A warm welcome to all students
Kia ora and a warm welcome to all students to Victoria University of Wellington.
To our first year students from all parts of New Zealand and around the world, congratulations on your excellent enrolment choice! You are embarking on a wonderful period in your lives and the education you receive here will stand you in good stead for your future careers and roles, whatever path you take.
Wellington is a fantastic city to be a student—it is safe, vibrant and welcoming—and the student experience at this University is second to none.
Wellington is a place where ideas happen, where law is made, where hikois end, where people connect with nature and find friends for life. I encourage you to get out and explore what the city has to offer.
As a University, we live and breathe our capital city location. As you progress through your studies, you will benefit from the strong and unique links Victoria University of Wellington has with government departments and agencies, business, iwi, the judiciary, research institutions, cultural and environmental organisations, and the diplomatic community.
But it’s your first week and that transition to university can feel pretty daunting—whether you’ve come straight from secondary school or you are back studying after taking a break. It’s a time of massive adjustment and change.
If you run into a problem or need some support, whatever it is, there’s always someone who can help—such as Student Learning, Mauri Ora (Student Counselling and Health), support for International, Māori and Pasifika students, and Student Finance for your budgeting needs. If you’re struggling or you feel in need of some advice, just ask.
We also encourage you to get involved in university life beyond the academic realm. The University offers innovative leadership experiences through the respected Victoria International Leadership Programme and Victoria Plus, and we have over 130 clubs and societies.
You are now part of the University and Wellington communities, which brings benefits and responsibilities. I hope you will relish the opportunities and have fun, particularly during Orientation Week. I do ask that you please treat our neighbours respectfully, and that you look out for your friends and keep yourselves safe.
I wish you all the best for the start of your University life.
Professor Grant Guilford, Vice-Chancellor
Professor Grant Guilford has been Victoria’s Vice-Chancellor since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @GrantGuilford.
This piece was initially published in Issue 00 of Salient 2019
