Aoraki Polytechnic in Timaru is preparing a major logistics
operation to transport its students from four southern campuses for
an orientation concert by one of New Zealand's most popular
bands.
Aoraki's headline orientation act, New Zealand roots band the
Black Seeds, will be performing at the southern polytechnic's main
campus, in Timaru, at 3pm this Friday.
To ensure as many studentsas possible get the opportunity to
attend the gig, the polytechnic is readying a fleet of Ritchies
buses to transport concert-goers, Aoraki orientation spokeswoman
Felicity MacFarlane said.
Aoraki is welcoming more than 1100 students to its five campus
sites this week, beginning today with course confirmation, and
culminating with the Black Seeds set on Friday afternoon, she
said.
"This year, we wanted to do something that would bring all our
students together and create a big buzz ... With the help of
Ritchies we are transporting students from our Christchurch,
Ashburton, Oamaru andDunedin campuses to Timaru for Friday," she
said.
Timaru businesses have signed on to be a part of the week-long
schedule of activities, Ms MacFarlane said.
"We're thrilled to have the Black Seeds on board. We've had a
lot of support from local business and contacts in the community to
make this possible and it's a great opportunity to welcome
students, for them to mingle, and also a chance for the wider
community to come on campus and see our facilities."
Leading into the Friday afternoon concert are several events,
including a welcome mihi, BBQ lunch, live entertainment, and a
market day to introduce students to local services and businesses,
Ms MacFarlane said.
Aoraki chief executive Kay Nelson said the event was a great way
to start the year and the development of on-campus events was "in
line with the strategic direction of the organisation".
"We want to make the campus inviting, to be more
student-centric, and to create a positive learning environment to
give our students the best chance of success," Ms Nelson said.
Most classes start today.
Otago Daily Times