June 2006—Volume 3 Number 2

Ka Tae Atu Ki Te Taumata Teitei

Study at his own pace was particularly convenient when Barry’s wife was pregnant with their fi rst child. They were in and out of hospital due to complications and Barry was able to read an entire textbook over the period of 2 days!

Family is very important to Barry and his main goal during his study was to inspire his kids. Barry’s wife was his main support and she would take their children out for the afternoon or take Barry snacks late at night while he was studying. He found her support and encouragement invaluable.

Barry is keen to encourage all Mäori students studying by distance. ‘As my Nana used to say, “Kia kaha kia toa kia manawanui. Be strong, be brave, never give in!”’

The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand graduation ceremonies held during the month of May in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch saw many Mäori students take the opportunity to celebrate the successful completion of their study. Barry Wehi (Whakatöhea) recently graduated at the Auckland ceremony.

Barry graduated with the Diploma of Accounting and the New Zealand Diploma in Business. Barry resides in Auckland and is very busy working full time as an accountant as well as raising three small children with his wife, Jo. The Open Polytechnic was an ideal option for Barry as he was able to fi t study around his busy life.

Barry is working in the accounting fi eld and the recently completed qualifi cations have proven valuable in his profession. During his four years of study toward the two diplomas, Barry received a promotion and gained a new job as an accountant managing three staff.

Barry continues to remain current within the accounting fi eld. He is one year away from becoming a qualifi ed Accounting Technician. Barry is required to be mentored for one year by a Chartered Accountant (which is currently under way), and pass the ICANZ (Institute of Chartered Accountants of New Zealand) accounting examination after which he will be able to join ICANZ.

Celebrate Matariki – The Mäori New Year

Moving towards Company Expansion

< Danelle Toheriri, Paul Grimwood

Ngä Mahi a Te Whare Pora

Dennis Tana (Ngäpuhi) also recently graduated at the Auckland ceremony, held at the Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre. Dennis graduated with the Diploma in Real Estate.

Dennis is the Owner and Principal Offi cer of his own real estate company, namely Crown Real Estate based in Remuera. Dennis is keen to expand his company to eventually become a multi-branch business. The Open Polytechnic was an ideal option for Dennis as he was also able to fi t study around his busy life.

Dennis is also a family man coming from a family of eleven, and having three school-aged children of his own. Dennis likes to spend his spare time playing golf.

Dennis found his study very challenging at times, and recalls one particularly diffi cult and testing subject area. Dennis believes it was important with his own studies to set a study plan with goals and stick to the plan.

< Dennis Tana and his Whanau

Dennis Tana, Paul Grimwood <

Danelle Toheriri (Ngäti Porou, Kuki Airani) and Monique Petersen (Ngäti Kahungungu ki te Wairarapa) both graduated with the Diploma of Mäori Art and Design Level 5 at the Wellington graduation ceremony held at the St James Theatre.

Danelle resides in Petone and is a very busy mother of four small boys. In order to complete the Diploma, she had to complete

seven different modules and therefore found it very valuable to have other students to study alongside and share ideas with while working toward each module. She hopes to be able to own her own business one day so that she can display and sell her own artwork.

Danelle Toheriri, Monique Petersen <

Te Kähui AkongaTe Kähui Akonga comprising seven Mäori students met for the fi rst time in 2006 on Thursday the 4th of May at The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand’s Waiwhetu campus. The meeting was chaired by Pouärahi Akoranga Mäori (Mäori Learning Adviser), Robyn Morete with the Chief Executive, Paul Grimwood and Academic Manager, Jean McCombie in attendance.

These student members reside in areas from throughout New Zealand including Auckland, Waikato, Rotorua, Opotiki, Motueka, Thames and Wellington. The students also study various qualifi cations including the New Zealand Diploma of Business, Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education), Diploma of Mäori Art and Design,

Bachelor of Applied Science and the National Certifi cate in Mental Health.

The group participants discussed many interesting topics and these included:

The way forward for Te Kähui Akonga in 2006.

The Special Supplementary Grant Report—Mäori for 2005

The Special Supplementary Application Report—Mäori for 2006.

Holding face-to-face study workshops for Mäori students.

The students were also given a tour of the campus and there was an opportunity for them to meet some of their tutors over lunch.

Statistical News for Mäori Students

Female

Male

66%

34%Female

Male

66%

34%

> Open Polytechnic Mäori Students by Gender

7%

18%

14%

4%

12%

2%

5%

8%

13%

1%

2%

1%

7%

2%3% 1%

Manawatu/Wanganui

Nor

thla

nd

Auckland

Waikato

Gisborne

Bay of P

lentyTara

naki

Haw

ke’s

Bay

Wellington

Wairarapa

Nelson/Marlborough

West

CoastCanterbury

SouthlandO

tagoO

verseas

Source: The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand data, as at 22/06/2006

Five most popular programme (by EFTS)

NC5121 NZ Diploma of Business

NC5244 National Certifi cate in Real Estate

Level 3

OP7001 Certifi cate in Out of School Care

and Recreation (OSCAR)

OPEE03 Diploma in Teaching (Early

Childhood Education)

NC5327 National Certifi cate in Engineering

Fabrication (Level 4)

Percentage of Mäori Students by Region

20 & under

20–24

25–29

30–39

40 & over

6%

20%

20%30%

24% 20 & under

20–24

25–29

30–39

40 & over

6%

20%

20%30%

24%

> Open Polytechnic Mäori Students by Age

Te Puna MätaurangaThe Pouärahi Akoranga Mäori (Mäori Learning Adviser) and the Pacifi c Learning Adviser will be facilitating an evening study workshop for Mäori and Pacifi c students in Auckland.

Students are given opportunities to discuss particular study concerns. Te Puna Mätauranga can also include information about time management, motivation, assessments and exam preparation. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal.

Te Puna Mätauranga also offers you the opportunity to:

Meet staff from the Learning Support Centre to discuss your study.

Meet and enjoy a workshop with other Open Polytechnic students.

> How much will it cost?

Te Puna Mätauranga is FREE but there are limited places. Supper is provided.

Date/Time: Thursday 20 July, 6–8pm. Supper will

be served.

Venue: Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland Airport

Corner Kirkbride and Ascot Roads

Airport Oaks

Auckland

New Zealand

For the programme and more information contact:

Free Phone: 0508 650 200 extn 5227

Email: learningsupport@openpolytechnic.ac.nz

Commemorating 60 years!This year The Open Polytechnic, and its predecessor the New Zealand Technical Correspondence Institute commemorate 60 years as New Zealand’s specialist provider of open and distance tertiary education.

Over 850,000 students have now taken the journey with us on the path to higher learning, and we would like to share their experiences as a student with a wider audience.

Whether you are a past or present student, if you have a story to tell us about how studying with us has improved or enhanced your life, set you off on a new career path, helped you grow professionally or personally, then we would like to hear from you.

Many of our students remain in the workforce, juggling a variety of family commitments as they seek to improve their opportunities through education.

Still others have overcome personal setbacks to gain their qualifi cations. We want to share those inspiring experiences with others.

Towards the end of the year we will publish selected stories from our diverse range of students in a limited edition 60th Anniversary commemorative publication. Edited excerpts from a wider selection of the stories will be published on our website.

Any students profi led in the publication will receive two complimentary copies, which will also be distributed to our stakeholders. All those students profi led on our website will be informed when their stories go online.

To share your story, please go to:http://www.openpolytechnic.ac.nz/60th/studentstory.html

Ka puta a Matariki ka rere a Whänui ko te tohu o te tau.

Matariki (Pleiades) reappears, Whänui (Vega) starts its fl ight, this being the sign of the time of the year.