Get some help and advice for navigating your way through your first year at the Wellington Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation.
Kuhunga: To enable you to visualise the start of your academic and creative journey with us. We use this word to emphasise your ‘first steps’.
Ara means ‘path’ and Poutama speaks to the many exciting learning ‘pathways’ you will undertake towards a successful and creative journey.
![Emina Petrovic, wearing glasses and a brightly-coloured top, standing in front of a faded-out background](
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Welcome to Architecture
Read a welcome message from the Architecture First Year Coordinator, Emina Petrovic.
Read Emina's messageWelcome to Design Innovation
Read a welcome message from Jessica Freire, the Programme Lead for First Year Design.
Read Jessica's message![Jessica Freire First Year Design Coordinator Head Shot](
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What you need to know
![tables in a workshop](
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First-year workshop
This workshop supports physical model making using hand tools and some basic machinery.
![Closeup of laptop in dark](
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Software and computer needs
This is all about the computer software and hardware you’ll need to get started in your architectural or design studies.
![Assorted crafting materials like tape, pen, scissors and a craft knife on a table](
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Materials and equipment
Ngā rauemi. Find out about the materials and equipment you'll need when you start your studies in architecture and design.
Tautoko ā-tauira—Support
![Glass front entrance of Mauri Ora Student Health office](
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Support
Find out about the different kinds of support available to help you enjoy a healthy and successful time at the University.
![Āwhina staff at Te Herenga Waka marae, Kelburn](
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Māori student success
Āwhina is a university whānau dedicated to the success of Tauira Māori, or students of Māori descent
![Three young women in a classroom](
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Pasifika student success
Find out about all the extra support available to you as a Pasifika student at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
![Students looking artwork hanging from the ceiling at Master of Design Innovation exhibtion](
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International students
Staff in our International Student Experience team are here to help with all international students' needs including academic, health and wellbeing support.
![Black and white drawing of a journal, wallet, headphones, menthos and a lip balm](
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Helpful tips
Ngā tohutohu āwhina. Information to help you navigate your first weeks at the Wellington Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation.