“Porirua provided us the space with relatively few neighbours so we can get on and do the research and testing needed for the building industry … the large fire laboratory allows for structures to be built to scale and then tested for fire retardation. The structural laboratory comes complete with a horizontal plate that replicates earthquakes, a wrecking ball, and other strengthening and tension testing equipment.” – Darian Hutson, BRANZ Marketing and Communications Advisor.
Nestled in the industrial part of Kenepuru Drive, Porirua, is a cluster of understated buildings hiding a hub of scientific research and development activity … it’s the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR)’s Kenepuru Science Centre. The centre employs around 150 people onsite. Many of the staff commute in to Porirua from other regions and some staff have moved to Porirua because of the affordability and ease of commute.
Whitireia New Zealand is a $63 million business with nearly 7000 students enrolled at its Porirua campus. It is one of our major employers in Porirua City and is widely recognised as one of the New Zealand’s leading polytechnics alongside its partner institution WelTec.
The Royal New Zealand Police College is an impressive campus overlooking the Onepoto Arm of our harbour. Each year the College trains up to 400 recruits between five and seven intakes (‘wings’). Each recruit is paid a base salary during the 16-week intensive course – not bad, getting paid to train! Find out more.
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa teaches more than 20 courses ranging from certificate to postgraduate level right here in Porirua. Its Elsdon campus is set on park-like grounds close to the centre of the city. Check it out.
Kenepuru Hospital is a major employer in Porirua and as it is also a teaching hospital, the facility provides a range of teaching opportunities for health students, particularly those specialising in rehabilitation and physiotherapy.
