Waiariki Today Issue 19

WAIARIKI

TODAY

HATS OFF TO OUR GRADUATES

ISSUE 19

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MARCH 2013

Graduation Special inside www.waiariki.ac.nz

PLUS: • Waiariki’s strategic direction • Waiariki wins Māori language award • Academy’s ace golfers • New music certificate available • Recipe, gardening tips and more

WAIARIKI

TODAY

ROTORUA | TAUPO | TOKOROA | WHAKATANE

Issue: 19 Next Issue: June 2013 Chief Executive: Professor Margaret Noble Editor: Lyn Maner Sub-editor: Craig Tiriana,

Communications Manager Contributing Writer: Dr Toby Curtis Photos: Kris O’Driscoll Designer: Tracey Greene, Fuel Advertising Printer: APN Print E-mail: marketing@waiariki.ac.nz Address: Marketing Department Waiariki Institute of Technology Private Bag 3028 Rotorua 3046

TODAY

Issue 18

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Professor Margaret Noble Chief Executive Welcome to the March edition of Waiariki Today published following our largest graduation celebration at the Marae and at the Energy Events Centre in Rotorua on 15 February. The graduation ceremony, and my first as chief executive of Waiariki, was a wonderful event attended by more than 600 graduates receiving a wide range of certificate, diploma, degree and postgraduate qualifications.

It was particularly pleasing to see the first graduates from our Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and the performances by the Academy of Singing and Music scholars and speeches by our valedictorians, all of which provided an opportunity to showcase the talents of our students. The ceremony provided a fitting celebration of the well-earned achievements of our students and I look forward to hearing about their progress in the years ahead.

The start of 2013 has seen some staffing changes. John Snook, Deputy Chief Executive (Academic Quality and Strategy), resigned in January and the decision has been made to have just one deputy chief executive position to which Keith Ikin has been appointed. I would like to thank John for the contribution he made to Waiariki over the last eight years.

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The last three months have been a busy time with work on a new Strategic Plan to which all staff and a wide number of stakeholders have contributed. I would particularly like to thank success student riki.ac.nz www.waia r links for Stronge Pg 3 Pg 13 Executive r notes Chief e gets heavy my hits majo iki’s new ty Hous Meet Waiar 3 • Chari Music Acade PLUS: • s Pg 8 • finalist Pg language ation detail • Māori • Gradu nt Pg 6 endorseme

Missed an issue of Waiariki Today?

This is Issue 19 of our three-times-per-year publication bringing you the news, events and happenings of Waiariki Institute of Technology, its staff and students.

Waiariki graduands gathered at City Focus to process through town to the Energy Events Centre for the Graduation Awards Ceremony. Clockwise from lower left: Adrian Moke, Bachelor of Māori Development; Terry Woerd, Bachelor of Nursing; Tessa Rangiwaia, Bachelor of Māori Development; Shona Richardson, Bachelor of Nursing; Debbie McLenaghen, Bachelor of Nursing; Nicola Batemen, Bachelor of Nursing; Mahora Massey, Diploma in Interior Design; and Louise Skipper, Bachelor of Nursing. Photo by Craig Robertson

Enrol NOW for 2013 Pick up Waiariki’s 2013 Prospectus and Career Guide from any Waiariki campus and see all the exciting new qualifications on offer, as well as the time-tested, high quality favourites for which the institute is known.

Certificates, diplomas, degrees and postgraduate qualifications – they’re all here!

ENROL TODAY! PAGE 2

WAIARIKI TODAY

Work is also underway on a new outreach and youth engagement strategy and the Eastern Bay of Plenty Trades Academy will commence in Rotorua for the first time in March.

As we welcome new students at the start of the 2013 academic year we have a revised focus on student success and on ensuring that all our students are aware of the range of support available to help them achieve their qualification goal.

Waiariki has an important role to play in the region and we look forward to working with business and iwi and to ensuring that our students leave the institution work ready with the skills and knowledge required by local and regional businesses.

Noho ora mai.

Dr Toby Curtis Chair, Te Arawa Lakes Trust I think there is much truth in the view that when one retires the years pass by at a rate faster than the previous; 2012 was no exception.

I hope you were privileged to enjoy some special blessings over Christmas, a good break, a good rest, and some good fun with your whanau. So, good luck for 2013, I hope all goes well for you.

He Mihi Since our last edition, an educational stalwart, an iconic leader within Te Arawa and Māoridom, passed away. This followed months of sterling courage and energy in his endeavour to ward off an illness that brought lingering pain.

Despite his personal situation, he continued working for his people and the community. I salute one of Te Arawa’s foremost Treaty Settlement negotiators. His efforts with the Crown have left many of the iwi and hapu in a sound economic position. Both Te Arawa iwi and Waiariki Institute of Technology were recipients of his inimitable services.

Rawiri Te Whare will be remembered for his statesmanship, humility and kindness.

Taku korokoro, taku korokoro Kua mawhiti koe ki tua i te ia rere a Ranginui Ko koe taku hengeri nei, taku hengeri nei.

Kua tangi te tetere whakamutunga ki a koe.

Kua tae koe ki nga taapui rikarika A te ngia, te maatoru o te po, te Putahi nui a Rehua.

Taku Pounamu whakahirahira, Taku Manutiioriori Haere, okioki, moe mai ra.

Ngati Pikiao Trust It is pleasing to note that the Ngati Pikiao Trust is developing a constructive pathway to bring all the different entities within the hapu to unify their collective efforts and promote the mana of Pikiao in all its different endeavours – education, social, cultural, economic and political.

Ministry of Education Taskforces Hui The Ministry of Education held a hui at Tamatekapua to explain the purpose and intention of the taskforce initiative.

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An exciting range of developments are underway at Waiariki including the piloting of our new Student Information and Enrolment Centre and new plans for the orientation and induction of our new students.

Iwi News

If you missed previous issues, you can view them online at www.waiariki.ac.nz or email marketing@waiariki.ac.nz and we’ll send the one/s you’re missing free of charge.

On the cover:

staff for their thoughtful and constructive feedback which has been incorporated into the plan approved by the Waiariki Council on 22 February. The plan sets out clear directions for the next stage of our development and more detail about the plan and the vision and intended outcomes are provided in this newsletter.

As the invited opening speaker, I had the unenviable task of presenting a type of critical analysis of the intentions of the different taskforces in their efforts to improve and upgrade the achievements of Māori learners. I was cognisant of the fact that when we started out teaching, the situation was quite different. i) The conference would not have been held on a marae! ii) None of the taskforce leaders would have been Māori. iii) The views of Māori people would not have been sought, let alone that of whanau and hapu! iv) Wait, there’s more. The person in charge of the project is a Māori!

I wish them well and hope they achieve what they set out to do.

Ohau Celebrations The Ohau Māori Youth Club was the only kapa haka group representing Ngati Pikiao for most of the past 50 years.

The founders have all passed on. As a tribute to Irirangi Tahuriorangi, who led the group from its inception, next year at the Matatini Kapa Haka competitions three Ngati Pikiao teams will represent Te Arawa.

St Faiths Concert The event took place inside the church. While Dame Malvina was the main attraction, the splendid performance of the local talent rendered a night to be remembered. Te Arawa and Rotorua are on their way to having their own cathedral.

Iwi Development Te Arawa Federation of Māori Authorities and the Te Arawa Primary Sector are encouraging the land trusts to apply scientific techniques to increase higher production and obtain a higher return on their activity. Beekeeping and goat farming are being encouraged. Geothermal is also high on the list. However, it is important that we do not lose sight of providing meaningful employment.

Farewell Lieth Comer of Ngati Rangitihi, who hails from Matata and is the former chair of our District Health Board, was acknowledged for his outstanding role as CEO of Te Puni Kokiri in Wellington. He is one of the few people who remained as head of a government department for more than 10 years. Nga mihi miiharo rawa ki a koe e te rangatira.

www.waiariki.ac.nz

Future thinking provides worthy challenges Picture a future for the Waiariki region where individual potential is developed, students excel and there are strong regional links with business, iwi and the community.

That’s the mission and vision breathing life into the latest Strategic Plan of Waiariki. This has been the major piece of work during the last few months which received sign off from the institute’s governing Council in late February.

Chief executive Professor Margaret Noble has led the consultative planning process which has seen staff and the institute’s governance groups (Waiariki Council and Te Mana Mautauranga) providing crucial feedback through the drafting and discussion stages.

“What has been created is a robust plan that challenges Waiariki to meet the needs of its students along with the expectations of the government and our regional stakeholders during the next period,” says Professor Noble.

In order to successfully live the vision Waiariki aims to: • be a high quality institute of technology with a distinctive bicultural focus; • support the economic and social development of the region; • produce highly competent work-ready graduates with skills to drive growth and prosperity in the region; and • collaborate with partners from business, industry, iwi and education.

There are seven key outcomes which Waiariki aspires to achieve to support the above.

1. An institution of choice for learners, industry and the wider community, standing out from other ITPs through its distinctive bicultural focus.

2. An institution where the number of youth and adults, especially Māori and Pasifika, who engage in tertiary education and achieve qualifications, especially at higher levels, is raised.

Providing a new, high quality, modern hub for the region’s health education will be one of Waiariki’s specialisms outlined in the institute’s new Strategic Plan.

3. Known for its excellence in learning, teaching and applied research.

4. A high quality institution with enhanced facilities, services and systems to support the needs of students and staff.

5. Has a high level of student achievement and success and produces graduates with highly marketable skills.

6. Is valued for its partnerships and collaborations that support the development of a sustainable, efficient organisation providing high quality professional vocational education.

7. Supports economic growth of the Central North Island and New Zealand, enhancing the efficiency and productivity of the current and future workforce.

In supporting the region’s current and future needs Waiariki will offer educational choices and opportunities at all levels from 2 to 9. This will build on its portfolio of four postgraduate diplomas and master’s degrees, 10 graduate diplomas, 14 degrees, 37 diplomas, 47 certificates and short awards.

The following areas will be specialisms of Waiariki: • Primary Industry – with specialisation

in forestry/agriculture and a focus on conservation, environmental management, added value technology and sustainable practice • Tourism and Hospitality – with particular emphasis on expertise in indigenous, eco-, adventure and spa and health tourism • Health and Nursing – with particular emphasis on expertise in Māori/First Nation health and social welfare issues • Māori/Iwi Development – through strongly developed and supported programmes and research links to corporate iwi economic development and governance • Geothermal – particularly through application and use of geothermal energy The plan is focussed on the student life cycle from raising aspirations and attainment to graduation and further study and or employment and there are several new initiatives identified. The initiatives include a Centre for Business Research and Enterprise, diversifying international activity, more provision at degree and postgraduate level, career development and job shop, green travel plan, regional strategy and estates development for Waiariki’s four campuses (Rotorua, Taupo, Tokoroa, Whakatane),

student life cycle, new outreach and youth engagement strategy, partnerships with schools, PTEs, wānanga, ITPs, universities, raising Māori and Pasifika success and a creation of a student support hub.

The plan also acknowledges and accepts that a number of challenges will need to be overcome to be successful:

• Raising levels of participation and success of Māori and Pasifika students; • Ensuring high levels of student employability;

• Forging strong links with business and iwi; • Developing a strong applied research culture; and

• Recognition of central importance of Waiariki Institute of Technology to the region,

• a key partner and institution of choice for learners and business, and

• retaining graduate talent in the region.

Full copies of Waiariki Institute of Technology’s Strategic Plan and other documents can be found under the “About Us” tab at www.waiariki.ac.nz.

Top: Waiariki strives to create a high rate of student achievement and success, particularly at higher level qualifications.

Partnerships and collaboration between the institute and local business, and providing hands-on experience for students, are the main drivers behind the Waiariki Institute of Technology Charity House Project. See page 8 for the story.

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Bottom: The institute’s distinctive bicultural focus has been promoted and supported by the building of the new Te Wānanga a Ihenga Māori Development, Humanities and Research on Mokoia Campus.

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Student satisfaction a major driver A chance to have some direct student contact is what interested Prabha Ravi to take up a new position at Waiariki, that of international education director.

Student profile Larissa Anderson Diploma in Forest Management student Larissa Anderson is following in the steel-capped boot prints of her father as she pursues a career in forest management.

The 23-year-old Diploma in Forest Management student at Waiariki fell in love with forestry during holidays working for her dad, who is a silviculture contractor.

As a teenager Larissa came to enjoy her “character building” time in the forest and now has decided she wants to work in the industry.

“I love being out in the field. I used to work as a personal assistant so I’ve gone from wearing high heels to wearing gumboots – they’re much more comfortable.”

The fact forestry remains a maledominated field hasn’t put Larissa off and she’s not the only female forestry student at Waiariki.

Larissa is already showing a lot of promise, awarded the Forest Institute of New Zealand’s Mary Sutherland Scholarship for top polytechnic student in 2012. The $1,000 scholarship has proven to be a morale booster as well as helping her financially.

“It is challenging and sometimes physically hard but I just love it and working for my dad I learned to deal with the stereotypes and earn the respect of the males.

“There are a lot of opportunities in forestry which I don’t think a lot of people realise. It’s not just about planting and chopping down trees – there are a lot of options out there.

“Once I knew forestry was what I wanted to do I decided to get a qualification so I could get more out of it, have more options in the industry rather than just be one of the workers.”

Larissa, who is in the final year of a two-year diploma, wants to be a forest consultant with her own business and perhaps eventually take over her dad’s business.

Although not a great student at secondary school, Larissa admits, she is now enjoying her studies and the support of her Waiariki tutors.

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“The actual action happens at this level.

Waiariki offers the chance for a satisfying role with student contact and interaction, and the satisfaction of seeing them achieve.

I missed that by not being in industry,” says Prabha who has a Master of Public Administration and a degree in mathematics.

“The mathematician helps me with my problem solving and solutions while my public administration background is good for understanding strategy.”

Prabha has a great empathy for international students, having also migrated to New Zealand with her husband Ravi and their then two young children 14 years ago.

Her own children are now preparing to enter the tertiary system, daughter Radhika is eyeing medicine at Otago this year while son Chander, who is in Year 12, has architecture and cricket on his mind.

Settling in Wellington, Prabha held a number of key roles in educational organisations where international students and business quickly became her forte.

She worked for PTEs, WELTEC and Education New Zealand before coming to Rotorua and has a strong policy and operational background in international education.

Prabha has been responsible for developing markets in Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, and Pacific Islands, Vietnam, Philippines and the Middle East and while she was with Education New Zealand promoted this country as a study destination.

Originating from Chennai in the Southern part of India, Prabha has received two local government awards for her services to art and culture since arriving in New Zealand.

She teaches Indian classical dance and devotional music and has brought groups to Rotorua’s Diwali Festival to perform.

A frequent visitor to Rotorua with her family for holidays, Prabha is looking

Prabha Ravi, International Education Director

forward to the challenge of being the first international education director at Waiariki with approximately 22% of the 2012 student numbers having arrived from overseas.

“The world is changing. There is now lots of in-market delivery [off shore] through trans-national education and we need to be smart and ready to serve that demand,” she says.

Learning advisors recommended by student Megan Potts will begin her second year of the Diploma in Art and Design at Waiariki this year. Last year she requested the assistance of one of the on-campus learning advisors. She shares her experience here.

I am able to verbally give fuller, more complete answers to the written work than I would have been able to achieve by writing them down on my own. I now feel as though I can be in control of my study and I don’t want to hide my learning difficulty any more.

I am bright, bubbly and intelligent; I also have a learning difficulty.

I struggle to be able to write down all of the information the tutors need so I can prove I know the course content. I have a choice of being a talented artist who achieves excellent practical grades but fails the course, or choosing to achieve my goals, which has meant admitting my learning difficulty and spending time each week with Tracy Murray, a learning advisor at Waiariki.

Tracy is one of many learning advisors at Waiariki who help students with any learning difficulties or struggles. Tracy is found in the ground floor office in N Block. She is really approachable and really friendly, she does not judge me by my difficulties but by my abilities.

Tracy has spent an hour with me every

Tracy Murray, one of a dozen learning advisors at Waiariki, works with Megan Potts to help her succeed in her studies.

week this last semester. She helps me to understand how the tutors need the paperwork set out. Tracy helps by writing down what I say about the assignments I have to answer. Having Tracy’s support

When I got in touch with Tracy the first time, I took a support person with me because I was nervous. It also helped to have someone who knows me to help Tracy learn about how I learn and what I need help with as well as what my strengths are. My support person was able to stay with me until I felt comfortable.

That wasn’t long as Tracy made me feel safe very quickly. So how did she do that?

She just smiled and accepted me as me.

If you have a learning difficulty, don’t feel judged. Get help, just go and see Tracy and have a chat.

Art tutor’s design chosen for loos in Redwoods A Waiariki art tutor’s design has been chosen for The Redwoods Forest & Visitor Centre’s new public toilets.

Kereama Taepa, who teaches graphics, photography, sculpture and fashion, submitted a design using cut COR-TEN steel which incorporates traditional Māori kowhaiwhai pattern with bird images.

Aiming to promote the talents of Kiwi artists, last year Rotorua District Council (RDC) asked for submissions for shrouds which will envelop the new toilet complex under construction.

Kereama’s designs of six different shrouds – each paying homage to a different New Zealand native bird – were chosen over designs from artists around New Zealand and overseas.

WAIARIKI TODAY

Kereama, who also runs his own fashion label Urbanmaori, said while he’s created lots of artwork and clothing, this was his first installation on such a large scale. He was thrilled when he was notified that his submission was chosen.

“Now I know I can put together a tender and compete with artists more established than me.”

The new toilets are located between the visitor centre and existing toilet block, weaving between the trees via a boardwalk.

RDC Redwoods Forest & Visitor Centre manager Julianne Wilkinson said all design concepts submitted were quite different from each other and of such a high quality that it made judging difficult.

Computer rendering of Kereama Taepa’s winning design.

The $390,000 project will help meet forecast demand, with visitor growth increasing every year. Around 220,000 people visited The Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest last year, an increase of 20,000 visitors over the last three years.

www.waiariki.ac.nz

Music students can hit new notes Waiariki is now offering an approved qualification in music tuition.

Following the successful operation of the Waiariki Academy of Singing and Music during the last two years, which supports musically talented youth aiming for careers in the music industry, Waiariki has secured its first music-specific qualification through an agreement with Tai Poutini Polytechnic.

The Certificate in Contemporary Music Performance will be delivered in Rotorua and allows students to study toward a career in the musical industry.

The programme will be managed by respected musician and academy manager Richard Anaru.

“This is just what we wanted to do,” says Richard. “It’s targeted at students who want to further their musical knowledge and

grounding to continue in the industry.”

He believes there is an amazing array of musical talent in the region and the opportunity to enhance that with a qualification would allow students a foot up in to the industry.

“It’s exciting, this is all about studying today’s music and all musical genres. As part of their assessments the students will put on a concert every four weeks using the genres they have studied,” says Richard.

The programme runs across 34 weeks and students will learn how to make a record, gain performing skills, write a song, the best musical style for them, music theory, instrument study and professional opportunities.

For enquires on this program please contact richard.anaru@waiariki.ac.nz.

Staff profile

Helaman Tangiora Music academy scholars Georgia Taylor (left) and Stella Grant prepare for the 2012 Lakeside concert.

Waiariki winner of Māori Language Awards

Lecturer, Business Management Helaman Tangiora is passionate about the internet and marketing and their roles in modern business.

A good business owner or manager knows how to benefit from a strong online presence and robust marketing strategies, he says.

Having thorough knowledge and understanding of the internet and marketing principles and how those can be used to strengthen a business is vital in today’s environment, according to the Waiariki business management lecturer.

The husband and father of five has worked as a website designer, manager and online consultant before deciding to share his vast knowledge by teaching the community’s future business leaders.

Staff from Waiariki’s Te Wānanga a Ihenga Māori Development, Humanities and Research proudly accepting the Nga Tohu Reo Māori award.

Waiariki was named the winner of Nga Tohu Reo Māori/Māori Language Awards Tertiary Section 2012.

In selecting Waiariki as the winners, edging out Whitireira, Massey and Otago universities, the judges commented, “Your tono [application] and strategy are so well developed and are underpinned with a strong implementation focus.”

They liked how the kuratini (polytechnic) is committed to the plan from the senior level. The tono met the awards criteria

well and the judges felt that the longer term infrastructure changes for promotion of te reo that were inherent in the plan were useful.

While marking the occasion, Waiariki’s chief executive Professor Margaret Noble commented that after eight weeks in her role she was getting to understand what being bicultural meant and winning this award showed how Waiariki is making a difference in people’s lives.

“This is a real celebration to what we are achieving here across our institute,” she said.

Deputy chief executive Keith Ikin supported those comments and also reflected on the work still to be done.

“The reality is the Māori language is in a situation of crisis and our region has the largest domestic Māori population in New Zealand,” he said. “As an institute we have an important part to play in the language for the future.”

In a world where the internet and mobility are king, there are many career options for those with a sound knowledge of how the internet works and how businesses can get the internet to work for them, Helaman says.

He believes marketing is also coming to the fore and business management students at Waiariki will gain a thorough overview of marketing fundamentals including understanding the importance of consumer insights, how to be different in a market saturated with similar offerings and how to engage in digital marketing.

New Chinese language centre With roughly 2,000 secondary school students in the region studying Chinese Mandarin, it makes sense for Waiariki to offer a continuation of that interest and learning at the tertiary level.

Working with the Confucius Institute at Victoria University of Wellington, Waiariki has created a programme that will commence with Semester 1 in March.

The initiative has been driven by Laytee George, currently an international and schools relationships coordinator in Rotorua, and well known in several local schools where

she teachers Chinese Mandarin.

The courses will be open to anyone with an interest in the Chinese Mandarin language and culture.

“This is the first of many steps showing our commitment to China,” says Prabha Ravi, international education director at Waiariki.

“We want to grow our Chinese market, strengthen our links and profile and our branding. This is something New Zealand is working on also.

“We believe that because Rotorua is such a

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tourist centre, with all the Chinese tourists who come here, we believe it is adding a lot of value to the community.”

There are more than 150 Confucius Institutes around the world, with three here in New Zealand at The University of Auckland, University of Canterbury, and Victoria University of Wellington.

Confucius Institute will arrange to have a teacher sent from China to Rotorua to teach the courses. This position will be fully sponsored by the Chinese government.

Waiariki celebrates the Chinese New Year on campus.

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Matariki set to showcase Waiariki talent Creative Waiariki students Adrienne Whitewood and Natanahira Te Pona have taken on the task of running a month-long Matariki Winter Festival “Our Past, Our Future” in Rotorua.

For them it’s all about showcasing the talent of Waiariki’s students, the up-and-coming artists and designers on Waiariki campus.

Getting outside with friends for a bit of physical activity are important elements for being happy.

Happiness and the three R’s

“It’s the next generation that’s going to keep this festival alive, and it’s their creativity that we’re celebrating and showcasing. That’s what Matariki means to me. Matariki is all about looking toward the future.”

Events, workshops, a fashion show, pop-up galleries and more are set to take place at a number of locations such as Tamatekapua Marae (Ohinemutu), the Thursday Night Market and other key spots around Rotorua starting June 8, which is when the first star of Matariki can be seen.

Matariki is the Māori New Year which coincides with the lunar calendar. It is celebrated through various activities such as planting trees, telling whakapapa (genealogy) and looking at the star alignments.

For Adrienne and Natanahira it’s

Three important things we’ve learned about happiness after decades of research each start with an ‘R’: relationships, recreation and restoration.

Even better, the effect of combining recreation and relationships is enhanced when it is done outside in the fresh air and close to nature.

Restoration is a third activity scholars have taught us about.

In his research, psychologist Stephen Kaplan shows how natural environments turn out to be particularly rich in the characteristics necessary for restorative experiences.

“There is no disagreement,” he notes, “that stress reduction is aided by natural environment experience.”

The nice thing about these three R’s is that they work best when they are done together: sailing with a friend, hiking with your children, jogging with a mate, cycling with a group. The results are cumulative because the experience is shared. Doing it outside – in the forests, in the parks, in the gardens – makes it even better because the natural setting itself restores you.

There are a number of other things that contribute to happiness, of course: money helps, and a meaningful job adds value to your self-vision and worth. But if you are looking for joy, for a day worth living, nothing beats dong something active with friends or family outdoors.

If you are looking for a place to get started, come see us at the Waiariki Community Recreation Centre. Memberships are open to the public as well as our students. Come in for a weights session with a buddy and then hit the walking paths out in the Tree Trust behind the centre.

Written by Jess Nelson, sport and events coordinator.

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“What better way to include Waiariki as we are the future generation leading the way?” Adrienne asks.

The students also believe it’s not just about being a Māori event, Matariki is about evolving, which is how they see the multi-cultural society evolving here in Rotorua. They want everyone to be a part of Matariki.

Adrienne, who is a local clothing designer and former student of toi whakaairo (carving) tutor Eugene Kara, has come back to study again after winning Waiariki’s 2012 Op Shop to Catwalk competition and receipt of a one-year fashion design scholarship. She said she would love to showcase the fashion, weavers and photography students in the fashion extravaganza event she is putting together for the Matariki Festival.

Natanahira, who is enrolled on the Certificate in Ngā Mahi Whakairo, is interested in working alongside the other carving and sculpture students on exhibitions held at the various locations in Rotorua.

The relationships we should cultivate – yes, they require some work – are those that bring us support and help us get through life by sharing the good times and the bad times.

Recreation is important because, as the word suggests, it allows us to re-create – to rebuild ourselves physically and mentally, especially when it involves physical activity like walking, running, cycling or swimming.

about looking at the past in order to achieve the future.

Adrienne Whitewood and Natanahira Te Pona, with some of their recent creations, are putting together a month-long Matariki festival for Rotorua.

To find out more visit www. matarikiwinterfestival.com or search for “Matariki Rotorua 2013” on Facebook.

Staff excellence is rewarded Big congratulations to Waiariki staff Allan Fowler, Malin Quintern and Lee Devoy for being selected as the recipients of the Chief Executive Awards for Excellence 2012.

outstanding in her practice, and whose strengths include engaging the learner, designing innovative assessments, and bringing fresh ideas to teaching and using online tools.

The awards annually celebrate excellence in contribution over and above the normal course of duty and each applicant has set themselves apart in their respective category due to their outstanding efforts.

“Malin’s teaching style caters to all learning styles. Because she is a passionate tutor, she draws the attention of the class to her at all times … She personally takes on the responsibilities to ensure top quality social workers go out into the community ... Malin’s passion for tutoring the students to work with future clients will change the face of social work empowering communities as a whole.”

The awards were presented at the staff Christmas luncheon.

Excellence in Research A senior lecturer in game design, Allan Fowler is a member of the Waiariki Research Committee, chair of the International Game Developers Association (NZ Chapter), and heads Waiariki’s School of Computing, Technology and Communication’s Research Committee.

Outstanding Contribution and Support A friendly face at the main reception

at Mokoia Campus’ I Block day in and out, Lee Devoy sets the tone for customer service at this organisation.

Comments from Lee’s co-workers include, “When I think of the type of employee who represents the ‘Waiariki way,’ I think of Lee Devoy. She is unflappable; no task is too small, too large, too anything to be undertaken.

She simply says, ‘Yep, sure, not a problem,’ and gets on with it.

“She is willing to go the extra mile for staff and students … You are never greeted by anything less than a bright and bubbly greeting and caring smile. It’s a pleasure to walk through the doors and be greeted by such a lovely person … She is the most genuine person I know at Waiariki Institute of Technology.”

He has completed research in the use of video games for learning and was awarded the 2011 Computing and Information Technology Research and Education in New Zealand (CITRENZ) Award for Education and Innovation. As an accomplished researcher, Allan still finds time to encourage others in their pursuits through the school and institute committees.

Excellence in Teaching and Learning Supporting submissions from peers and students confirmed Malin Quintern is a superb teacher,

Allan Fowler, Malin Quintern and Lee Devoy were the recipients of the annual Waiariki staff awards for 2012.

www.waiariki.ac.nz

Students develop healthy smartphone app Communications and Technology in November, just released their first Android app as part of their final project.

The app called “Missed a Cavity” is a game designed to promote dental hygiene in a fun and engaging way.

In the game the player controls a toothbrush that chases some of the causes of cavities like fizzy drinks, doughnuts and candy floss.

Allan Fowler, Senior Lecturer Computing

Waiariki students have developed a game application for Android smartphones.

Anna Ewing, Ben Baker and Jarrad Thomasen, who completed their final year of the Bachelor of Computing,

“The great benefit of studying at Waiariki is the hands-on learning opportunities,” said Allan Fowler, senior lecturer in computing at Waiariki, “and there is often the chance for students to achieve more than the course objectives.

“The students were enrolled in a game design major and wanted to consolidate

their experience from what they have learnt while at Waiariki and also extend on what they learnt by trying something new. We did not teach them Android app development.”

While the production wasn’t overly difficult to undertake, it did require a lot of time and patience, Allan said. He and the students estimate it took more than 200 hours to create the game.

“I wanted the students to develop a game that had a positive outcome,” he says. “There is so much publicity around the potential harm that video games can produce, so I thought a video game based around something as important as dental hygiene would be a good thing to do.”

The development team hopes to secure funding to further develop the app.

International student making his mark Neeraj Kumar isn’t easily thrown.

“There are problems but I’m still trying my best,” says the Waiariki wrestler who is successfully balancing his studies, working part time and representing New Zealand in his chosen sport.

“I have study, working at [Waiariki’s] rec centre and I train once a week in Tauranga plus the gym,” he adds.

Later this year Neeraj – who fights for the Mount Wrestling Club under national coach Mark Grayling – also has to fit in a New Zealand team tour to Australia.

Neeraj is studying toward a Diploma in Culinary Arts and is the first international student to become a scholar of the Waiariki Academy of Sport.

He’s currently in the process of applying for a sports visa through Immigration New Zealand and he is committed to this country after wrestling as a Kiwi against a Californian shortly after his arrival in 2010.

“I want to be in New Zealand in the future, I represent New Zealand now,” says the national 60kg freestyle and Greco-Roman division champion. He picked up silvers also in the 66kg class last August.

The scholarship provides study grants for Bay of Plenty people with significant disabilities to undertake tertiary study. A total of $105,050 has been awarded for this year.

Dillon Scholarship chair Pam Lewis said the scholarship recognises the particular efforts that people with disabilities have to make to obtain tertiary education and the extra financial costs that they may incur.

“The Dillon Scholarship recognises the extra hurdles in life that people with disabilities may face as they begin or continue their tertiary studies. The 56 recipients are an inspiration to all of

the trustees, and a credit to themselves and their families,” Ms Lewis said.

“The varied and diverse range of courses and qualifications that the recipients are studying – from 3-D animation, music production and performance, nursing to social work, fashion design and science – shows what immense talent they have. I wish them all wholehearted success reaching their goals and achieving their dreams.”

Shannon is in her second year of a Bachelor of Computing, Communications and Technology at Waiariki and was awarded $3,000.

“I am very thankful and appreciative of this award… I am just doing what I love and have a passion for, whilst trying to build a good future, and it is very much appreciated with thanks

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Nā, i ēnei rā ko te mahi i ōna wā nā te rangatira anake kua riro mā te hunga kaumātua, ngā tohunga o te reo. Ko te mana o te iwi e takea mai ana i te matatau me te tohungatanga o ēnei kaumātua.

Kei te puta ake te hunga kōrero mātātahi e riro nei mā rātau kē e noho mai ngā nohonga kaikōrero o runga i ō rātau pā, i ngā hui nui. Kāore i roa ki muri te wā me noho puku kē ēnei kaikōrero i te aroaro o ō rātau Kaumātua, ā, he nui tonu te hunga mātātahi e mau tonu ana ki tērā tikanga ēngari kei te whakaputa tōna tokoiti waha kakama.

Traditionally, whaikōrero was the prerogative and the demesne of the chief and tribal reputations were enhanced or diminished because of the chief’s competence, or lack of it, in this regard.

“I come here on my first day and I didn’t know where to go or what to do but when I saw the Waiariki gym, I knew I could train.”

Neeraj Kumar is the first wrestler and first international student athlete to join the Waiariki Academy of Sport.

Dillon Scholarships assist tertiary students with disabilities Rotorua’s Shannon Kahika-van der Heijden is one of 56 people from throughout the Bay of Plenty to receive a Dillon Scholarship for 2013.

I ōna wā, ko te whaikōrero he mahi nā te rangatira, i a ia te mana, ā, ko te hau o ngā rongo o te Iwi mo tōna tau, mo tōna koretake noa iho rānei, i ahu mai i te matatau tonu o te rangatira ki taua mahi, i te kore rānei i te matatau.

When one considers the whole art of oratory, one is reminded of two proverbs, “Chiefly utterances should be worthy of chiefs,” and, “Rhetoric and oratory are the arts of the noble.”

Neeraj started wrestling back in his homeland of India about two years ago.

The competition in Haryana not far from Delhi was strong and when he arrived at Waiariki he quickly felt at home.

That’s if he isn’t working at the gym’s reception desk, wrestling for his new country or going to class.

Tēnā kia tirohia tēnei mea te whaikōrero, e rua ngā whakataukī ka ara ake, arā, “Ko ngā kōrero rangatira, kia rangatira anō,” ā, “Ko te kai o te rangatira he korero.”

Hēoi anō, ki tā Te Ārawa me mau tonu ki te kawa me ōna tikanga e pā ana ki te whaikōrero, mehemea kei te ōra tonu te Matua kauaka tana tama e tū ki te whaikōrero ki runga i ō tātau pā, me te mea anō hoki, kai te pā te tuakana e noho ana, kauaka te tēina e tū ki te whaikōrero. Kōinei e te iwi e.

He prefers freestyle as “anything goes” but he’s obviously pretty skilled in the “can’t use legs” Greco form of wrestling.

And that’s were you’ll find him most days of the week, working on making his grip (arms and hands) and stamina strong.

Te Reo Māori

and gratitude. My heartfelt thanks and gratitude go to the trustees and BayTrust staff.”

Named after the late Ray Dillon, a former TrustBank Bay of Plenty board chairman well known for his active support of community activities, the Dillon Scholarship provides individual scholarships of up to $5,000 a year for up to four years for study at a university, polytechnic or other New Zealand based institution.

For more information on applying for a Dillon Scholarship contact: Bruce Cronin, BayTrust manager, 0800 654 546, or bruce@baytrust.org.nz

Today what was once the role and prerogative of the high born has been assumed by the kaumātua (elders), the present masters of the language. Tribal reputations are still dependent to a large degree on the competence and expertise of these kaumātua.

There is an emerging younger group of speakers who are assuming the positions of spokesmen on pā, or on formal occasions.

Not so long ago many of these speakers would have remained silent in the presence of elders, a deference still observed by the majority of the younger generation, but today there are a few beginning to speak out.

However, within the boundaries of the Te Ārawa waka (canoe), we still hold fast to our sacred lore, customs and traditions, that is, if the father is still walking the face of the earth, his son cannot stand on any pā in Te Ārawa and speak in a formal occasion.

Similarly, if the father has passed away, and his elder son is present on the marae, the tēina (younger son) cannot stand in front of his tuakana (elder brother).

Nākū noa, Tākuta Kēneti Te Whāinga Kēnnedy Kaumātua

Pam Lewis, Dillon Scholarship chair, 07 575 3107, or pamelia1@xtra.co.nz

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From the kitchen

Newfound passion for numbers brings local woman back to school Professionals in accounting and finance hold some of the best and most influential positions in New Zealand and throughout the world.

They earn great money, shape businesses worldwide and redefine what it means to be an accountant.

The key to this bright future is to gain the best professional designation such as accounting technician or chartered accountant, both highly sought after positions which enjoy the prestige and support of New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA) accreditation. Waiariki offers the qualifications to help get you there.

Aimee London began her studies as an adult at Waiariki. The mother of two enrolled part time on the Diploma in Accounting in 2011 after developing a passion for numbers while working as an office manager.

She did so well, averaging an A+, that she was awarded the Excellent in First Year Accounting 2011 by NZICA and Waiariki, all of which “has increased my confidence in my own abilities,”

Fergus Cumming is making chicken liver paté. Mr Cumming was among a group of senior men who signed up for four weeks of cooking lessons at Waiariki late last year where they learned a number of dishes for entertaining over the festive season.

she says. “This is why I plan to pursue a Bachelor of Applied Management and ultimately become a chartered accountant.”

With the diploma under her belt, the New Zealand Diploma in Business to be completed soon, Aimee plans to finish the degree at the end of this year.

For Aimee, gaining these qualifications is also about being a good role model for her children, and her husband has been extremely supportive all the way, she says.

“I really wanted to set a standard for [my children], show them you can achieve things at any time in life and that education is really important.”

When asked what attracts her to the field of accounting, she says, “Mainly a passion for numbers, structure and professional systems. I’m not sure where this came from, although both my father and uncle are accountants and I remember enjoying going to Dad’s office when I was just 12 and helping out with data entry.

Aimee London is studying to become a chartered accountant.

“Through working as an office manager I also realised that I valued working with a variety of different tasks on a daily basis. So when I started feeling like I wanted to further myself, all of these things influenced my decision to pursue this profession.”

Building a successful future for our community

Chicken Liver Pâté Ingredients 250g chicken liver 1 large clove garlic, crushed 100g butter, divided in half 1 Tbsp fresh thyme, chopped 1 bay leaf ½ tsp salt ½ tsp Tabasco sauce Black pepper to taste ¼ cup sherry ¼ cup cream Directions 1. Rinse the chicken livers, pat dry with a paper towel then cut into two lobes then in half again.

2. Melt 50g of butter in a pan, add the crushed garlic and cook 2-3 minutes. Do not brown.

3. To the sautéed garlic, add the chicken livers, fresh thyme, bay leaf, salt, Tabasco sauce and pepper. Stir over a medium heat until the livers are no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Add half of the sherry and cook a further 1-2 minutes.

4. Put this mixture in a food processor (remove the bay leaf) and process until very smooth.

Add the cream and remaining sherry and butter, puree until smooth.

5. Spoon into a small container and refrigerate until it cools. It will last about four days in the fridge and improve in flavour.

6. Serve with crostini, crackers or toast.

Carpentry students at Waiariki don’t just learn the theory of how to use tools – they get to use them to build a house as part of their training.

In December, the Waiariki Institute of Technology Charity House Project was officially launched and construction is planned to be underway at the start of Semester 1 in early March.

The launch was held at the build venue, PlaceMakers Rotorua on Te Ngae Road with Rotorua Mayor Kevin Winters and Waiariki chief executive Professor Margaret Noble among those hammering in the first nails.

The project will bring Waiariki’s carpentry and interior design students together with local tradespeople and suppliers in partnership for the community.

The completed three bedroom house will then go under the hammer later this year with the proceeds going to charity.

Carpenters are in short supply in New Zealand and with the rebuild of

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Waiariki carpentry tutor Ray Ellis gets assistance from chief executive Professor Margaret Noble to install the house profile for the Charity House Project.

earthquake-ravaged Christchurch at the top of the government’s priority list, Waiariki has extra openings on many trades courses.

The Waiariki Māori Carpentry Cadetship has been developed on Mokoia Campus to support students gain a nationally recognised carpentry certificate followed by a two-year apprenticeship. The Rotorua Trades Academy and Eastern Bay of Plenty Trades Academy are also in place providing training in a number of much-needed areas including construction, electrical, mechanical engineering, business administration and more.

Waiariki is also in partnerships with iwi groups in areas outside of Rotorua, like Taumarunui, so that young people there also have access to trades training.

Many of Waiariki’s trades students are offered apprenticeships with local firms as a result of the work experience they undertake during their courses.

Once in an apprenticeship there is further training offered in the form of block courses, some of which are run

by Waiariki.

More details on the Charity House Project can be found on www.charityhouse.co.nz.

www.waiariki.ac.nz

Waiariki staff member on voyage for global youth

In the garden

the community support and the young people and whanau who have helped shape my world view,” Tireni said before her trip. “I’m very grateful to be able to represent my family, iwi and the wider community. The support [sponsorship and gifts] from the local organisations has been overwhelming.”

After studying anthropology Tireni admits that she kind of “fell into” youth work initially. It is now one of her passions and she has had some great mentors including the late Putu Mihaka.

The Ship for World Youth experience sees the New Zealanders buddied up with Costa Rico ambassadors for a three-night homestay in Japan ahead of a week’s sailing training before leaving Tokyo and calling in on ports Naha, Kobe and Ofunato before returning to Tokyo.

Tireni Ratema (second from left) and Anuska Pal (third from left) of Costa Rica are joined by a couple of their Japanese hosts.

A voice for Rotorua youth was heard on a global stage last month.

Tireni Ratema, Waiariki student pathway advisor, was one of 10 New Zealand ambassadors selected to take part in the 25th Ship for World Youth programme.

The five week long exchange was established by the Japanese cabinet to broaden the global view of Japanese youth by promoting mutual understanding

and friendship between Japanese and foreign youth, cultivating the spirit of international cooperation and to foster youth with capability.

Placements are highly sought after and about 200 New Zealanders applied, with the list shortened to 22 before the final 10 were selected.

“It is a privilege to be going and it wouldn’t have been possible without all

One of Tireni’s tasks on the voyage was to present an example of how youth have contributed to Rotorua society.

She presented a seminar relating to youth involved in decision making and presented a case study from Rotorua.

Those experiences were relevant during the organised discussion groups of environment, social media, education and cross-cultural learning on board the ship.

“It’s great to be representing Waiariki Institute of Technology. I look forward to being enriched by the entire experience while creating strong global connections. Ultimately I want to bring this all back to share with others and be inspired to take up these types of opportunities for themselves.”

Waiariki business lecturer wins research award Research doesn’t happen just in science labs and world renowned universities.

It happens right here in Rotorua at Waiariki.

that they need to close those gaps.

The benefit, says Vivienne, is “more individual course enrolments, which is convenient for full-time employees, and more opportunity to gain formal qualifications. Many have been working in business administration for 30-odd years. They finally have a qualification that confirms they know what they’re doing professionally.”

The latest champion to receive national recognition for her research is senior lecturer for business administration online Vivienne Kermode.

Vivienne, who has been working for Waiariki nearly 13 years, and her research co-author Eth Lloyd received the New Zealand Association for Training and Development (NZATD) Education Trust Learning and Development Research of the Year 2012 Merit Award.

Vivienne and Ms Lloyd’s research was tilted, “Linkages between workplace assessment and formal tertiary level training – Filling the knowledge gap for administrative professionals undertaking their Diploma in Business Administration Level 5”.

“We did the research to try to tell people that workplaces and ITPs [institutes of technology and polytechnics] can work together to achieve,” Vivienne says.

“Historically, there’s a real block there.

What we’re trying to prove is that it can be done collaboratively. It works for us and it works for the students.”

Studying online is well suited for those already working in business administration roles who wish to study part time, upgrade the skills they already have and gain new skills relevant to today’s business sector. Gaining the diploma quite often leads to more responsibility in their roles, higher positions and/or bigger pay cheques.

Vivienne Kermode is a senior lecturer of business administration online at Waiariki.

Students of the National Diploma in Business Administration (Level 5) are assessed in their workplace. When knowledge or skill gaps are discovered, Vivienne is contacted and the students are set up with the online courses at Waiariki

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Vivienne has been involved in the business administration field all of her professional life. Her first role at age 15 was as a business administrator. She is very passionate about the role business administrators play.

“They are highly valuable,” she says.

“Businesses actually wouldn’t be running if business administrators weren’t there.

They are the glue that holds many businesses together.”

If you’re somewhat new to gardening, you might think autumn is the time to relax and let things green and grow without much assistance. Not true, this time of year there’s plenty to do by way of planting, pruning, feeding and protecting.

And keep in mind, if you run out space in the vege garden, incorporate some of your edibles into the flower bed as in the photo above where lettuces, basil and creeping thyme mix it up with pinks, alyssum and heliotrope.

Here’s a month-by-month guide to help you prepare.

March • Time to get the last seedlings planted of broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, beetroot, Brussels sprouts, spinach and silverbeet before the soil cools off (protect young seedlings with slug bait).

• Sow seeds of broad beans, carrots, parsnips, radish, lettuce, spinach, silverbeet, beetroot, swede, and turnip directly into the garden.

• Any areas not to be used for growing vegetables this winter can be planted with a green manure cover crop such as blue lupin, mustard or oats. This will be dug in later to enrich the soil for spring and summer crops.

• Divide and transplant perennials such as lilies, iris and hostas.

• Plant window boxes and containers now with violas, pansies, primula, mums, kalanchoe and bulbs for winter colour.

• Be wary of the odd frost late this month.

April • Plant potatoes in frost-free areas.

• Plant parsley and perennial herbs such as thyme, chives, rosemary and bay in a protected spot.

• Deadhead roses as autumn flowering finishes.

• Plant trees and shrubs. At planting time add a long term fertiliser.

• Prune shrubs that are finished flowering.

May • Plant garlic and shallot bulbs.

• Plant strawberries.

• Fruit tree pruning should start as soon as leaves have dropped.

• Spray trees and shrubs with Conqueror oil to control scale, aphids and mites which over winter on plants.

• Mulch trees, shrubs and perennials with compost.

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For the birds

Rotorua English student has the blues

Thomas George, senior hospitality management lecturer at Waiariki, has decided to honour his Malaysian heritage by sponsoring a wild bird through Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre.

Artist Fabiola Barba has given Rotorua the “Eternal Blues”.

The $200 sponsorship allows Thomas to name a wild New Zealand falcon – a threatened species – that is being tracked and monitored by Wingspan. He will also receive reports when his bird is sighted, plus free admission to the centre for a year.

Thomas has named his bird Merdeka, a word in the Malay and Indonesian language meaning “independence” or “freedom”, Thomas explains.

“I was born on 31 August 1957, Merdeka Day, Malaysian Independence Day. Hence I was nicknamed the ‘Merdeka Boy’ whilst growing up.”

Thomas compares his homeland to his more sparsely populated adopted home. “I am claustrophobic and as such absolutely love the freedom of space we have in scenic Rotorua and New Zealand.”

Also having a strong connection to the earth, he says, “I grew up in rich equatorial rain forest environments and appreciate the need to preserve our fragile flora and fauna.”

Merdeka will represent “my Malaysian wairua [spirit] flying free in our New Zealand skies.

“We need to support the Wingspan Trust Rotorua and similar organisations. It’s important to be educated and informed about sustainable practices to help preserve our whenua, our taonga, for the present and for future generations.”

Technically speaking, it was just a loan while the former Waiariki English student exhibited her pencil drawings at the Rotorua Museum’s Bathhouse Café until mid-February, but nonetheless, the collection of nine portraits was given to the city in good faith.

The collection was started by Mexicoborn Fabiola in 1996 and each work took her between 20 and 40 hours to complete as research for the National University of Mexico.

Her favourite is of legendary bluesman Gary Davis.

“The ones on display are so well done I can’t believe it when I see them finished but when I did that one [Davis] I surprised myself,” says Fabiola who was the artist in residence at Rotorua’s Arts Village.

She was inspired to create the collection from the rise of the African-American.

“They have come from slaves to the President … [Blues] was a way the slaves developed for their own communication.”

As a former international student Fabiola also does some contract work for Waiariki around the South American student market.

Former Waiariki student Fabiola Barba’s amazing pencil drawings were exhibited at Rotorua Museum’s Bathhouse Café.

Fabiola is now extending her own journey, having travelled across the ditch to study art further at Sydney University and add to her other qualifications which includes a MBA (Graphic Design, Marketing and Advertising)

gathered at University of Phoenix.

“I want to combine creativity with business. Some people say to me ‘you are an artist, what do you know about business,’ but I think it will be fun. An artist doesn’t have to be poor.”

Who teaches the teachers? We do!

Centre is supported by locally based UC staff members, including AnneMarie Hunt as regional academic coordinator and lecturer, two part-time te reo Māori tutors and others. Specialist tutors travel from Christchurch to Rotorua to teach in specific curriculum areas.

Thomas George meets one of Wingspan’s taonga, Atareta.

The degree offers both a full-time and part-time distance flexible learning option (FLO). This professional degree is the teaching qualification for those entering teacher education without a degree. The graduate diploma is for those who already have a bachelor’s degree, can also be studied through FLO.

News Snippets • Waiariki presented a $1,500 cheque to Hospice Rotorua which included the proceeds from the Waiariki Fashion Show 2012. The annual show features the fashion design collections of Waiariki’s Year 1 and 2 fashion technology students and the Op Shop to Catwalk competition which is open to the public.

• The winner of Waiariki’s Op Shop to Catwalk competition in 2012 was Adrienne Whitewood. The local fashion designer purchased a lamp shade, vintage doilies, ribbons and other items from a Hospice shop in Rotorua and upcycled them into an outfit that wowed the judges and audience alike. Adrienne’s prize was one year of fees-free tuition in a creative qualification at Waiariki this year. The designer, who holds a degree in fashion from Auckland University of Technology (2009), has chosen to study toward the Diploma in Fashion Technology.

• Congratulations to Don Overbeay, head of creative arts at Waiariki, who enjoyed his second solo exhibition during February and March. “Welcome to the New Dark Age” consisted of 10 paintings Don describes as neo Expressionism in nature. The exhibition was displayed at Gallery 59 in Tauranga.

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Kristina Crouch is surrounded by some of the children from the school in Rarotonga where she’s deputy principal.

Collaboration between universities and institutes of technology generally creates a win-win-win situation: a win for both tertiary organisations and a win for the community. Such is the case for University of Canterbury (UC), Waiariki and the students of Rotorua and beyond.

UC graduate Kristina Crouch agrees.

“The University of Canterbury has provided me with opportunities to follow my passion for education and scaffolded me to succeed through a commitment to providing sound knowledge, skills and a professionalism that epitomises excellence,” she says.

Kristina completed UC’s Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Primary) in 2009. The Rotorua native is now looking forward to her second year of her three-year contract as deputy principal and classroom teacher at Rutaki School on Rarotonga.

Through an agreement with UC in 1997, Waiariki provides the facilities on Mokoia Campus that allow UC to deliver two of their high-level teaching qualifications, the Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Primary) and the Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Primary).

The University of Canterbury Rotorua

New to the Waiariki campus this year, the Master of Education will be offered for those who have the degree.

The master’s qualification can be done via distance within the flexible learning option.

Every year up to 50 students are enrolled and UC has graduated more than 250 primary beginning teachers.

“Canterbury’s high expectations of its students means that graduates are often sought after in the work force,” says Kristina. “I was rapt to secure a full-time teaching position even before I graduated! This achievement I dedicate to the academics and education professionals making a difference for others at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha.”

For more information please visit www.education.canterbury.ac.nz.

www.waiariki.ac.nz

Tokoroa native aims to make a difference Helping to make a difference is one of the main reasons Filly Misiluti enrolled on the Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Social Work) at Waiariki.

The Tokoroa native said she has always had an interest in advocacy and social justice.

Waiariki’s social work degree incorporates valuable work experience for students and prepares them for any field of social work.

Those who complete the three-year Level 7 bachelor’s degree are able to apply to become registered social workers.

After working in the IT sector in Auckland, Filly returned home to study and wants to work in the mental health area.

“A lot of issues stem from mental illness and I like standing up for people’s rights and for social justice,” she said. “A lot of people with mental illness don’t have a voice.”

Her interest in mental health stems from the people in her life who have gone through mental illness.

While mental health is her chosen path, she says the qualification she earned offers a very

broad range of opportunities.

“A lot of people think social work is just to do with Child, Youth and Family services but you can work in many different kinds of organisations – from non-profit to hospitals, schools and government departments – and you can work with all ages.

“I like the idea of being able to help improve people’s lives, connecting them to other organisations, providing options for them to make decisions that will make their lives and their families’ lives better.”

Filly Misiluti wishes to be an advocate for those with mental illness.

Why does Waiariki undertake research?

Why do we undertake research? A simple question with, I believe, an equally simple answer: to improve.

With increasing knowledge there naturally follows refinements, efficiencies, even paradigm shifts that lead to improvement.

But it is not research itself that results in improvement (although one could argue that researchers and research institutions are improved by the mere act). The sudden bestowment of omniscience on one or even 100 people on this planet would not result in widespread improvement unless that knowledge was somehow disseminated to the relevant sections of society. Communication is the key.

Clarke Raymond, PhD, Director of Research

By what criteria do we evaluate the success or otherwise of a research project?

Disproving a hypothesis? Meeting agreed milestones? Keeping to budget? Submitting a completion report to a manager?

A research project cannot be successful

unless the findings are shared with an audience that holds the power to enact change – to improve. We therefore emphasise the importance of publishing, presenting, exhibiting, screening, and performing – collectively known as research outputs and scholarly activities. These are the proof of our endeavours and the vehicle for that vital dissemination of new knowledge.

All around the world these outputs are quantified and qualified as measures of research activity and success. Our own government’s Performance Based Research Fund (PBRF) does exactly that to determine how to slice up the research funding pie amongst all the eligible institutions in the country.

At Waiariki we have just completed analysis of our own research outputs for 2012.

Having been here for most of that period, I am now quite accustomed to the variety of disciplines in which we have expertise.

What I wasn’t prepared for was the breadth

of output types – from books and journal articles, conference proceedings and business consultancies, to musical composition and performance art – all legitimate methods for getting new ideas out in the world and influence change. Perhaps the most pleasing thing, however, is the quantity of this output. From around 150 individual research outputs and scholarly activities in 2011, we have produced nearly 240 in 2012 – a 60% increase.

As we move into 2013 I’ll leave you with some food for thought: One can extend the concept of outputs as the culmination of research and think in terms of outcomes.

That is, measuring the change, the improvement that a research finding elicits.

For some research the timescales make this very hard to do, but at an institute of technology, where we are focussed on applied research, outcomes are perhaps a more relevant measure of research success.

Interprovincial success for golf academy members Waiariki Academy of Sport golf director Gavin Holder is looking forward to 2013 after a great finish to 2012 for his charges.

Peter Lee, Victor Janin, Landyn Edwards and William Howard were members of the victorious Bay of Plenty team which secured the New Zealand Toro Interprovincial Championships on a dramatic finals day in Dunedin late last year.

Peter grabbed a sudden death play-off win for his team in the semi-final against defending champions Southland while Victor birdied his second play-off in the tense final over Manawatu Wanganui to give the Bay their fourth national title in six years.

After an unbeaten week at number two Peter was selected as Player of the Tournament in his first experience at New Zealand Golf ’s equivalent of Rugby’s NPC. “I’m very proud of you guys for firstly making the teams and flying the flag high for the academy,” Gavin proudly posted on Facebook following the tournament, in which Ruel Pedersen and William Brown also played, for Poverty Bay. The win capped off a great year for Bay of Plenty men’s golf which went unbeaten through the various representative quadrangular tournaments and saw Peter selected to play for New Zealand following

his runner-up effort at the New Zealand Amateur matchplay championships.

A week following the men’s tourney, academy member Grace Senior and Zoe Brake finished third in the women’s interprovincial at St Claire Golf Club in Dunedin.

Many of the Waiariki golfers were back in action in early January.

Victor finished fourth in the Danny Lee Springfield Open in Rotorua at Springfield Golf Club. This is the same match won in 2012 by Landyn Edwards, an original academy of sport member, who is now a greenkeeper at Lake View Golf and Country Club – proving there can be educational, sporting and career success through Waiariki’s academy programme.

Peter was in Australia competing in the Australian Amateur where more than 230 players were trying to compete for the 64 spots available to move into the matchplay draw. Peter qualified in 20th position then won his first match, getting him to into the next flight of 32 but was then beaten in his second match.

William played in the Auckland Anniversary Tournament late in the month, finishing in fourth position.

Early February saw Landyn claim eighth

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The victorious Bay of Plenty team posing happily with their trophy: Landyn Edwards (academy golfer), Sam Davis (Tauranga golfer), Brad Kendal (Tauranga golfer), William Howard (academy golfer), Peter Lee (academy golfer), and Victor Janin (academy golfer).

position in the men’s field in the Grant Clements Memorial Tournament at Mt

Maunganui Golf Club and Grace took third in the woman’s field.

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GRADUATION 2013

While Waiariki Institute of Technology’s graduation ceremonies have evolved over the years, the pomp and circumstance still remain and grow each year.

In March 1998 the inaugural Waiariki-wide graduation ceremonies were held over two days, coinciding with the first students to complete degrees. A total of 128 graduates accepted their parchments during either the ceremony at Tangatarua Marae or the Convention Centre in downtown Rotorua; 11 graduands accepted in absentia.

This year, nearly 600 graduates accepted their parchments – from certificates to postgraduate qualifications – during the formal Graduation Awards Ceremony at Energy Events Centre on Friday, February 15, 2013.

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The best of the best named Excellence and achievement were further recognised during Waiariki’s 2013 formal Graduation Awards Ceremony at Rotorua’s Energy Events Centre.

Four Waiariki graduates were selected from their peers to receive awards in hospitality management, journalism, nursing and health and iwi development.

Wairangi Whata (left) complemented her day which started as the valedictorian at the marae pohiri by receiving the Te Wānaga a Ihenga Award for Excellence in Iwi Development.

Kristal Heta received the top student in Year 2 of the Diploma in Hospitality Management award sponsored by Skyline, Rotorua.

Keri Manuel secured the Toni Purchase Award for overall top achieving student in Year 3 of the Bachelor of Nursing who has shown exemplary resilience and commitment in the face of adversity to achieve their goal.

Wairangi Whata was the valedictorian at the graduation pohiri and farewell at Waiariki’s Tangatarua Marae, and recipient of the Te Wānaga a Ihenga Award for Excellence in Iwi Development.

Aspiring broadcaster and journalist Alan Solomon earned The Daily Post Award (scholarship) as student journalist of the year.

Introducing Waiariki’s valedictorians

WAIRANGI WHATA

KATIE O’NEILL

MARK SOLON

• Valedictorian at the Pohiri and Poroporoaki

• Valedictorian at the Graduation Awards Ceremony

• Valedictorian at the Graduation Awards Ceremony

• Bachelor of Māori Development

• Bachelor of Tourism Management

• Diploma in Patisserie and Bakery

• Te Wānanga a Ihenga Māori Development, Humanities and Research

• School of Business and Tourism

• School of Trade Training

• Waiariki Academy of Sport athlete

• International graduate from the Philippines

• Recipient of Te Wānanga a Ihenga Award for Excellence in Iwi Development

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• Waiariki’s first international valedictorian

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Stepping Stones

Working in partnership for youth

Working with young people at Waiariki has taken off with a hiss and a roar!

The institute’s two student pathway advisors, Harata Simpson and Tireni Ratema, have been out and about visiting secondary schools across the region, meeting with careers advisors, teaching staff and key contacts in the community that are working toward the common goal of young people fulfilling their potential.

Face-to-face engagement with young people through building stronger relationships with schools, kura kaupapa, and community is the primary focus for the advisors.

School visits were far-reaching, getting right down the East Coast to Te Whanau Apanui Area School and as far across as Forest View High School in the South Waikato.

The manaakitanga received was heartfelt in each visit and a sense of continued support to transition young people into tertiary education within their school was affirmed.

The student pathway team spent many a visit talking to young people about their career aspirations and dreams.

They look forward to revisiting secondary schools in the first term.

On-campus visits to Waiariki were also very popular.

Several school groups including primary school children were welcomed onto campus at Tangatarua Marae and then taken on a campus tour. The aim is to sow the seeds early with this age group and try to eliminate any concerns these students might have relating to tertiary study. We

want them to feel welcome and excited about their future studies at this level, whether they enrol at Waiariki or another provider.

Matamata College visited our Mokoia Campus in October.

Approximately 65 Year 10 and 11 students and 10 staff were hosted to a day of hands-on taster courses. The students were able to choose from a menu of workshops ranging from fashion, automotive, carpentry, electrical, culinary and hair dressing. Forestry and agriculture were also apart of the mix, with students transported to our Waipa Campus.

Students were asked, “What did you enjoy most about your visit?” on evaluation forms. Answers included “learning about the trade and course”, “the practical parts and learning about things I didn’t know about”, and “the experience of being in Waiariki and looking at all the workshops to attend”.

Overall, having Matamata College visit was a huge success.

Students and staff alike enjoyed the many opportunities to experience the benefits Waiariki.

If you would like to bring a school group to Waiariki, or if you’d like Harata and Tireni to visit your school, kura kaupapa or youth group, please phone Waiariki’s toll-free number and ask to speak to a member of our student pathway team.

Tireni Ratema and Harata Simpson, student pathway advisors, are here to help prospective, new and current students.

Design competition for secondary school students A design competition for Rotorua secondary school students could make things a whole lot more comfortable around the city’s business district.

A bonus for the students is the competition brief has been designed to allow high school teachers to integrate some Level 1, 2 or 3 NCEA units.

Waiariki and Rotorua District Council have partnered with other local suppliers to create Woodfirst Product Design, a new competition that aims to generate innovative seating designs from sustainable materials with wood being predominant, for the Rotorua CBD.

Debra Laraman, head of department of resource management at Waiariki, wanted to create a wooden product design competition specifically for secondary students, and the opportunity to collaborate with the Rotorua District Council CBD revitalisation strategy was the perfect match.

Youth aged 15-18 years are encouraged to create a sketch and/or model of their wooden design which will then be judged. The winning entry will be linked up with a professional designer and manufacturer before the innovative seating is produced and installed for public use. The winner also receives an iPad mini provided by Waiariki’s School of Forestry and Primary Industries.

The judges of the competition are looking for comfort and attractive seating designs that will also enhance Rotorua’s image of a modern and innovative city that has forestry, culture and environment at its core.

“It is hoped the competition will provide a vehicle for students to learn about wood, the importance of the industry to New Zealand and the diverse careers available in forestry and wood related industries, while providing the opportunity for students to gain recognition for their skills.

We’re also hoping it will encourage secondary students to have more pride in their city,” she said.

Rotorua District Council is working with key community stakeholders like Waiariki to embrace the concept of wood being the material of choice for new and existing

ENROL NOW! O Week 11-15 March Fun, food and folly All Waiariki campuses

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Rotorua Careers Expo 9 & 10 May Energy Events Centre

WAIARIKI TODAY

developments, according to Nick Dallimore, economic projects manager.

“The forestry industry is our largest GDP contributor and Rotorua is the birthplace of New Zealand’s forestry industry,” he says. “Rotorua is a leader in forestry research, products and innovation and the opportunity to develop this industry further is compelling.

“The CBD revitalisation project is an ideal way to introduce ‘wood first’ into our planning and implementation and we are thrilled to be working alongside Waiariki and some of the leading forestry businesses in making this happen.

Our youth are our future and providing opportunities for them to be involved with Rotorua’s plans is a great way to strengthen community pride and ownership.”

Entries for the Woodfirst Product Design competition close on April 5. Designers should contact Waiariki for more information.

Impo rtant Dates !

Open Day 15 May Whanau Day Mokoia Campus, Waiariki

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Waiariki Academy of Sport Canoe slalom on the radar Waiariki’s Olympians Mike Dawson’s and Luuka Jones’ performances at the London Olympic Games last year have been recognised with a significant increase in funding from High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ).

A comprehensive campaign investment plan was presented to HPSNZ late last year for consideration in the contestable funding pool. Funding in the area of $135,000 has been tagged specifically to Mike and Luuka’s 2013 programme and is likely to be prioritised toward funding a specialist block coach, tour and competition support, as well as sport science and medicine provision.

Prior to this, the largest investment in the sport was for the London Olympic campaign at $52,000.

Both paddlers, having placed in the Top 16 at their pinnacle event for 2012, qualified for Performance Enhancement Grants (PEG) to assist with their living costs. Campaign and PEG’s funding affords both athletes the opportunity to train fulltime, a reality of high performance sport if you expect to podium.

This is an outstanding outcome for Mike,

Luuka, canoe slalom in New Zealand and for Waiariki’s academy programme. It is very exciting to see what will be achieved now that they can go about their business in a world class manner.

Having taken some much deserved R and R, and having only returned to slalom training in the early New Year, Luuka took third in the women’s K1 at the Oceania Canoe Slalom Championships at Mangahou White Water Park in Shannon, February 2-3.

Luuka has also been dabbling in her less preferred C1 as a means to further develop her K1 technical skills. Both the women’s K1 and C1 events were won by London Olympic Games silver medallist Jessica Fox. The men’s silver medallist in Czech, superstar Vavra Hradilek, was also competing.

Mike has also spent time away from the boat, however his time is an enforced layoff recovering from a fractured vertebra in his back at a whitewater event in Chile late last year. He expects to be back into fulltime training early March – with just enough time to mount a serious European campaign.

Both paddlers are primed for a big year!

Clockwise from top left: Luuka Jones developing her skills in a C1 kayak; Czech superstar Vavra Hradilek competing in the K1 race; Olympic medallist Jessica Fox won the women’s C1 and K1 races at the Oceania Canoe Slalom Championships in early February.

National golf title won Waiariki Academy of Sport Golf Squad member and Bay of Plenty Men’s team member Peter Lee took home his first national title late in February.

The 18-year-old won the South Island Stroke Play Championship by eight shots for a 17 under par – and a tournament record – at the St Clair Golf Club in Dunedin.

Peter, who last year made the final of the New Zealand Amateur at Mount Maunganui, carded a two under par 69 in the final round

to hold off Cameron Jones (70) and Nick Voke (70).

Beard was unable to maintain his form and finished outside of the top 10.

Recently named Player of the Tournament at the National Interprovincial Championships at Otago Golf Club, Peter was noted to be “consistently superb” throughout this tournament, opening with a seven under par 64 to trail first round leader Hayden Beard by just one shot.

Peter has long been heralded as a prodigious talent in his home province of the BOP and his recent accomplishment sees him following the footsteps of another Waiariki Academy of Sport golfer Danny Lee, who dominated the national scene as an amateur.

Peter then added rounds of 68, 66 and69 to set the tournament record at 17 under par while

The academy’s latest national champion golfer, Peter Lee.

Red Stag Bike Squad update An initiative driven by Red Stag Bike Squad members and Academy of Sport’s physical conditioner Sam Thompson has brought about the advent of the NZXC Mountain Bike Team. Four members of the five-person team are also members of our Red Stag Bike Squad where they have been creating some real presence across the National MTB Cup series.

They have had two wins from two starts in the men’s pro-elite as well as the under 19 women.

Filling a gap in the market, the team offers Red Stag Squad members and aspiring riders a pathway into high performance mountain biking consolidating Waiariki’s and Rotorua’s status as the home of mountain biking.

Brett Stockman competing in the National MTB Cup series in Wellington.

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Nick Flutey and Brett Stockman (in Waiariki gears) at the start line for the National MTB Cup series in Wellington.

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Construction of the Waiariki Institute of Technology Charity House Project is planned to be underway at the start of Semester 1 next Monday as soon as the carpentry students fasten their tool belts.

• A collaboration between Waiariki, Rotorua Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of Rotorua Sunrise Charitable Trust, Rotorua District Council and the business community • PlaceMakers Rotorua on Te Ngae Road is the build venue • The project will bring Waiariki’s carpentry and interior design students together with local tradespeople and suppliers in partnership for the community • Many local suppliers will provide the build materials • The three-bedroom house will be auctioned and proceeds going to local charities

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BUSINESS MANAGEMENT ART APPLIED WRITING MARKETING INTERIOR DESIGN AGRICULTURE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION FORESTRY OPERATIONS CARPENTRY JOURNALISM ENGINEERIN COMMERCE MAORI DEVELOPMENT COMPUTING CULINARY BIOTECHNOLOGY NURSING ENVIRON BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION HEALTH STUDIES TURF MANAGEMENT TEACHING TERTIARY ACCO AND SAFETY SOCIAL SCIENCES ELECTRICAL HAIRDRESSING WOOD MANUFACTURING COMMUN TOURISM MANAGEMENT TE REO MAORI HORTICULTURE BEAUTY THERAPY FOREST MANAGEME BUSINESS MANAGEMENT ART APPLIED WRITING MARKETING INTERIOR DESIGN AGRICULTURE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION FORESTRY OPERATIONS CARPENTRY JOURNALISM ENGINEERIN COMMERCE MAORI DEVELOPMENT COMPUTING CULINARY BIOTECHNOLOGY NURSING ENVIRON BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION HEALTH STUDIES TURF MANAGEMENT TEACHING TERTIARY ACCO AND SAFETY SOCIAL SCIENCES ELECTRICAL HAIRDRESSING WOOD MANUFACTURING COMMUN FASHION TOURISM MANAGEMENT TE REO MAORI HORTICULTURE BEAUTY BUSINESS MANAGEM WRITING MARKETING INTERIOR DESIGN AGRICULTURE HOSPITALITY EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCA OPERATIONS CARPENTRY JOURNALISM ENGINEERING AND WELDING COMMERCE MAORI DEVEL CULINARY BIOTECHNOLOGY NURSING ENVIRONMENTAL TOURISM BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION TURF MANAGEMENT TEACHING TERTIARY ACCOUNTING HEALTH AND SAFETY SOCIAL SCIENCE HAIRDRESSING WOOD MANUFACTURING COMMUNICATIONS FASHION TOURISM MANAGEMENT T HORTICULTURE BEAUTY THERAPY FOREST MANAGEMENT AUTOMOTIVE BUSINESS MANAGEME WRITING MARKETING INTERIOR DESIGN AGRICULTURE HOSPITALITY EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCA

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