It was formed in May 2016 after the amalgamation of Bay of Plenty Polytechnic and Waiariki Institute of Technology.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the college established additional campuses in Tokoroa, Whakatane, Taupō, Tūrangi and Kawerau.

The institute provided education in various areas, such forestry, Māori studies, business management, journalism, sport and music.

The college initially ran various administration, engineering, and agriculture courses, later expanding to other areas such as hospitality, tourism and television.

The new name was gifted by local iwi, and means "to aim high and achieve great heights; to be awakened by learning.