Through our annual Unitec | Te Pūkenga Excellence Awards we recognise and celebrate the amazing work that our people have contributed to Unitec | Te Pūkenga.
Our 2023 finalists are:
Excellence in Early Career Teaching
- Trent Barclay, Lecturer, New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing (Level 3)
Trent has emerged as a leader in his programme, rising to the challenge of turning post-COVID school leavers into apprenticeship-ready plumbers. He uses innovative techniques to bring theory alive for his learners, always looking to connect it with workshop tasks in an innovative and engaging way. Trent has developed systems and resources to ensure his teaching is aligned to the programme and meets compliance requirements. In addition, he provides exceptional levels of support and pastoral care when students struggle with assessments, with a natural ability to demonstrate Manaatikanga. - Zhi Chen, Lecturer, Social Practice (First Year)
Although new to teaching, Zhi has quickly demonstrated a commitment to student-centred learning and the use of creative and engaging pedagogy. He contributes to the School’s programme by taking many student enrolment interviews, acts as an external moderator and also initiated a visit to Waipareira Trust to enhance community engagement. He is also very supportive of other new teachers who are adapting to full-time teaching roles and has a natural empathy towards cultural development.
Excellence in Teaching
- Dr Joseph Aziz, Senior Lecturer, School of Healthcare
Dr Aziz is an exceptional educator who has consistently shown a dedication to advancing the learning experience through innovative methods and technology, setting a new standard for excellence in education and preparing students for the ever-evolving field of medical imaging. He has revolutionised the way Anatomy and Medical Imaging are taught by embracing cutting-edge technologies and creative teaching approaches, seamlessly integrating 3D anatomical models, virtual dissection software and advanced imaging platforms into the curriculum.
Dr Aziz also maintains a strong personal connection with his students, providing support and mentorship. - Katie Burton, Discipline Leader, Contemporary Dance, School of Creative Industries
Katie has been a Contemporary Dance lecturer at Unitec for more than 10 years. Her practice as a teacher is inclusive and highly motivating, believing that both kaiako and ākonga are all whānau. She is one of the Māori Success Champion for Creative Industries and has made a huge impact on delivering Māori and Pacific student huis throughout the year. She is a positive influence on the teaching practices and development of others in the team, finding ways for them to implement different approaches through professional development. - Dr Masoud Shakiba, Lecturer and Capstone Coordinator in the School of Computing, Electrical and Applied Technology (SCEAT)
Masoud brings a wealth of industry engagement and research experience to his courses, particularly the Capstone Project, and has successfully contributed to producing outstanding, work-ready graduates. Through his teaching, he combines theoretical concepts with practical and daily life, making his course work relevant and meaningful in course design, assignments, presentations, projects, and stakeholder engagement. He is passionate about bridging the gap between industry and academia, and his initiative, TechTalk, connects students and educators with IT professionals.
Masoud is an avid researcher and has published multiple papers in journals and at international conferences. - Richard Fahey, Senior Lecturer, School of Creative Industries
Richard has taught at Unitec nearly 30 years and has made a significant contribution to the pedagogical landscape of Art and Design during that time, illustrated by the considerable national and international success of the Contemporary Arts graduates. He has been instrumental in the development, writing, accreditation and roll-out of the School’s new Art and Design qualification, the Bachelor of Design and Contemporary Art. Richard’s commitment to the student learning, journey and experience is tireless. He is widely respected by ākonga and his expertise is demonstrated effortlessly in the spirit of Ngākau Mahaki and Mahi Kotahitanga. - Tommy Atkins, Lecturer, Level 3 NZCCT Carpentry, School of Trades & Services
Tommy’s passion for teaching and work ethic is demonstrated weekly with his excellent student attendance and the preparation he does on his non-teaching days, including inventing learning devices for his students, crafting contraptions out wood and metal to help with a process or making a tool to help measure consistent equal spacings for timber. He is straight and honest with his students, encouraging them to lead the lesson onsite from the previous classroom lessons. Tommy is a great team player and is always willing to help onsite with maintaining health and safety and supporting the building site rules, demonstrating Te Noho Kotahitanga values.
Excellence in Teaching – Kaupapa Māori
- Hohepa Renata – Lecturer and Taurahere Marae
Hohepa Renata (better known as Papa Ho) has taught at Unitec since 2009 across a number of departments, faculties and Schools. His positive impact and influence is felt beyond the classroom to include his teaching excellence alongside kaimahi, his leadership in Māori space, and his indelible teaching contribution to an international Indigenous knowledge exchange. He emulates the Te Noho Kotahitanga values of Kaitiakitanga and Ngākau Māhaki, bringing with him irreplaceable Kaupapa Māori cultural expertise to bring people together – Māori and tauiwi – within the formal marae context of pōwhiri, and across other informal institutional settings. He is approachable and responsive, especially when he brings his famous Māori sense of humour to the fore. - Wesley Verhoeff – Programme Lead in Sport, Recreation & Exercise, School of Community Studies
Wes has played a key role in the Sport, Recreation & Exercise unification programme across Te Pūkenga, including full Tikanga Māori papers within the degree. His superpower is his ability to hold space for the ignorant while advocating for Te Ao Māori. Wes is passionate about upholding the values of Te Tiriti and Te Nohokotahitanga. He is constantly researching, listening and absorbing information, with a determination to grow in his everyday kupu. Wes leads the whaikorero for the School’s tauira manuhiri pōwhiri when there is no speaker.
Excellence in Early Career Research
- Environmental and Animal Sciences Early Career Researchers (EAS ECRs): Dr Marleen Baling, Dr Caralyn Kemp, Dr Sarah Wells, Assoc. Prof. Kristie Cameron, Kate Harder, Assoc. Prof. Laura Harvey
EAS has a thriving and well-rooted research culture that plays a pivotal role in nurturing and bolstering the growth of its early career researchers. Their efforts have been recognised through their participation and success in Unitec ECR competitions, showcasing their talent and also the dedication of the EAS School in nurturing their professional development and research endeavours. Two of the school’s ECR team are founding editors of Epress Journals – helpng provide a platform for established researchers to publish in open-access journals. - Associate Professor Kristie Cameron – School of Environmental and Animal Sciences
Award-winning teacher Kristie represents Te Pūkenga on the Royal Society Apārangi’s Early Career Research (ECR) Committee and has led Unitec’s ECR Forum for the past six years. She has implemented a number of initiatives which have significantly helped develop these important kaimahi, including the Early Career Research Speil which provides opportunity for ECRs to practice their presentation skills and compete for research support prizes; the Early Career Research Seminar with EIT Te Pūkenga which offers expert panel discussions, networking sessions and keynote speakers; and the Early Career Research Coffee Catchups which provide informal, cross-disciplinary connections with other ECRs and research partners.
Excellence in Research
- Mel Galbraith, Senior Lecturer, School of Environmental and Animal Sciences (posthumous nomination)
During his 22-year academic career Mel published 17 papers. At his passing, he was close to completing his PhD, already having two papers published from it and another in preparation. In 2015 Mel established ‘Perspectives in Biosecurity’, the first of the journals to be created in the Unitec ePress series, which is now into seven issues and 15 papers. The journal provides a means for kaimahi and ākonga to publish biosecurity papers to support the EAS applied science degree. Mel was a founding member of many conservation trusts and had long involvement with several volunteer-based restoration projects, including Tiritiri Matangi. He was selfless in his endeavour to leave a tangible legacy for New Zealand in ecology and conservation. - Te Pātaka Art Trail: Assoc. Prof. Leon Tan, Dr Bobby Hung, Hohepa Renata, Tanya White, Peeti Lamwilai, Becca Wood, Paul Woodruffe, Gina Ferguson
A creative placemaking project involving a collaboration between Ngā Kaitiaki, the School of Creative Industries, Wairaka descendants, Dr Pouroto Ngaropo and Ngāti Awa ki Te Awa o Te Atua, Te Pātaka, a community art trail at Unitec, was a significant, research-led initiative celebrating the heritage of Wairaka. It engaged mana whenua with Unitec, including Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and Ngāti Awa iwi, the latter having an 800-year-old ancestral connection with the puna. The trail was intended to encourage public engagement with significant heritage, cultural and environmental qualities of the site, such as Te Wai Unuroa o Wairaka, Te Auaunga and Rangimarie Pā Harakeke, at a time of unprecedented housing intensification and urban change.
Supporting Pacific Learners Award
- Jone Tawaketini, Senior Lecturer and Pacific Champion, School of Electrical and Applied Technology
Jone is a respected and valued member of our Unitec-Te Pūkenga whānau who exemplifies the values of Te Noho Kotahitanga in his everyday mahi. He is held in high regard by our Pacific students for his continued dedication and commitment to teaching and learning. Jone delivers and mentors training sessions for Pasifika learners, and his ability to design and deliver training programmes that are engaging, informative and impactful has been a valuable asset to the school. Learnings from these programmes have resulted in improved student outcomes.
Outstanding Contribution by a Project Team
- By Ākonga For Ākonga Project Team: Leanne Kapoor and Monique Bell (Kaimahi), Ma’ata Ma’u, Lephi Paneha, Ta Ao Rangi, Tane Patterson, Alex George, Christopher Nansen, Rain Taylor, Luke Orbell, Lina Seiuli, Arihia Komene, Clarissa Lal and Michelle Gallagher (Ākonga, hired as casual staff contractors)
The By Ākonga For Ākonga project team, made up of Priority Group ākonga and two kaimahi, has worked tirelessly to co-design resources for new ākonga. They drew on kaupapa Māori methodology starting with whakawhanaungatanga and hui to discuss, listen, share and explore how they could develop resources for new Māori, Pacific, Disabled and Neurodiverse students to help feel better connected when starting their learner journey. They collated the information they had gathered into a new student planner and included it in a Welcome Pack with other resources for new ākonga, including welcome videos for Waitākere students. - Master of Applied Science Development Team: Assoc. Prof. Diane Fraser, Assoc. Prof. Nigel Adams, Assoc. Prof. Mark Large, Kate Harder, Dr Glenn Aguilar, Assoc. Prof. Kristie Cameron, Dr Caralyn Kemp, Dr Sarah Wells, Prof. Peter de Lange, Dr Marleen Baling, Tanya White, Rokosiga Morrison, Diana Ayling and Jackie Tims
The development of the Master of Applied Science programme represents a significant achievement for Unitec. This innovative project directly aligns with our vision to manaaki the success of our students and communities, providing high-quality education and empowering our learners with the skills and knowledge needed for their future success. The team, consisting of a diverse group of talented staff members from various backgrounds and expertise, demonstrated exemplary teamwork, vision, and dedication throughout the project’s lifecycle. They developed a comprehensive programme document, addressed the requirements for NZQA approval, and ensured seamless collaboration with other Te Pūkenga business divisions to prepare for programme delivery. Their efforts have not only expanded our educational offerings but have also enhanced Unitec’s reputation as a forward-thinking institution, with a truly unified programme.
Excellence in Support
- Dan Zhao, Student Advisor, Language Studies
Dan is the epitome of our values and vision at Unitec. She puts ākonga front and centre, and with Ngākau Mahaki deals with the many different cultures in the School of Languages. She takes the Kaitiakitanga of our students, many of whom are far away from their families, very seriously. She often deals with their personal or educational issues out of work time and knows them all individually, guiding them to people to talk to or showing them different paths they can take. Through Dan, ākonga have a real sense of belonging and whakawhanaungatanga from the moment they start. She’s a treasure! - Julie Richards, Administrator, Copy Centre
No matter how complex or trivial the query, Julie never disappoints. She approaches every task with a dedication that is truly commendable. Her passion for her work shines through in her ability to find solutions and provide answers to even the most challenging questions. It’s her problem-solving skills and her willingness to go the extra mile that makes her exceptional. Julie’s unwavering dedication and helpful nature has been a tremendous asset and her ability to adapt and maintain this attitude is nothing short of amazing. - Kylie Pass, Career and Employability Consultant, School of Environmental and Animal Sciences
Kylie is committed to ensuring the educational experience for our ākonga in the School of Environmental and Animal Sciences is a meaningful, enriched and positive one. Her contributions as they navigate the development of professional skills in preparation for the workplace led to very positive outcomes. Kylie is keen to offer personalised guidance and encouragement, as well as identifying creative strategies to make learning both enjoyable and effective. This supports our ākonga to move into the workplace with more confidence and awareness of their own abilities. - Noel Deo, Administrator, Infrastructure Operations
Noel’s contributions have not only improved the Facilities Management team’s performance but have also contributed to a positive and productive work environment. His dedication to supporting his colleagues and ensuring the success of new team members exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional support professional. Noel’s guidance and support to new team members has been instrumental in helping them acclimatise to their new roles, making a significant and positive impact on their transition. - Rosario Iguin, Academic Advisor, Te Puna Ako
Rosario shows exceptional dedication and unwavering commitment to kaiako support as a member of Te Puna Ako. She demonstrates all the values of Te Noho Kotahitanga as she works to support kaiako teams, with the students at the heart of everything she does. Her humility and passion for learning underpin all of her work. She has advocated for student-centred assessment design, with strong support for Unitec’s I See Me initiative. Her support for the Creative teams has been especially important during uncertain times while their teaching spaces have been relocated. - Yoshie O’Neill, Learning Outreach Advisor, School of Environmental and Animal Sciences
Yoshie is a great team player, has true Te Noho Kotihitanga values, and is always warm, friendly, responsible, thoughtful, and eager to learn. She treats her ākonga with the utmost care and is always thinking of other people. Her students LOVE her, and she always goes far and beyond to support any of them, even those who are not in her aligned School. To ‘manaaki the success of our students’ embodies Yoshie.
Sustained outstanding contribution to Unitec
- David Church. Resources Specialist, Metadata (Unitec Library)
With more than 30 years of mahi given to Unitec, David’s unique role has been instrumental in the ITP library sector where he exemplifies the values of Te Noho Kotahitanga. He was an early adopter of Ngā Upoko Tukutuku/Māori Subject Headings in Aotearoa and he continues to work closely with staff in the National Library on these subject headings. David has made a significant contribution as our Rangatira to coordinate the Research Bank, our open research repository with content produced by students and staff. He has also contributed to the National Digital NZ project which provides access to NZ research. - Ivan Shalley, Maintenance Officer, Facilities Management
Ivan is an unsung hero who makes sure things get fixed, done and finished fully so that we can all be proud of our physical environments.
He’s always approachable, understands service with a smile (and a joke), always considers our students’ and staff needs while being fast and efficient in his mahi. Over his many years of service, Ivan always goes beyond the call of duty and demonstrates a full commitment to Te Noho Kotahitanga TNK and our learners’ success.
Te Noho Kotahitanga Team Award
- Bridging Education: Avian McManus, Carly van Winkel, Cheryl Henderson, Clare Goodwin, Debbie Loveridge, Elaine Whitworth, German Hernandez, Karen Petana-Ioka, Lindy Carter, Helen Webber, Rae Trewartha, Robyn Gandell, Sarah Hangartner, Sarah Hardman, Sue Tulett, Susan Watene, Trisha Hanifin, Utumanu’a Poloai, Debbie Roberts, Chantal Baker, Nikolas Petrovic, Owen Ormsby, Dr Katie Bruffy
The mahi of the Bridgepoint team exemplifies Te Noho Kotahitanga at its best. They guard the ākonga journey from application to graduation, ensuring that each step of that journey values who they are, what they bring and what they need. They are committed to providing equitable and accessible learning through their work with Access for Success and the adoption of digital learning standards. With the success of our ākonga at the centre of all that they do, the team collaborated with Support Services to offer Bridging Education Success tutorials demonstrating how our TNK values can be embedded in our mahi. - Māia: Camelia Pirika, Deacon Andrews, Diane Tamati, Matua Hare Paniora, Papa Hohepa Renata, Jonyne Mariu-Komene, Joy Tautuhi, Lynda Toki, Marama Haines-Te Whare, Nina Pelling, Owen Ormsby, Tamarangi Nightingale-Pene, Tanya White, Veraneeca Taiepa, Victor Grbic
Our Māia whānau are dedicated to the success and support of all kaimahi and ākonga in Te Whare Wānanga o Wairaka-Te Pūkenga and have led a number of Māori initiatives, including Kahurangi, Matariki, Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori and the Māori Orientation. Their Whai Ake i te Ara Tika Māori Scholarship Programme supports tauira Māori academically, financially culturally and pastorally.
They have established and implemented the Living TNK and Tīpare parity badges for all staff as part of the Manaakitia te Rito Māori strategy plan and provide them with the tools to embed Matauranga Māori into their everyday teaching. - Mataaho technicians: Brett Andreassen, Bramh Varma, Nathan Donnelly, Glenna Taulilo-Makaea, Peter Smeets, Ducksoo Jung, Lisa Westerlund, David Nicol, Alfred Francis, Zelalem, Workneh, Brett Orams, Raymond Chiu, Trina Smith, Rhys Davey
The COVID lockdown was challenging for the Mataaho technicians’ team as the majority of their work is on-site. Many of them returned to campus as soon as they could, supporting the teaching of practical courses. This involved them setting up segregated areas within Mataaho to adhere to restrictions around personal contact. Despite the challenges of COVID, they showed a willingness to pitch in and help and demonstrated our Te Noho Kotahitanga values in everything they did. They’re a very talented team dedicated to the smooth and safe running of a very busy workshop environment.
Unitec Champion
To be announced on the day
Congratulations to all finalists!
Read about last year’s event here>>
Some of last year’s winners…
Sue Emerson: Unitec Champion
Craig Goodhue: Excellence in Teaching. Craig went on to win an Ako National Tertiary Teaching Award this year
All of our winners on the day!