Latest news with #OpenPolytechnic
Scoop
3 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Open Polytechnic Staffer's Blooming Floristry Skills On Display At Graduation
Press Release – Open Polytechnic Its an excellent opportunity for me to give back to Open Polytechnic and hopefully my floral arrangements inspire new learners to take up studying floristry, award-winning Academic Staff Member in floristry, Megan Parker says. The flowers at Open Polytechnic's graduation ceremony in Wellington on Tuesday 27 May had special significance, as they were arranged by award-winning Academic Staff Member in floristry, Megan Parker. Since Megan is based in the Wellington region, it made perfect sense for Open Polytechnic to call on her 40 years of floristry expertise. This is the fifth time she has carried out this role. The Wellington ceremony saw 115 graduates receive their diplomas and degrees from Open Polytechnic, New Zealand's specialist provider of online learning. 'It's an excellent opportunity for me to give back to Open Polytechnic and hopefully my floral arrangements inspire new learners to take up studying floristry,' Megan says. Megan recently received an Associate of Honour, (AHRIH), the highest award possible from the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture's (RNZIH) at the New Zealand National Awards. The award was for services to horticulture and is limited to just 60 award holders at any one time. According to the RNZIH, the national awards recognised Megan's expertise, knowledge and services to the field of horticulture in New Zealand. 'It was an honour to be recognised with such a high award by the Royal NZ Institute of Horticulture,' Megan says. Megan has been a member of the New Zealand Professional Florists (NZPF) since 1985.
Scoop
3 days ago
- General
- Scoop
Open Polytechnic Staffer's Blooming Floristry Skills On Display At Graduation
The flowers at Open Polytechnic's graduation ceremony in Wellington on Tuesday 27 May had special significance, as they were arranged by award-winning Academic Staff Member in floristry, Megan Parker. Since Megan is based in the Wellington region, it made perfect sense for Open Polytechnic to call on her 40 years of floristry expertise. This is the fifth time she has carried out this role. The Wellington ceremony saw 115 graduates receive their diplomas and degrees from Open Polytechnic, New Zealand's specialist provider of online learning. 'It's an excellent opportunity for me to give back to Open Polytechnic and hopefully my floral arrangements inspire new learners to take up studying floristry,' Megan says. Megan recently received an Associate of Honour, (AHRIH), the highest award possible from the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture's (RNZIH) at the New Zealand National Awards. The award was for services to horticulture and is limited to just 60 award holders at any one time. According to the RNZIH, the national awards recognised Megan's expertise, knowledge and services to the field of horticulture in New Zealand. 'It was an honour to be recognised with such a high award by the Royal NZ Institute of Horticulture,' Megan says. Megan has been a member of the New Zealand Professional Florists (NZPF) since 1985. To find out more about studying floristry at Open Polytechnic, go to As New Zealand's specialist provider of open and distance learning, Open Polytechnic enrols more than 35,000 mainly part-time students per year. The majority of students are adult learners, combining work and study.
Scoop
5 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
Open Polytechnic Celebrates Its Graduates Across The Country
Press Release – Open Polytechnic Around 1150 graduates from throughout Aotearoa New Zealand received their diplomas and degrees from the Open Polytechnic, the nation's specialist provider of online learning either at graduation ceremonies in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, or in absentia, in May 2025. Four years ago, during the COVID-19 restrictions, Wellington graduate speaker Sarah Beets, from Upper Hutt, was unsure about what she was going to do for a job in the future. It was during this time that Sarah became aware of the mental health challenges facing New Zealanders and the pressure being placed on the mental health system. 'These reports compelled me to explore a career in this field, and fortunately, Open Polytechnic offered my desired qualification with the benefit of flexibility,' Sarah said. She enrolled in the Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) in the midst of a big overseas family move. 'Being able to study part-time via distance, online on my own schedule, was invaluable to my success,' Sarah said. 'I was able to study on the other side of the world. I wrote essays in hotels rooms, I did my readings anywhere and everywhere, beside the lake, on the plane, in cafes.' A defining moment for Sarah was during her second year of study while completing the Psychology of Grief course. One of the assignments required Sarah to interview someone about their experience with grief. Her good friend agreed to share her story with Sarah. 'It was during this interview, while listening to my friend's journey, that I knew I was on the right track. My studies had enhanced my knowledge and were continuously igniting my passion for the path that I was on,' Sarah said. With her Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) degree under her belt, Sarah is now a step closer to achieving her ultimate goal of becoming a clinical psychologist. 'I have learnt much about the complexities of the human mind, I have learnt about why humans may behave the way they do, and I have learnt about how individuals consider their place in our social world,' she said. During her graduation address, Sarah thanked Open Polytechnic staff and her family and encouraged other graduates. 'To those who have graduated today – today is the beginning,' Sarah said. 'Let us move forward with the knowledge we have gained and resilience we have cultivated.' 'Whether you're embarking on a new career, further studies, or are on an entirely new path – I encourage you to keep your curiosity alive and to remember that you can do hard things.' Bachelor of Social Work graduate Jasmine Bishop was the student speaker at the Auckland ceremony. Jasmine spoke about her time studying over the last five years and how much has changed, noting that her child was eight months old when she started, and is now a six-year-old school student. Among the Auckland graduates were Pasifika sisters Vanessa (28), Serena (26) and Alyssa Tatupu (25). They had never planned to do any tertiary education, but when the option to earn a New Zealand Diploma in Funeral Directing (Level 5) at Open Polytechnic came up, 'it was an opportunity they couldn't pass up'. The trio, based in Manukau City, all work as funeral directors for Ese Tatupu Funeral Directors & Mortuary Embalmers under the guidance of their father Ese Tatupu, who is also a funeral director. Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood Education graduate, Tessa Karati was the student speaker at the Christchurch ceremony. During her speech, Tessa who identifies as Cook Island and New Zealand Māori, acknowledged the impact that studying with Open Polytechnic has had on her life. 'I thank Open Polytechnic, for sensitively, but boldly calling us up and out to be advocates, and for helping to shape not just who I am as a teacher, but who I am as a person,' she said. She likened her learner journey to a 'relationship' with her degree as she went through the five stages of attraction, romance, disillusionment, commitment and acceptance. Executive Director of Open Polytechnic Alan Cadwallader congratulated this year's graduates for their commitment to completing their studies, while often juggling work and family commitments. 'We are delighted to be able to celebrate our graduates' academic achievements at our ceremonies across the country,' Alan said. Alan acknowledged the support of friends, family, whānau and supporters who have helped all Open Polytechnic graduates throughout their study journeys. 'It's your practical means of support, your words of encouragement, and your guidance throughout your graduate's study journey that has also contributed to their success,' Alan said. Ākonga (learners) graduated with a variety of diplomas and degrees, including early childhood education, primary and secondary education, business, applied management, funeral directing, legal executive studies, library and information studies, human resources, marketing, psychology, applied science, social health and wellbeing, web development and design, information technology, construction, architectural technology, engineering technology, and social work. About Open Polytechnic Open Polytechnic is New Zealand's largest specialist provider of open and distance learning; Open Polytechnic enrols over 35,000 mainly part-time learners per year. The majority of learners are adult learners, combining work and study.
Scoop
5 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
Open Polytechnic Celebrates Its Graduates Across The Country
Around 1150 graduates from throughout Aotearoa New Zealand received their diplomas and degrees from the Open Polytechnic, the nation's specialist provider of online learning either at graduation ceremonies in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, or in absentia, in May 2025. Four years ago, during the COVID-19 restrictions, Wellington graduate speaker Sarah Beets, from Upper Hutt, was unsure about what she was going to do for a job in the future. It was during this time that Sarah became aware of the mental health challenges facing New Zealanders and the pressure being placed on the mental health system. 'These reports compelled me to explore a career in this field, and fortunately, Open Polytechnic offered my desired qualification with the benefit of flexibility,' Sarah said. She enrolled in the Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) in the midst of a big overseas family move. 'Being able to study part-time via distance, online on my own schedule, was invaluable to my success,' Sarah said. 'I was able to study on the other side of the world. I wrote essays in hotels rooms, I did my readings anywhere and everywhere, beside the lake, on the plane, in cafes.' A defining moment for Sarah was during her second year of study while completing the Psychology of Grief course. One of the assignments required Sarah to interview someone about their experience with grief. Her good friend agreed to share her story with Sarah. 'It was during this interview, while listening to my friend's journey, that I knew I was on the right track. My studies had enhanced my knowledge and were continuously igniting my passion for the path that I was on,' Sarah said. With her Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) degree under her belt, Sarah is now a step closer to achieving her ultimate goal of becoming a clinical psychologist. 'I have learnt much about the complexities of the human mind, I have learnt about why humans may behave the way they do, and I have learnt about how individuals consider their place in our social world,' she said. During her graduation address, Sarah thanked Open Polytechnic staff and her family and encouraged other graduates. 'To those who have graduated today - today is the beginning,' Sarah said. 'Let us move forward with the knowledge we have gained and resilience we have cultivated.' 'Whether you're embarking on a new career, further studies, or are on an entirely new path - I encourage you to keep your curiosity alive and to remember that you can do hard things.' Bachelor of Social Work graduate Jasmine Bishop was the student speaker at the Auckland ceremony. Jasmine spoke about her time studying over the last five years and how much has changed, noting that her child was eight months old when she started, and is now a six-year-old school student. Among the Auckland graduates were Pasifika sisters Vanessa (28), Serena (26) and Alyssa Tatupu (25). They had never planned to do any tertiary education, but when the option to earn a New Zealand Diploma in Funeral Directing (Level 5) at Open Polytechnic came up, 'it was an opportunity they couldn't pass up'. The trio, based in Manukau City, all work as funeral directors for Ese Tatupu Funeral Directors & Mortuary Embalmers under the guidance of their father Ese Tatupu, who is also a funeral director. Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood Education graduate, Tessa Karati was the student speaker at the Christchurch ceremony. During her speech, Tessa who identifies as Cook Island and New Zealand Māori, acknowledged the impact that studying with Open Polytechnic has had on her life. 'I thank Open Polytechnic, for sensitively, but boldly calling us up and out to be advocates, and for helping to shape not just who I am as a teacher, but who I am as a person,' she said. She likened her learner journey to a 'relationship' with her degree as she went through the five stages of attraction, romance, disillusionment, commitment and acceptance. Executive Director of Open Polytechnic Alan Cadwallader congratulated this year's graduates for their commitment to completing their studies, while often juggling work and family commitments. 'We are delighted to be able to celebrate our graduates' academic achievements at our ceremonies across the country,' Alan said. Alan acknowledged the support of friends, family, whānau and supporters who have helped all Open Polytechnic graduates throughout their study journeys. 'It's your practical means of support, your words of encouragement, and your guidance throughout your graduate's study journey that has also contributed to their success,' Alan said. Ākonga (learners) graduated with a variety of diplomas and degrees, including early childhood education, primary and secondary education, business, applied management, funeral directing, legal executive studies, library and information studies, human resources, marketing, psychology, applied science, social health and wellbeing, web development and design, information technology, construction, architectural technology, engineering technology, and social work. Open Polytechnic is New Zealand's largest specialist provider of open and distance learning; Open Polytechnic enrols over 35,000 mainly part-time learners per year. The majority of learners are adult learners, combining work and study.
Scoop
21-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Open Polytechnic Study Helps ‘To Shape' Christchurch ECE Graduate
One hundred and five graduates from the South Island graduated at the Wigram Airforce Museum in Christchurch, Ōtautahi this week (Tuesday 20 May 2025), to receive their qualifications from Open Polytechnic, New Zealand's specialist provider of online learning. Christchurch-based Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood Education graduate, Tessa Karati was the student speaker at the ceremony. Tessa, who identifies as Cook Island and New Zealand Māori, commenced her speech in te reo Māori before thanking God and those people who had contributed to her success. During her speech, Tessa acknowledged the impact that studying with Open Polytechnic has had on her life. 'I thank Open Polytechnic, for sensitively, but boldly calling us up and out to be advocates, and for helping to shape not just who I am as a teacher, but who I am as a person,' she said. She likened her learner journey to a 'relationship' with her degree as she went through the five stages of attraction, romance, disillusionment, commitment and acceptance. Through her studies, Tessa realised how disconnected from her culture she had become and discovered that she had absorbed stories about her culture that were rooted in deficit, and how and why that was. 'It generated a deep sense of responsibility to do better for our future generations and enable them to thrive,' Tessa said 'I still have a lot to learn, but even so, I know my role as a kaiako is more than teaching, it's advocating for our tamariki (children), ensuring they grow up hearing positive messages about themselves, knowing that they are valued.' Tessa finished off her speech by thanking her tutors, friends and family, before congratulating her fellow graduates. 'Be proud. You are smarter, wiser, more resilient, more persistent, courageous, and hardworking,' she said. During his speech, Executive Director Open Polytechnic Alan Cadwallader congratulated the graduates for their commitment to completing their studies. 'Choosing to study at distance and online is a learning experience which takes discipline and determination,' he said. 'It takes your self-motivation to set time aside to work through your online course materials, absorb the learnings, and then successfully complete assessments. I commend you all for completing your qualification while also navigating the responsibilities of whānau, work and other life commitments.' Alan told the audience that it was a privilege and honour to be able to lead a world-class learning institution that puts learner achievement at the forefront of everything it does. 'I'm pleased to be able to say that in our most recent student satisfaction survey, 94% of our learners said they were satisfied with their overall experience with Open Polytechnic,' Alan said. 'This level of satisfaction can only be achieved by an all of organisation effort to ensure our ākonga (learners) have the teaching and facilitation, feedback, services and tools they need to succeed in their studies. ' Alan also acknowledged the importance of having a support network to help. 'I know your study journey will not always have been easy, and I would like to thank those in the audience that have supported you, your friends, family, whānau and supporters,' Alan said. 'It's your practical means of support, your words of encouragement, and your guidance throughout your graduate's study journey that has also contributed to their success.' The graduates at the Christchurch ceremony were awarded a variety of diplomas and degrees, including early childhood education, primary and secondary education, social work, social health and wellbeing, funeral directing, business, accounting, applied management, legal executive studies, library and information studies, psychology, web development and design, information technology, architectural technology, and construction. The Christchurch ceremony was the second of three for Open Polytechnic in 2025, with the final ceremony to come in Wellington on 27 May. Including those awarded in absentia, around 1150 graduates will receive their diploma or degree from Open Polytechnic this graduating year. About Open Polytechnic As New Zealand's specialist provider of open and distance learning, Open Polytechnic enrols more than 35,000 mainly part-time students per year. The majority of students are adult learners, combining work and study.
