Staff and Student Profiles

David Ee
Business Graduate
While volunteering at his local church, David realised he wanted to set his sights higher and make a bigger impact in his community - which led him to study at UCOL | Te Pūkenga.
Meet David
Ethan Gwyn
Joinery Apprentice
Ethan Gwyn has already made his mark in the world of joinery, being honoured with the Best Fitment Under 2 Years award at the Master Joiners Apprentice Awards 2023.
Meet Ethan
Keila Allen
Automotive Student
When asked about her choice to study automotive engineering at UCOL, Keila Allen says she didn’t need much convincing.
Meet Keila
Camryn Watt
Hairdressing Graduate
“It has been a rollercoaster ride, but sticking with it was the best decision I made. I honestly don’t know where I’d be without this course. I used to be someone who would try different things and easily lose interest, but I feel like I’ve really found m
Meet Camryn
David Napier
Cookery Lecturer, Wairarapa Campus
"It’s about what feels right for me and what I can do to give back to the industry. That’s the main reason I came to UCOL."
Meet David
Alistair Thom
Creative Media Graduate
Alistair Thom knows that if you’re going to be successful in the creative media industry, you need to be versatile and always be adding to your skill set.
Meet Alistair
Ellie Moore
Architectural Technology Student
Ellie Moore got her first taste of architectural drawing in UCOL’s U-Skills Applied Construction Design programme. She loved it so much that she progressed onto the New Zealand Diploma in Architectural Technology.
Meet Ellie
Tiger Fu
Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) ākonga
Meet Tiger, a Chinese national who moved to New Zealand seven years ago to be closer to his mum.
Meet Tiger
Nadia McRae
Conservation Graduate and Valedictorian
Wairarapa Valedictorian, Nadia McRae has never been a strange to the outdoors and is now living the dream working for Wairarapa Pūkaha to Kawakawa Alliance.
Meet Nadia
Quanita Kawana
Bachelor of Nursing Graduate
Quanita Kawana is a nurturer by nature. After being told frequently throughout her teen years that she should become a nurse, she made a 180-degree career change to do just that.
Meet Quanita
Aaliyah Sutherland-Lee-Lo
Early Childhood Education Graduate
“I thought I wanted to become a social worker, but once I began studying Early Childhood Education (ECE), I realised I’d found my calling.”
Meet Aaliyah
Isaac Allen
Construction Graduate
Isaac Allen has always been a hands-on learner with a creative side, so it’s no wonder that he has found success in the construction industry.
Meet Isaac