Mid-year Open Day again busy for Ara

_{Engagement team kaimahi handled enquiries on a huge range of Ara's 150 programmes}

Ara Institute of Canterbury campuses across Ōtautahi Christchurch and Timaru reported strong attendance at their mid-year Open Days on June 11.

Hundreds of prospective students and their whānau took toured teaching spaces, spoke with tutors and attended information sessions as they explored options for mid-2025 study or began planning for 2026 and beyond.

In some cases, highly subscribed information sessions had to have last-minute location changes and there was strong demand to see the real-world teaching spaces and facilities first hand.

_{Crowds waiting to be escorted to one of the many Open Day information sessions} 

Jan Connelly, Ara’s Manager of Sales, Marketing & Engagement, said with pre-registrations again topping 1200, her team expected a busy day - and weren’t disappointed.

“From Timaru to Christchurch City and Woolston Trades campus to our Health Practice hub Manawa - it was a strong showing. We had lots of enquiries from prospective students making sure they’re on the right track with pre-requisites, as well as plenty of out-of-town visitors exploring accommodation and the unique offerings at Ara,” she said.

_{Sandra and Alex Mabey travelled from Wellington to look at NASDA's Bachelor of Music Theatre programme}

Among those visitors was Alex Mabey, who travelled from Wellington with his mum Sandra to visit the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Arts (NASDA). He was impressed by the “positive energy” on campus and pleased to learn Wellington had been added to the 2026 NASDA audition schedule.

“We’re glad we came down - it helped to get a real feel for the campus and check out the accommodation without needing a separate trip for auditions,” he said.

NASDA Programme lead Simon Goudie confirmed audition dates are set for Auckland (7 September), Wellington (14 September), and Christchurch (20–21 September).

Ara, Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest provider of campus-based and work-integrated vocational education and training, has around 7,000 equivalent full-time students enrolled annually, including more than 450 international learners.

Offering over 150 study options aligned with industry and community needs, Ara is known for its hands-on learning approach, outstanding facilities, and strong student support services.

New to the portfolio (with courses ‘going live’ on the website in time for Open Day) were the 2026 MAINZ (Music and Audio Institute of New Zealand) courses following the provider’s integration into Ara announced earlier this year.

The Level 6 Diploma in Audio Engineering and Production , Level 5 Diploma in Audio Engineering and Production and Level 4 Certificate in DJ and Electronic Music Production are now open for enrolment.

Mark McEntyre, Academic Manager of Performing Arts, said the new offerings add depth to Ara’s creative industries portfolio.

“With the New Zealand Broadcasting School, Ara Music Arts, and NASDA already part of our landscape, the addition of these MAINZ programmes brings great synergy. It’s a natural fit, and we’re excited to see applications open.”

From music studios to engineering workshops and simulated medical facilities, the day offered prospective students a snapshot of learning at Ara - and a taste of the possibilities that lie ahead.