Bomb threat – Ara campuses reopening 24 June 2026

6pm - campus opening time update:

Kia ora koutou

An update on tomorrow's reopening: all Ara campuses will open to learners at 8am on Wednesday 24 June 2026.

Before 8am, campuses will be accessible by swipe card for staff only.

We look forward to welcoming you back tomorrow.

Ngā mihi

Darren Mitchell
Chief Executive, Ara Institute of Canterbury

4pm update - campuses reopening tomorrow:

Kia ora koutou

Ara campuses will reopen tomorrow, 24 June 2026. Please note that all campuses will remain closed today.

I know today has been unsettling, and I want to acknowledge the disruption to your mahi and study. Thank you for your calm and cooperative response.

Ngā mihi

Darren Mitchell
Chief Executive, Ara Institute of Canterbury

1pm update:

All Ara campuses remain closed. We do not yet have a timeframe for reopening.

We will send another update at 4pm or sooner if the situation changes. Please continue to rely on official Ara channels for confirmed information.

We appreciate your patience.

11.30am message:

Ara Institute of Canterbury has received a bomb threat affecting all campuses.

We are working closely with New Zealand Police and following their instructions.
The safety of our students and staff is our absolute priority.

We have evacuated all campuses and advised tenants and other campus users to go home as a precautionary measure.

We are not able to provide further details at this time as the police are leading the response. We will provide updates on our website and via official staff and student channels as confirmed information becomes available.