STAR is the Ministry of Education's Secondary Tertiary Alignment Resource.

STAR is something quite unique that is available to New Zealand teenagers in years 11 to 13 at public high schools – it is not available for those at private schools, foreign fee-paying students or adult students.

“The aim of STAR is quite clear,” says Tairāwhiti Polytechnic STAR coordinator Kiwi Campbell, “...STAR is in place to ease the transition for students from high school to further education, training or employment."

STAR is government funded for those who meet the criteria.

Tairāwhiti Polytechnic STAR programmes gives high school students the opportunity to have a taste of tertiary study, and more specifically, a chance to experience campus life at Tairāwhiti Polytechnic - the region's key tertiary provider.

“STAR teaches students so much that is transferable – whether that be in or out of the classroom,” says STAR coordinator Kiwi Campbell.

STAR courses are sprinkled throughout the polytechnic's entire progrmame portfolio. It makes it easy for students to really become part of the polytechnic for a short time and feel what it is to study tasters of courses they think may interest them in the future. 

“It is very much a pathway to the polytechnic.” 

Students earn NZQA credits that they can carry on to the next step of their tertiary education.

Kiwi works closely with high schools throughout the year to ensure all have an equal opportunity to be part of the STAR programme. While it is generally pitched at senior and final year students, Kiwi also works alongside junior students to help them with their decisions.

“It is all about making education an easy option for anyone who is interested.”