Our history

The school opens in a Rutland Street cabinet factory with 137 evening vocational students. It would grow to become one of New Zealand's most important institutions.

A day technical school opens and the institution is renamed Auckland Technical College, establishing itself as a leader in practical education.

With 4,212 students and over 150 staff, the institution becomes the largest school in the country.

Students arrive from Malaysia, Ceylon, Thailand, Borneo, and the Pacific under the Colombo Plan — the start of a proud international tradition.

The institution splits into a technical high school and a technical institute, separating secondary and tertiary education. The tertiary division will soon become Auckland Technical Institute (ATI).

The tertiary division is officially renamed Auckland Technical Institute, recognised for advanced vocational education. New Zealand's first full-time technicians' course is introduced the following year.

Manukau Technical Institute opens as the first satellite campus, extending the reach of the institution to South Auckland.

The first te reo Māori course is offered, covering oral fluency, values, and culture — a milestone in bicultural education.

Health science courses transfer to a new Northcote campus at the former North Shore Teachers' Training College — now AUT's North Campus at Akoranga.

The Education Act 1989 grants autonomy and degree-conferring rights. The institution is renamed Auckland Institute of Technology (AIT), signalling a shift toward university-level education.

Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy) is approved — the first degree ever offered by a New Zealand polytechnic. Te Ara Poutama (Māori Faculty) also launches.

The first cohort of nursing students graduate with a Bachelor of Health Science — a landmark moment for the institution.

Te Purengi marae is officially opened with over 1,000 attendees, cementing the institution's commitment to te ao Māori.

Auckland Institute of Technology becomes Auckland University of Technology (AUT) — the first New Zealand polytechnic to achieve university status. International enrolments surge 40% and the first honorary doctorate is awarded to Sir Peter Blake.

Derek McCormack is appointed Vice-Chancellor, beginning an 18-year tenure that will see AUT rise in world rankings. The Office of Pasifika Advancement is established — a New Zealand first.

The new Business School building opens and goes on to win the Supreme Award from the NZ Institute of Architects the following year.

AUT's South Campus in Manukau is opened by Prime Minister John Key, bringing the university to South Auckland. AUT celebrates 10 years as a university.

The Business School gains AACSB international accreditation, placing it in the top 5% of business schools worldwide.

AUT becomes the first New Zealand university to receive Rainbow Tick certification, recognising its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

AUT becomes New Zealand's second largest university with 28,628 students and is ranked 12th globally for international outlook.

The Ngā Wai Hono building is opened by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. AUT ranks in the top 350 worldwide and first in New Zealand for global research impact.

AUT celebrates 20 years as a university and 125 years as a teaching institution.

Professor Damon Salesa is appointed Vice-Chancellor and launches the Student Success Plan "Ki Uta Ki Tai".