Our Student Success team will help you through any issues that might arise, and make sure your time here is rewarding and fun!
At Central, we encourage you to study at your pace – in our space. We give you the support and guidance you need to make the most of your time here. We offer support to all students, as well as career guidance and work placement opportunities.
Starting life as a student is exciting but can, at times, feel overwhelming. Before your studies start, we want to make sure you're feeling happy and briefed on what Central student life is all about.
Orientation takes place on your first day of study.
Domestic student orientation
Orientation includes:
- Introductions to all staff
- Information on Otago Polytechnic requirements and Student Services
- Student ID photos
- Meet your lecturer
- Tour of the campus
International student orientation
Your orientation can begin from the moment we meet you at Queenstown Airport. We will take you to your accommodation, help you get settled in and ensure you have the essentials, such as groceries. At this time, we'll also tell you what to expect in your first few days at Central.
Your first day at Central includes:
- Enrolment and Student ID process
- Information on Otago Polytechnic requirements and Student Services
- Preparation for studying in New Zealand
- Introduction to your Programme Manager and school
- Tour of the campus.
If you have any questions about orientation, please email central@op.ac.nz or call us on 0800 765 9276 (within NZ) or +64 3 445 9900 (from overseas).
Here at Central, Jo-Anne Brun is the student support person. She can help you with any personal problems and study issues as you settle into life at Central. Jo-Anne also offers continued assistance throughout the academic year.
Email: joanne.brun@op.ac.nz
For international student's Carolyn Patchett is the dedicated support person. Carolyn can be contacted on carolyn.patchett@op.ac.nz
We have other Student Advisors based at our Dunedin Campus – and they are also available to talk via phone or email, anytime.
Email: studentsuccess@op.ac.nz
The staff at Central are committed to making sure your stay with us is a wonderful experience. All staff and New Zealand 'Kiwi ' students at Central look forward to meeting you. Carolyn Patchett is the support person for all of our international students at Central.
Email: Carolyn.Patchett@op.ac.nz
We understand that when you’re focusing on getting your assignment finished the last thing you need to worry about is a problem with your laptop, or how to access the wireless network. So at Otago Polytechnic, our IT Support team is here to help you with all of your computer-related problems to allow you to concentrate on the really important business of studying. The team has a wide range of skills to keep the megabytes flowing and can help with tasks such as:
- Getting online with the wireless network at Otago Polytechnic
- Accessing and storing your work in the network drives
- Completing the free downloads of any necessary resources for your course
If you need to contact the IT Support team they are available via:
Phone: 0800 765 948 (New Zealand)
Email: servicedesk@op.ac.nz
Tena ra koutou katoa kua tae mai ki te Kura Matatini o Otago mo tou haerenga. He mihi mahana tenei. If you would like guidance and support for Maori students please email: tepunakaowheo@op.ac.nz
Our Pasifika Advisor provides support to Pacific Island students. Those who identify as being of Pacific Islands descent will be contacted by us, and regular fono are held during the year. Our Advisor is based in Dunedin, however, they can provide support and advice via phone or email to students on other campuses.
Email: pasifika@op.ac.nz
We offer support tailored to your individual needs. This may include classroom note-takers, readers and writers, tutors, equipment, adaptive technology, orientation – and liaison with lecturing staff and community agencies.
Email: disability@op.ac.nz
We offer expert guidance and a ‘friendly ear’ to help you make informed career decisions based on your own personal values, goals and interests. We can discuss career options, a possible course of study, job applications or interviews, or any other career-related topic! We take a holistic approach to career guidance. Reflecting on what is important to you will help you decide on the next step towards your career goals.
- What we offer:
- Individual career guidance and planning
- Drop-in career support
- A broad range of career information
- Employability workshops
Email: careers@op.ac.nz
Central gets you ‘work ready’. Our programmes are practical – ensuring that you get the skills you need before you graduate.
Central offers an abundance of work placement opportunities as part of our courses, and our teaching staff have excellent contacts with local industry. Have a chat to your lecturer to see what work placement opportunities exist.
If you’re a student studying at Central, you can book an appointment to see our counsellor, Malcolm Creagh. Malcolm is available by appointment. Please contact him via cellphone message or text on 027 254 9323. Alternatively, make an appointment through the office staff (phone 0800 765 9276 or email central@op.ac.nz) or ask your lecturer. This confidential service is free, funded by Otago Polytechnic Student Health.
Find out about places of worship or talk to someone who can understand your spiritual needs. Our experienced Chaplain can help you with a range of issues, including homesickness, grief and blessing flats. Based in Dunedin (in The Hub, H Block) the Chaplain is available via phone or email for students that are based at Central.
New Zealand 0800 762 786
chaplain@op.ac.nz