Kitea Impact Programme
Make a positive impact in your local and global communities—and gain new leadership skills and connections—by joining the Kitea Impact Programme.
E kitea ai ngā taonga o te moana, me māku koe—To see the treasures of the ocean, you must get wet.
Applications for the Kitea Impact Programme will open from Trimester 1, 2026. It’s free, flexible, fun, and open to all currently enrolled students.
Register your interest today if you are passionate about leadership, sustainability, global issues, helping your community, and building skills that will look great on your CV.
Programme themes
As you complete the programme, you can take part in a range of activities across our five key themes.
Leadership—Hautūtanga
Learn about diverse leadership approaches:
- Attend the Student Leadership Summit.
- Step up to leadership as a class representative, student ambassador or faculty delegate.
- Lead in a club, a student group, or a sports team.
- Help staff co-design new initiatives.
- Participate in workshops such as Leadership in Te Ao Māori or Navigating Ethical Leadership Challenges.
Global Citizenship—Raraunga o te Ao
Become a responsible global citizen and engage with diverse cultures and perspectives:
- Participate in Global Leadership or Intercultural Communication workshops.
- Attend Diplomatic Dialogues and meet ambassadors.
- Become a buddy for new international students.
- Get involved in projects like the Global Enterprise Experience.
- Volunteer with an international organisation.
- Gain an understanding of international affairs through NZIIA.
Community—Hapori
Give back and demonstrate positive impact in your community:
- Volunteer on campus and help with events, conferences, and expos.
- Support other students as a mentor or tuakana.
- Volunteer with one of over 300 not-for-profit organisations in Wellington.
- Join students’ groups such as the Student Volunteer Army, Ignite Consultants or Generation Vote.
- Participate in workshops around the ethics of volunteering or Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Sustainability—Toitū ta Taiao
Act as Kaitiakitanga of Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Aotearoa and the planet:
- Engage in projects with a sustainable focus.
- Join the Piki Toitū sustainability programme and volunteer at events.
- Become an environmental champion by joining Green Impact.
- Help community organisations with tree planting, restoration, food rescue, beach clean-ups, or fighting predators.
- Attend Sustainability Leadership or Sustainability as a Concept workshops.
Kitea is designed to be completed at your own pace alongside your academic study:
- Begin your journey with theKitea Impact Introductionand explore at least one activity or workshop from each theme. You can aim to complete it in one or two trimesters or spread it throughout your studies.
- Continue your experience with theKitea Impact Award to make your own meaningful contribution across these themes. Aim to complete it in two trimesters or choose to spread it throughout your studies.
The Kitea Impact Award will be recognised on your academic transcript and celebrated at a Leadership Awards ceremony.
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Partner with the Kitea Impact Programme
We welcome collaboration with community organisations, NGOs, social enterprises, government agencies, iwi, and industry partners working for social good.Partners can engage with students through guest speaking, co-facilitating workshops, recruiting volunteers, offering site visits, sharing case studies, or sponsoring the programme.
Connect with emerging leaders committed to driving positive change in Aotearoa and beyond
kitea@vuw.ac.nz