Darlene Turner - Applied Science

NorthTec Ākonga

“Shifting my focus from studying animals, to studying and improving the environment they live in, is one of the best choices I’ve made.” Darlene’s first passion was animals and she planned to study zoology at Massey University until she had a chat with one of the tutors at NorthTec. “He had studied zoology at uni but recommended this degree instead because it offered more field experience and more involvement. He was also incredibly enthusiastic and had a real passion for what he teaches.”

“Staying closer to home also means I can study in Whangarei during the week and go home to my part-time job and connect with family in the weekends. It’s a bit of a balance because I have five younger siblings and my Mum is also studying her degree, so we support each other to make sure we have enough quiet time away from the younger children to study, and take turns managing the household. But I’m happy with my grades and I’m realising I’m more capable than I thought.”

“The course has opened my eyes to a whole new world and has given me new knowledge. I now realise how inter-connected everything is and how a healthy environment supports healthy species.”

Darlene is already applying what she is learning to where she is from. “For my third year project, I’m monitoring with Project Island Song which is a partnership between the Guardians of the Bay of Islands, Te Rawhiti hāpu and DOC. During this process I will be able to build relationships and connections with people in this field. Once the monitoring is done, I will be writing a report on our results which will be beneficial to Project Island Song.”

“The tutors here have strong professional links which open doors to work experience and this can often progress into paid employment. When I finish my degree I’ll take a short break from study to recap and absorb what I’ve learnt as I’ve come straight from graduating high school. I also want to do some volunteering work to get experience in all areas relevant to this field. ”

“I want to acknowledge my tutors and academic advisers for their input and feedback on my writing, and thank my family for their massive support to make my study possible. My long term dream is to make a difference back home with my hapū, iwi and family so that they’re equipped to know the greater context of the environment that we live in. Already my sister is inspired to pursue this degree as well.”

Alec Burnett - Mechanical Engineering

NorthTec Ākonga

“It’s really important that we get to spend time working in the industry while we study. I spend two days a week working with Archwell Engineering, and three days in class at NorthTec. It’s a good balance. By doing this I know what I’m aiming for and it prepares you for employment after study – it shows me exactly what I’ll be doing in the real world.”

Chris Boys - Digital Arts

NorthTec Ākonga

“The best part about having the opportunity to work alongside industry while I study is the connections that I make. Networking is so important in the art industry. NorthTec provides me with the connections that I can go to with queries or collaborations, and who knows when I will use them when I finish my studies!”

Samuel Tarrant - Cookery

NorthTec Ākonga

After working nearly 20 years in the hospitality industry as a waiter, bartender and managing bars and restaurants, Samuel wanted to learn the cookery side of the industry he loves.

“Having worked with people in the industry that had come through NorthTec’s Cookery programme, I have seen first-hand the quality of training they received, so coming to NorthTec was an easy choice for me.

“Since being here, I really like the facilities at NorthTec. It’s got everything you need to learn what you need to know about cookery and hospitality in general.

“I like the constant support I've received throughout my time here. As an older student, what I needed to help me succeed while studying was different to that of some of the other students, but I consistently felt like everyone at NorthTec was there to help if I ever needed it.

“The great team of tutors that give a lot of support and help us get through everything we need to learn to move on to the workplace. While we study we get real hands-on experience of the industry at various events which is very valuable – it gives us the insight into how everything works in real life, for example working in a real kitchen and working to time constraints.

“I’m getting a good grounding of knowledge to move into real work in a kitchen. I feel like there are good job prospects, from studying at NorthTec.

“The best part about studying at NorthTec is having such a high quality programme that I want to do without having to move to another town.”
 

Renata Evans - Painting (Trade)

NorthTec Ākonga

“The best part about this course is that I found a passion for art. I’ve never done art before but you can be quite creative with what we have been learning. I want to go on and study art and become an artist. My tutor really motivates me, he’s really helpful and helps me when I’m struggling. You learn all you need to know here to be a professional painter, but I’m now excited to pursue a career as an artist. My advice to anyone thinking about coming to study is – stick to what you’re passionate about!”

Shayna Parker - Sustainability

NorthTec Ākonga

“I was wanting more meaningful work and had been in the north about 18 months doing part-time work until I decided I wanted to study horticulture. It is values based, hands-on and focuses on sustainability which is necessary for future generations. It’s fascinating to me. I was originally from the city and came up here to be nearer family, so the content is all new to me and I’m learning a completely different lifestyle.”

“With what I’m learning, it’s exciting to think about what the future holds – both as an individual and for our greater culture. I’m surprised at how broad the course is and that we can apply what we learn to any aspect of our lives – at home, at work and even spiritually.”

“We have a variety of students in our class all with different views but our common interest puts us all in the same bubble. It’s a very healing environment to be in and the tutor has a real passion and knowledge.”

“At the moment I’m living at home but the course is giving me ideas of how to run my own farm and to share that with children and social groups. For me the outcome will be more about lifestyle than career, and when I finish level 4 I’m keen to talk to schools and young people about waste and environmental issues.”

“I want to make the most of what’s on offer here which includes the support network and community as well as the study, and I’ll see what happens after that.”