Cultural extravaganza was the order of the day at Unitec yesterday with the celebration of Staff Excellence Awards in Te Puna.
Sporting a wide range of colourful, creative and traditional dress, more than four hundred staff from Mt Albert and Waitākere campuses gathered to celebrate excellence in teaching, research, service and support.
Taurahere Marae lecturer and Māori artist Papa Hohepa and Sacha Garrity, Te Puna Ako Digital Academic Advisor, provided light-hearted and humorous banter as MCs, while other entertainment featured a Bollywood-themed performance by ākonga.
Awards were presented to kaimahi across thirteen categories, including teaching, research, support, contribution and teamwork.
In his opening address, Executive Director Peseta Sam Lotu-Ilga praised kaimahi for their incredible work.
“I congratulate all the nominees and award winners but in many ways, this is a celebration for all of us. There’s been innovation in classrooms, mentoring with compassion, and inspiring students to reach their fullest potential.
“This year has been full-on. Today, we pause, reflect, and celebrate those who’ve shone in 2025 and also a bit of anticipation for what lies ahead.”
Peseta also recognised Unitec’s Te Whatu Kairangi award winner Associate Professor Lefaoalii Dion Enari for his contributions to developing and supporting the next generation of students and leaders. Dion was presented with a taonga in recognition of his national award by Associate Professor James Oldfield.
Excellence in Teaching awards went to Vehicle Systems lecturer Gerald Ryan, Unitec Pathways College lecturer Ruben Sigglekow, and Architecture lecturer Cesar Wagner. There were two winners in the Excellence in Research category: Associate Professor Byron Rangiwai – Ngā Wai a Te Tūī and Dr Masoud Shakiba – Senior Lecturer, Computing and Information Technology.
The prestigious ‘Unitec Champion’ award was presented to Tu Nu’ualiitia, Student Experience Partner in the School of Trades & Services, in recognition of his authentic pastoral care and practical follow-through with candidates, students and lecturers.
In presenting the award, Professor Martin Carroll said, “Tu’s impact is practical and lasting: higher scholarship engagement, improved retention through active follow-up, and a Pacific Centre atmosphere that is welcoming and joyful.”
In response, Tu, who started at Unitec in 2017 as MPTT navigator, said, “my work is not my own, it’s everyone’s. As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child, and I really believe in that. I see potential in every student, and I like to think that by sharing some of my lived experience, I can help them develop and grow in confidence.”
Te Noho Kotahitanga team award was won by the Events team of Romy Sunny, Nhi Nguyen and Kit Yim, described by judges as a team that works tirelessly behind the scenes to “partner professionally with event owners and stakeholders, bringing creative ideas to the table, and introducing their own innovations.
“Their ability to find joy in every stage of the process lifts the morale of everyone around them.”
Events team leader Romy Sunny says that he’s very proud of his small but effective team, who consistently put the needs of others before their own and strive to deliver a wide range of top-quality events for all their stakeholders.
School of Healthcare and Social Practice head Dr Linda Aumua was recognised for her committed service to Unitec with the Sustained Contribution award, with School of Architecture business administrator Sandra Potier receiving a special commendation in this category.
Full list of winners:
Excellence in Early Career Teaching
WINNER:
- Genevieve Sang-Yum – Lecturer, Healthcare and Social Practice
Excellence in Teaching
WINNERS:
- Gerald Ryan – Programme Co-ordinator and Lecturer, Vehicle Systems and Materials
- Ruben Sigglekow – Lecturer, Unitec Pathways College
- Cesar Wagner – Senior Lecturer, School of Architecture
Excellence in Teaching -Kaupapa Māori
WINNER:
- Diane Tamati – Academic Development Lecturer, Maia
Excellence in Early Career Research
WINNER:
- Dr Sarah Wells – Senior Lecturer, Environmental and Animal Sciences
Commended: Dr Soheil Varastehpour – Senior Lecturer and Postgrad Co-ordinator, Computing and Information Technology
Excellence in Research
WINNERS:
- Associate Professor Byron Rangiwai – Ngā Wai a Te Tūī
- Dr Masoud Shakiba – Senior Lecturer, Computing and Information Technology
Supporting Pacific Learners
WINNER:
- Renata Jadresin-Milic – Associate Professor Architecture
Outstanding Contribution by a Project Team
WINNER:
- First Assessment Outreach Project Team by Student Central, Ask Me, and International Support – SCAMIS: Ankita Oommen, Chris Moore, Grace Zhang, Lesley Hodgson, Lubna Khan, Muhammad Sajjad Haider Naqvi, Nya Pitovao, Pa Tepairu Tere, Ruth Kikuchi, Todd Hopkins, Yifei Cheng, Zara Pitovao, Zarina Caacbay, Sara Wang, Melinda Jenkins, Michelle Paki, and Jeffrey Wu.
Excellence in Support
WINNERS:
Supports staff with systems and processes
- Sue Emerson, Interim Head of School Bridgepoint and Community Studies, and Trude Cameron, School Administration & Operations Manager
Commended: Frank Reinhold – Facilities Maintenance Officer
Supports teachers to deliver education
- Kate Barry – Academic Programme Manager, Healthcare & Social Practice
Supports students in their journey
- Adam Nee — Student Advocate, Student Support and Scholarships
Sustained Outstanding Contribution to Unitec
WINNERS:
- Dr Linda Aumua – Head of School, Healthcare & Social Practice
Commended: Sandra Potier — Business Administrator, School of Architecture
Te Noho Kotahitanga Team Award
WINNER:
- Events team: Romy Sunny, Nhi Nguyen, Kit Yim
Unitec Champion Award
WINNER: Tu Nu’ualiitia – Student Experience Partner, School of Trades & Services
