Food for thought for prospective students

Third year Bachelor of Culinary Arts students were putting their skills on the plate as Otago Polytechnic opened its doors for Otago Open Days 2026.

The budding young chefs fired up the food truck in the courtyard beside Manaaki restaurant on Monday, serving up a range of loaded focaccia bread bites to high schoolers and other campus guests.

Third year student Duncan Manfrinati says the food truck project was a good opportunity to give visitors a taste of their work, while singing the praises of Otago Polytechnic’s Culinary Arts programme.

“It's just so versatile. You get to meet a lot of fantastic people and you get to learn a lot of different things,” he says.

“As the years progress it gets more challenging,” admits Duncan.

“But in a way that feels so rewarding and allows you to develop your skills in stages towards building a future career.”

The two-day Otago Open Days event (run in partnership with the University of Otago) gives prospective students and their whānau the chance to explore the Dunedin campus and discover what student life looks like through face to face chats and activities.

Staff and current ākonga hosted stalls in The Hub, alongside information sessions and practical workshops in their dedicated programme spaces.

The smaller Sunday session was popular with Dunedin locals, mature learners, and those considering a career change or upskilling to boost their earning potential.

And on Monday, busloads of senior students from high schools across Otago, Southland, and Canterbury arrived to explore their study pathways and career options.

Our liaison advisors Carly Nesbit and Steph Kerslake were among those leading campus tours over the two days.

Otago Polytechnic also hosted more than 80 careers advisors from around New Zealand on Monday at the School of Architecture, for an update session highlighting our new study options, strong student support, and industry connections.

More than 100 guests took part in a fun ‘Snap & Win’ phone-photo scavenger hunt, aimed at encouraging them to explore the polytech campus and our student village, Te Pā Tauira.

Chief Executive Andrew McSweeney says the common thread across the polytechnic’s diverse range of disciplines is a strong focus on practical, vocational pathways that are closely linked to industry.

“This applied teaching focus is supported by specialist workshops, studios, and simulated environments which give learners access to the tools and settings they’ll encounter beyond the campus,” he says.

“I also believe our smaller class sizes and practical lessons help us offer more of a personal touch to our learners.”

Finding a job at the end of their studies was also a key concern for many prospective students, given the challenging job market.

Andrew says Otago Polytechnic’s practical, industry-relevant learning and strong employer connections - including internships and apprenticeships - are reflected in 96% of graduates being in work or further study, and a 95% student satisfaction rating.

“Our learners love the wide range of services we offer, the facilities we provide, and feel supported to work towards their goals,” Andrew says.