The New Zealand Institute of Sport has opened its new Wellington campus at Westpac Stadium. NZIS took over the former University of Otago Stadium Centre and the practical and lab spaces formerly held by the Academy of Sport. The new location is a natural fit for the profile and purposes of NZIS, representing a highly symbolic transition for the Head Office staff.
“We have been situated in the Wellington CBD for many years, mainly to show our students that they can successfully participate in a corporate environment while pursuing their studies,” says CEO Fiso John Fiso. “The Stadium Centre is another big step up for us, where our students will be surrounded by people and experiences that represent exactly what it means to have a career in sport. It is particularly significant for the aspirations of our Diploma in Sport Management students.”
The shift to larger and more modern premises coincides with the launch of the NZIS Youth Guarantee 2010 Programme whereby 16 to 17-year old school leavers are eligible for a tuition free year of study to earn the Level 3 NZIS Certificate in Sport Studies. NZIS is one of a select number of providers to have been granted a significant portion of the mere 2000 spaces available throughout New Zealand under the TEC pilot initiative and is currently enrolling across its Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch campuses.
Former Olympian and National Academic Manager Tony Rogers is quick to point out the scheme’s merits. “The Certificate in Sports Studies is an excellent foundation course for young people who want to kick-start their career in the Sport, Fitness and Recreation industry. It covers everything from exercise prescription, nutrition and sport injury management, to coaching, leadership and outdoor education. And with the regular course fee over $4000, students enrolling under the government’s fully funded Youth Guarantee Programme are being given a very special opportunity to develop their skills and expand their career options.” 
NZIS Strategic Director, Taulalo Fiso is excited about moving to what promise to be state of the art facilities at the Stadium Centre. “Our Wellington Campus will now have purpose built practical and classroom spaces. Our new high tech performance lab will enhance our teaching and learning capability and will be open to regional sports organisations and visiting groups. Students will also enjoy access to valuable work experience through sporting and special events – it’s a real ‘win-win’ for us.”
NZIS Quality Assurance Director Shelley Addison further credits the move to the excellent lecture spaces, multimedia presentation options and video conferencing capabilities that the new location has to offer. “The Stadium Centre has a well-established reputation as a top quality venue for event hosting and conferencing capability. We look forward to giving our students the opportunity to take advantage of these amenities as part of their learning experience. We will also venture to accommodate external clients to the fullest extent possible.”
NZIS celebrated the move this month in conjunction with the much anticipated 2009 graduation ceremonies across its three campuses. CEO Fiso John Fiso summed up the week’s events, “For all of these graduates, it takes courage to grow up and become who you really are. This recognition of their academic and sporting achievements provides a great foundation for pursuing further excellence as they move into careers or pursue higher study.”
The weeklong celebration began on 27 November in Christchurch, where 300 attendees participated in the 10th Annual festivities at the Hotel Grand Chancellor in the heart of downtown near Cathedral Square. The audience enjoyed a presentation by guest speaker and NZIS graduate Lewis Brown of Rugby League fame for the Warriors, the only New Zealand team in the Australian NRL competition.
The 12th Annual Wellington graduation took place at the iconic Duxton Hotel on 2 December, where over 400 attendees were treated to a rousing opening ceremony of traditional Maori cultural performance by graduating students. Pacific Island dance and music performance by students and staff followed a recap of the year’s activities by Fiso John Fiso. Special guest dignitaries attending included His Excellency Asi Blakelock, High Commissioner of Samoa and his lovely wife Mrs. Helen Blakelock.
Attendees of the Wellington and Auckland ceremonies enjoyed inspiring presentations by outstanding New Zealand sportspeople. Sheryl Scanlan, member of the Samoan national netball team and veteran Silver Fern, preceded legendary All Black and Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, Tuigamala Va'aiga Lealuga Tuigamala. The Fifth Annual Auckland ceremony on 7 December welcomed distinguished guests, family, friends and graduates at the Waipuna Lodge at Mt. Wellington.
Aucklanders were further treated to an address by special VIP guest, NZ Heavyweight Boxing Champion David Tua. David’s wife and Manager Robina Siteine-Tua, a Graduate with Distinction of the NZIS Diploma in Sport Management and current member of the Auckland campus staff, orchestrated the festivities.
Topping up the year end excitement, Robina was awarded “Administrator/Manager of the Year 2009” at the Samoan Sports Awards on December 12 at the Sir Woolf Fisher Arena the TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre in Manukau City. Husband David Tua was awarded the prestigious title of “Sportsperson of the Year 2009”. A photo of David in the much-anticipated Heavyweight Title bout versus Shane Cameron in October also recently won a TP McLean Award for photography.
“It’s been a really big year for our family, with David’s big win of course, and for me both personally and professionally,” said Robina. “The invaluable skills and experience I have gained with NZIS have solidified my career as a professional Manager.”