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.
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