Nikki, Merran and Laura, following presentation of the vouchers to our winners.
Inspired by the stories and achievements that were shared at the Unitec Staff Excellence Awards in December 2018, Merran asked us to share our favourite stories, to reflect on some of the exciting, heart-warming and outstanding contributions which are happening around Unitec. She offered a $100 Pak ’n Save voucher to help inspire and motivate you!
Over the past few months, Merran received many positive contributions. The stories were of our staff, our students and our programmes of study. You can read some of the entries in February’s Your Unitec stories post.
Thanks to everyone who submitted a story. Merran said she was impressed at the range of stories, and was grateful to be reminded of some of the really special things happening across our two campuses.
The winner of the $100 Pak n Save voucher is Academic Leader and Lecturer – Animal Health Laura Harvey, who shared her thoughts on the move to a new premises for the Small Animal Unit (now named Te Puna Kararehe – Animal Behaviour and Husbandry Centre). Laura’s story highlighted staff working collaboratively and making the best of a challenging situation, and explained how the new premises is making a big difference to both staff and students.
Due to the high quality of submissions, Merran also chose a runner-up: Senior Lecturer in Health and Social Development, Nikki Hurst, for her story of inspirational, collaborative leadership during the Renewal Plan process. Nikki wins a $50 voucher, which she says she wants to use to treat the leaders who inspired her to share her story.
Both stories are summarised below. Remember, if you have a a story to share that highlights some of the great things happening at Unitec, you can send it to communications@unitec.ac.nz.
Small Animals making big moves – Laura Harvey
While for many of us the moves were all about the Wagener (B110), it was the Small Animal Unit team which may have had the biggest upgrade, moving out of an old converted tractor shed and into the prefabs beside Building 048. The Moves team quickly (and lovingly) crafted the buildings into a purpose-built space in which the Small Animal Unit can really showcase their talent. They didn’t have to wait long for the opportunity as television show Fanimals came to visit shortly after the move, filming staff and students in action with their highly trained and musically talented chooks, and reporting on their outstanding research into animal behaviour.
Inspiration during tough times – Nikki Hurst
Health and Social Development Senior Lecturer Nikki Hurst told us about her experience during the Renewal Plan process. While it was a challenging and sometimes sad time, she said the lasting impression was of the compassionate and collaborative approach taken by the leaders involved in the process of developing presentations for their Pathway. She mentioned the strong leadership of Sue Emerson, Katie Bruffy and Debra Robertson-Welsh, who were positive, empathetic and collaborative as they pulled together information and reports, ensuring people were heard, consensus was possible and the needs of students were kept at the forefront of decision-making.