IPU New Zealand

What makes you YOU, and how can understanding your personality help shape your career?

Our recent Personality Profiling for Career Success workshop gave students an insightful look into the connection between personality, professional identity, and career choices.

A huge thank you to our guest speaker, Tony Vincent, an experienced Career Consultant and MBTI Practitioner, who guided students through the key aspects of personality profiling. Tony provided an engaging, practical introduction to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), helping students understand how different personality preferences can influence how we communicate, make decisions, work with others, approach challenges, and navigate the workplace.

It was a highly informative session and a great reminder that career planning isn't only about qualifications and experience, it also starts with understanding yourself.

Thank you to everyone who joined us!

If you missed this session, don't worry! More career workshops and events are coming from the IPU Library. Watch out for our announcements and take advantage of these opportunities to learn, connect, and prepare for your future career.

Quick reminder, our CAMPUS OPEN DAY is on this SATURDAY and there is still time to join us!📍

Register now via the link in the comments.⬇

🇯🇵 IPU Japanese Immersion Programme 2026 🇯🇵

Calling all NZ Japanese Language Teachers! Join us for a FREE one-and-a-half-day programme of professional learning, cultural experiences, and connection with the IPU NZ community.

🗓 Sat 14 – Sun 15 November 2026
📍 IPU New Zealand, Palmerston North

Teachers living outside Palmerston North may be eligible for travel support of up to NZ$500 from Language Circle towards travel and accommodation costs.

Registration required – for more information, check out the link below in the comments. ⬇️

A few weeks ago, we said farewell and gave our well wishes to Blair Fangshu, one of our enthusiastic ELS teachers.

Though her stay with us was relatively short (1.5 years), her impact on our lucky students, and on anyone who had the privilege of working alongside her, was immense. Beyond her everyday commitments, a few highlights included teaching our visiting Clark High School students from Japan, and accepting the invitation to be the official MC for our 2025 Graduation Ceremony.

Blair's passion for education was evident from the get-go, and as you can see from this photo, her willingness to give 100% left a lasting impression on all of her students.

Now that her time working and studying abroad is complete, with a new doctoral degree in hand, she returns home to China to begin a new role working as an assistant professor.

We wish Blair all the best for the next chapter of her life, and again say thank you for her giving and faithful service. Her new university is blessed to have her.

Nau mai, haere mai!

Last week was orientation for all our new students (including those online!), with many joining us from different parts of the globe, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Pakistan, India, South Korea, Japan, and Aotearoa New Zealand.

Here are some highlights from Wednesday’s pōwhiri (formal Māori welcome), which was held at our campus library. From the opening karanga (welcome call) through to the shared waiata (songs) and hongi (pressing of noses in greeting), this was a truly moving experience for these new members of our IPU community.

A very special thank you to tangata whenua and Rangitāne o Manawatū representatives Terry Hapi and Nuwyne Te Awe Awe Mohi for their kindness, support, and guidance regarding tikanga; to Chris Collins (President of IPU NZ) for his welcoming speech delivered in Te Reo Māori; and to all our wonderful IPU NZ staff for their presence during this special occasion.

Ngā mihi.

Interested in international relations, education, business, policy or New Zealand’s place in the Asia Pacific region?

Register below to join this event coordinated by New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Palmerston North and held right here in our cosy IPU library on Tuesday, 18 August.⬇

On Friday morning at 6:00 AM, we waved goodbye to nine sensational students as they embarked on their journey back to Japan after completing their programme (five months or one year) here at IPU New Zealand.

These bright young minds made the most of their time here, immersing themselves in the Kiwi lifestyle and getting involved in many on-campus activities, including the 'Tomodachi Project' with Awatapu College and Palmerston North Boys' High School, giving their time to assist high school students in learning the Japanese language and culture.

Sporting activities were also high on the list for this group, with involvement in first-division hockey with High School Hockey Club, basketball refereeing in the local community, our annual IPU Games event, and many joining the IPU Pickleball Club, which went on to win a tournament organised alongside Massey University Pickleball Club.

Another highlight was 'Homestay', where each student lived with a local family for one to two months, experiencing first-hand what life is like with a typical family here in Aotearoa New Zealand. Many students cherished this part of their study-abroad experience, forming friendships and lifelong bonds with their host families.

Quite often, international students experience culture shock in their new environment, especially those fresh out of high school. However, they took it all in their stride, got stuck in, and overcame any challenges along the way.

To celebrate their achievements, they were honoured with a completion ceremony and a special farewell party. Upon receiving their certificates, they each shared, in English, some of their experiences, showing their lecturers just how far they've come.

We're incredibly proud of everything these students have accomplished and wish them all the best as they begin the next chapter of their lives.