The Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology dates back to the foundation of the Waiariki Community College in 1978 and the Bay of Plenty Community College in 1982. These two institutions merged in May 2016 to form Toi Ohomai, with the name meaning 'to aim high and achieve great heights; to be awakened by learning'. In 2020 Toi Ohomai became part of Te Pūkenga, the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, to be the third largest of this national network of institutes and polytechnics. In the 2019 I-Graduate Survey by The International Student Barometer, Toi Ohomai ranked sixth overall worldwide. Across its campuses, Toi Ohomai offers world-class facilities, including health centres, childcare services, gyms, and pools. There are also educational facilities like automotive workshops and libraries. Toi Ohomai houses creative spaces for art, design, and media students, including digital labs, specialist studios, and photography darkrooms. Many of the Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology facilities are designed to deliver a practical experience to students to better their learning.
Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology has two main types of student housing options available: homestay and student apartments. Homestay accommodation is common among international students as it involves staying with a local family while you study to get acquainted with the culture. This can be an enlightening way to experience New Zealand life, and many students find that it helps them to settle into their new home culture. Toi Ohomai has a network of approved homestay families who provide trusted home accommodation to students. Student apartments are self-contained units situated on or near the institute's campuses. This gives students a more independent living experience, although they still share communal areas such as kitchens and living rooms. Toi Ohomai has student apartments available at its Mokoia and Windermere campuses.
A warm welcome is guaranteed: in the I-Graduate Survey, Toi Ohomai ranked first globally for orientation satisfaction, welcoming, pre-arrival, counselling support, and social activities. International students can expect a good welcome and support during their studies. Toi Ohomai has a Student Experience Team who work hard to make student life the best it can be. This means lots of events like Māori Language Week, Wā Whakawaia O-Week, and Matariki festivities as well as BBQs and live music. The campuses are situated in the South Waikato region of New Zealand. A scenic area, South Waikato provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and contains many like-minded students. The Tokaanu thermal pools and Waitamo caves are notable tourist attractions students must enjoy during their stay, but there are also plenty of student bars, eateries, and overall nightlife.