Book brings history of Wintec to life

A new book celebrating the history of Wintec is the result of a collaboration between staff and students.

The book, titled The Wintec Journey, has been put together to mark the 90th anniversary of classes being taught in Wintec House and provides a look at the organisation back when it was the Hamilton Technical College in 1924, through to what it has become today.

It was coordinated by Wintec communications manager Hannah White, with the help of 21 Wintec journalism students who each contributed a profile of someone with a connection to the organisation. These include well-known alumni such as TV3 journalist Carly Flynn, celebrity chef Josh Emett and musician Dave Baxter. Also profiled was a student from the 1940s, a Wintec chief executive from the 1980s, Education New Zealand's 2011 International Student of the Year and long-time faculty members.

Miss White said around 45 people had contributed to the book, which is about "showing Wintec's journey from its beginnings to what it is now and telling the story of the rich characters that have been part of it".

A launch event was held at Wintec last night, with guests taking away the first printed copies.

Miss White said it was a special occasion and a proud moment for all involved, particularly the students.

"It's a really great achievement for the students to have something published that they can take with them to potential employers – it's an invaluable head start and it demonstrates the high level of talent we have here at Wintec.

"We've come so far over the years and are now one of New Zealand's leading institutes of technology with 20,000 students educated by us each year and this book helps tell that tale in an interesting and colourful way."

Click here to view the book.