Whitecliffe is an independent art, design, fashion and technology school of choice, producing the highest quality graduates and shaping exceptional innovative and creative citizens. The college helps student to explore and grow by providing a life-transforming educational experiences through teaching and research, educating them to shape culture through practice and critical study. Building on foundations of excellence, innovation and a commitment to diversity, Whitecliffe prepares its students for lifelong creative work and engagement with their communities. It seeks to instill aesthetic judgement, professional knowledge, collaborative skills and technical expertise in all graduates.

The college core values have developed through the work of committed faculty, students, alumni and staff. It believes that ideas and expression are inseparable. The commitment to a wide range of media, processes and methodologies supports its belief that its graduates become leaders in their fields through a critical combination of making and thinking.

Whitecliffe has five campuses, situated in Auckland City, Manukau, Wellington and Christchurch. The College is based on a new flagship campus and studios at 67 Symonds Street. This upgraded campus has a new level of facilities provided for students with classrooms located across three adjoining buildings. Symonds Street is the student hub of Auckland, supporting different Universities and Colleges. There are numerous food and entertainment options close by and the public transport options are extensive. The Whitecliffe College campus in Christchurch provides Technology and ICT programmes. The campus is located at 167 Madras Street, only a few blocks from the innovation precinct zone.