New postgraduate business students welcomed at Ara

_{Ākonga (students) touch the pounamu stones in Te Puna Wānaka - connecting with Ara during the mihi whakatau (welcome)}  

New beginnings in Ara Institute of Canterbury’s business portfolio were celebrated this week as the first ākonga enrolled in the new suite of postgraduate programmes were welcomed on campus.

Ara unveiled the new Master of Applied Management and the Postgraduate Diploma and Certificate in Applied Management earlier this year after gaining New Zealand Qualification Authority approval for the programmes.

An orientation event on campus for the inaugural student cohort began with a mihi whakatau (welcome) from Te Puna Wānaka manager Stanley Tawa this week.

Dean of Faculty for Culture and Services Peter Sawyer also welcomed the new students, paying tribute to the Ara staff who had worked to get the new programme offerings off the ground.

“Establishing these has been a milestone for Ara, and one that has involved the help and support of many colleagues,” Sawyer said. “It’s a proud moment welcoming you here today and we look forward to building on this success with further intakes into these excellent programmes next year.”

_{After their formal welcome the new ākonga took part in team building activities}

The Master of Applied Management is a Level 9 qualification designed to equip graduates with advanced skills for leadership in dynamic business environments.

It is offered in two formats - 180 credits for business degree holders and 240 credits for those from other disciplines – and the programme blends coursework, research and real-world application.

The Level 8 Postgraduate Diploma and Certificate offerings in Applied Management are designed for business graduates seeking to deepen their strategic and practical management skills.

The certificate offers a shorter, more focused route for those seeking quick upskilling or a stepping stone into postgraduate study, while the diploma provides broader and deeper preparation for leadership roles.

A mix of domestic and international students make up the first cohort in both levels of the programme and further intakes are planned for February, April, July and October 2026.

The suite is managed by Business Portfolio managers Heather Knox and Heather McEwan. Knox introduced the department’s 18 academics to the new ākonga, highlighting their breadth of expertise, commitment to research and connection with industry.

“I encourage you to make the most of our staff and our teaching environment here at Ara – our doors are open to you, and we take pride in having a personal approach to learning,” she said.

In the spirit of Ara’s value Hono-Connect, the cohort took part in a variety of “getting to know you” activities at the orientation event before sharing kai (food).

With the support of Ara’s academic community behind them, these students are poised to shape the future of business both here and across the globe.