Back Where it All Began, Toi Ohomai Grad Returns as Tutor

When Hongyang (Bill) Bi walks through Rotorua’s Toi Ohomai campus, it’s not just a workplace, it’s somewhere that shaped his future.  

In 2011 Bill was a student, studying Applied Management at what was then Waiariki Institute of Technology. Today, he’s back, but this time he’s standing at the front of the classroom.

Bill’s academic journey has taken him far, both geographically and intellectually. After completing his undergraduate degree at Waiariki, he went on to earn a Master’s and then a PhD in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Auckland University of Technology. His doctoral research focused on customer experience and behaviour in hospitality and tourism, which is an area that continues to influence both his teaching and research.

“I’ve always been curious about how service interactions shape people’s perceptions and emotions,” he says.  

“What drives satisfaction, loyalty, and meaningful experiences? That’s what I wanted to explore.”

That curiosity, paired with his foundation in applied management, has led Bill to a career that bridges academic theory with real-world application. Now teaching courses like Managing the Customer Experience and Hotel Management, he brings both global insight and local understanding into the classroom.

“I love seeing students connect the dots between what we discuss in class and what they experience in the industry,” he says. “It’s not just about operations, it’s about people, values, and creating memorable experiences.”

Returning to Toi Ohomai has been more than a career move for Bill, it’s been a personal milestone.  

“It’s emotional, honestly,” Bill says.

“To come back to the place where it all started for me, and now be in a position to support and inspire others, it feels like coming full circle.”

While the campus has changed with more modern facilities and more digital tools, Bill says the heart of the place remains the same.  

“There’s still that strong sense of community and care. That’s what made Waiariki special, and it’s still here.”

Outside the classroom, Bill recharges through travel, photography, and food, interests that often feed back into his teaching.  

“Exploring new places and cultures gives me fresh perspectives. Even something as simple as a visit to the Polynesian Spa helps me unwind and reflect.”

He’s also passionate about the future of tourism and hospitality education in Aotearoa.

“We have a real opportunity to lead in sustainable, culturally grounded tourism. Education is the foundation for that. I want our graduates to be not just skilled professionals, but thoughtful, responsible ambassadors for the industry.”

For Bill, teaching isn’t about delivering information, it’s about sparking curiosity. He sums it up with a quote that guides his approach: “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”

And for the students lucky enough to learn from him, that fire is already catching on.