‘I want to live as an artist. Carving is my passion. Carving hard stone opens a new world of expression.’
Although he had wood and soft...
Tai Poutini Polytechnic (TPP) is a government-funded tertiary education institution, offering a wide range of high quality practical and vocational learning opportunities.
You'll come a long way to study at TPP and we want you to enjoy your New Zealand experience. At TPP we take a people-centred approach to learning. TPP tutors are expert in their respective fields, maintain excellent industry connections and are passionate about teaching. Our campus staff and tutors are always available to offer advice and we’re proud of our record of excellent pastoral care.
TPP's head office and main campus is in Greymouth, MAINZ (Music and Audio) campuses are in Auckland and Christchurch, and the Ski Patrol programme is based in Wanaka.
As one of the main tertiary education providers on the West Coast of the South Island, TPP offers a wide variety of certificate, diploma and degree-level programmes inspired by and responsive to the needs of this unique region. It also offers a range of niche programmes elsewhere in New Zealand.
The West Coast is an area of outstanding natural beauty and outdoor education at TPP takes full advantage of this spectacular location. Our Certificate in Outdoor Education and Diploma in Outdoor Instruction and Guiding will develop your technical and leadership skills and experience in a range of outdoor pursuits, including kayaking, rafting, rock climbing and mountaineering. Based in Wanaka, the Certificate in Ski Patrol programme teaches the skills you need to work in the ski industry.
If you’re interested in the art of the carver, TPP offers New Zealand’s only full-time speciality jade and hard stone carving programmes. Our certificate and Diploma in Jade and Hard Stone Carving focuses on the tools, techniques and skills you need to work with jade and other semi-precious hard stones and turn your passion for carving into a viable business.
Or, if your passion is food and hospitality, trained chefs are always in demand and our two-year New Zealand Certificate in Cookery and New Zealand Diploma in Cookery (Advanced) will ensure you’re ready to embark on a culinary career.
MAINZ (the Music and Audio Institute of New Zealand) is a faculty of TPP with campuses in Auckland and Christchurch. MAINZ offers a range of programmes designed with the music industry in mind. Whether you’re inspired to perform or would rather stay firmly behind-the-scenes, you’ll have freedom to explore your creativity as well as the advantage of practical industry-oriented training.
When you study at MAINZ you become part of a community of like-minded people dedicated to music. MAINZ tutors are among the best in the business, with extensive knowledge and experience to share. Our campuses use state-of-the-art software and equipment and include professional recording control rooms and studios, computer suites, and rehearsal and performance spaces.
Programmes available at MAINZ include:
Greymouth is the largest town and commercial centre of the West Coast region. TPP’s head office and main campus on Tainui Street is within easy walking distance of downtown. The Greymouth campus is home to our renowned outdoor education and jade carving programmes.
The West Coast is famous for its beautiful scenery, friendly people and relaxed lifestyle. It’s a great place to be a student.
New Zealand’s largest and most diverse city, Auckland is a fantastic place to live, work, study and play. Our central city Victoria Street West campus provides state-of-the-art recording studios, computer labs, rehearsal rooms, DJ booths and a fully equipped auditorium.
Christchurch is a city on the up, reinventing itself for the future. Our High Street campus has recording studios, computer labs, and a wide range of audio, live sound and recording equipment, while our separate purpose-built live sound and DJ space on King Edward Terrace is a great performance venue
Wanaka has long been a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts and our Ski Patrol programme takes full advantage of its spectacular location. Our unique field classroom, right in the middle of the Treble Cone ski area, guarantees maximum ‘on snow’ training and experience.
Students come from far and wide to study at TPP and many choose to stay at Tai Poutini Village, our hostel accommodation located next to the Greymouth campus.
The hostel offers 58 individual rooms in six units. Each unit has a shared common room (with television), bathroom and kitchen. All units are supplied with king single beds, furnishings, a fridge/freezer, microwave and basic cooking equipment. Residents are responsible for their own cooking and cleaning.
Please contact us if you need advice about accommodation options near the other campuses.
The South Island’s West Coast, or ‘the Coast’ as locals say, is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular regions. Set against a backdrop of the Southern Alps to the east and with the Tasman Sea to the west, this long, narrow stretch of land is a natural wonderland.
It’s easy living on the Coast. You’ll find excellent amenities, good transport links, space to relax, friendly people, a rare quality of life and a myriad of opportunities for enjoyment and adventure.
‘I want to live as an artist. Carving is my passion. Carving hard stone opens a new world of expression.’
Although he had wood and soft...
Originally from Germany, teacher Sebastian Grewe believes in the value of a lifelong learning. His planned working holiday in New Zealand morphed...
He came, he saw … and he came back for more. Mark Bielby enjoyed his first year at TPP so much that he returned for a second year to complete the...