Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology

Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology is a New Zealand tertiary education provider serving over 14,000 students, including international learners, across more than 86 sites in the Bay of Plenty and South Waikato regions. It offers around 200 programs ranging from certificates to postgraduate levels in fields such as Business, Forestry, Engineering, Hospitality, Tourism, and Trades. Formed in 2016 through the merger of Waiariki Institute of Technology and Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, Toi Ohomai is the largest education provider in the region and aims to deliver vocational training that makes graduates work-ready. It became part of Te Pukenga, the national vocational education network, in 2020, but is set to become a stand-alone polytechnic again after Te Pukenga’s disestablishment planned for 2026. The institute values partnership, cultural respect, community connection, and excellence. Its history traces back to the early 1900s with technical education in Rotorua and the establishment of community colleges in Tauranga. Toi Ohomai’s name, gifted by local iwi, means "to achieve great heights through learning," reflecting its commitment to supporting student success and honoring local Māori heritage. The institute emphasizes partnerships with iwi, industry, and communities to provide innovative learning that addresses regional education and employment needs, particularly improving access and outcomes for Māori students.