Wintec is back
After years of upheaval under Te Pūkenga, Hamilton’s Wintec – the regional polytechnic serving Waikato, Waipa and King Country – is reclaiming independence.
Once burdened by $19.4m losses and fading identity, it now promises a bold reset: locally led, flexible, and built on iwi and industry partnerships.
Waikato Business News December 2025
With Waikato’s ageing Pākehā workforce and fast‑growing young Māori and Pacific population, the stakes are high.
Operations lead Warwick Pitts told Waikato Chamber of Commerce members last month, even 250 more graduates could inject $300 million into local households.
The story about Wintec’s comeback, lead in this month’s Waikato Business News, is about more than survival – it’s positioning itself as a cornerstone of regional prosperity.
See: Wintec: From crisis to comeback
Elsewhere in the Good Local Media business publication’s December issue are several award winners including Pirongia Sports Club, a police officer, Waikato Chamber of Commerce members, former MP Martin Gallagher and Community and Enterprise Leadership Foundation graduates.
Bay of Plenty Business News December 2025
We were also in Hamilton at the unveiling of Mesh’s fifth piece of public art in Hayes Paddock and we hear from former Hamilton mayor Margaret Evans who wants to see some Dollars and Sense from local body politicians.
Over the Kaimai Range, sister publication the Bay of Plenty Business News asks questions about the Marine Precinct’s future. Tauranga City Council sold the prime harbour real estate and local MP Sam Uffindell says that is “a terrible outcome for ratepayers.”
And there are glimmerings of an upturn, economists say.
All in Waikato Business News and Bay of Plenty Business News, out now goodlocal.nz
