Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa. From all over the world to our campus and online spaces, we were delighted to welcome our newest students including those from New Zealand, the Philippines, India, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. It was wonderful to see many of our current students joining the orientation to connect with and support our new arrivals. Here are some highlights from last Wednesday’s Welcoming Session in the library, plus moments from the sessions that followed — all warmly received by our lively new students. A special thank you to Ngā Pirihimana o Aotearoa (New Zealand Police), Te Pū Harakeke, and Volunteer Central for your generous support of the orientation and our students. And thank you to all our amazing IPU New Zealand staff and current students for being part of this special occasion. Ngā mihi

Exactly one week ago, our somewhat forgotten New Zealand summer made a reappearance, just in time for our visit to the beautiful Hiwinui Sunflower Field.🌻 Just outside of Ashhurst, a group of excited IPU students and staff arrived to vibrant, golden fields that perfectly set the mood for the afternoon.🌞 Since this is a seasonal activity, we are thrilled we could visit just before they closed to the public for the year. If you get the chance next summer, we highly recommend it!🌻 Want to join our next Tiki Tour? Keep an eye on your inbox for more information coming soon.

IPU Pickleball is back for 2026 and we're inviting all IPU students (and staff) to hit the Rec Centre courts with us every Sunday and Tuesday! Pickleball is the perfect way to stay active, have some fun, and meet new friends. No experience needed – just your enthusiasm! All equipment is provided so come and try one of the world’s fastest-growing sports. We look forward to seeing you there!

We are delighted to share that IAN (IPU Alumni Network) will be hosting a series of IPU Alumni Gatherings this February 2026, happening in Palmerston North and Wellington. We are working to reconnect with more alumni, strengthen relationships, and grow a supportive professional network where we can learn, collaborate, and create opportunities together. To all IPU alumni, especially those based in Palmy and Wellington, please save the dates below: Palmerston North Alumni Gathering 🗓 Wednesday, 4 February 2026 🕔 5:00 PM 📍 Venue: IPU New Zealand Library Wellington Alumni Gathering 🗓 Saturday, 28 February 2026 🕛 12:00 PM 📍 Venue: The Old Bailey, Wellington CBD To assist with catering and planning, please confirm your attendance by registering via the QR code. Please follow the IPU New Zealand LinkedIn page for more information and event updates. We look forward to seeing you there!

We are hosting a 90-minute Online Campus Open Day  on Saturday, 27 September ! 👉 Register now  to secure your spot and join us online. What’s included: ●      Introduction and overview of IPU programmes ●      Online campus tour led by current students ●      International Relations mock lesson ●      Information session and live Q&A This event is a great opportunity for prospective students, parents, and teachers to explore IPU, meet our community, and have your questions answered. 📅 Date: 27 September ⏰ Time:  NZT 10:00 am - 11:30 am 📍 Location:  Online (ZOOM session) Register  today to receive your link and join us from wherever you are!

By popular demand our CAMPUS OPEN DAY is back for July with two dates to choose from! (July 5th & 19th) REGISTER NOW using this LINK and secure your spot today!

On May 10th (Saturday) was our first CAMPUS OPEN DAY for 2025, and what an awesome day it was! Gifted with the perfect weather of blue skies and sunshine, our campus was filled with new faces, curious to see what a typical day might look like in the life of an IPU NZ student. After an initial welcome, interactive mock lessons were delivered by 4 of our passionate lecturers, with fun and informative class interactions throughout. Subjects included Japanese Studies, International Relations, International Business, TESOL and Language Studies (Bachelor Courses). After a good session of learning, a well-earned complimentary lunch was served in our Dining Hall with the choice of karaage chicken, sushi or Japanese curry – something for everyone to enjoy. Next was a campus tour by Eva (one of our students) starting at the IPU NZ Student Shop and Junior Common Room, and then moving on to one of the Halls of Residence to check out the facilities and living quarters. A walk-through of the Rec Centre and Gym Facilities was next, plus an overview of the 13+ clubs that are available to join, including hands-on club activities with our very own IPU NZ Kodama Japanese Drum Team and Soran Hana Dance Team, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all our lovely visitors. While the activities were taking place, a Q&A session was also given for parents and caregivers, to provide clarity to any questions they might have. If you’d like to attend our next CAMPUS OPEN DAY, keep an eye on our Facebook for details of the next one in JULY. You’ll be glad that you did!

On May 2nd, staff and students gathered in our campus library to celebrate the tremendous milestone and 35th anniversary of IPU New Zealand (formerly IPC)! Around 20 minutes prior to commencing at 1 pm, the library was already beginning to fill up with guests, the sound of chatter and a feeling of excitement in the air. The IPU NZ Kodama Japanese Drum Team kicked things off in style with an energetic performance of one of their favourite numbers – the perfect start to proceedings and extremely fitting for such an occasion. After a round of applause for Kodama, Hiro Tsumakura (Public Relations Manager) took the floor to speak of his heartfelt gratitude for the enthusiastic turnout and delivered a stirring speech, recollecting some personal experiences and fond memories of his many years serving here at IPU New Zealand. Mr. Tsumakura also shared the remarkable story of how our institute came into existence and the challenges that were faced by Mr. Hiroshi Ohashi, the President of Soshi Gakuen NZ Incorporated and founder of IPU New Zealand, to establish arguably the very first private tertiary institute in New Zealand back in 1990. This informative presentation concluded with an excerpt from archival video and interview footage of Mr. Ohashi further explaining his vision for this trailblazing institute’s future. It would be an understatement to say how thrilled we are that Mr. Ohashi’s education goals came to fruition, beginning at the bottom of the world here in Palmerston North. **For more information on our history, see the website link in the comments below. Next up was the ceremonial cutting of the anniversary cake, which was bestowed upon Yoshihisa Tomonaga (Director General) with applause erupting throughout, followed by a compulsory taste test of the delicious cake for all our attendees. Furthermore, thanks to Sue Cranston and our fabulous Library Staff, names were drawn, and 35 prizes were gifted to 35 lucky guests. From movie and pizza vouchers to IPU merch and chocolates, all our winners left with a smile on their faces. As an added special touch, the venue walls were dressed with photos from the past, sparking nostalgia for some and questions from others. A corner was also dedicated to more imagery from yesteryear, including yearbooks, student photos, and saved newspaper articles about IPU New Zealand. A huge thank you again to our Library Staff for organising this special day, and everyone in attendance for making this 35-year anniversary one to remember.

The IPU New Zealand Alumni Network (IAN for short) is here! Stay connected to a world of opportunities designed to help you Connect, Collaborate, and Thrive. See our page below and JOIN US NOW! IPU New Zealand Alumni Network (IAN)

If you are a Year 10-13 student, we'd love for you to join us on our CAMPUS OPEN DAY! (10th May 2025) REGISTER NOW using this LINK and secure your spot today!

Tuesday 25 March, 2025 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm   IPU Tertiary Institute, New Zealand Senior Common Room 57 Aokautere Drive, Fitzherbert, Palmerston North 4410   Presented by Licenced Immigration Advisor Ava Neal   Update on recent instructions • Accredited employer work visa • Visas for dependants of work visa holders • NZ experience for NZ Residence • Salary rates for work visas vs Salary rates for residence   Followed by Q & A Session Refreshments will be provided.   Please RSVP on or before 20 March,2025   For RSVP / more information, please email: nsmm.manawatu@gmail.com

It was wonderful to see so many smiling faces at SAKURA DAY enjoying the beautiful weather, the cherry blossoms and festivities on our campus! With spring in full bloom plus the many sights and sounds to behold, we also had the privilege of having His Worship, the Mayor Grant Smith, address us during the opening ceremony. Furthermore, to have Mr. Hiroshi Ohashi, the President of Soshi Gakuen New Zealand Incorporated and founder of IPU New Zealand present was a truly special moment and fitting to have him closing out the event with words of sincerity. This was also reiterated by IPU New Zealand’s new President Chris Collins shortly after. Many thanks are due to all our dedicated IPU New Zealand  staff, students and volunteers for making SAKURA DAY a successful and memorable one. We couldn't have done it without you! And not to forget the Palmerston North City Council  for their ongoing support, the IPU New Zealand Kodama Japanese Drum Team , all our talented performers, food vendors, NZ Police and St.John. You're all superstars!