Alex Hayward has been employed at the Polytechnic for over 10 years. Initially Alex came from Auckland to run the 2nd year of a two year Chef programme. Alex is the Programme Coordinator and one of the Chef Tutors for the Professional Chef Programme (Culinary Arts).
Colin has been with TPP since 1994, first as a part time tutor which led to a full time position. A carpenter by trade and having worked in the industry since beginning his apprenticeship in 1966, his main area of responsibility is Programme Coordinator of the Carpentry programme but he also has responsibility for Blasting.
Dave Ritchie has been with the Outdoor Recreation Department since 2006. He spends most of his time floating down beautiful West Coast rivers. In Dave’s spare time on land, he lends us his valuable time and knowledge developing our Leadership and Guiding programme, pushing students and staff to their limits as Programme Co-ordinator.
Dave has been employed at TPP since 1997, firstly as a part-time tutor delivering our Core Generic Unit Standards in the Scaffolding and Rigging Programme.
After 12 months, Dave was taken on full time to deliver the practical training for this programme. After putting together all the workbooks and assessments, he created the Auckland and Christchurch Scaffold Schools.
Dave then was relocated to Greymouth as Director of Scaffolding and Rigging where he remained for nearly two years before turning to Christchurch to manage his stepson’s Scaffolding business. He now works part-time for TPP training and assessing our trainees in the Scaffolding and Crane programmes.
Dave also spent a short time in the Middle East with Peter O’Sullivan.
He has been in the Scaffolding Industry since 1969 after spending 6 years in the British Merchant Navy.
Dave’s 40 years hands on experience in the industry has been invaluable to the success of the Scaffolding and Rigging programmes at TPP.
David was employed in his first role at TPP in 2006 as “Development Officer – Maori Education and Training”. His role changed and developed in 2007 to: “Te Takawaenga/Kohinga Matauranga (Maori Development and Support Officer), Kaiwhakaako (Tutor). His new role is to provide guidance and support for; Maori and Pacific Island students enrolled in programmes and courses at Tai Poutini Polytechnic, ceremonial and other occasions that require Maori protocol and to coordinate the development and maintenance of Maori course content across the polytechnic and throughout Te Tai Poutini.
Title:
TE TAKAWAENGA/KOHINGA MATAURANGA (MAORI DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT OFFICER), KAIWHAKAAKO (TUTOR)
Eddie has worked at the Auckland School of Scaffolding since 2004. In Eddie’s role as Steel Construction Tutor his assistance in the development of so many different courses has been key to the growth and success of this Tai Poutini Polytechnic initiative.
Ed started working for Tai Poutini Polytechnic in 2004 ,at the Auckland School of Scaffolding campus, as the Programme Organiser for Industrial Rope, of which he is now the Programme Coordinator. While Ed’s job title may have changed his dedication to teaching and the development of the School of Scaffolding in Auckland has remained as enthusiastic as ever.
Emmett was employed as a tutor for the digger school in Southland in 2006. He is now the National Programme Co-ordinator for Digger Schools and coordinates the day to day provision of Civil Plant Operations training at our Digger Schools nationally. Emmett also works to develop resources and arrange and co-ordinate the offering of Water Reticulation Training in New Zealand.
Title:
NATIONAL PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATOR FOR DIGGER SCHOOLS
Frances began her time with Tai Poutini Polytechnic in 2004 as a part-time tutor for the Support of the Older Person programme; she is now the programme coordinator. Frances continues to teach while developing this programme and keeping it up to date and relevant to today’s ageing population.
Francis has been a Tutor on our Automotive Programme since 2003. Francis teaches components of mainstream, STAR and community automotive trades courses and assists with the co-ordination of the mainstream programme, he is an important member of a strong team in the Automotive department.
Geoff has been at Tai Poutini since 2006 as an Ecotourism Tutor, focusing on ecology, meteorology and plant biology amongst other things. Originating in Motueka, Geoff has spent 12 years in the tourism industry as a guide in various locations from Lake Moeraki in South Westland to Kapiti Island and the Abel Tasman National park. He then worked for DOC for a couple of years in various roles.
Greg is a Tutor in Civil Constuction at our Christchurch Digger School, while the Christchurch campus is relatively new; Greg has provided us with experience and expertise to ensure that it develops quickly and efficiently to reach its full potential. The popularity of this course is testament to it tutors as word of mouth has provided invaluable in securing it as a relevant training facility.
Ian started at TPP as Programme Coordinator for NZ Diploma in Business in 2007 and teaches a number of the management papers. Prior to this he was an Assoc-Prof in International Business at Nanchang University, in China, for 5 years and has previous top management experience in commercial organisations and Polytechnics in New Zealand. Ian holds a MA (Hons) degree from University of Canterbury.
Janet joined the Polytechnic team in 2007, when the position of First Aid Tutor was created, her efforts have seen this programme develop and grow, which it continues to do. Janet’s work load has increased with her hours but so has her determination and commitment to making our First Aid training the best it can be.
Jaynes ability to take an ordinary object and transfer it to Jade or stone making it a thing of beauty and giving it personality has affirmed her place as a popular figure in the classroom and the carving community.
Title:
PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATOR JADE AND HARD STONE CARVING
Jo became a full time member of the TPP team in 2008 but had been involved with the polytechnic for some time as a casual tutor in the Outdoor Recreation department, we thought she was so great we decided to keep her! Jo has fitted in to the routine very well and we look forward to watching her professional development in the future.
John Williams has been at the Polytechnic since Jan 2005. John worked in the tyre industry for many years as a fleet serviceman then a branch manager and is now Programme Coordinator for National Certificate in Motor Industry (Tyre Servicing).
A 20+ year journey as a professional chef, from a humble burger bar start to Royalty and Showbiz, from here to Timbuktu and places in between, has finally led this misplaced Welshman to a pathway of teaching in 1996. For Jos, helping others take the step into the same career as he chose is a constant joy. Especially when he sees them embrace the journey they are about to take.
Kate has been at TPP full time since November 2006, initially as .5 Business Tutor and .5 working in HR, and then seconded to the position of Head of Department Business and Computing in September 2008. Kate’s background is in organizational psychology and, prior to that, teaching English as a second language in Paju, South Korea. She loves the West Coast lifestyle including tramping through impenetrable bush, scaling peaks and walks on the beach.
Kelvin joined TPP in October 2006 as a Scaffolding Tutor in Wellington. Since 1989 Kelvin worked for Pyradeck Scaffolds carrying out the role of Scaffold Leading Hand, in both Auckland and Wellington. He has also worked for Big Primate Pictures on the Peter Jackson movie, King Kong.
Kylie started in 2003 as Student Services Officer, her dedication and passion for a positive and productive learning environment for all students has quickly seen her become a rock in the foundations of learning at our Polytechnic. Kylie’s support and guidance extends not only to students but also staff in her role as a union representative.
Lisa has been employed by TPP since October 2006 when she started as the Academic Adviser for National and Industry, working with staff on their Curriculum Documents and other quality management projects, before moving into her current role as HR Manager.
Lynette has been at Tai Poutini Polytechnic since 2004 as Tutor/Programme Coordinator of the Hair, Beauty and Grooming programme. Lynette loves her job, with the most important part for her being the students. Lynette believes in treating the students the way she hopes they will treat her, which is why she gets so much respect from her students.
After starting work at TPP 20+ years ago, Marion has seen huge changes in education, academic requirements and compliance. She taught in Business Administration and Computing for 16 years - starting with ACCESS courses at the then Youth Learning Centre, and finishing in 2004 as HOD Computing. Marion moved to the Applied Technologies Department as Programme Development officer, Head of Civil Construction and Mining, Deputy Director of the National and Industry before becoming Director.
After many years working in early childhood education Maureen now really enjoys teaching the Nanny programme. Not only does she get to know a group of enthusiastic students every year, she also has the opportunity to work alongside families with young children, all over the Coast. Maureen especially enjoys the variety of teaching on this programme which covers a range of topics from the theoretical to the practical.
Max is a tutor at the Southland Digger School. Max has been involved in construction for the last 18 years, with the second Manapouri Tailrace tunnel being the highlight of his career so far. Max believes that having four children under 5 and raising them to adulthood has put him in good steed to tackle a career as a tutor.
Miles is a tutor in Extractive and Civil construction at our Reefton Digger School. Starting with Tai Poutini Polytechnic in 2005 Miles has been a valuable part of the growth and development of the digger school during his time there and continues to provide the knowledge and commitment necessary to maintain a successful learning facility.
Moira was employed by TPP in March 2007 as Programme Co-ordinator for the Preparation for Tertiary Studies Programme which commenced in July 2007. This programme is aimed at second chance education for parents of young children. Moira has been involved with second chance education for the past eight years. She continues to develop this programme as well as adding her experience to developing literacy and numeracy programmes.
Murray started at TPP in March 2007, working as an automotive tutor, running STAR, Grey High School Night School and Mainstream programmes. Murray had worked for Tai Poutini in the past as a casual tutor and proved so valuable we kept him. Murray is another committed and determined member of a strong automotive team.
Paul is a member of our Reefton Digger school team; he joined TPP in 2006 as a Tutor in Extractive and Civil Construction, bringing a wealth of experience to an already impressive group. Paul provided extra stability in a time of steady growth, he continues to ensure that students get the most out of their learning experience.
Paul Wilson has been Chief Executive since January 2007. He is a professional engineer by background and all his early training was with the Royal New Zealand Navy. He has had almost 15 years in the education sector and has held tutor positions at AUT and CPIT, and educational management positions at CPIT before taking up the CE role at TPP. He still carries out educational related activities for the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand and is actively involved in competency assessment of professional engineers, standards setting for the education of engineers, and accreditation of engineering programmes for them.
Paul started working for TPP in 2007; based at the Auckland School of Scaffolding he is responsible for the programme development of the Civil Plant Operations courses in the Auckland area. Paul is continuing to work towards making Tai Poutini Polytechnic’s Digger School a recognisable training option in Auckland as it is in other regions.
Title:
PROGRAMME DEVELOPMENT OFFICER (CIVIL CONSTRUCTION)
Paula joined TPP as a tutor in Business Administration, Computing and Communications in 2004. It's a big job title that encompasses the delivery of lots of different unit standards and a lot of marking! She also tutors on other programmes such as Nanny and Hair, Beauty and Grooming.
In his role as the Head of the Construction Department Peter is responsible for several key areas including the Tai Poutini Polytechnic Construction and Height Access Programmes, management of the Auckland and Christchurch Scaffold Schools and Industrial Safety Training. While Peter’s role is a large and geographically challenging one it is a position that he is more than qualified to manage.
Peter loves his job as Head of the Civil Construction and Mining Department and is excited about where TPP is taking civil construction training in New Zealand. Peter believes we can all be proud of the role we are playing in building infrastructure capacity for the future. Peter considers himself blessed to work for and with a great bunch of people at TPP.
Phillip joined Tai Poutini Polytechnic as Programme Coordinator for Civil Construction. Phillip has a background in business management with a Diploma In Sales, NZIM, and considerable driving experience with different businesses coast wide. He is also a point of first contact for a lot of enquiries regarding our Civil Plant courses.
Pic became a member of the Tai Poutini Polytechnic staff in 2008, her role as Disability Co-ordinator sees her striving to provide a welcoming and supportive learning environment for all students. Pic brings a great deal of experience to her position and we look forward to watching her grow and develop within TPP.
After 25 years in the industry, working for West Coast building firms and then on to working for himself, Rick has been a Carpentry tutor at TPP since the start of 2005. He looks after the yearly building project and workshop side of the programme. As a hands on tutor Rick is successful in effectively installing an eye for detail and effective work ethic in his students.
Rita comes to the role from NorthTEC where she has spent a number of years as Programme Manager, Business and Tourism. Prior to that Rita spent a significant period of time in the tertiary education and community college sector in the USA and Canada. Rita has a PhD in the area of adult education and a Masters degree in public administration. She is finding the people of the West Coast outstanding and its beauty "stunning."
After working in the Hospitality Industry in places as diverse as London, South Africa and then Christchurch Rod has gone on to develop his educational career, starting at the Southern Institute of Technology in Southland. Rod came on staff at TPP as Programme Co-ordinator for Hospitality in February 2004. In March 2007 he was made HOD for Services, responsible for the Hospitality, Culinary Arts, Support of the Older Person, Nanny and Salon Support programmes.
Samuel has functioned in many roles at Tai Poutini Polytechnic including student, Tutor, Programme Co-ordinator, IT Manager, Director West Coast and now Planning and Projects Manager. Samuel studied Business Computing at TPP and had roles in private sector accounting and IT before being employed at TPP.
Shane is the Programme Co-ordinator at TPP’s School of Civil Construction and Mining in Christchurch. Joining the team in 2006 Shane quickly settled in to his large and varied role. Shane continues to work assertively with the rest of his team to develop and promote the growth of this great programme.
Simon tutors computing in the Business Computing Department, and mainly works on the Diploma ICT 5 and 6 programmes. Simon has a passion for all things IT which is translated through his teaching; he has the ability to capture his student’s attention with his wit ensuring an enjoyable and fun learning experience while maintaining a professional and effective teaching style.
Steven joined us at TPP in 2008 and brought with him plenty of experience in his field as a scaffolding tutor. Originally from England, Steven and his family moved to Christchurch where we have put him to good use at the School of Scaffolding. We look forward to watching Steven develop professionally with TPP in the future.
Stu has been with TPP since May 2006 having come from a background as paramedic and helicopter crewman with St John. Stu also had 10 years as a DOC ranger based at Franz Josef and Mount Cook where he was heavily involved with alpine search and rescue.
Sue was employed at TPP in 2007 and has enjoyed the challenge of learning just what it is that a 'Short Course Co-Ordinator/Administration Assistant' does. Apparently, that means Sue sets up Community Education and other courses which involves coming up with new classes, finding tutors, students and venues all the while providing some admin help to the busy Business Computing Department.
Vadim started with Tai Poutini Polytechnic in 2000 as a casual tutor at our Christchurch School of Scaffolding he worked through the ranks to his current position of Head of Department. During his time at TPP Vadim has worked tirelessly to develop our training programmes both locally and abroad in Arab states in conjunction with Peter O’Sullivan.
Warren started at TPP in 1998 as Automotive Tutor and Programme Coordinator while also becoming the First Aid tutor. He has now moved on to the position of Head of Department of Automotive Engineering, helping to look after the Automotive, Tyres, First Aid, and Driver Education programmes. He still sees himself as a motor mechanic at heart, working on projects at home.
