Engineering in Tauranga
As an Bachelor of Engineering with Honours student, you can now complete your first and fourth year of study in the Bay of Plenty for selected programmes.
The aim is to keep students connected to the area by enabling them to begin their studies at the Tauranga campus based in the heart of the CBD. While completing their studies at the Hamilton campus in years two and three students will be able to develop their professional network in the Bay of Plenty through work placements, and by working on regional projects for their research and design components in the final year. This provides students with an existing professional network in the region upon the completion of their studies, encouraging them to return.
Facilities and staff
Students who study at the Tauranga campus benefit from the new campus building and the Engineering lab situated next door on Durham Street. The engineering lab is equipped to deliver hands-on teaching of engineering science subjects and practical build components, while the agile classrooms in the main building support problem based learning within a lecture context creating a unique learning environment.
While teaching in Tauranga is supported by Dr Chanelle Gavin and Dr Ajit Pal Singh (both Waikato Alumni), the Tauranga cohort is integrated with Hamilton. This is achieved through guest lecturers and participating in the same design challenges including the iconic boat project for ENGEN180.
Building Connections Early
Tauranga based students benefit from the active engineering community in the Bay of Plenty including the local Engineering New Zealand (ENZ) Branch. The support received from ENZ ensures that our students are welcomed into the profession each year with a meet and greet, invited to winter series lectures, and to local field trips and networking opportunities. We are continuing to strengthen our connections with industry organisations, including New Zealand Geotechnical Society, and look forward to future collaboration opportunities.
Engineering as a Career
The Bay of Plenty branch of Engineering New Zealand supports our outreach to local high school students by promoting engineering as a career pathway through information evenings for students and parents at schools across the region. At these events, Engineering New Zealand connects students with local engineers who share insights into the profession, discuss real-world projects, and highlight the diverse opportunities and career pathways available within the engineering industry.
Feeding the STEM Pipeline
Waikato Engineering participates in STEMFest, showcasing our engineering facilities through interactive displays, robotics demonstrations, the WESMO car, and hands-on activities that inspire students and families to explore STEM.
Since establishing a stronger presence in the Bay of Plenty, Waikato Engineering has remained committed to supporting current students, building connections within the local engineering community, and encouraging future generations to pursue STEM pathways. We continue to strengthen our relationships with engineering organisations across the region and welcome opportunities to connect with alumni living and working in the Bay of Plenty.