy to answer your questions, should you be unsure about something. Know more about NZ biosecurity rules here.

Prepare to travel

It's Summer in New Zealand (December– February).

However, you need to be prepared for all kinds of weather in New Zealand – sometimes we have four seasons in one day! Some students say they wished they'd brought more warm clothes. So, aside from your favourite summer clothes, don't forget items like: sweaters, a warm coat (like a puffer jacket), a woollen hat, gloves and scarves, a raincoat, boots or waterproof shoes.

Electricity & Power plugs

The New Zealand power system is 240 volts, or 50 hertz. The power plugs are angled with two or three pins. Unless you are visiting from Australia, you will have to use an adaptor for your electronic devices. You can buy these when you arrive in New Zealand .

Accommodation & Airport Shuttle

Have you got your accommodation arranged? How do you plan to get from Auckland Airport to Hamilton?

We can help with these. Click here for information, or email Cassandra at:

international.accommodation@wintec.ac.nz

Auckland Airport to Hamilton is a 1.5-hour car journey, 123 km.

Medical Insurance

StudentSafe insurance cover starts 31 days prior to your programme start date. If you arrive in NZ earlier than this, you will need to contact international@wintec.ac.nz to purchase additional insurance. It is a condition of your student visa that you have Medical and Travel insurance while in NZ.

StudentSafe insurance does not automatically provide cover for pre-existing conditions. (A pre-existing condition generally refers to any medical or physical condition you were aware of, or reasonably should have been aware of, and for which you have sought, been given or been recommended advice, care, treatment or medication.)

If you require cover for pre-existing condition, complete a Medical Risk Assessment Form here, and forward it to assess@medicalhotline.co.nz within 31 days of your programme start date.

You may be required to pay an additional premium, but it will be cheaper than paying for medical treatment in New Zealand!

For more information: StudentSafe Insurance Policy here

International Student Handbook

Get the most out of your time at Wintec with the International Student Handbook—your complete guide to support services, adjusting to life in New Zealand (including etiquette, do’s and don’ts, Māori culture, and popular Kiwi slang), accommodation, and everything you need to start your journey with confidence and make the most of your experience.

Click here for a copy of the International Student Handbook.

Connect with us

Email
If you have any questions, need information or support, please email us at internationalhelp@wintec.ac.nz or come to B Block reception, City Campus.

Facebook

One of the ways to stay up to date with news and information is to join our Wintec International Students Facebook group. It is a closed group with exclusive access for International Wintec students. Request to join and answer the questions, including providing your Student ID number and agreeing to the group rules.

If you have any questions, please email us at internationalhelp@wintec.ac.nz

We will see you online on Friday, 16 January 2026, at 3.00 pm (NZT) on Teams.

Ngā mihi

Lily, Juan, Shruti, Cassandra and Karen

International Student Services Team

Wintec