Te Ara o Mauao – the Path of Mauao – is the name of the new state-of-the-art student-centred learning space at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology.

The new addition to the Windermere campus was officially opened today by Bay of Plenty regional councillor John Cronin.

Toi Ohomai director of corporate services Anthony Robertson says Toi Ohomai's motto ‘from dreams to reality' totally encapsulates the journey the building has taken.

'When I arrived, Alan [Hampton] showed me a shelf full of documents and said, ‘I've got plan after plan of campus developments, but we struggle to move past the plan into actual development.'

'So the challenge was laid down – to move from plan to reality.”

He says staff have had input into the overall campus development plan, and the design of the new building.

'There were challenges along the way – not least the discovery of a shell midden, the weather, and the availability of tradies.

'But here we are today in the shadow of what is truly a magnificent building, with the capacity for over 700 students and staff.”

Toi Ohomai director of corporate services Anthony Robertson.

The name of the new building, gifted by local iwi, serves as a metaphor for the journey students undertake. Just as Mauao was caught by the morning light, so too will students caught in the light of knowledge and understanding.

It will host creative arts students, with the latest sound recording studios sitting alongside purpose-built art, graphics, photography and creative spaces.

Councillor John Cronin cut the ribbon this morning, and unveiled a plaque commemorating the event. This was followed by a morning tea prepared by some of Toi Ohomai's culinary team.

John says the building, and Toi Ohomai itself, represent a major step forward in the development of the city and the region.

'We want the Bay of Plenty to continue leading the rest of New Zealand.

'I'm confident this will bring unprecedented economic growth.”