Welcome to the Experts' Corner, where our people discuss relevant issues in their fields and share with you their considered thoughts and opinions. Note these are their personal opinions, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Toi Ohomai | Te Pūkenga.

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  • Omar Martinez

    The Importance of Protecting Bees

    Omar Martinez , Academic staff Member, Apiculture

    Bees are vital to many industries in Aotearoa and around the world, but according to Albert Einstein, if they disappeared, man would only survive for four years. 

    Omar Martinez is training the next generation of professional and hobby beekeepers in a bid to keep New Zealand’s bee… Read the full article

  • Ben Wilcock

    Celebrating New Zealand Music

    Ben Wilcock, Senior Academic Staff Member

    In an often competitive and saturated industry, Ben Wilcock guides music students through the intricacies and demands of being a working musician. 

    Ben teaches music theory, composition, instrumental and industry classes at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, joining the Institute when in… Read the full article

  • Closeup of a hand, writing

    Inspiring Students to Advocate for Others

    Denise La Grouw, Academic Staff Member, Social Work

    From a troubled youth to empowering others on their journey of learning, Denise La Grouw is focused on a solution and strength-based approach to social work. 

    Denise has been in the social work industry for the past 20 years and is now sharing her expertise with others, teaching the New… Read the full article

  • Mandatory Vaccinations - What About Students?

    Mandatory Vaccinations - What About Students?

    Roseanne Sadd, RN MMgt (Health), Senior Academic Staff Member

    The following article was originally published in the November 2021 edition of Nursing publication Kai Tiaki and is republished here with permission

    In October, the New Zealand Government announced mandatory vaccination for health workers including volunteers and… Read the full article

  • Te Pae Tata Launch

    Developing Cultural Consciousness

    Kelly-Anne Panapa and Rick Hopcroft, Project Leads

    Globally, organisations are looking at how to harness diversity to improve outcomes. Closer to home, we are looking at ways to ensure equity of access and outcomes for all. 

    Central to this is cultural competence, and embracing and developing bicultural practices and knowledge across… Read the full article

  • Stephen Cantor

    Understanding The Value of Horticulture

    Stephen Cantor, Academic Staff Member, Horticulture

    Fresh, healthy food should be a right, not a privilege and helping students produce this for themselves, their whānau and wider community is one of the most rewarding roles Stephen Cantor has done.

    Stephen is an Academic Staff Member in the horticulture department at Toi Ohomai Institute… Read the full article

  • Heddell Raerino

    Kia Kaha Te Reo Māori

    Heddell Raerino, Kura Māori Associate Dean

    Raising awareness and putting te reo at the forefront is the backbone of Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori but Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology Kura Māori Associate Dean Heddell Raerino hopes the awareness week won’t be needed in the future.

    Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori is an annual event in which New… Read the full article

  • Quinton Bidois

    The Importance of Embracing Matariki

    Quinton Bidois, Academic Staff Member, Creative Industries

    Reflecting on the past and spending time with whānau are key aspects of Matariki. 

    Matariki signals the Māori New Year and the introduction of a public holiday to celebrate the event is a huge step in Aotearoa becoming a true bicultural country.

    Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology… Read the full article

  • Kelly Pender

    Examining Features of Māori Academic Success

    Kelly Pender, Senior Academic Staff Member, Sports Department

    Graduates providing nine years of data guided Kelly Pender through his research examining features of Māori academic success, with an aim to identify how to bridge the gap within the education sector.  

    Kelly is a Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology Senior Academic Staff Member and… Read the full article

  • Noel Remacle

    Teaching Skill and Passion for Hospitality Industry

    Noel Remacle, Culinary Arts Tutor

    New Zealand’s hospitality industry is one that is rebuilding after COVID-19 and is crying out for passionate and innovative staff. 

    Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology culinary arts tutor Noel Remacle aims to help fill that gap by teaching with passion and giving students realistic, hands-… Read the full article