NZMA Rotorua campus officially opens, plans for growth

Students from NZMA served at the official opening. Photo / Supplied

The official opening of a tertiary provider's new campus signals the start of its growth in Rotorua.

New Zealand Management Academies (NZMA) officially opened the Eruera St campus on Tuesday but has been operating there since February, said NZMA's Bay of Plenty regional manager, Monique Le Marque.

NZMA ran classes last year at the New Zealand School of Tourism's Rotorua campus.

"We have had an increase in volume so found it necessary to establish our own campus. Obviously with plans for growth in Rotorua it only made sense," Le Marque said.

The first intake at the school is for 20 students. Photo / Supplied

The campus development started in December and the certificate in food and beverage service, level 2 and 3, is offered.

Le Marque said NZMA was eager to offer a higher level programme in hospitality and was also considering the international student market.

"There's such a huge demand for skilled hospitality workers in Rotorua ... we want to be responsive to the region's needs," she said.

"Tourists are one specific aspect but Rotorua as a city is absolutely growing."

She hoped NZMA would be able to offer programmes covering levels 2 to 7 in the future.

The campus took on 20 students in February and will take on a further cohort in April and June.

The courses take roughly six months to complete and cover everything from barista training, customer service and making non-alcoholic beverages, to baking, food costing and tourism.

Practical work placements are also included in the programme.

Students at the campus served guests at the official opening.