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

Alec completed a three-day welding course at NorthTec and decided to continue his studies on with a Certificate in Mechanical Engineering.

“I’m motivated to finish this programme because it means I get a head start on an apprenticeship or employment.
“I like the diversity in what we are learning, it’s very safety-focused to make sure we all know what we are doing. It’s teaching me all the basic skills I need to operate safely and effectively in the workplace. The tutor is really supportive and there are some good guys in the class - we all get along.

“It’s not like school, it’s pretty chill and it’s a nice environment to learn in. My favourite part is learning about fabrication – getting to make stuff and see it as a finished product, it’s pretty rewarding.

“It’s pretty important that we get to spend time in the industry while we study. I spend two days a week working with Archwell Engineering, and three days at NorthTec. Through this I know what I’m aiming for and what I can get out of doing this course. It prepares you for life after course, it prepares you for employment – what you’re going to be doing in the real world.

“If you’re thinking of starting a career in Mechanical Engineering, come to NorthTec first because they teach all you need to know before you get into the workplace. The tutors are a great support and they can potentially help you find a job too.”
 

Chantelle Hobson - Agriculture

NorthTec Ākonga

“I knew I’d like this course but I like it even more than I thought. I kept getting into trouble at school so eventually Mum decided to pull me out and I moved home to the farm and started studying sports but it wasn’t me. We lived on a farm and I liked it, but I didn’t know anything about it so when I saw a brochure on this course I signed up.”

“The best part of the course so far is moving the animals, learning to ride the quad bike, fixing fences, milking, and learning about stock rotation and how much to feed them. We learn by actually doing it, plus we have 1 theory day a week.”

“We also learn from the other students when we work together, and we’re all gaining confidence and experience. I’m not sure what I want to do when I finish the course but I might work in dairy farming. I’ve learnt to give things a go and at NorthTec they’ll help you get through.”

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 working 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.”
 

Marino-Moana Begman - Creative Writing

NorthTec Ākonga

“When an opportunity presented for me to fulfil my dream of furthering my education, especially in creative writing, I knew I had no more excuses. I had returned to New Zealand to look after my Mum after living in Sydney for twenty years, and my kids were older now. This course offered a foundation of learning across all writing platforms so was perfect for someone like me just starting out on my writing journey, and I liked that it was online but with hands-on tutor support.”

“Oddly, one of the aspects of the course I was most doubtful about is now one of my favourite parts. I was shy, thinking other students and tutors would be reading my stories in an online forum, but I now think it’s fun and invaluable to all share as our journeys unfolds. I also thought I’d miss the physical interaction with teachers and students but NorthTec host a hui where we meet our tutors and fellow students and hear pearls of wisdom from guest speakers that keep us all motivated and connected.”

“The dedication of the tutors is exceptional. They’re so passionate and professional and genuinely want to see us succeed, so they prop us up when we doubt ourselves and they soothe our end-of-semester stress.”

“A big surprise was that the course covered such a range of writing platforms. I thought it would be solely fiction writing but we explore writing blogs, scripts, eBooks, articles, poetry, writing for children, publishing contracts, how to self-edit, and even the tax responsibilities of a professional writer. My other surprise was a shift from thinking I wanted to write for children to instead falling in love with short story writing, which previously I had no time for.”

“This course has given me confidence and a belief in myself that I didn’t have and has opened networking opportunities and doors to success. Right now I’m excitedly waiting to see my first story in print in a soon-to-be-published short story collection. I’m also looking forward to continuing to level 7 when I’ll be working on a novel and short story collection. With all the support from NorthTec and my family, the sky is the limit now on my path to becoming a professional writer.”

Richard Baldwin - Te Reo

NorthTec Ākonga

“We are the in-between generation. Our parents spoke te reo and our kids speak te reo but not us. We’re at an age now when the kaumatua are dying and at hui there are a lot of vacancies at the marae. Our generation needs to fill these vacancies and we need to start while there is still enough knowledge around to learn from.”

“This situation coupled with a life-changing experience a couple of years ago, has given me the motivation to learn te reo. I became clear on what matters and who matters. I came in here without having learnt any te reo before but I soon realised I can understand more than I thought because our aunties and uncles were fluent so we heard it around us even though they didn’t teach us.”

“I’m loving my class here and all the people involved. He Tangata. He Tangata. He Tangata. But it’s hard and we have to put a lot of work in to succeed. My younger brother is actually fluent, but as the eldest I’m meant to be the one who speaks and he’s always pushed me to take my place, but I haven’t been interested before. Now I’m ready. I’m going to be in a position to take my role and I want to do a good job – with mana.”

“I’m an introvert but at a pakeha funeral recently I was tasked by the neighbourhood to speak for our community – in English – and when I stepped up and did it, I realised I was capable of standing in this role. It’s far more daunting at a marae, but I’ve begun.”

“I’m really surprised how doing this course is bringing out my Māori side. I grew up Welsh but looked Māori. Being Maori wasn’t my thing before, but it’s time now. I’m wanting to be Māori and I’m gaining confidence.”

“The ultimate for me is be fully fluent, to be an orator, and to do it well. This means also learning the tikanga to weave through it, so it’s a long road but now’s the time. My timing coincides with a huge revival in tikanga Māori and a lot of resources becoming available.”

“My life changing experience taught me a lot. If you want to do something, go and do it. Don’t procrastinate any longer. Share it with your core group of people who matter to you.”