Our Faculties

There are three faculties at Toi Ohomai, each offering a wide range of subjects that are relevant to their industry, and taught by supportive, passionate tutors.

Faculty of Business, Design and Service Industries

Faculty Operations Manager: Kara Wood

Prior to joining the Institute, Kara worked in tertiary education and held senior positions in not-for-profit educational organisations in the US and New Zealand. She managed several prestigious international exchange programmes.

Kara took on the role of Faculty Operations Manager in 2018. She manages a team of Faculty Administrators across Toi Ohomai and is the “go to” person for operational matters within the faculty. Most of all she enjoys the opportunity to engage with staff and students across the region.

When not at work, Kara enjoys spending time with her husband and young son, taking part in various outdoor activities, and travelling.

Faculty of Health, Education and Environment

Faculty Operations Manager: Francis Crosbie

Francis has been working at the Institute for 23 years in allied support roles, most recently in the role of Faculty Operations Management.  With a passion for learning, Francis believes the highlight of working in the tertiary sector is seeing how education opens opportunities for people in our communities.

Francis enjoys study herself and completed the Post Graduate Certificate in Management in 2017 at Toi Ohomai. 

Outside of work, Francis loves spending time with her family, tending to the vegetable garden or relaxing with a good book!
 

Faculty of Primary Industries, Trades and Infrastructure

Faculty Operations Manager: Doug Van Kolck

Doug began his career in the education sector in 2005 as a computing tutor for a Private Training Establishment, moving into academic management before joining Bay of Plenty Polytechnic in December 2006. He worked as an administrator in the School of Applied Technology until being appointed as the Faculty Operations Manager for the Faculty of Trades and Logistics in December 2017.

Doug believes his strength lies in networking with other business units to create efficient and robust processes. He's also involved with the Sustainability Advisory Group which is focused on reducing recyclable waste to landfill and waterways and our carbon footprint.