Andrew has always believed the “answer is in education.” For over five years, he’s taught at Whitireia and WelTec, drawing on a decade of experience as an AOD (alcohol and other drug) practitioner. In that time, he focused on running rehabs, developing community programmes, and specialised with hard-to-reach groups.
As well as his professional expertise, Andrew brings a strong desire to give back to the community and support the next generation of practitioners.
“I love watching people grow and those “lightbulb moments” students have. Honestly, the best and longest-lasting dopamine hit is natural and comes from serving others without expecting anything back.”
Back where it all started
Andrew’s connection to Whitireia runs back to when he was studying himself.
“One of my tutors back then, Steve Hogan, saw me for who I was — and now I get to work alongside him. Teaching here feels like giving back to the place that believed in me.”
Understanding addiction beyond stereotypes
Andrew hopes that students walk away from the programme with a deeper understanding of addiction and mental health.
“We’re all a little bit 'crazy' and we all can become unwell at some point. Addiction, for some, is a response to the environment they grew up in. Sometimes it’s not that our brain isn’t right for this world—it’s that this world we have found ourselves in isn’t right for our brain. And for some of us, drugs were once the answer… until they stopped working.”
“Addiction can develop when we repeatedly stimulate our dopamine pathways. Understanding this helps students see addiction not as a moral failing, but as a human response to an environmental event/s, and brain chemistry.”
What makes a good practitioner
Andrew believes that what makes a good counsellor or addictions practitioner is someone who genuinely cares, but also has strong boundaries.
“You need good interpersonal and intrapersonal skills, and an awareness of your own trauma so you’re not triggered by others. A good practitioner doesn’t enforce their beliefs, doesn’t rescue people, but rather sees clients as the experts in their own lives. Most of all, it’s about helping people move from just surviving to thriving.”
About the programme
The three-year Bachelor of Counselling and Addictions prepares students for careers in counselling, addictions practice, mental health, whānau and community support, and leadership roles. On completion of the programme students are eligible to apply for provisional membership/registration with DAPAANZ, NZAC and the New Zealand Christian Counsellors Association (NZCCA).
Students learn about professional practice, counselling modalities, client-centred and trauma-informed approaches, social justice, human development, and mental health and addictions — all guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Students graduate with the skills, attributes and capability to adapt and respond to ongoing change in the addictions and counselling fields of practice.
Blending theory with real world practice
Learning includes a strong practical component. In years two and three, students complete a total of 240 hours of placement, working under close supervision. Every three weeks, students attend class in person. The rest of the time is a combination of online and self-directed learning.
“Those weeks on campus are some of the best - you’ve got this room full of the most diverse group of ākonga you’ll ever see, all there with one common purpose. It’s priceless. At the heart of this programme is communication — you can only really learn how to listen by being present.”
Study Counselling and Addictions at Whitireia and WelTec
The Bachelor of Counselling and Addiction Practice develops graduates who are able to practice professionally according to the values and ethics of the Addiction Practitioners’ Association, Aotearoa-New Zealand (DAPAANZ) and the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC).
Find out more about the programme →
