Our history
Te Tauihu’s pathway to excellence since 1905 | Over 120 years of impact
In 1905, the Nelson Technical School first opened its doors on Hardy Street, setting the stage for what is now NMIT. Designed by architect Stead Ellis, with construction led by John Scott Jnr and land donated by the Nelson City Council, the school cost just £1124 to build. Its mission was clear: to equip the community with practical skills for a brighter future. Courses included cookery, engineering, woodwork, commerce, and plumbing, reflecting the needs of the time.
By 1930, the Nelson Technical School merged with Nelson College, offering part-time hobby and vocational courses. In 1971, Nelson Polytechnic was officially established as a technical institute, ushering in a new era of applied education for the region.
Growing with our region
From its earliest days, the institute was built on a commitment to supporting Te Tauihu (Top of the South) and its key industries. Over the decades, our focus on industry-relevant training has remained steadfast. The 1980s and ’90s marked a period of significant expansion. Campuses were established in Tasman, Marlborough, and Motueka, with new facilities like the Ballinger Horticulture Centre in Blenheim opening in 1986.
In 1992, we introduced our first degree programme, the Bachelor of Commerce, and in 2000, we became Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT), reflecting our regional reach. The Richmond campus flourished in primary industries, while the Marlborough campus grew into a centre for viticulture and wine, aviation engineering, and more.
A global perspective
Since the mid-1990s, NMIT has welcomed international learners from all corners of the globe. Our partnerships span countries including America, Brazil, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, South Korea, Spain and Sweden. These connections enrich the learning experience for both local and international students, creating a diverse and dynamic campus culture.
The NMIT of today
Today, NMIT is proud to be the largest tertiary education provider in Te Tauihu, offering over 100 qualifications from certificates to master’s degrees. With campuses in Nelson, Richmond, Marlborough, and Woodbourne, we continue to specialise in areas that matter to our region and beyond, such as aquaculture, maritime, aviation engineering, and viticulture.
Our learners graduate work-ready, valued by industries across Aotearoa and the world. As we look to the future, we remain committed to our mission: empowering success through high-quality education that supports our communities and industries.
