International students are enjoying a warm welcome back to Rotorua as they settle back into study.

At the first welcome since 2019, students were officially welcomed to Rotorua by Mayor Tania Tapsell at the Council Chambers this week.

More than 70 students from Toi Ohomai I Te Pūkenga took part in the ceremony and Mayor Tapsell says she is proud to support this event that showcases the manaakitanga - hospitality - of Rotorua.

'After four years, it's reassuring to welcome back international students who have chosen Rotorua as their destination to study.

'We are a welcoming community that supports diversity and hope our international students enjoy our beautiful district.

'The return of international students is also a welcome boost for our local economy which is appreciated during these challenging times.”

Toi Ohomai i Te Pūkenga International Services Manager, Ada Chen says they're expecting more than 150 international students starting their tertiary education journey in Rotorua and Tauranga during July's intake.

'It is great to be able to return to Rotorua Lakes Council for a Mayoral welcome. This ceremony makes our new ākonga feel very special during their orientation week.

'We're thrilled to have these welcoming ceremonies back and appreciate Council, the Rotorua community and Toi Ohomai working together to celebrate our international students.

'International students are important to our community culturally, socially and economically.

'They add value to the learning environment and the community, enabling cultural diversity and competency as well as bringing much needed skills and ideas.”

This intake is made up of students from Bangladesh, China, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the UK, and Vietnam.

At the Toi Ohomai Mokoia Campus most have chosen to study accounting, applied professional studies, business, culinary art, English, early childhood education, health, hospitality, tourism and Master's qualifications.