Whitireia is a government-owned and funded tertiary institute of technology, known for its high student success rates and culturally diverse student body. Established in 1986, on the shores of the Porirua Harbour, Whitireia has grown to become the tertiary institution of choice for over 6,200 students (over 3,440 equivalent full-time students), who study at one of its contemporary campuses in Porirua, Wellington and Auckland.

Over 135 programmes of study are offered at certificate, diploma, degree, postgraduate and masters levels. All programmes have been developed in conjunction with industry to offer excellent applied qualifications, all approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. NZQA has given Whitireia a Highly Confident rating for educational performance and for capability in self-assessment, making Whitireia a Category 1 institution.

The home campus of Whitireia is located just 20 minutes from Wellington City, the Porirua campus boasts one of New Zealand's most beautiful sites for a tertiary institution. Whitireia offerings delivered from Porirua include automotive, business, construction trades, early childhood education, hospitality, information technology, nursing, paramedic, social services, and toi poutama.