Cameron Gillespie

Bachelor of Applied Management (Business Management) graduate Cameron Gillespie (Ngāti Ranginui) has been recognised as the qualification’s top student for 2025, as well as the top ākonga Māori across all Toi Ohomai business programmes.

Cameron’s academic success came during a period of significant change. While studying, he became a father to whom he describes as his “pride and joy”.

Cameron spent his childhood in Waihī, Katikati and Athenree before moving to Australia as a teenager. He returned to the Western Bay of Plenty in his early twenties because the region “has always felt like home,” he says.  

“My whānau and friends are here, and I love the sunny lifestyle. I chose to study locally at the Toi Ohomai Tauranga campus because it’s only a short commute, and continuing to build my future in the Western Bay of Plenty is important to me.”

This choice helped Cameron manage his work and family commitments while completing his degree.  

“Many days began with a 4am start working at my uncle’s hospitality business, then I would head to campus four days a week for classes until mid-afternoon,” he says.

When Cameron’s son was born, he needed to spend several weeks away from campus so Toi Ohomai kaiako (teachers) put flexible learning arrangements in place to enable him to stay on track with his studies.  

“The kaimahi (staff) at Toi Ohomai are awesome. The support available played a big role in my success,” he says. “From bringing in industry speakers to arranging work experience for ākonga, their support is genuine. When I missed graduation due to family commitments, my tutors held a whakatau for me and my whānau to celebrate my achievements.”

Before enrolling at Toi Ohomai, Cameron had already built business experience in management roles and operating his own food truck, Craft’d Gourmet Burgers, at night markets and events across the rohe. Studying a Bachelor of Applied Management (Business Management) strengthened his understanding of business strategy and how theory could be applied effectively within the world of work.  

“While I’d run a business before, learning the strategic and theoretical side of management and entrepreneurship helped me understand why certain decisions are made and how they can positively impact a business,” Cameron says.  

Cameron also received educational grants from his iwi, Ngāti Ranginui, and hapū, Ngāti Te Wai, which eased the financial pressure during an already demanding time. The support allowed him to focus fully on his studies and his whānau.

“The financial support made a huge difference,” he says. “It’s been a very busy and rewarding period of my life, and I’m grateful for that support. It helped set me up to succeed.”

One of the highlights of Cameron’s business programme was completing a case study project. This involved interviewing industry leaders and using publicly available information to analyse a company, then developing a business strategy to improve its operations and overall performance.

Now caring full-time for his one and a half year-old son, Cameron is considering how he might use his qualification over the longer term.

“My son is the most important thing to me, and he needs me at home right now,” he says.  

“But longer term, when the right opportunity comes along, I’ll definitely go for it. I’d love to gain consultancy experience, work in a role that supports rangatahi and contribute my business knowledge in some way to my hapū in the future.”

For those considering tertiary study but feeling unsure, Cameron encourages people to explore the different qualification pathways available.

“If you’re having doubts, start with a certificate or diploma,” he says. “Many programmes build on that first year and can lead into a higher-level qualification. Student services staff can help you understand how previous study may cross credit, if you want to continue. They can help you weigh-up your options. The first step, however, is to just do it and learn from there.”

The Bachelor of Applied Management (Business Management) is a three‑year degree offered at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology’s Rotorua and Tauranga campuses. With intakes in February and July and part‑time study options available, enrolments are open now.