Over 100 years ago recognition was given to the fact that  New Zealanders needed more than the theory of academia, they also needed the practicality of technical training and education. From this era came the revised Manual and Technical Institution Act of 1900, providing fertile opportunity to firmly plant the roots of the Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology.

The first classes which began in 1906 were then named Christchurch Technical College. The classes were lessons on menstruation, algebra, geometry and arithmetic.

Very early trade training included fitting and turning apprentices, followed by certification licensing of the plumbers and electrical wiremen.

By the 1960s, the College moved to distinguish itself from the high school sector in favor of being seen as a tertiary institute, and CTC became Christchurch Technical Institute. Within that decade of change CTI also split its activities to concentrate wholly on post secondary education for night and day classes.

In line with its ever changing role, the early 1980s saw another name change to better encapture the essence of the course range offered. Thus CTI became Christchurch Polytechnic.

The late 1980s and 1990s saw rapid change in tertiary education and the term "institute of technology" was adopted by several large urban polytechnics. It reflected an international acceptance of the generic nature of post-secondary, vocational education. Also understood is the way teaching has retained trade training, but diversified widely into technician, Para-professional and professional degrees and diplomas.

Thus Christchurch Polytechnic has refined its brand to include "Institute of Technology" but retained the community's identity with the "Polytechnic". This finally led to the birth of Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology (CPIT) which holds the testimony of success right from its origin and waves a green flag of unmatched victory.

CPIT is the largest polytechnic in South Island and the fourth largest of 23 in New Zealand. It is a tertiary institution with over 30,000 students getting enrolled per annum. It has two campuses:

• City Campus (Madras Street)
• Sullivan Avenue

Te Wanaka o Otautahi- a place to belong. This is definitely a place of belonging for those wanting to engage the Maori world.

Te Wanaka is run in a distinctively Māori way and based on tikanga Māori concepts including:

• manaakitanga (meeting the needs of the people )
• mana tangata (integrity and professionalism)
• rereketanga (nurturing diversity and promoting innovation).

Te Whale Pasefika is an important part of Te Wānaka. This institute has over 100 years' experience providing tertiary education to graduate level. At CPIT, many qualifications that are registered on the National Qualification Framework are offered. Up to date training in state of the art facilities is provided. The programmes are designed to ensure that students move seamlessly from study to the workplace through:

• Internships
• Work experience
• Practical hands-on training