Educating the Future – New Tertiary Education Hub for Sport, Fitness, Recreation And Health Officially Opened by Mayor
Today
6 March 2019 – Today, the Mayor of Wellington, Justin Leister, officially opened the new purpose-built campus for the
New Zealand Institute of Sport (NZIS), New Zealand College of Massage (NZCM) and New Zealand Management Academies (NZMA)
based in the Wellington Railway building, city central.
The newly refurbished 1650-square-metre site is fitted with brand new classrooms, workshops, gym lab and massage therapy
clinics, creating a purpose-built hub for students wanting to learn sport, recreation, exercise, health and wellness
skills from level 2-7.
After the official pōwhiri, the Mayor said it was wonderful to see the three colleges together in one of Wellington’s
finest buildings.
“Students are increasingly choosing to come and study in Wellington because it’s a place they want to live and study.
“I think it’s an even more attractive option when you can learn in a setting which has such a rich history.”
“I look forward to seeing the students really add to the atmosphere at this end of town, and hope they enjoy their new
home.”
With demand growing for skilled workers across all sport and health industries, the campus will be used to train
hundreds of students. This year, around 400 students will be educated across Foundation Skills to Level 6 in Sport
Management and Human Performance, Pre-Police Proficiency, Personal Training, Health Studies and Pharmacy Technician plus
programmes designed to cover a wide range of skills and knowledge required for diverse careers in the Massage Therapy
industry. NZCM was the first college to offer a Degree in Massage and Neuromuscular Therapy in New Zealand.
NZIS General Manager Suzanne O’Brien said, “We are offering a central city location, with high quality teaching and
first-rate facilities where we can inspire our learners with a dynamic and active approach to education in sport,
recreation, exercise, and health industries. We aim to provide opportunities for all students in and around Wellington,
and I encourage anyone interested in these career paths to come and see what’s available.”
Suzanne added, “To provide our learners with real life experiences, while building relevant and industry aligned skills,
we focus on strong partnerships and continual collaboration with a broad range of employers across the sport, exercise,
recreation and health sectors.
“Our students are stepping into careers that continue to evolve at a rapid pace. So that we remain a valued contributor
to the sustainability of these sectors, NZIS have launched five new programmes in 2019, developed closely with industry
and key stakeholders. This campus will become an important training hub in Wellington, being NZQA Category 1 providers,
the benefits of having three first rate colleges on one site is further realised. Our students will graduate with
work-ready skills and ready for sustainable employment.”
ENDS
Notes for editors/producers
• Photos of the official launch are available
• Interviews with the NZIS General Manager Suzanne O’Brien, can be arranged
New Zealand Institute of Sport (NZIS)
New Zealand Institute of Sport was established in 1996 providing students with a practical pathway to success. We have
evolved alongside the rapidly expanding industry of health, fitness, sport and recreation to provide relevant courses
from Level 2 to Level 6. NZQA recognised us as a Category 1 provider based on highly confident educational performance
and organisational self-assessment.
New Zealand College of Massage (NZCM)
New Zealand’s leading vocational massage therapy college offers programmes covering the skills and knowledge required
for diverse careers in the massage therapy industry. NZCM is an NZQA-ranked Category 1 provider and, as the registered
PTE, awards all qualifications offered by NZCM. NZCM was the first college in New Zealand to offer a Degree in Massage
and Neuromuscular Therapy, and has sites in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
NZMA (New Zealand Management Academies)
NZMA teaches real skills for today’s professions and is an NZQA-ranked Category 1 provider and, as the registered PTE,
awards all qualifications offered by NZMA. Across multiple campuses nationwide, NZMA delivers employment-focused
vocational training in the fields of hospitality, cookery, business, retail, contact centre, trades, early childhood
education, health, pharmacy and floristry.
ends