ANNA CAMPBELL NEW ZEALAND CERTIFICATE IN APICULTURE (LEVEL 3) GRADUATION 2020 TTAF - SIT
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The Magazine of the SIT2LRN Distance Students April 2021 Issue 35 ANNA CAMPBELL NEW ZEALAND CERTIFICATE IN APICULTURE (LEVEL 3) GRADUATION 2020 TTAF
About SIT
Southern Institute of Technology (SIT)
is one of 16 government polytechnics
Welcome to
SITUATION
and institutes of technology under
the umbrella of Te Pūkenga offering
tertiary education throughout New
Zealand. SIT programmes are
accredited and approved by the New
Zealand Qualifications Authority up to
master's level.
SIT has a proud history of vocational It’s staggering to think how much the world has changed in the past 12 months.
education and training. For over New Zealand has been through one of the most challenging periods in living
40 years we have been providing memory, while most of the rest of the world has staggered in and out of
students with quality education
across a range of subject areas lockdowns as infection rates spiralled.
and at a variety of levels, including
postgraduate study. This variety There have been countless changes to navigate and there’s no doubt about the
enables you to enter your training financial impact that Covid-19 has had, but we do know one thing from history
at the level that suits you and to – life carries on. It will be different, proving the only constant in our lives has
progress as you are ready. Many always been change. Well, that and perhaps chocolate.
of SIT2LRN's programmes link to
higher level qualifications at SIT and As a nation and as a community, we’ve shown great resilience in the past
other institutions in New Zealand
year. It hasn’t been easy, but by pulling together, it hasn’t been like most other
and throughout the world. We
are constantly developing these countries.
relationships to ensure that our
graduates have maximum mobility. While the world has been in turmoil, most of our students have just kept
on trucking. The value of SIT2LRN’s distance learning courses have been
Government Fees Free highlighted during this time because, of course, our students don’t need to be in
Policy a classroom to learn.
If you are a student in your first year of The online nature of the study has been a blessing for many, as they’ve been
tertiary studies you may be eligible for
the Government Fees Free Policy. You able to continue as they were.
can check your eligibility at
http://www.feesfree.govt.nz. Undoubtedly, it created challenges. In this edition, we talk to Eden Chandler-
Knight whose entire dissertation for his Bachelor of Applied Management was
You may also be eligible for free TTAF
under threat because of issues created by lockdown. But he persevered and
programmes. See pages 4-5 and back
cover for details. found a solution to his problem. He’s incredibly proud – and justifiably so –
about his study into workplace bullying in the mental health nursing field, and is
Students residing in Invercargill
hopeful his report will lead to appropriate action in addressing it.
may also wish to enquire about the
SIT Accommodation Bursaries for
Invercargill. Eligibility criteria for Fonterra supervisor Travis Dale exemplified endurance in gaining his
the bursaries reflects that of the qualification and the benefits have been almost immediate. His employer
Government Fees Free Policy. supported him while he upskilled, and Travis is repaying that faith by stepping
The Zero Fees Scheme into a leadership role. He’s adamant studying with SIT2LRN, although
demanding initially, was one of the best moves he’d made.
If you are not eligible for the
Government Fees Free Policy you Another who has showed resolve and some dogged determination is Fiona
may be eligible for the SIT Zero Fees
Woodgate. She juggled home and work commitments including extensive and
Scheme.
lengthy overseas travel with her study. However, thanks to SIT2LRN, she was
Our Zero Fees Scheme means we able to fit her learning around all those obligations and complete her studies.
pay your tuition fees, so all you have
to pay for are the direct material Also rising to the challenge was Celeste Slatter, who wanted to photograph her
costs and application fee for your
course. This applies for all of our new son’s special moments but didn’t want to take them on a mobile phone.
degree programmes and most of our She’s not only juggled home life with a youngster, but she’s also now set up her
diplomas and certificates, including own photography business by taking photos of friends’ families and is planning
distance learning programmes. further study with SIT2LRN!
Many of our graduates are able to
start their careers debt-free! This is It’s easy to see through these examples and others in this edition, that no
not an exaggeration – over a three- matter what’s happening around you, there is another constant – doors being
year degree, our students can save
between $7,000 -$14,000 on tuition opened to new opportunities thanks to SIT2LRN. And we think that’s pretty
fees. special and worth shouting about.
CONTENTS
04 11 21 Fiona Woodgate
- New Zealand Diploma in
Adult and Tertiary Teaching
Feature Articles Student Profiles (Level 6) graduate
04 Scholarship Programme 11 Eden Chandler–Knight
provides a helping hand for - Bachelor of Applied 22 Susie Vette
trainee farmers Management graduate - New Zealand Certificate in
Study and Career Preparation
06 Targeted Training and 12 Travis Dale (Level 4) (Health Sciences)
Apprenticeship Fund graduate
- New Zealand Diploma in
Business (Level 5) graduate
08 13 Coral Jackson
- Graduate Certificate in
23
Facilitator Profiles Occupational Health and 2020 Graduation
Safety graduate
08 Lynne Warden Ceremonies
- New Zealand Certificate in 14 Nick Kiddey
Horticulture (Level 3) and the - New Zealand Certificate in
New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Level 4)
Horticulture Services (Level 4) (Landscape Design) graduate
Facilitator
17
09 Jay Hourani 15 Anna Campbell
-Postgraduate Diploma - New Zealand Certificate in
Apiculture (Level 3) student Contact Details
in Business Enterprise
and Bachelor of Applied Freepost SIT2LRN
Management Facilitator 16 Celeste Slatter Private Bag 90114
- New Zealand Diploma 133 Tay Street
10 John Knowler in Photography (Level 5)
- New Zealand Certificate in Invercargill 9840
graduate
Study and Career Preparation
(Levels 3 & 4) Health Sciences 17 Tony Stellar Free Call: 0800 4 0 FEES
Facilitator - New Zealand Certificate in (within NZ)
Adult and Tertiary Teaching Telephone: 03 211 2699 ext
(Level 4) graduate 3320
Free Facsimile: 03 211 2698
04 18 Joe McMenamin
- Postgraduate Diploma in
Email: info@sit.ac.nz
Business Enterprise student
21 Website: www.sit.ac.nz
Free Text: 2LRN (2576)
19 Sue Marshall
- Diploma in Digital Film (Level Production Manager:
5) graduate Chami Abeysinghe
Editor:
20 Beka Smyth Mark Hotton
- New Zealand Certificate
in Animal Care (Level 3) Contributors:
graduate Claire Allison
Nathan Burdon
Anna Midhun
13 23 Co-ordinator:
Vicki Popham
Art Editor:
Elana Bai
12 Cover photo:
Anna Campbell
New Zealand Certificate in
Apiculture (Level 3) student
FEATURE ARTICLE
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME
PROVIDES A HELPING HAND
FOR TRAINEE FARMERS
The long-term relationship The Edmund Sanderson Jeff Farm Training Award, which
assists many more young people in their pursuit of farming
between Telford and Jeff Farm as a career.
has been mutually beneficial, Jeff Farm Board chairman Simon Glennie has been on the
board for about 18 years and involved in interviewing the
firstly, in helping hundreds of scholarship applicants for many years as well. The board
provides oversight of the farm to assist the Salvation Army
young people realise their study with policies, strategic direction, and management of the
property.
and job goals by taking their first Telford's entry-level farming skills programmes are perfectly
steps in a farming career. aligned to the original vision of the farm’s founder. Edmund
wanted young people to be able to learn the basics, then
As well as this, Jeff Farm scholarships provided to students achieve a career in farming.
make a considerable contribution to the running of Telford, Simon said Telford’s role in training young farmers was
with many recipients using the financial assistance to pay important, in giving students a basic skill-set, providing
accommodation and living costs during their time at the them with enough knowledge to give them a start in the
rural campus. industry.
Jeff Farm is a 2,424ha farm owned and managed by The He finds a great deal of reward in taking part in the selection
Salvation Army. Its purpose was designated in 1952 when process of young people who have challenges and obstacles
the farm’s owner Edmund Jeff put the farm into a trust so it to overcome. The Jeff Farm scholarships assist them to
could be utilised in training young people for a career in the achieve their study goals more easily and with less stress.
New Zealand agricultural industry. Simon said having university-aged children himself allows
Located between Mataura and Clinton in Southland, Jeff him to relate to the students well.
Farm has been managed for more than 20 years by well- The board is looking for young people who are keen to get
known farmers John and Liz Chittock. a start in agriculture but may be struggling in some way
In 2017, the farm won the Silver Fern Farms Sheep Industry – financially, from a health perspective or another reason.
Trainer of the Year award at the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Unlike other funds, the Jeff Farm Scholarship programme
Sheep Industry Awards, recognising it as the best farm in the deliberately focuses on providing for young people where
country for training the next generation of farmers. there is a need, said Simon.
The farm runs its own cadet scheme, taking on five cadets “We’re not the same as every other fund – we’re not looking
annually to train. In addition to this, the productivity of the for the [academic] top 10 per cent. We look for those who
farm allows for the facilitation of the scholarship scheme, have a need. And where we see a need, we will try and help,
4 SITUATION April 2021
FEATURE ARTICLE
that’s what we’re here to do”. costs. It really helps, it takes a big load off my shoulders, I
really appreciate the scholarship”.
While the need varies between years, the average annual
allocation to Telford students has exceeded $30,000 per year Omni Koehler hadn’t come from a farming background
since 2010, he said. either, and tried work experience on a farm while still at
high school. She really enjoyed it, so her agriculture teacher
Students have 15 minutes to impress the interviewing panel.
suggested Telford as a next step in training for farming.
“They’re often really nervous, some have no farming
“I really enjoy learning the practical side of it, I haven’t
background whatsoever, and they’re still settling into
grown up on a farm so it’s good experience, learning off all
student life.”
the tutors who have all these skills to teach you.”
The interviewers attempt to put the student at ease and
Being a Jeff Farm Scholarship recipient takes a lot of stress
focus on understanding their particular situation. In that
off her family. She didn’t qualify for a student allowance
short amount of interview time, “they try to look at the size
or loan, so she’d have to pay her parents back and with a
of the obstacles they have, and look behind the façade, to
younger sister still at home she’s aware of her needs as
meet the real person and the real challenges they’re facing”,
well.
Simon said.
“The Jeff Farm Scholarship takes a lot of that pressure off
“I find it really rewarding, meeting the young people, it’s
me”.
great to hear their stories, and between 16 to 18 years they
grow up a lot. Many are young kids who’ve just left home for Omni’s considering her options for 2021. She’s discovering
the first time and they’re still feeling their way.” new interests during her course and the latest component
completed was mechanics, which she loved. She may go
Along with the rewards of the role, there’s a real sense
into the workforce or is considering further study in the
of responsibility within the board to fairly allocate the
mechanical engineering field.
scholarship money to the best of their abilities, he said.
Telford’s Taster Camps allow students to discover what it’s
“We’re really happy to continue providing where the needs
all about before making a commitment to study, providing
are”.
a hands-on experience of living and learning at Telford. The
The biggest buzz is when the board receives a letter from five-day camps also provide students transitioning directly
a student who wants to acknowledge the difference the from high school, the chance to meet and make friends with
scholarship has made in their lives, and it’s evident they’re other enrolling students.
doing well.
The 2021 camps are scheduled to take place on:
“Getting the odd message of thanks is particularly
ª July 13-17;
rewarding,” he said.
ª October 5-9;
Scholarship recipient (2020) Venessa Kotze immigrated to
New Zealand from South Africa during her childhood. She ª December 7-11.
found out about Telford by attending a Taster camp in 2019.
To register for a Taster Camp, email your expression of
Having enjoyed the camp and because she loves farming,
interest to telford@sit.ac.nz
Venessa returned in 2020 to study, completing a Level 3
Certificate in Agriculture. Programme Manager Debbie Rankin said the management
and staff at Telford have had a busy 18 months with SIT’s
She loves the people aspect of Telford and really enjoys the
investment into developing the campus, and they’re looking
work experience students get the opportunity to participate
forward to an exciting 2021.
in because “it’s a taste of actually working on real farms”.
Being a recipient of a Jeff Farm scholarship makes a big For further information on applying for a Jeff Farm
difference to Venessa. Her parents weren’t in a position to scholarship, go to:
help her so the scholarship allows her to finish her year https://jefffarm.salvationarmy.org.nz/agricultural-
without debt.
scholarships
“We get fees free, but this will help pay accommodation
SITUATION April 2021 5
FEATURE ARTICLE
TARGETED TRAINING &
APPRENTICESHIP FUND
A government-funded scheme For example, the Level 3 Certificate in Horticulture
(General), was up 285% between Intake 4, 2019 and Intake
designed to help people who 4, 2020. The enrolment numbers spiked again at an
even greater level for the first intake in 2021, seeing the
lost their job because of the highest number of enrolments ever for a single intake.
Covid-19 pandemic and ensuing Aissa said the scheme offered students an amazing
opportunity to upskill without incurring debt. It made a
lockdown to upskill and retrain, real difference for students when they were not worried
about their finances and knew they would not need a
has brought benefits to both student loan to be able to complete the course.
students and SIT2LRN. “Students are really pleased and excited when they find
out [it’s TTAF], they just want to get started on their
The Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF) course,” she said.
was revealed in July 2020 and is guaranteed until
December 2022. Eight months on, the scheme is working A broad cross-section of students enrol in horticulture
well for SIT2LRN and delivering desired outcomes in the programmes, ranging from teenagers wanting to start
targeted programmes that qualify for the no-tuition-costs their career and join the horticultural industry at entry
subsidy. level, through to those already in full-time employment
who are following an interest to increase their knowledge
The focus of TTAF is to deploy job seekers into sectors and skills.
predicted or known to have skill shortages, and
where demand for graduates is expected to remain The 2020 satisfaction survey clearly shows SIT2LRN
robust. Those in the workforce who found themselves horticulture courses were highly regarded by students,
unemployed as a result of the pandemic are able to with approval ratings ranging between 96.72% to 100%,
retrain at minimal cost to themselves, and graduate Aissa said.
with desired skills most suited to where job vacancies
Not surprisingly, feedback was also enthusiastic, with
are likely to be. This could include sectors where skilled
one student commenting: “A well-collated course, which
workers have been unable to enter New Zealand because
was informative and challenging, easy to follow course
of border closures.
work which was methodical and made sense. Facilitator
Because the pandemic has had an effect on the input was fantastic, very supportive and committed to
workforce across the country, enrolment numbers myself as a student.”
at SIT2LRN have grown as a result of the retraining
Similarly, Programme Manager Dushani Ranasinghe
initiative. Part of this growth has been attributed
said since the implementation of TTAF she had seen a
to students being able to study with SIT2LRN from
significant increase in enrolments for the papers she
anywhere in New Zealand.
oversees – New Zealand Certificates in Sustainable
Aissa Querol-Santos, a programme manager for Primary Production (Level 4), and Land Based
SIT2LRN horticulture courses, said TTAF had made a Sustainability Practices (Level 3).
positive difference and boosted enrolment numbers in
Those seeking a career change had come from
all horticulture programmes with some courses almost
quite diverse industries and were now successfully
quadrupling in enrolments.
transitioning into new employment options through their
retraining, she said.
6 SITUATION April 2021
FEATURE ARTICLE
“TTAF funding has had a clear impact on student TTAF recipient Laura Woodcock, also from Christchurch,
numbers and we have already started informing completed the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture
employers and local stakeholders about the funding. (General) Level 3 through SIT2LRN last year and is now
We’re anticipating a continued improvement in student studying the New Zealand Certificate in Organic Primary
numbers during 2021,” Dushani said. Production (Level 3).
One student who has taken advantage of TTAF is Studying for both general interest and a future career,
Christchurch-based Kaaren van Dommelen, who is she said having no tuition fees under TTAF made all the
close to completing a New Zealand Certificate in Land difference.
Based Sustainability Practices (Level 3). A well-practiced
distance learner, this is the third qualification she will “It creates a peace of mind and it enables me to achieve
have successfully completed through SIT2LRN. my goals sooner and get slightly more ahead in life.”
Not having course fees was a key driver in signing up to Completing the study while working full-time could be
the TTAF-funded programme, Kaaren said. quite challenging, but it was totally doable, Laura said.
“It’s been really, really good being able to do this and not “It does require a lot of self-motivation and discipline but
paying course fees.” if it's something you want, then it's easily achievable and
very rewarding.”
Kaaren is studying in preparation for a change she and
her partner have been planning for some time. They are Laura is thankful she didn't lose her job because of
intending to start a small lifestyle block and live off-grid, Covid-19. “I'm blessed to have a job that I can apply my
aiming to become completely self-sufficient. learning to - I'm upskilling for better opportunities and
my study is setting me up to achieve my future goals
It had been beneficial finding out what works – but sooner.”
perhaps more importantly, what doesn’t work, she said.
For instance, she didn’t fully understand the importance Thanks to the nature of her study, she is able to apply the
of biodiversity until she started her study. knowledge in her job at a plant nursery. She also has her
own little garden at home which she uses her skills to
“Understanding sustainability, how soil gets depleted of improve.
nutrients is just one of the things I had no idea about until
I did this course. “The biggest benefit I get from distance learning is being
able to continue with my everyday life and job while fitting
“I’m investing in my future – I can work full-time and gain in study. It’s ideal if you’re unable to commit to study
all this knowledge.” which requires on-site learning.”
SITUATION April 2021 7
FACILITATOR PROFILE
LYNNE
WARDEN
New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Level 3) and
New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Level 4)
facilitator
SIT2LRN facilitator Lynne
Warden’s lifelong journey into
teaching horticulture had its
roots while working in a garden
centre on the outskirts of
Invercargill.
“I found I really enjoyed working income from a varied source of crops – “The rest, as they say, is history,” Lynne
with plants and developing skills in operating next door.” said.
landscape design so I didn’t really
consider it a ‘job’ at all.” Crops for Southland grew sample “We were one of the first learning
crops of about 30 alternative species institutes to provide distance learning
Lynne was able to increase her – including some not available in New courses in horticulture and landscaping
knowledge through practical Zealand – but were thought to have and this proved extremely popular.”
experience and distance learning study, potential for commercial production in
skills she is passing on to the next Lynne relishes the opportunity to share
Southland.
generation of horticulturalists, and also her knowledge with students and
putting into practice on her three- At the time, SIT horticulture students takes great delight in seeing how they
hectare block in Central Otago. were involved with setting up progress and grow in confidence.
hydroponic systems and propagating
“Our fruit trees include 25 apricot trees, “It really is a pleasure teaching and
crops for the Invercargill City Council
30 greengages, 30 apples, 20 olives, 20 helping students graduate with New
parks and reserves, and were able to
feijoas and a fig tree. Not surprisingly, Zealand Certificates in Horticulture,
work alongside the nursery and Crops
all of this – along with four horses which many use to go on and further
for Southland staff.
and some sheep – keeps myself and their study or venture into their own
partner Phil quite busy.” She initially taught hydroponics and business.”
glasshouse control for SIT at the
Lynne studied physical education at Receiving feedback and knowing how
nursery.
the University of Otago, before moving students used the knowledge they had
to Australia for a few years. When she Unfortunately, class numbers dropped gained through their SIT2LRN study
returned, she moved to the family farm to unsustainable levels in the early was extremely satisfying, Lynne said.
near Invercargill and raised three sons. 2000s, so it was decided to take the
“Many simply enjoy having new
theory content out of the courses and
She decided PE wasn’t quite for her, knowledge that helps them in their own
put it together as an online/distance
so she took on a role at the garden back yard, but many go on to use their
learning course, which gave more
centre, which ultimately led her to the skills to help their business grow.”
people from around the country the
Southern Institute of Technology (SIT). opportunity to study something they
She was asked if she could tutor at the were interested in.
Invercargill City Council nursery, where
SIT owned a small classroom onsite.
“There was a wonderful partnership “Many simply enjoy having new knowledge that
at the time, with the nursery itself and
Crops for Southland – a venture to
helps them in their own back yard, but many go
encourage farmers to broaden their on to use their skills to help their business grow.”
8 SITUATION April 2021
FACILITATOR PROFILE
JAY HOURANI
Postgraduate Diploma in Business Enterprise and Bachelor of Applied
Management facilitator
SIT2LRN facilitator Jay Hourani
has a rich background in business
ventures and education - and then
there’s the sabre fencing.
Jay, who started with the Southern
Institute of Technology last August,
helps facilitate the Bachelor of Applied
Management and Postgraduate
Diploma in Business Enterprise. Both
programmes help students to develop
the skills to effectively lead and grow
people, and communicate well, as
well as optimising organisational
performance for efficiency and
profitability, areas in which Jay has
first-hand experience.
“I started in sales in the FMCG sector
when I was 16, I branched out to
trade in surplus goods and liquidation
auctions. I started a range of small
business ventures which ranged from
“I discovered Apiculture to be an dependence on the bees and their
recruitment, apparel and other goods
excellent opportunity and industry to delicate habitat. I am hoping that I can
and services. Whilst some succeeded
engage with. I managed to set up my engage more in research in Melittology,
and sold, I failed as well, learning good
operations and obtain my licence to as bees are incredibly fascinating
lessons on risk, research, resources,
source, pack and sell New Zealand insects.”
time, people and decision making.”
honey products from a network of
And then there’s the sabre fencing,
As a business operator, Jay learned passionate and ethical beekeepers in
which also has strong parallels with
how to raise capital and cash flow, and New Zealand,” he said.
the business world, according to Jay.
gained experience in different working
The company provides assurances
environments, developing skills in “I used to play baseball when I was a
regarding MGO (methylglyoxal) levels
research, human resources, finance, child, but I wanted to get into a new
in its Mānuka honey and also offers a
marketing and operations across a sport which requires planning and
wider range of honey from different
range of sectors. quick decision making. Sabre fencing
floral sources, to showcase other types
for me disciplines the mind to become
“While bringing the above skills to of honey not exclusive to Mānuka
an efficient decision-maker and
my teaching practice, I was able to honey. The company is also a member
evaluator, and diagnose the 'hesitation'
extract key and relevant areas from of Apiculture New Zealand, which
syndrome, which is a challenge
my management experience, and align supports, advocates for, and delivers
business operators face.”
them with academic theories and benefits to the Apiculture industry.
models, along with applying real-life Although Jay’s had to step back
“I also wanted to structure my
examples and cases to my students’ from the commitment of sabre
organisation to operate for a purpose
learning. fencing training due to work and
that is aligned with the best interest of
life commitments – at present he is
“I initially entered the education sector the bees and the community, therefore,
enjoying horse riding, music, writing
by accident and discovered this exciting The Good Honey Co. sponsors and
and visual arts - he hopes to return to
sector. I have worked in various fields donates to children's charities, which I
it in the near future.
with educational organisations.” feel is the most rewarding part of the
business. “Being pressured to make quick
A desire to start a business which
decisions can be healthy sometimes
aligned with his own values, including “I am also on the journey to diversify
when you have calculated all your
a passion for culinary experiences and the product base and seek further
risks.”
philanthropy, saw Jay set up The Good innovations, since the Apiculture sector
Honey Co. in 2017. is a high-risk sector and we have a
SITUATION April 2021 9
FACILITATOR PROFILE
“ I love helping
students and
just hope they
develop a
passion for the
human body
after studying it
– like I did ”
JOHN Invercargill born and bred, university
KNOWLER
wasn’t really an option for John, so
when he left school, he completed an
electronics apprenticeship. Then a
move to Australia opened new doors,
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Levels 3 & 4) Health allowing him to fulfil a long-held dream
Sciences facilitator of becoming a teacher.
“When I went to Australia, university
The flexibility that attracts students to online was just up the road.”
John made the most of it, completing
learning was what led John Knowler to take a Bachelor of Applied Science (Human
on a facilitator’s role with SIT2LRN. Movement Studies) and Bachelor of
Education (Secondary) majoring in
Health and PE. He has built on those
qualifications ever since, always in the
Just over three years ago, John you’re locked into the old 9 to 5. If your fields of sport and recreation, and the
swapped eight years of on-campus students have questions outside of human body.
tutoring at the Southern Institute of that, they have to wait until the next He and his wife lived in Australia
Technology (SIT) for a facilitator’s role, day. for many years and had their three
with the New Zealand Certificate in children – now aged 15, 18 and 20 –
“Most of the time I try to answer
Study and Career Preparation (Levels 3 there, before deciding to move back to
immediately (or at least within a couple
& 4) Health Sciences. Invercargill to raise their family.
of hours), and then they can carry on
John’s teaching career in both studying. It’s definitely extended the And while John has built an impressive
Australia and New Zealand has hours beyond the normal, but I don’t CV of qualifications and work
always revolved around anatomy and mind that at all.” experience, he’s taking a break from
physiology – it’s the area he most studying for now to support his wife
Most of his students will move on to
enjoys, and the online environment has and her ongoing nurse practitioner
nursing studies, with the qualification
suited him to a T. studies.
serving as something of a bridging
“Like my students, I was at a stage in step. Some may have just left high These days, John enjoys many sports
life where I preferred the flexibility. school but need to improve their socially and loves to get out hunting
science results, while others are older, and fishing when he can.
“The great thing about it is when
seeking a career change.
people have questions it is normally “ I love helping students and just hope
in the evenings, and that’s when I “Often it’s the case that if they do well they develop a passion for the human
am usually available. And that’s not in this, they can apply for nursing the body after studying it – like I did. ”
the case when you’re face-to-face, next year.”
10 SITUATION April 2021STUDENT PROFILE
EDEN
CHANDLER-
KNIGHT
Bachelor of Applied Management graduate
Eden Chandler-Knight thought he was one of many nurses
who had experienced workplace bullying while working in
the mental health nursing sector, but he couldn’t prove it.
But now, thanks to extensive research papers, which suited what I wanted in “Their approval process took less than
undertaken for his Bachelor of Applied order to make studying more relatable a week. When the link was sent out
Management dissertation while to me and where I want to take my to their members I received over 280
studying with SIT2LRN, he can show career,” Eden said. responses that night and then close to
there is a genuine problem that isn’t 500 by the following day.”
“The ability to be flexible with my study
being addressed.
timetable meant the actual study I The final report proved bullying in
He’s optimistic the findings can make a had to take was able to fit into my life mental health nursing clearly existed –
difference in the under-pressure sector, rather than me having to fit into a face- and that DHBs were not doing enough
with the report provided to a District to-face course.” to address the epidemic.
Health Board (DHB), the PSA (nursing
In his second year, in the ‘contemporary “Except for ‘policy’, little else was done
union for mental health nurses) and
issues’ paper, Eden began developing a when reports of bullying were made,
to be included in a submission to the
plan for the dissertation but soon found so several of my recommendations
Ministry of Business, Innovation and
professional roadblocks were placed focussed on changes that DHBs needed
Employment (MBIE) bullying review.
in his way – along with a challenging to do,” Eden said.
Eden hopes more evidence-based Covid-19 lockdown.
“I’m really proud of this work as not
information can lead to better industry
But his dogged determination and only was it something that had never
standards being introduced to
unwavering support from his SIT2LRN been achieved before in the country,
eliminate the behaviour and improve
facilitator, meant he eventually found but it identified that while so much
overall employment conditions.
a way to gain access to his research international research had been
He was compelled to undertake the subjects – mental health nurses. undertaken in this area, nothing was
study because of “horrendous” bullying being done in New Zealand.
“I managed to get approval from the
he’d experienced from both managers
PSA and they agreed to send out a link “Hopefully this is the start of something
and colleagues, and even by team
to the study. bigger and better to not only improve
members who reported to him.
the nursing workforce in this area but
“They agreed the study needed to be
His varied and interesting CV features in the nursing profession in general.”
done as it was the first of its kind in
roles in nursing and other industries,
New Zealand. Eden is now taking two years off
as well as senior management roles
studying, but intends to return to
both in New Zealand and overseas. “Reports had been written but no
undertake a PhD.
formal study had been undertaken to
He was drawn to SIT2LRN because
prove that bullying in mental health “Now it’s time to sit back and relax and
he wanted an additional qualification
nursing did indeed exist.” enjoy the achievement of successfully
that covered “more than the ‘standard’
completing my degree through
Bachelor’s degree in business”, he said. He was overwhelmed by their support
SIT2LRN while working full-time –
… and the responses he received.
“SIT2LRN’s Bachelor of Applied meaning if I can do it, anyone can.”
Management offered more choice in
SITUATION April 2021 11STUDENT PROFILE
TRAVIS
DALE
New Zealand Diploma in Business
(Level 5) graduate
One of the benefits of
studying through SIT2LRN
for Travis Dale was being
able to put what he was
learning into immediate
practice and embedding
that knowledge. Another
was how it helped him
secure a more senior role.
The Southland man, who works for lot quicker than just reading about it, relationships, which seemed to strike
Fonterra at its large Edendale site, which I found invaluable.” a chord with me – it was essentially
undertook the New Zealand Diploma in about dealing and interacting with
Time was freed up during the off-
Business because he had the support people.”
season to work on projects, not only
of both his manager and the plant
with on-site project engineering He enjoyed the study and began
manager, who could see he needed to
managers, but also to head up and wondering whether his next career
further develop his skills.
execute his own projects, from concept move should be from an operator to a
“In hindsight, I was ready for through to implementation within his supervisor.
something to push me out of my department.
“Fast-forward a year after graduating
comfort zone too,” he said.
“This was a real buzz as I could and I’m now a supervisor in the lactose
He’d had a varied working background, harness the passion and experience of department at Edendale.
starting off in retail, then venturing my co-workers and make a difference
“I use what I’ve learnt from my course
into forestry contracting, scaffolding, to our everyday tasks as well as adding
all the time – every day I deal with
and arboriculture, before starting a to Fonterra’s bottom line.”
people from all over the site, different
full-time role in Fonterra’s casein
Travis found having to actively seek departments and areas of the business,
department in 2005.
answers from subject matter experts be it in a plant, maybe helping with a
A Fonterra initiative run in conjunction on site and across the country was project or problem solving an issue.
with SIT2LRN, offered the opportunity another positive.
“My project management side loves
to undertake some study. Armed with
“Fonterra was hugely supportive, and to delve into the details of a project/
the support of the business and those
to be honest I would have struggled to problem and the business side has
around him, Travis signed up.
get through without their help.” learnt to actively listen to others
“The first year was challenging because and try to interact from an emotional
Travis said looking back and
I hadn’t studied with this sort of intelligence standpoint.
considering what he had covered
intensity since secondary school,” he
during his study was quite amazing. “The study with SIT2LRN made me dig
said.
deeper within myself and is one of the
“I’ve learnt a lot. As my diploma
“But because of the way the course best moves I could have made. I’m so
content changed a year into what was
was designed, I was developing new grateful to Fonterra and SIT2LRN for
initially a three-year course, I also
skills and applying them in the real- the opportunity.”
covered applied marketing, business
world scenario almost immediately.
communications and workplace
This helped embed what I learnt a
12 SITUATION April 2021STUDENT PROFILE
CORAL
JACKSON
Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety graduate
Health and safety doesn’t just provide an
income for Coral Jackson – it allows her
to fulfil her passion to help others, while
working with “some incredible people”.
She recently completed the Graduate communication and working with supported her study and enabled her to
Certificate in Occupational Health and everyone especially field staff is key to study at home one morning a week.
Safety through SIT2LRN, which has getting a good outcome.”
Coral believes the course has been
enabled her to build on an extensive
After returning to New Zealand, she extremely beneficial and has inspired
work history in the sector.
worked as an ACC case manager her to learn more.
After graduating with a physical and then relationship manager. Her
“Having completed the course enables
education degree in 1994, Coral began husband also began an excavation
me to have the confidence to speak up,
working for BP as a health and fitness business at a time when the focus on
to ask questions if I don’t understand,
advisor, which involved helping deliver health and safety in the workplace was
listen and work with others, go out in
programmes such as sleep alertness growing in importance, so she took
the field and see what it is like – not
training, injury management and on the health and safety role for that
just sit and dictate what I think.
rehabilitation, plus medical and health business.
checks for tanker drivers. “Collaboration and consultation are in
A move in July 2018 to Health
the legislation and I truly endorse this.
It was during this time her interest and Safety Manager for BaseUp, a
Having the ability to critically think
in health and safety developed. She Tauranga-based concreting company,
about a problem or issue or potential
undertook health and safety study to brought more challenges and also a
risk, enables me to work with the staff
Level 4, and then moved to London for need to upskill her qualifications to
so that they are engaged with health
more than six years, working for BP Level 7.
and safety and not just doing it because
in various roles including health and
“I reviewed and considered courses they have to,” she said.
safety, and health and fitness.
and SIT2LRN had good reviews and
“I think studying with SIT2LRN was
“I learnt and worked alongside the study could fit around my work
a good chance to build confidence to
some incredible mentors who were and family commitments – I work
ensure that with any work or task
passionate not just about getting health full-time, have three children who also
that I am doing, I can be sure I have
and safety right, but learning from competitively dance and am also a
the skills and knowledge to complete
others, inspiring others, and not using lifeguard.”
them or know where to go to get the
it as a block to get work done.
Although she had never undertaken information.”
“They had a similar philosophy distance learning before, her employer
that there is always a solution but
“I think studying with SIT2LRN was a good chance to build
confidence to ensure that with any work or task that I am
doing, I can be sure I have the skills and knowledge to
complete them or know where to go to get the information.”
SITUATION April 2021 13STUDENT PROFILE
NICK KIDDEY
New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Level 4) (Landscape Design)
Nick Kiddey’s conscious decision to avoid specialisation
has seen him develop an impressive CV.
Nick grew up in Nelson and “So, in 2017 I handed in
began learning about organic my notice. My wife, son,
gardening and permaculture in dog, eight chickens and I
1996. He moved to Dunedin to crammed into the car and
study arboriculture in 2001 and moved to our 1.3-hectare
was a self-employed arborist on property there, which we
and off for four years. had bought via Trademe
sight unseen, and which
In 2005, he moved from Nelson
turned out to be perfect for
to Invercargill to study the
us all!”
Diploma in Environmental
Management at SIT. He The following year, Nick
completed a third year of study decided to do some more
by correspondence through study.
AUT University, graduating with
“I found that through
a Bachelor of Applied Science
SIT2LRN I could do a a
(Environmental Studies) in
New Zealand Certificate
2007.
in Horticulture Services (
“Following that I moved back Landscape Design), which
to Nelson where I worked as was the perfect opportunity
an environmental contractor to upgrade my design
for Nelson City Council, then skills from home, while
had three roles with Nelson developing a design plan for
Environment Centre: setting our land.”
up the school-based Kids
Nick worked in Invercargill
Edible Gardens programme;
part-time as a support
developing the Code Red – the
worker for a couple of years,
Carbon Reduction Rewards
before landing the role
Scheme, and designing and
of education and projects
developing the environment
facilitator at the Riverton
centre's educational garden Nick Kiddey and his son Peat (10) processing trees at their
Riverton property. Environment Centre in July
landscape.
last year.
“During this time, I also completed
a Permaculture Design Certificate. “I worked there for five years before “My early interest in permaculture
Phew!” realising that I hardly spent any time encouraged me to avoid specialisation
Nick and his wife welcomed their son with my family and was constantly – this is what led me to do the
in 2010, and by 2012, they had decided feeling stressed out. Ridiculous! environmental management course at
they needed a more predictable SIT.
“From the moment I first started
income. Nick enrolled in a Graduate learning about permaculture I knew “My intention to avoid specialisation
Diploma in Primary Teaching at I wanted to develop my own place is why I have undertaken so many
Victoria University of Wellington (again one day, and the year I spent living courses of study in different fields and
by correspondence), and following in Riverton, in 2006, had me pretty worked in a range of jobs. I think my
graduation he secured a full-time convinced that it was a good place to role at Riverton Environment Centre
teaching position at Clifton Terrace do it. is perfect for me because it involves
School in Atawhai, Nelson. pretty much everything I have done
and learned over the last 25 years.”
14 SITUATION April 2021STUDENT PROFILE
ANNA
CAMPBELL
New Zealand Certificate in Apiculture (Level 3) graduate
Anna Campbell has a busy life
juggling the daily demands of her
role as a marketing manager,
volunteering, and running the
household with a husband in
medical school, so there’s some
irony that she spends her downtime
looking after some busy bees in her
backyard.
Thanks to what she’s being taught on a A self-described visual learner, Anna “Having a facilitator in this field is
SIT2LRN blended delivery course, Anna finds distance learning a challenge, advantageous as there are dozens of
is learning how to care for thousands of but loves that students are provided ways to lose a bee colony and they
Apis mellifera. with visual course materials, such as keep you on track with amazing pearls
PowerPoints, study guides, and video of wisdom,” she said.
She was drawn to beekeeping after
links to guide them through the study.
spotting a hive in a friend's backyard Anna is also enjoying connecting with
and decided she was keen to give it a “I couldn't imagine learning beekeeping other students who are as equally
go too. from online videos and books alone, passionate about beekeeping as she is.
so the practical experience is really
“They had a beekeeper come in and “Apiculture is like nothing I have ever
valuable and where I do most of my
tend to the hive, but I wanted to do it learnt about before so I have had to
learning,” she said.
myself,” she said. take my time. I get the feeling there is
“I certainly appreciate the flexibility a lifetime of learning ahead of me and
“I read up about getting started online
of the course too. The facilitators are this is just the start,” she said.
and saw SIT2LRN offered a course
easy to communicate with and very
in apiculture at Telford. I signed up “For me, beekeeping has become a way
understanding when life and work gets
months in advance – the free fees were to relax. While I am in the hive I have
in the way.”
a bonus,” she said. to focus all my attention on the bees,
The subject material was broad, there's no space for anything else. It is
Born and bred in Southland, having
and designed to teach the skills and really rewarding to see your care and
a father who works at the Southern
knowledge to be able to work safely attention turn into more bees, wax, and
Institute of Technology swayed her
and productively in a beekeeping honey.
decision: “I thought I better give at
environment.
least one course a go!” “I can't wait to harvest some of my
“We learn about bee anatomy, own honey next summer and give it
She’s undertaking the blended
behaviour, plants, disease to family and friends, and thanks to
Certificate in Apiculture, which means
management, how to build a hive, SIT2LRN that’s going to be a great gift
completing reading and assignments
swarming, honey processing, and so to share.”
at home and then attending monthly
much more.
workshops at the Telford campus, near
Balclutha.
SITUATION April 2021 15STUDENT PROFILE
CELESTE
SLATTER
New Zealand Diploma in Photography (Level 5) graduate
What began as a yearning to
capture the memories of her son
growing up has become a creative
passion and a profession for Celeste
Slatter, thanks to SIT2LRN.
A full-time mother and part-time definitely put me out of my comfort assessment. Her chosen genre – family
‘library lady’, Celeste’s motivation to zone in a good way. I studied full-time, photography, meant going out of her
pick up a camera came from her son. so I'd take my son on photo walks comfort zone again.
during the day and stay up way too late
“When I left high school I worked “Putting myself out there and asking
every night, learning and editing.
in a photo lab for a year and I loved my friends with kids if I could do
looking at the amazing images other “I think by the end of it I was the a family photo shoot for them was
photographers would bring in to have tiredest I have ever been, but I'd also terrifying. I was so nervous that no one
printed,” she said. achieved something I was hugely would want one, or that the pictures
stoked with and learnt skills that will would turn out terrible and I'd have to
“I told myself I would create images
enrich my life, and allow me to be admit to them that I had nothing good
like that someday. Then I forgot about
creative for the rest of my life.” enough to share with them.
it, and a bunch of years passed, and
then I had my son. It was having my Initially, Celeste’s goal was to learn “I'm thrilled to say that I had a massive
son and seeing him grow so fast that how to tell a great story through her number of keen families, and the
made me pick up the camera again.” photography, but the idea of starting photo shoots went so much better
her own photography business than expected. I found myself buzzing
Celeste said cell phone snaps just
developed once she started the course. during the shoots, and felt so honoured
didn't cut it, and she didn't want to miss
to hand over images to the families that
the opportunity to capture the many Her biggest challenge was creating
I know mean a lot to them.”
special moments that were taking place an online portfolio for her final
every day with her son. Celeste has now started her own
small business, Celeste Alexandra
“I want everyone to have great pictures
of them with their kids – and that is
“I'm proud that I Photography, and has been putting
together family and wedding packages.
why I feel so passionate about family stepped out and did
photography.” She plans to complete the Level 6
something creative, photography qualification through
Through the New Zealand Diploma in
Photography, Celeste learnt the ‘rules’
worked super SIT2LRN when it becomes available.
of photography and editing techniques, hard, and thanks “I'm proud that I stepped out and did
as well as how to run a photography something creative, worked super hard,
business. to SIT2LRN, gained and thanks to SIT2LRN, gained skills
“I was challenged to explore a huge skills for life.” for life.”
range of photography genres and this
16 SITUATION April 2021STUDENT PROFILE
TONY STELLA New Zealand Certificate in Adult and Tertiary Teaching (Level 4) graduate
Tony Stella enjoys a challenging project and that
attitude certainly helped when he decided to get
back into formal study after 35 years.
A self-employed designer and “I’ve been a designer and deliverer
deliverer of training programmes, of training programmes for over
Tony’s current primary client 40 years and I love working on
Waka Kotahi/New Zealand challenging and complex projects,”
Transport Agency required all he said.
trainers involved in temporary
Tony is currently part of a team
traffic management (TTM) to
designing the temporary traffic
hold either the Level 4 or Level 5
management training material for
Certificate in Adult and Tertiary
Waka Kotahi.
Teaching.
“I am trying to bring as much
That meant a return to the
of the learning that I can into
‘classroom’ for Tony.
the development of the training
“I’m 63 years of age and it has material,” he said.
been 35 years since I completed
“There are 120 TTM trainers who
study like this. I have a lot of
will be delivering the training
practical experience, but this was
material that is developed. Each
something new,” he said.
of them has completed the New
“My problem was that I was not Zealand Certificate in Adult and
used to writing assignments. So, I Tertiary Teaching at either Level 4
did what every parent does – I got or Level 5. They are now all experts
coaching from my children who in adult education and they’ll be
are used to writing them. the judge of whether I’ve learnt and
Tony after beating his grandchildren at go-kart racing applied the key concepts of adult
“Once I knew the structure for
learning.”
assignments, my next problem
was the word count. Some assignments Tony has successfully designed and/ Tony found the structure involved in
I was struggling to reach the word or delivered training programmes over the certificate helped him adapt to
count. Others I was well over the word a wide variety of skill areas including distance learning.
count, which actually meant that my leadership development, sales,
assignment was not focused and did “I found that being able to email the
management, coaching, performance
not address the topic. facilitators to discuss problems I was
management systems, computer
having was very helpful. I received
system implementation, technical
“Trying to do study while still working prompt and helpful feedback.
skills, risk management, call centres
created pressure. But once I worked
and customer care. “Getting a chance to look at the way I
out some key approaches, I was away.”
design and deliver training material
His clients across the public and
Understanding what research was was really helpful. The readings and
private sector have included the likes
required for assignments, creating research helped confirm many things
of the Department of Conservation,
mind maps to help structure I had already been doing naturally,
KiwiRail, ACC, Telecom, Caltex and
assignments, and doing readings early, but also highlighted areas for further
State Insurance.
all helped him keep on track. development. Even though the
assignments created pressure I had fun
doing them.”
SITUATION April 2021 17STUDENT PROFILE
JOE
MCMENAMIN
Postgraduate Diploma in Business Enterprise student
Fielding artist Joe McMenamin’s
goal of developing his gallery and
art supplies businesses is getting
a boost through his studies with
SIT2LRN.
Having previously studied art at the
Waikato Institute of Technology in
2003 and a postgraduate diploma in
secondary teaching at the Christchurch Joe and Helen
College of Education, Joe’s art and
business interests have developed
Wellington region, Joe began to see his a local printmaker, who was wanting
since moving to Manawatu and going
sales grow. to retire but wanted his business to
full-time with his art.
continue.
Joe works in several styles, most
“I started study with SIT2LRN in March
based around New Zealand native “This was a perfect fit and I designed
2020. I decided to study a Postgraduate
birds, and painting murals has also a new website, fitted out some of the
Diploma in Business Enterprise
been a big part of his business. An studio as an art supplies shop and in
because I wanted to upskill in all areas
exhibit at the New Zealand Art Show 2020 hired a manager, Helen, to run
of small business and spend the time
encouraged him to pursue his art the business. Earlier this year we
reading, writing and learning practical
more ambitiously and develop a more rebranded to call the business NZ Art
knowledge I could use right away,” he
business-minded approach. Supplies.”
said.
“I quickly realised that although I was Joe’s new website and art can be found
“The study has been very helpful in
great at making murals, paintings at https://Joemcmenamin.com
getting me to spend dedicated time
and prints, I needed to apply a more
thinking about my business and looking Not surprisingly, finding time to study
entrepreneurial, small business
at different aspects such as marketing, while running two businesses had been
mindset in order to be successful. I'd
entrepreneurship and business challenging, Joe said.
always been interested in business and
planning. It came as no surprise that as
marketing, so I started to learn and “It has been really enjoyable though.
I have learnt more through the study,
develop my skills in this area. My highlight is probably getting two
my business has grown and become
more successful, despite Covid-19.” "A" grades for my last two papers. I
“In 2018 I opened the Art Studio &
struggled with English when I was at
Gallery in a retail shop in Feilding,
Around 2016, while developing his art school, so it's cool to be able to achieve
and ran my business from there. The
and teaching in high schools in the that as an adult,” he said.
following year, I had the opportunity
to buy an art supplies business from “I hope that the study will help my
businesses grow and develop and that
I will continue to learn more about
running a strong business.
“I highly recommend studying as an
adult, and especially a qualification as
practical and useful as this one has
been. Even though I am in a different
part of the country, I’ve been able to
engage with the learning, and have
received great support from my
facilitators and SIT2LRN.”
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