Academic Support

Whether you're on-campus or online, NZ-based or international, our Academic Support team can advise and assist.

Academic support at your fingertips.

We know how hard it is to learn all the skills you need to succeed academically. Whether it's referencing, research or academic writing; we’re here to help; find us on your campus, or connect with us today.

📞 03 539 5068
💻 learningsupport@nmit.ac.nz
📍 Te Puna Mataurangā | M Block

Learn in your way.

You can get help in several different ways (like study sessions, peer learning, in-class support, study appointments), and through different channels (like email, MS Teams, phone, in-person). Take a look at the expanding sections below for some resources that we think are useful.

Get help as an individual or in a group with:

✅Academic skills and advice | Understand APA referencing, academic writing, research skills and academic integrity.
✅Resource guidance | Understand the resources available through out databases and accessing library services.
✅Practical study skills | Learn to navigate digital spaces, understand assessments and assignments, literacy and computer skills support.

Use the request support button below to book in with us today!

Request Support

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is central to the learning culture at NMIT (as defined in our Academic Integrity and Academic Misconduct policy(external link)). It’s important that all work submitted by NMIT ākonga must support the principles of academic integrity and the fundamental values of honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility in all academic matters.

Remember, when you’re using ideas and words from other authors, including those generated by artificial intelligence (AI) tools, it’s really important that you give credit to those original sources by referencing them.

Academic integrity is a big part of the world of study, so here are some links which might be useful:

Academic integrity - NMIT(external link)

Academic integrity - Otago polytechnic (external link)

Academic Writing

For your assignments it’s important you know how to write in an academic style. Check out this link to our Te Pūkenga partner Otago Polytechnic(external link) resource to see what “academic style” means:

There are many academic writing resources available via the internet. Below are some resources we recommend to get you started. These are via the Online Writing Laboratory hosted by Purdue University.

There are many academic writing resources available via the internet. Below are some resources we recommend to get you started. These are via the Online Writing Laboratory(external link) hosted by Purdue University.

We recommend returning to these resources more than once, particularly when you begin your first assignment, and if you are new to academic writing.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) guidelines

Find help when you’re in Moodle

Finding the right words

Sometimes it’s hard to know how to take someone else’s words and rewrite them so the idea still makes sense. Luckily, there are several tools that can help.

For example, try Quillbot and Wordtune for paraphrasing, a tool like DeepL for translating, or a thesaurus or phrasebank for more wording options.

Grammar, punctuation, and ESOL

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning is a leading online learning platform that helps anyone learn business, software, technology, human and creative skills to achieve personal and professional goals.

Over 17,000 self-guided video courses and learning paths are available to staff and students 24/7.

You can find login access links on the Moodle dashboard and via MYNMIT.

For more information go to How to use LinkedIn Learning(external link).

Literacy & Numeracy for Adults Assessment Training Tool (LNAAT)

Depending on which course you’re doing, you might need to sit a short online test to check where you’re at with reading and numeracy. At NMIT we use the Literacy and Numeracy for Adults Assessment Tool (LNAAT)(external link) to see where your strengths are. If needed, you can then work with us to get targeted support.

If you're doing a Level 1, 2, or 3 course you’ll need to complete two tests: an initial assessment at the beginning/prior to the midway-point, and a progress assessment at the end/after the mid-way point of the course. If you score above Step 4 Reading or above Step 5 for Numeracy, you don’t need to do the second assessment.

If you’re enrolled in ESOL or a supported training/vocational studies programme, you’ll need to complete a Starting Points assessments for reading and listening.

If you’re enrolled in a course that’s Level 4 and above, you don’t need to sit a test.

For further information, contact: library@nmit.ac.nz

Referencing tools

So that you can give credit to the original writers of the ideas and words that you use in your assignments, you need to learn how to reference. There are lots of different referencing styles, and here at NMIT we mostly use the APA style.

Use the links below to get examples of how to reference correctly, or download Zotero (free!) and let the software do the work for you.

Referencing guides APA 7 - NMIT(external link)

Citefast (external link)

APA Interactive tool - Massey University(external link)

Zotero - NMIT(external link)

Meet the team

Our Equity Team also provides learning support.

Angela McLean BPhty, GDip ALT, PhD | Study Support Co-Ordinator

Kia ora. I have lots of experience working with students and staff from all over the world, in different subjects and at different levels. If you need to improve your writing, figure out your assignment, understand feedback, or get a friendly perspective on how to sort out being stuck, let me know – together, we'll find someone in our team who can help.

Sharon Patterson – Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Dip Art Des | Student Relationships Coordinator

Kia ora. I’m from Hokitika but have lived in Whakatū for decades. My kete gathers skills from diverse customer-centred roles (e.g. legal, tourism, arts), and I have supported NMIT ākonga for over 10 years. I enjoy connecting, listening, and collaborating to help ākonga thrive. I also help with digital skills and assistive technologies. If you have any feedback about your study experience, kōrero mai!

Dr. Kay Sneddon, BSc, MSc, PhD (Env Mgmt) | Study Support Advisor

Sawasdee ka! I'm originally from Thailand and have lived in NZ for 17 years. I have a background in environmental science research and consultancy in several countries and have experience working with culturally diverse organizations. If you are unsure about your research project planning or how to articulate your ideas in writing, I'm happy to help.

Jess D’Ath, BMus, GDip Tchg, Cert TESOL, MEdu | Study Support Advisor

Kia ora. I have worked in education for over 15 years and thoroughly enjoy sharing my love of learning and research in a friendly and supportive environment, particularly with neurodiverse students, school leavers and anxious learners of all ages. I help with academic writing, assignments and presentation preparation! If you need support, then get in touch.

I look forward to meeting you.

Don George BA (Eco), BA (Lib Sci), PGDip (Jour), MA (Info Sci Mgt.), MA (Anthro) | Assistant Librarian, Information and Learning

Kia ora. My role focuses on library services. I assist with library database searching, APA referencing, research support, and open-access resources. I enjoy helping users who find it difficult to navigate the library resources or find few results for their research queries. 