Victoria University Te Herenga Waka Hosts Largest -Ever Open Day Amid Build-Up to Democracy Week

By Walter Zamalis (he/him)

The recent Victoria University—Te Herenga Waka—held its largest-ever Open Day on Friday, August 22, drawing over 7,000 high school students and whānau to its Kelburn campus, according to event organizers.  

David Lewis, director of communications and marketing at Te Herenga Waka, said attendance surged 41 percent compared to  2024. The university has already received 5,557 applications for 2026, and has issued 4,605 offers of study.

The event was designed to give prospective students a “feel for life” at the university by  “showcasing the full Wellington experience”, Lewis said. Live music, food trucks, and second-hand clothing stalls entertained students on the day. Crucially, new students were welcomed in pōwhiri as manuhiri to Te Tumu Herenga Waka wharenui. 

Beyond the thrifting and entertainment, the event featured a broad array of stalls—including local democracy stalls from the Electoral Commission and the Wellington City Council.

The Open Day was a collaborative effort, with teams from Recruitment, Future Students, Marketing, Operations, and both the VUWSA and university’s social media teams working in tandem. Academics also pitched in, hosting open lecturers and staffing stalls. The city joined in too, lighting up the Michael Fowler Centre in green for the occasion.

Aiden Donoghue, VUWSA Engagement Vice President and a presidential candidate in the upcoming elections, described the day as “absolutely immaculate”. He noted that 1,500 students were added to mailing lists and a successful partnership with Flight Coffee saw thousands of canned drinks handed out to thirsty students in the balmy late-winter sun.

Both Donoghue and Lewis agree that the Open Day was just one part of a broader wave of student engagement initiatives. Lewis noted that Open Day coincided with Wellington on a Plate, the New Zealand International Film Festival, and Beervana—but also with a series of political education events ahead of the VUWSA, University Council, and Local Government elections. 

Last week marked VUWSA’s Democracy Week, with extra efforts made to engage students in civic life. Building on the success of the Electoral Commission and City Council presentations to high schoolers,VUWSA has hosted numerous debates on campus: 

• Tuesday: Pukehīnau Lambton Ward candidates

• Wednesday:  Te Whanganui-ā-Tara Māori Ward and a Mayoral Candidate Debate. 

• Thursday: Regional Council 

• Friday: Southern Ward and  the Youth Wings Political Debate, the latter organised by Donoghue and featuring youth representatives from major political parties. 

The Tuesday debate, which included all Pukehīnau Ward candidates, featured a cake and a raffle, and drew a solid turnout. It coincided with a visit by local Wellington Central MP Tamatha Paul, who spoke at a Politics Society event. A lighter “speed dating” session with candidates followed on Wednesday at St Peter’s Garden Room on Ghuznee Street. No Wellington City Council candidates attended the Open Day; a debate attendee said the Democracy Week debates have been a great way to make up for that.

This surge in political activity comes amid a record number of student candidates for VUWSA’s elections—nineteen in total, including five vying for the student presidency.  That’s a sharp contrast to Liban Ali’s unopposed run a year ago.