UCOL Manawatū is proud to celebrate Beauty Lecturer Melissa van Duin and ākonga Shona Caswill, who have been chosen as finalists in this year’s national BeautyNZ Association Awards.
Gaining a UCOL Te Atakura award last year for her culturally responsive, relationships-based approach to teaching and now being a finalist in the Association’s NZ Tutor of the Year category, van Duin says having the effort she puts into her teaching recognised in a national competition too is a huge confidence booster.
“I love what I do and am ambitious when it comes to discovering effective ways of teaching to help our ākonga reach their study goals, so I’m over the moon this has been recognised by the judges.”
She says as there are a number of theory components within the beauty therapy programmes, which can be challenging for many ākonga, she explored different teaching methods within the classroom this year and has noticed a big difference in learning outcomes.
“I’ve incorporated a more practical approach to teaching theory to suit different learning styles, which resulted in pass rates for one of Semester One’s four papers in the Beauty Therapy Level 4 programme increasing from 81 per cent last year to 96 per cent this year. Drawing on this in my awards submission was a really rewarding reflection.”
She says one of her main drivers for entering the competition was to endorse and show her support for BeautyNZ Association’s professional and ethical standards.
“Their guidelines are really important to me, so I’m proud to teach our ākonga these high standards of practice that they can continue to use throughout their career.”
“As the beauty industry isn’t regulated in many parts of the country, showing our community that here at UCOL we support the Association’s health and safety standards gives them the assurance our ākonga are taught these important practices.”
With a Bachelor of Science, a Diploma in Beauty Therapy, nearly 10 years’ industry experience, and over 2 years teaching at UCOL, van Duin says entering not only enabled her to reflect on what she has achieved so far, but also what is yet to come.
“I want to keep growing within my teaching role by exploring more learning methods that enrich students’ lives. I want them to be the best they can be, and this can be achieved by ensuring our delivery as teachers suit each individual learning style.”
Finishing UCOL’s New Zealand Certificate in Beauty Therapy Level 4 this month, Caswill says she’s thankful her lecturer encouraged her to enter.
“I was hesitant when Mel first brought it up as I didn’t really back myself and was busy with assignments, but with her encouragement, I decided to take the opportunity to enter during the holidays, and I’m so glad I did!”
“I found the entering process really interesting. It was a great way to reflect on my achievements, what I learnt throughout the year, what areas of beauty therapy I enjoy most and what my strengths are.”
“It opened my eyes to the fact I have strong academic abilities, as I did extremely well with my theory and practical assignments; I have effective leadership skills as I enjoyed helping others in the classroom, and it made me realise how committed I am to study and work, as I travel from Dannevirke each day.”
Gaining a position at Pure Beauty Therapy in Palmerston North straight after finishing her programme, Caswill says the Certificate programme provided her with all the essential skills and knowledge to enter the industry, and she’s now looking forward to further enhancing her skillset.
“I can’t wait to return to UCOL next year to do the Diploma so I can expand my knowledge with more technical and advanced treatments. I love facials and learning how different treatments can enhance and improve the health and appearance of the skin!”
Caswill and van Duin are now gearing up to attend the competition awards ceremony in Auckland in February 2026.
“It will be incredible to catch up with friends I have made within the industry throughout my career, and to meet new industry experts and product suppliers,” says van Duin.
“I can’t wait to be surrounded by so many inspiring beauty therapy professionals and celebrate the achievements of all the finalists and winners,” says Caswill.