Engineering in Tauranga

The aim is to keep students connected to the area by enabling them to begin their studies at the new Tauranga campus building based in the heart of the CBD. While completing their studies at the Hamilton campus in years two and three students will be able to develop their professional network in the Bay of Plenty through work placements, and by working on regional projects for their research and design components in the final year. This provides students with an existing professional network in the region upon the completion of their studies, encouraging them to return.

Students who begin studying at the Tauranga campus benefit from the new campus building which opened in April 2019 and the Engineering lab situated right next door on Durham Street. The engineering lab is equipped to deliver hands on teaching of engineering science subjects and the practical build components, while the agile nature of the classrooms in the main building support problem based learning within a lecture context creating a unique learning environment.

While teaching in Tauranga is supported by Dr Chanelle Gavin and Dr Ajit Pal Singh (both Waikato Alumni), the Tauranga Cohort is integrated with Hamilton. This is achieved through guest lecturers and participating in the same design challenges including the iconic boat project for ENGEN180.

Building Connections Early

Tauranga based students benefit from the active engineering community in the Bay of Plenty including the local Engineering New Zealand Branch. The support received from ENZ has been incredible. They ensure that our students are: welcomed into the profession each year with a meet and greet, invited to winter series lectures including Full Noise (in 2019), and to local field trips and networking opportunities. We have also recently connected with the New Zealand Geotechnical society (NZGS) and look forward to working with them in the future.

Engineering as a Career

The Bay of Plenty branch of ENZ has also supported our efforts to reach local high school students to make them aware of engineering as a career option. Last year we began a new initiative of information evenings for students and parents at local high schools. Each visit Engineering New Zealand would introduce some local engineers. These engineers set the scene for what it is like to work in the engineering industry by showcasing some of the projects they have worked on, highlighting to students where a career in engineering can lead.

Feeding the STEM Pipeline

Engineering participates at the STEM Fest in Tauranga. We showcase the new engineering lab, with robots, WESMO Car and hands on activities which is always well received! Overall since formally becoming a part of the Bay last year Waikato Engineering has worked hard to support our current students, to integrate with the local engineering community and to support those interested in STEM in our community. We are continuing to build our connections with local engineering companies and we would be interested in connecting with you as alumni in the region.