Ara Institute of Canterbury

Ara Institute of Canterbury
Former names
Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology, CPIT, Christchurch Technical College, Aoraki Polytechnic
MottoAra rau, taumata rau
Motto in English
Many pathways, many opportunities
TypePublic
Established2016
Students6290 EFTS (2023)[1]
Location,
New Zealand

43°32′18″S 172°38′35″E / 43.538259°S 172.643189°E / -43.538259; 172.643189
CampusUrban
Websitewww.ara.ac.nz

Ara Institute of Canterbury, often simply referred to as Ara, is an institute of technology in Canterbury, New Zealand. It was formed in 2016 from the merger of Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology (CPIT) and Aoraki Polytechnic.

Ara specialises in applied tertiary training. Subject choices include business, engineering, architecture, nursing, creative arts, hospitality, computing, science, languages, outdoor education, and broadcasting. Programmes range from Level 1 to Level 9. The institute works closely with industry to ensure students have relevant skills for employment, and have a wide range of work placement opportunities.

Each year around 14,000 students enrol at Ara, including many international students. Ara is internationally recognised and has one of the best English language training centres in New Zealand. Over 50 countries are represented among staff and students at Ara.

On 1 April 2020, Ara became a subsidiary of Te Pūkenga (the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology) alongside the 15 other institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITPs) in the country.[2]

  1. ^ Provider Summary: Enrolments, EFTS https://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/__data/assets/excel_doc/0017/62513/provider_summary_tables-2023.xlsx
  2. ^ Kenny, Lee (29 October 2019). "Wanted: 'Sophisticated' leader to head NZ's mega polytech". Stuff. Retrieved 2 March 2020.