Huge O Week planned for Waiariki | Rotorua News | Local News in Rotorua

This year's Orientation Week at Waiariki Institute of Technology will be the biggest - and organisers say it has to be.

Waiariki Institute of Technology Student Association will face its first year as a voluntary union, meaning students do not have to pay the fee.

Association president Marlise de Vries said during the up-coming Orientation Week they had to make students aware about what they can offer. "We are trying to prove to students that $40 is worth their money, we really have to prove it to them this year."

The Education Amendment Act was passed in September last year allowing students the right of choice to join tertiary student associations.

"We are trying to get more people involved this O Week - we want to show the students that we are here to help."

If students paid the $40 sign-up fee, the association offered a free T-shirt, budget and tenancy advice, option to hire the association van, equipment hire and nursing uniforms at a discounted rate, discounts for local attractions and user-pay events at discounted rates.

It still offered some services free to non-affiliated students and members alike, including advocacy for complaints, health services and the buddy programme.

Miss Vries said the student association was looking for other forms of funding because of the new legislation.

"We are digging into our reserves for funding and are trying to get Waiariki to contract us for some services, we are also looking for funding from other resources."

She said at the end of the day it was the students who suffered without proper advocacy and a place to turn. "We just want to help the students."

Waiariki marketing and events co-ordinator Nicki Dent said they had previously focused more on graduation events but this year they were turning more focus towards Orientation Week.

"Our aim was to make it a bit bigger and get more of the community involved."

She said the big Friday-night concert was almost finalised and she would release details as soon as the contract was completed with the venue and artist. Miss Dent said she would like more businesses to contact Waiariki about joining the Tuesday stall day.

O WEEK CELEBRATIONS:

February 20: A welcome on to the marae for students.

February 20: Movie event at Reading Cinema.

February 21: Stall day at Waiariki advertising discounts from local businesses and attractions.

February 21: Waiariki Academy of Singing and Music show.

February 22: Climbing wall and maze set up at Waiariki.

February 22: Toga party at Heaven and Hell Nightclub, public invited (must wear toga).

February 23: Sports day including basketball, rowing and golf.

February 23: Night market on Tutanekai St.

February 24: Radio roadshow, The Edge or The Rock to visit Waiariki.

February 24: Live concert open to public with one of New Zealand's biggest bands.

For specific times, contact Waiariki Institute of Technology Student Association.