NorthTec postpones start of semester one

NorthTec has postponed the start of its first semester by one week, due to the rise in the Covid-19 Alert Level announced yesterday by the Prime Minister (14 February).

Students have been contacted and informed of the move, and NorthTec’s Emergency Management Group will monitor the situation on a daily basis.

Most ākonga (learners) had been due to start their studies today, with a few classes already under way.

Toa Faneva, Chief Executive, said: “The decision to postpone classes for one week at this stage was not taken lightly. As this was to be the first week of the semester, we had a number of events planned including welcome whakatau at several campuses and a whānau day for our nursing students.

“We are not able to guarantee that these events will be attended by fewer than 100 people, as per the Covid-19 Alert Level 2 restrictions, so for the sake of public safety we have pushed our semester start date back.

“I acknowledge that this is disappointing for our ākonga who are keen to begin their studies. The timing of this latest community outbreak of Covid-19 is unfortunate, especially as we held a very well-attended pōwhiri on Friday to welcome our learners to NorthTec.

“However, the safety of our students, staff and communities is paramount. We will monitor the situation and keep our students informed as any changes occur. We hope that we will be able to get the semester under way next week if the situation allows it.

“Ahakoa he maha I ngā piki me ngā heke kei mua I ā tātou mō tēnei wiki- e kī ana, kia kaha ra ngā whānau o Te Tai Tokerau. Me tū tonu tātou.”

Anyone with queries about NorthTec programmes should call 0800 162 100. Staff, students and the general public can access information about travel across Alert Level boundaries via:  https://covid19.govt.nz/travel-and-the-border/travel-within-new-zealand/regional-travel/travelling-into-out-of-or-through-auckland/.