One of Whangarei city's landmark heritage buildings, the Old Library on Rust Avenue, has a new partner, with NorthTec opting to take up naming rights of the complex.

NorthTec's commitment gives the region's largest tertiary institute a heightened presence in the centre of Whangarei that will give it added opportunities to market its courses, particularly in the Creative Industries such as Applied Arts, Photography, Digital Media, Maori Art and Design, to potential new students.

This partnership will cement a relationship between NorthTec and the Old Library Ltd, the charitable company that manages the facilities. Old Library Ltd has its own governance board and two full-time staff. It leases the Old Library from the Whangarei District Council. The company shareholder of the Old Library Ltd is is the Cultural, Heritage and Arts Resource Trust (CHART).

The Old Library is one of few heritage buildings that remain in Whangarei. An ongoing programme of workshops, teaching classes and events ranging from theatre and music performances through to visual and installation art, and private and business functions are held at the facilities.

NorthTec will use its relationship with the Old Library to promote its tertiary courses. This will be underpinned with its closer relationship with CHART. A designated NorthTec presence will be established in the building to feature information on courses and opportunities at NorthTec.

NorthTec will be the fourth tenant at the art centre along with CHART and the Northland Chamber of Commerce.