Our staff

Kerry Butters - Tutor

Kerry started in the motor industry in 1985 after growing up helping his father work on cars at their gas station. His own passion for motorcycles and cars is what drove him to work in a range of workshops, both big and small, as a technician, foreman, and later as a Service Manager before coming to WelTec.

Kerry enjoys seeing the evolution of technology in the industry, passing this knowledge onto ākonga, and seeing their confidence grow.

Vijay Chhika - Tutor

Vijay started off as an automotive technician and is now a senior academic staff member. He began working at WelTec in 2016. He began his automotive career as an apprentice mechanic in Wainuiomata before working for BMW and then owning his own business for 13 years, specialising in BMWs.

Vijay is passionate about working with people and passing on his knowledge to his students, as he says you can’t take it with you to your grave.

Grant Davies - Tutor

A Grade Diesel Mechanic

Grant has been at WelTec since 2006 after starting out doing an adult apprenticeship at Gough Gough and Hamer and then moving into a role as a Diesel Service Manager.

He loves helping ākonga to develop their skills and confidence to prepare them for their vocation.

Carl Donaldson - Tutor

Advance Trade Cert

After owning his own business for several years, Carl became a vehicle compliance certifier for VINZ, before starting at WelTec in 2007. One of the things he enjoyed most when he owned his own business was training apprentices, so moving to WelTec and working with students felt like the natural progression.

Husmuck Kala - Tutor

NZ Trade Cert, Teaching Cert and Literacy and Numeracy L5

Hus began his career as an apprentice when he left school. His industry experience started with busses. He was self-employed in the Hutt Valley for over 30 years as a qualified Automotive Electrician.

He has worked at WelTec since 2018 and has his NZ Trade Cert, A Grade Teaching Cert and Literacy and Numeracy L5.
Hus enjoys meeting new people and passing on his knowledge to the youth of today, along with the technical side of the trade.

Dean Riches - Tutor

Trade Certificate and Advanced Trade Cert

Dean has a love of cars and all things mechanical and has been at WelTec since 2007 after previously owning his own business and being a tech rep for a paint supplier.

He enjoys watching learners grow learn and achieve.

Jason Robertson - Tutor

BA Education, Certificate in Tertiary Learning and Training, National Certificate in Automotive Engineering, National Certificate in Motor Industry: Automotive Heavy Engineering, 4098/11281 Workplace Assessor Training, National Certificate in Adult Literacy and Numeracy Education

After completing a pre-trade course at what was then Hutt Valley Polytechnic, Jason (Rob) spent 9 years working as a diesel technician and 4 years as a petrol technician before joining WelTec in 2012.
Jason (Rob) enjoys the technical aspects of the automotive industry intertwined with the reward of being involved with the student’s success.

Punesh Gounder - Tutor

Diploma in Automotive Engineering L5, Trade Cert Motor Vehicle Electrical/Electronical Systems, National Cert in Motor Industry (Automotive Electrical Engineering) L4, Advanced Cert in Automotive Engineering L3, Cert in Automotive Engineering L2, Diploma in Tertiary Learning and Teaching L5 and 6, National Cert Adult Literary and Numeracy Education L5

Punesh joined WelTec in 2007. He started in the industry after completing an apprenticeship in 2000 which he gained through a programme he started in school in Fiji. He then taught automotive, metalwork and technical drawing at a secondary school in Fiji.

His passion for cars is what drove him to pursue a career in the motor industry, he takes pride in his profession. As someone who shepherds the future generation, taking the opportunity to ignite a spark in ākonga learning is what his passion for teaching will always be.

“Ko te ahurei o te tamaiti arahia o tatou mahi”

(Let the uniqueness of the child guide our work)

Dr Cyril Peter JP - Programme Manager, School of Innovation, Design and Technology

PhD, MIHM, BHM, Certification in Adult Education

Cyril has been in the tertiary education sector for about 20 years, as an administrator, lecturer, researcher, manager at various institutions. Courses he has taught over the years include leadership, small business management, strategic management, change & transformation management, amongst others.    

Cyril is passionate about hospitality and creating nourishing experiences for guests. While this explains his love for preparing and serving his natural Sri Lankan food to others; it also crosses over to the desire to provide security to those in his care. With a history in the hospitality industry (and qualifications to match) it has become an enduring desire to ensure the industry is as prepared as possible in the face of the rising acts of terrorism. His Masters explored this initially and subsequent research articles, conference papers and PhD thesis have continued the same theme in more depth and with more specialities. Cyril’s current foci are related (but not limited) to food security, sport and event terrorism, cruise safety, crisis management and how and why tourists choose particular destinations. He has presented his research internationally since 2013 and contributed to five (5) textbooks on security.

Dr Guoyang Chen - Business Tutor

Guoyang is an experienced tutor at Whitireia and WelTec, where he has been shaping the next generation of business leaders since 2019. Specialising in postgraduate education, he currently teaches key courses in the Master of Management program, including Research Proposal and Hospitality Management courses at the School of Innovation, Design, and Technology.

With a diverse teaching portfolio, Dr Chen has also delivered courses at both postgraduate diploma and undergraduate levels, covering Leadership, Management and Social Responsibility, e-Business, Food & Beverage Management, Hotel Management, and Business Sustainability. Beyond the classroom, he actively supervises postgraduate research projects, guiding students in their academic and professional growth.

His research focuses on tourism management, role identity, and experiential learning—critical areas shaping modern business and hospitality practices. His published work has appeared in the Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management (Q1 Journal) and in The Routledge Handbook of Volunteering in Events, Sport, and Tourism.

Dr Chen brings a wealth of industry experience, having worked in tourism, hospitality, and project management. His blend of academic expertise and real-world insights ensures that his students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing them for success in dynamic global industries.

Sally Dowdall - Certificate in Business Tutor

NZ Certificate in Adult and Tertiary Teaching Level 5, Bachelor of Education (Adult Education)

Sally joined Whitireia and WelTec in 1999 and has been teaching business certificate programmes since then, focussing on business technologies, software applications and administration. She has been involved in flexible and workplace-based learning and continues to deliver courses which support this. Sally also creates e-learning modules and short courses for Business studies.

Shan Rahman - Business Tutor

Shan holds a bachelor’s degree in apparel production, an MBA (marketing) from IIT Delhi, and is concluding his PhD (marketing) at Victoria University of Wellington. A seasoned applied marketing-researcher with over a decade of experience in leadership roles in corporate settings, his research interests include marketing psychology, consumer behaviour, and marketing analytics. He presented his research in brand storytelling at the ANZMAC 2023 conference and has been actively engaged in scholarly writing. Recipient of several prestigious scholarships and academic excellence awards, he is dedicated to advancing knowledge in these areas through his ongoing research and analysis. His research involves mixed method, primarily focusing on quantitative methods. He is currently working on projects involving the intersection of technology, luxury, and customer persuasion.

He is also a storyteller and authored short-stories books.

Swati Kumaria Puri

Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Commerce, New Zealand Certificate in Adult and Tertiary Teaching

Swati is an accounting and finance academic with over 15 years of teaching experience at renowned business schools in New Zealand and India. She began her teaching career after qualifying the UGC-NET (University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test), a national-level competitive exam for academics in India. She joined Whitireia and WelTec in 2017 and she teaches a range of courses in accounting, finance, and business.

An active researcher, she has published in peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, and conference proceedings and has presented her work at regional and international forums. Her research interests include corporate finance, sustainability, policy analysis, and corporate governance.

With years of teaching experience, Swati has developed robust academic skills, enabling her to effectively support students from diverse ethnicities and backgrounds. As a dedicated mentor and educator, she is passionate about helping students realize their full potential and achieve their career aspirations.

Dr Thelma Moses

PhD, MBA

Dr Thelma Moses is a Senior Academic with over fourteen years of experience in the tertiary education sector. She has worked in business schools in India and Singapore and is currently working in the Whitireia/WelTec School of Innovation, Design and Technology. She is competent in delivering quality learning experiences to adult learners at both bachelor’s and master’s degree levels. Currently she teaches business management subjects with a special focus on marketing management and consumer behaviour. She is proficient in quantitative research and systematic literature review research methodologies. Her areas of research interests include Business-to-Business (B2B) marketing and social media marketing. 

Fasio Saolele - Programme Manager (Level 4)

Licensed Building Practitioner, NZ Certificate in Adult and Tertiary Teaching L5, National Certificate in Carpentry L4

Fasio joined WelTec in 2015 bringing with him years of experience from the industry, from working in the building industry, completing an apprenticeship and working as a foreman/supervisor after becoming a qualified carpenter.

He enjoys passing on the great knowledge that he gained in the building industry to our ākonga and watching them become the future builders of NZ.

Mike Pearce - Team Leader

Qualified builder, Level 4 NZ Certificate in Construction, NZ Cert Adult Literacy Teaching Level 5

Mike started at WelTec in 2019 after looking for a new challenge. After all his time working in the industry, he felt it was time to give back. In 2001, he completed a building apprenticeship, before working moving onto multi-story commercial construction for 9 years. He then moved into light commercial/residential construction, specialising in remedial work.

He enjoys his role and gets a lot of satisfaction seeing his ākonga achieve their goals and progress through their career in construction.

Logan Ellis - Tutor

NZ Certificate in Carpentry L4, Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP), NZ Certificate in Adult and Tertiary Teaching L5

Logan has been at Whitireia and WelTec since 2019 after spending 13 years in the construction industry. Logan first entered the industry when he took on some casual work on a construction site, to earn some money to go to a concert with some friends. After gaining a sense of belonging on the construction site, he decided it was the path for him, and he never returned to school.

Carpentry became a hobby for him, but it was when he was a site foreman that he developed a passion for teaching. He realised he loved helping the less experienced workers develop their skills, which saw him pivot to tutoring at Whitireia and WelTec.

Richard Carter - Tutor

Qualified builder

Richard has been with Whitireia and WelTec since 2011 after starting in the industry as a labourer, where he worked for several years before securing an apprenticeship. He then spent the next 30 years gaining experience in the industry, 7 of which he spent running a business with his wife.

He enjoys stepping back and seeing the fruit of his labour and knowing that someone gets a roof over their heads.

Lucas Reid - Tutor

National Certificate in Carpentry

Lucas has been at Whitireia and WelTec since 2019, he is a carpenter born and bred, originally starting off in the industry after the Canterbury earthquake.

He enjoys hands-on work with the students and finds teaching especially rewarding.

Trevor Huse - Tutor

Certificate in Carpentry L4

Trevor started at Whitireia and WelTec in 2021 after spending 12 years in the building industry, originally starting off as a labourer on a site.

He made the move to tutoring as he really enjoys getting to know the students and passing on his skills and knowledge.

Dan Desmond - Tutor

Qualified licensed builder, National Certificate in Carpentry, Certificate for assessing candidates (4098), Diploma in Architectural, NZ Certificate in Adult and Tertiary Teaching Level 5

Dan has been part of our carpentry team since 2018, originally studying Architectural Technology at Whitireia and WelTec, before he worked as a draftsperson designing homes and construction detailing. He has worked in Wellington as a carpenter in commercial and residential construction, new builds and large additions and renovations.

He has always had a keen interest in carpentry after watching his father and grandfather, who were both carpenters. He started an apprenticeship in his late teens.

Dan enjoys meeting new people, passing on his knowledge to the students, and playing a part in their journeys as carpenters; watching them develop skills and gain confidence to prepare them for their careers.

Tana Phillips – Tutor

Certificate in Architectural Technology, Diploma in Architectural Technology, Trade Certificate Carpentry, National Certificate in Adult Education (L4), SASM

Tana started off his first two years as an apprentice with Māori Affairs on new house builds, before completing his apprenticeship with Hawkins Construction in commercial and then onto multi storey/high rise buildings, before joining Whitireia and WelTec in 2005.

He finds seeing young men and women completing their apprenticeships and becoming qualified very satisfying, and an extra bonus is when they end up working along-side you as a colleague (which has happened four times so far).

Leo Pirini - Tutor

Licensed Building Practitioner, Bachelor Architectural Technology

Leo started at Whitireia and WelTec in 2012 after spending 20 years in construction, before moving into processing and managing building and planning consents.

He enjoys passing on his skills to students and finds that his range of different construction processing perspectives is of benefit to his students.

Willie Lafaele - Tutor

National Certificate in Carpentry L4

Willie started at Whitireia and WelTec in 2022 after originally getting into the industry to follow in his Dad’s footsteps as a carpenter. He brings with him 10 years’ experience in both commercial and residential.

He enjoys helping people achieve their goals and working with them to achieve something they didn’t think they could, he finds it very satisfying to see the students progress and grow within the programme.

Arnold Lomax - Cadetship Coordinator

Diploma in Business and Diploma in Applied Management

Prior to joining Whitireia and WelTec, Arnold ran Youth/Adult Development programmes in Wainuiomata. Arnold has been working as our Carpentry Cadetship Co-Ordinator since 2010.

He enjoys helping people get started on their study and employment journey.

Edwin Spinks - Tutor

Trade cert in patternmaking (1990), NZ Certificate in Engineering (Production) 1997, LBP (2019)

Edwin has been doing building maintenance since 1986, before gaining various experience in the aluminium industry and alternative energy systems. He started his own company in 2004 where he installed alternative energy systems, building houses and building maintenance both domestically and commercially, before moving building houses full time in 2018.  He started in the industry originally as an apprentice patternmaker working in foundry in 1986 making wood patterns for casting metals.

He joined WelTec in 2021 bringing this wealth of knowledge with him to pass on to his students.

Phil Moen - Tutor

Trade Certificate Painting and Decorating, Certificate in Adult Education L5, NZ Certificate in Adult Literacy and Numeracy Education L5.
Phil joined WelTec in 2022, bringing with him 30 years of industry experience. After starting off originally as an apprentice, Phil became a self-employed painter and decorator. He then managed regions throughout New Zealand with ;leading global paint companies where he has gained valuable knowledge and experience on the manufacturing and application of Decorative, Industrial, Marine and Protective coating systems.   
Phil enjoys sharing his knowledge with all the learners and finds it rewarding in being part of their learning journey.   

Craig Anderson - Senior Tutor 

BCrea, Dip. Computer Graphic Design, C. Adult Education

Craig teaches across a range of creative fields, with a focus on digital media and emerging technologies. His core teaching includes graphic design, web media, photography and video. Craig is a passionate educator, who combines creativity and critical thinking in his student projects and enjoys mentoring students through their educational journey and into creative careers.

Craig’s knowledge of multimedia, photography and graphic design is translated in direct collaboration and multidisciplinary projects with industry including Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) and GS1.

Adrian McCleland - Tutor

PGDip FA, Dip VCD

Adrian teaches within the image making courses, across all year groups. His skillset acquired over many years means he comes well equipped to cover a vast array of crafts, skills, methodologies, and mediums.

Teaching from the practicalities and artistry of printmaking, through the precise observational world of photography, all the way to the digital application of these via software and fundamental design principles, helping lead to students always being kept on their toes, engaged, and pushing further with their work. The students develop not just a comprehensive list of techniques, but new ways to investigate and explore our world, their surroundings and work.

Adrian has worked in the vocation of education for many years, as well as working in the design industry in Tongatapu, New York, Canada and here. His work has involved print, web, motion graphics and illustration work and has covered everything from infographics, branding through to VJing. But teaching is his love, to support and nurture the abilities of others, to get the best from his students is where he thrives. To learn and to grow is a life-long journey, to explore and experiment is something that should never stop – E hoa ma, ina te ora o te tangata.

Alice Moore - Tutor

Alice is currently leading Te Auaha’s China projects and has extensive experience developing tailored courses for the unique cultural context of China. She is a passionate teacher of visual communication design, encouraging students to discover and develop their own distinct critically informed creative practice.

Alice is a multidisciplinary designer who works across illustration, motion design, animation, publication design and typography. Her work employs both hand and digital techniques and seeks to impart meaningful messages – it is playful and curious to sustain imaginative creative thought and thinking.

Andy Firth - Technician

BDes

Andy is the Technician for the Digital Media and Design programmes. Andy has worked for WelTec for over ten years. 

The Technician is responsible for the programme specific equipment and spaces as well as looking after the Health and Safety issues for the workshop and studio spaces. Andy’s expertise and support to students and staff are aimed at helping you to get the most out of your time at Te Auaha.

Nikko Hull - Tutor

MDes, BDes

Nikko teaches across the Digital Media and Design programmes with a range of experience from various creative fields and technologies. He is actively involved in the China delivery program with a passion and a keen interest for cross-cultural relationships and education. His professional focus includes film, animation, motion and screen arts with a strong drive to explore emerging technologies. 

Nikko has spent the last decade in the local motion and film design industries and teaching tertiary education. Adjacently his completed master's degree explored the fields of game design, virtual reality and student wellbeing, further expanding his capabilities and interests. Inspired by the excitement and energy that students bring to the design world, Nikko is dedicated to engaging with students and drawing out their most innovative ideas.

Brenda Saris - Programme Manager, Creative and Performing Arts

PhD, MPhil, MDes, Dip VCD

Brenda’s career began with art direction and graphic design roles; she has over twenty years’ experience in the design and advertising industries in the UK, Holland and New Zealand. Her experience as an all-round creative meant she was able to support the strategic initiatives of corporate clients, retailers, manufacturers, and high-profile service industries alike.

Following completion of her MDes in 2010, Brenda worked as a lecturer at AUT, then moved to Whitireia in 2012. Brenda’s teaching within the Digital Media and Design programmes centred on enabling students to transition into a commercial context, with a focus on the nexus between typography and illustration for brand identity purposes. Brenda has been in the role of programme manager for Whitireia and WelTec since early 2019.

Brenda gained her PhD in 2020, her overarching research interests lie within sociocultural and historic contexts of creativity, creative design process learning, and transnational education.

Evan Green - Tutor

Registered Electrician, Advanced Trade Electrical A and B, Infrared Thermographic Technician and Security Installations L3

Evan started at WelTec in 2022 bringing with him over 40 years in the industry. It all began after working in the school holidays at his father’s work under the electrician. He enjoyed it so much he went out and got himself an apprenticeship, which led him to working in various parts of the industry as a tradesman, service manager, sales rep and business owner.

He has worked on several projects over the years in both Wellington and overseas. He enjoys the variety of work in the industry and joined WelTec after working with his own apprentices, where he realised he liked training and passing on his knowledge to others.

Mark Hollis - Tutor

Qualified Electrical Tradesman

Mark joined WelTec in 2022 after spending 35 years in the industry, bringing with him a vast knowledge of both domestic and industrial work, including air conditioning, elevators and escalators, traction systems, railways and high voltage (Haywards).

What Mark likes about being in the industry is that you meet many different types of people and you use theoretical and practical skills. He enjoys being able to apply what he has learnt to help educate others.

Dr Maria Eda Arado, Programme Manager - Built Environment and Engineering

PhD (Applied Mathematics), MS (Applied Mathematics), PGDipBA, Professional Electronics Engineer, BSECE ( Electronics Engineer)

Maria has two decades of teaching and industry experience. She holds a PhD in Applied Mathematics and has taught subjects like Engineering Mathematics, Mechanics, Electrical Fundamentals, and Engineering Management. She has also taught Business Statistical Analysis, Leadership, Organizational Behaviour, Financial and Managerial Accounting, and Accounting Information Systems in the Business department.

Her research focuses on statistical modelling and climate change, with published work such as "Akaike's Information Criterion for Linearly Separable Clusters" and "Adaptive Blind Random Search."

Maria has received several awards, including the Whitireia and WelTec Sustained Tertiary Educator Award (2024) and the Stand-out Performer Award (2021).

She is a member of Engineering New Zealand, Vocational Education and Training New Zealand, and the Professional Electronics Engineers Association. With a solid background in both teaching and industry, Maria is dedicated to helping students succeed and providing excellent education.

Christy Mathew

Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering, Master of Technology in Production and Industrial Engineering, NZ Diploma in Adult and Tertiary Education

Christy is a Mechanical Engineering Tutor at WelTec, teaching engineering subjects for the NZDE since 2022. With 10 years of teaching and 6 years of industry experience in HVAC, industrial forgings, aerospace alloys, and plastic manufacturing, he bridges the gap between industry and academia. His practical expertise enhances student learning, providing real-world applications to engineering concepts. Holding a Bachelor’s of Technology in Mechanical Engineering, a Master's of Technology in Production and Industrial Engineering, and a NZ Diploma in Adult and Tertiary Education, he is passionate about guiding students on sustainability and occupational health and safety-focused projects, equipping them with the skills to excel in the industry. Beyond teaching, he has a keen interest in automation and additive manufacturing technologies, staying engaged with advancements that shape the future of engineering.

Fred Harris

Fred obtained his MSc from Victoria University in physics and maths. Working in conjunction with the university and DSIR (now GNS), he had two papers on the mechanisms of New Zealand earthquakes published in the NZ Journal of Geology and Geophysics.

After studying at University with a teaching scholarship, he obtained a teaching diploma from Canterbury University and taught at Hutt Valley High School, progressing to Head of Science and Physics. He then moved to the Central Institute of Technology in Upper Hutt, teaching engineering and science subjects. 

When the CIT closed in 2001, Fred moved to WelTec in the engineering department and taught mathematics, physics, materials and geotechnical engineering. He also taught radiation physics to the radiation technology students at the Wellington Campus of Otago University.

In his free time, Fred enjoys tennis and snow skiing.

Gopal Krishan

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (University of Auckland), Master of Technology in Machine Design(NIT Kurukshetra), Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering (Hons.) (Kurukshetra University)

Gopal is a lecturer in Engineering at Wellington Institute of Technology (WelTec). He specialises in fluid mechanics, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer, teaching and mentoring students across various engineering programs. He started in February 2022. With over a decade of experience in teaching, research, and industry, he was drawn to WelTec because of its commitment to high-quality engineering education and practical, hands-on learning. The opportunity to contribute to curriculum development and mentor future engineers in a dynamic learning environment was a key motivator. Gopal enjoys engaging with students and guiding them through complex engineering concepts, helping them apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges. The collaborative environment at WelTec also allows him to integrate cutting-edge research into teaching, making learning more impactful.

Gopal's experience spans across teaching, research, and industry applications in sustainable engineering, jet impingement cooling, slurry flow, and renewable energy. This background enables him to bring practical insights into the classroom, bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world engineering challenges. Additionally, his work in finite element analysis and experimental testing helps students develop critical problem-solving and analytical skills.

He is an active researcher with over 20 research papers published in reputed international journals, contributing to advancements in fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and sustainable engineering solutions.

Professional Memberships

• Institute of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ)
• International Association of Engineers (IAENG)
• The Institution of Engineers, India
• Institute for Engineering Research and Publication (IFERP)
• Australian Fluid Mechanics Community

Nadeeja Dodamgoda 

PhD in Strategic Management, MSc in Applied Statistics, BSc in Civil Engineering

Nadeeja joined Whitireia and WelTec in April 2023 and teaches civil engineering courses for NZ Diploma in Civil Engineering students. Her teaching covers Water and Waste Management, Fluid Mechanics, Highway Engineering, Civil Engineering Construction Practices, Water and Wastewater Systems, and Engineering Project Supervision. With over two decades of experience in tertiary education and research, she brings a strong academic background to her role. She holds a PhD in Strategic Management, an MSc in Applied Statistics, and a BSc in Civil Engineering. Nadeeja has published in peer-reviewed journals, exploring how indigenous perspectives can inform leadership ethics. Her research interests also include flow measurement, stormwater management, fluid mechanics, and construction practices in civil engineering.

Swetha Priya Darshini Thammadi

Bachelor and Masters in Civil Engineering, PhD Research Scholar in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Auckland

With over a decade of industry and teaching experience in tertiary education in New Zealand and Fiji, Swetha brings a wealth of expertise in Civil and Environmental engineering for NZ Diploma in Civil Engineering students at Whitireia and WelTec. She has her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Civil Engineering and currently a PhD Research Scholar in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Auckland. She has been working with Whitireia and WelTec since 2023, teaching and conducting laboratory sessions for Geotechnical Engineering II, Land Surveying, Civil & Structural Drawing, Structures I, Civil Materials and Highway Engineering. Her experience in the civil engineering industry, combined with her research background, has greatly influenced her teaching approach. 

She is an active researcher and published in peer-reviewed journals/book chapters/conference proceedings, member of International collaborative research groups and presented at various regional/international arenas. Her research interest spans Remote Sensing and GIS, Sustainability, Climate change Adaptation and Resilience, Water resources and Socio-Metabolic Risk assessment particularly in the context of New Zealand and the Pacific. She is deeply committed to advancing engineering education and research. Her dedication to integrating sustainability into Civil Engineering practice reflects a broader commitment to address the challenges posed by climate change.  

Tony Assadi - Programme Manager

Tony Assadi is one of the Programme managers at the School of IT who is responsible for the undergraduate Programmes at Whitireia and the postgraduate IT Programmes at the Wellington campus.

Tony has been involved in a variety of roles in the NZ IT industry and the tertiary education sector since 1998. He has been working at Whitireia & WelTec since 2002, teaching Programming, Database Design, Object-oriented Design and Development, Mobile Application Development, Project Management while also supervising a range of undergraduate Capstone and postgraduate research projects. Tony’s research interests are in Work-Integrated Learning, Computational Thinking in tertiary education, and Digital Divide research. He is passionate about teaching and helping students fulfil their goals.

Chalinor Baliuag - Programme Manager

Chalinor has Masters and Bachelor degree in Computer Engineering.

She is passionate about IT education with nearly two decades of teaching and leadership experience in tertiary education in New Zealand and overseas universities. Before coming to the Programme Manager role at WelTec, she enjoyed teaching Software Development courses such as Programming III, Software Development & Testing and Mobile Application Development. Her research interests are in developing technological solutions that aid students and staff in designing buildings.

She’s a great believer that one of the most significant influencers in student’s life is a teacher.

Dr Dax Roberts - Tutor 

Dr Roberts completed his PhD by research thesis from the University of Otago in Data Remanence. That's a fancy term for examining second-hand hard drives and finding all sorts of juicy/interesting/useful information that people may not even realise still exists. This is a specialisation of Digital Forensics which is one of the main courses offered as part of the Cyber Security Degree course.

Dr Roberts also has strong interests in Information Assurance, Cyber Security and Networking/Infrastructure. More important than topic names however is passion so if there is something you are keen on in the field of Security and want to investigate it further especially at the Postgraduate level, he'll be keen for an initial discussion.

Clement Swarnappa - Tutor

Clement works in the areas of Web and Mobile Application Design and Development. He graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering from India and has a Master of Science from Malaysia. His experience includes Micro-controller based automation design, Web and Mobile application Development and Computer Programming. His current research includes Web and Mobile Application Development, Social Media Filtering, Data Scrapping, and Data mining. 

Richa Panjabi - Tutor

Richa is an experienced IT professional with over 10 years of experience in IT training. She has a Bachelor of Science, a Master’s in Computer Science, and a Diploma in Systems Management. She also has a New Zealand Certificate in Adult and Tertiary Teaching (Level 5).

Richa specialises in Object Oriented Programming languages (like C, C++ and Java), Mobile Programming, Relational Databases, Data Science & Analytics, Software Testing & DevOps.

Passionate about empowering her students with adequate theoretical and practical hands-on experience to succeed in their chosen career path, she remains up to date with recent developments in the technology sector.

Dr Yuliya Khrypko - Tutor

Yuliya has over 15 years of experience as an IT researcher and project manager. She is particularly interested in interdisciplinary research including artificial intelligence (AI), interactive narrative, and computational psychology. Yuliya enjoys helping her students strive in their learning and inspires them to undertake their own research projects.

Manu Katene - Tutor

Ko Whitireia te Maunga 
Ko Raukawakawa te Moana 
Ko Ngāti Toa Rangatira te Iwi  
Ko Takapuwahia te Marae 
Ko Manu Katene ahau

Manu has been teaching for over 20 years, focusing on IT related courses covering NZQA unit standards and certificate level 2 up to bachelor level degree papers. He has a passion for teaching lower-level courses and encouraging learners to excel, particularly Iwi Māori. Manu is a board member of Te Runangao Toa Rangatira, chairperson of Takapuwahia Marae committee, and Iwi representative on the Whitireia Park Board. He has supervised level 7 capstone projects to develop Te Reo Learning apps and the Treaty of Waitangi mapping website. He has a Master’s in Information Technology. 

Geoff Gordon - Tutor

Geoff is a Network Administrator who helps students, staff, and lecturers with technical support. A self-described hardware guru, Geoff is our on-site fix-it man who offers efficient technical solutions and helpful ideas.

Sue Scott - Tutor

Over her 30 years of design experience, Sue Scott has worked in a broad range of design disciplines such as point of sale advertising Web Communications, film marketing, films, special effects, and interactivity including games.

Sue has directed hit films and won multiple awards. In 2001 the BBC World Life series interviewed her in exegesis on new media works. It is inherent that through new graphic forms, interactivity and platforms, that new technologies offer significant contributions to storytelling. For this reason, Sue’s Master’s Thesis which investigates and contextualises the way new technologies and narrative systems can liberate narratives has acquired significant attention. In recent years her focus has been in helping students to better understand, utilise and develop design thinking processes through which interactive IT products can be developed.

Michele Carroll - Administrator

Michele has been an IT administrator since 2001. She enjoys an admin role where she can have meaningful interactions with staff and students. She has a Level 5 qualification in IT.

Dr Minjie (Min) Hu - Tutor

Min started teaching IT in New Zealand 1997 and before that, he taught IT at a university in China for eight years. He mainly teaches computer software courses such as Programming I and II, Software Development, Software Testing, Database, Data Analytics and Business intelligence. Having published extensively in NZ, Australia, and the USA, Min’s research focuses on teaching novices programming, engagement in eLearning, data analytics in business and finance information, and software testing.

Dr Hamid Mahroeian - Tutor

Hamid joined Whitireia Community Polytechnic and the Wellington Institute of Technology in 2019. He has a PhD from the University of Otago which focussed on the area of analytics across New Zealand Higher Education institutions. He delivers papers such as Fundamentals of Programming Languages, Web Development, Software Development and Design, Information Systems Management, Software Quality Assurance and Testing, and Interactional Design Fundamentals. Hamid’s research interests cover areas such as Learning Analytics, Big Data, and Educational Technology.

Terry Jeon - Tutor

Terry has been teaching Database, System Analysis & Design, and computer programming for almost 20 years. He has an industry qualification of Oracle database (OCP) and a Master's degree in Knowledge Management. His main focus is developing students to be industry-ready, and in his free time, he researches the efficiency of Pair Programming.

Dr Marta Vos - Tutor

Marta has been teaching at Whitireia since 2014, and is currently the Post-graduate Co-ordinator. Currently, she teaches Research Methods in the post-graduate school, and has taught a range of other subjects including introduction to database, data visualization, and systems analysis. She also supervises Postgraduate Diploma and Master of IT projects, as well as being an external PhD supervisor. Her primary research interests lie in understanding the nature of the IT artifact, particularly from the cultural/indigenous perspective, as well as in the implementation and management of data and IoT systems. Her industry experience includes working in business intelligence and data analytics, as well as being a project manager.

Dr Steve McKinlay - Tutor

Dr Steve McKinlay has over 12 years experience working in the IT industry throughout the 1990s in a variety of roles including programming in various languages, database analysis, design and administration and as a consultant. Steve began teaching at WelTec in the early 2000s and has taught across a wide variety of topics from Analysis and Design, Database, and Information Management. Most recently Steve developed the Digital Ethics course, a first in an IT Bachelor degree in New Zealand. Steve’s research sits at the intersection of technology and computing ethics, and the impacts of emerging technology on society, work and democracy.

He has spoken as a guest and presented at conferences at many Universities around the world, he regularly publishes in international journals and has several chapters in various texts. Steve completed a PhD with Charles Sturt University in 2014, winning the Litwin award (2013) for research in the Philosophy of Information for his work. Steve also teaches at Regensburg University, Bavaria, Germany and chairs the Open Polytechnic’s Ethics Committee. Steve is currently the Executive Director of the International Association of Computing and Philosophy.

Dr Abubakar Siddique - Tutor

Research Scientist with more than four years of experience to devise novel machine learning systems, inspired by cognitive neuroscience, to provide efficient and scalable solutions for challenging and complex problems in different domains, such as Boolean, computer vision, and navigation. Dr. Siddique is engaged as an author and reviewer for different journals and international conferences including IEEE Transactions on Evolutionary Computation, IEEE Transactions on Cybernetics, IEEE Computational Intelligence Magazine, GECCO, IEEE CEC, and EuroGP. He has been working as a post-doctoral research fellow at the Victoria University of Wellington before joining WelTec.

Dr. Siddique did his Bachelor's in Computer Science from Quaid-i-Azam University, Master's in Computer Engineering from U.E.T Taxila, and Ph.D. in Computer Engineering from Victoria University of Wellington. He was the recipient of the VUWSA Gold Award and the ``Student Of The Session'' award during his Ph.D. and bachelor studies, respectively. He spent nine years at Elixir Pakistan, a California-based software company. His last designation was a Principal Software Engineer where he led a team of software developers. He developed enterprise-level software for customers such as Xerox, IBM, and Adobe.

Dr David Bailey - Tutor

Dr Bailey’s professional IT career spans over 30 years. He has worked in many capacities including Project Management, IT Support Management, Business Analysis and Programming. Sixteen of those years were spent in the City of London at major financial institutions. Dr Bailey, moved into the field of education latterly teaching ICT at Secondary level in the UK. Serving as Head of ICT he managed his school’s network, significantly upgrading all aspects of it during his time in that role. He then went on to complete his education with a master's degree in Digital Media Art at the University of Brighton followed by a PhD at the Auckland University of Technology. The focus of his master’s and doctoral studies was VR working with cutting-edge immersive technologies. He introduced a new term ‘Synchronous Reality’ to the VR field through his doctoral practice-based work and thesis to describe the creation of multisensory installations combining virtual and physical worlds together.

Dr Bailey currently teaches UI and UX at Certificate level and Game Development on the BIT course as well as supervising MIT students. He infuses his past experience to give a practical real-world flavour to the courses. The UI/UX course majors in 3D design where students now learn to successfully design a 3D game using Unity including many aspects of Game Theory and Design Theory. They also design and build a website to a brief as part of the course using a CMS tool. In the Game Development course, students work through three practical assessments where they learn advanced skills in game development using Unity and attend in-depth sessions on different aspects of Game Theory and Design. The students will produce three different games during the course one of which will be completely their design and build.

Dr Bailey goes for a stepped learning approach bringing in new concepts on a gradual scale from simple to increasing complexity ensuring students have grasped the material as the course progresses. His aim is always that students will complete the courses richer in knowledge and with the ability to apply what they’ve learned. His ethos is continuous improvement, streamlining delivery and adding more advanced gaming and Unity features each trimester where possible. Dr Bailey aims to introduce a VR element to the course in the future and is keen that students experience and gain exposure to cutting-edge technology.

Hiroshika Hinduramage - Tutor

Hiroshika is an experienced lecturer with over nine years of experience in teaching. Currently, she is following her PhD in Computer Science at Victoria University of Wellington, where her research topic lies in human-computer interaction, mobile augmented reality and behavioural skills of children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). She has a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (Software Engineering) and a Master’s in Information Technology. Her experience includes Human Computer Interactions, Database Management Systems, Software Engineering, Object Oriented Programming (C++, C# and Java) and Mobile Application Development. Her current research includes Co-designing with children with ASD, AR face masks, game development and assistive technology.

Robert Vansverry - Programme Manager 

Robert is from the UK and has been working in and around the hospitality industry for over 30 years. 

He started his career as a silver service waiter but quickly moved into the kitchen as a chef, he has worked across multiple aspects of the industry in hotels, restaurants, café’s, pubs and bars. As well as working in commercial sales to the hospitality industry. 

Settling in Wellington in 2004 Robert started work at WelTec’s School of Hospitality in 2005 as a cookery tutor, Robert became the school’s first ever PASM (Principle Academic Staff Member) in 2016 and Programme Manager in 2018. 

“I love the diversity of hospitality and the opportunities it provides people; it is so rewarding. The positive effect we have on customers, the pressure and excitement of a busy service and the camaraderie of the team. Hospitality teaches us resilience, adaptability, systems and processes but also allows you a degree of independence, flare and showmanship that other careers do not.” 

Ray Morrell - Tutor

Ray Morrell has worked in a variety of positions in kitchens in New Zealand and the United Kingdom including Glasgow and London. Ray has 20 years teaching experience and has taught on various programmes at the school including patisserie, cookery and bakery.  

His primary focus is on student success and ensuring that students achieve their goals. Culinary competition is also another passion that has allowed him to judge locally and internationally including supporting students competing in Hong Kong and America.  

A notable highlight was winning the Chef of the Capital and success with the student Toque d’Or, ICCC and Young Chef Olympiad teams.  

Qualified in cookery with the NZ Professional trade certificate 751, 752, 753, and City & Guilds Culinary Arts Diploma 7065. Tertiary qualifications include NZ Certificate in Adult Education, National Certificate in Adult Literacy & Numeracy Education (NCALNE) and the Diploma in Tertiary Learning & Teaching level 6. Ray also is a qualified L4 culinary judge.  

As a passionate Wellingtonian, he enjoys travelling and has spent time in Europe, Africa, Asia and North America experiencing the culinary differences around the globe.  

His favourite pastimes include running, DIY and tinkering with his beloved 1974 Kombi. 

Scott Campbell – Senior Tutor 

School of Hospitality C&G 706 1&2 

Scott has over 35 years’ experience in the world of kitchens and is a vastly experienced teacher. He has worked in the UK, Switzerland, the Channel Islands, Australia, and NZ in a variety of hotels and restaurants and event catering and still works in industry on the odd occasion.  

A passionate fisherman, Scott enjoys teaching others how to prepare and cook fish, how to use the whole fish, and will occasionally bring his catch in for students to see different species. 

Scott has been involved in culinary competitions, both competing and training our students in local and international competitions and is a well-respected culinary judge. Some of Scott’s highlights in this field:  

• Winning two national Toque d’Or events which are NZ’s premier national student competition.  
• Trained the last two world ‘Young Chef Olympiad’ students to 3rd and 4th places, the world’s premier international student culinary competition.  

Scott’s teaching philosophy is simple – get students to the stage where they can enter a job at the end of their studies and feel comfortable in that environment. 

Cody Thomas - Tutor

Registered Plumber Drainlayer and Gasfitter

Cody is a recent and enthusiastic addition to the plumbing team. He has worked in various parts of the construction industry. He completed his apprenticeship in Plumbing Drain-laying and Gas-fitting and has extensive industry experience. He thoroughly enjoys problem-solving and the opportunity to pass on his experience to the next generation of plumbers. When he's not teaching he enjoys music, the great outdoors and family time.

Dr Jacqui Murray

Registered Nurse, Bachelor of Arts, Certificate of Adult Learning, Master of Education, Doctor of Education.

Jacqui teaches on the Master of Professional Practice. She started working at Whitireia and WelTec at the beginning of 2006 in the Bachelor of Nursing programme. Prior to this she worked as a registered nurse mainly in the field of community nursing. Jacqui graduated with a Doctor of Education in August 2018 and has a Master of Education. She is passionate about teaching and learning in higher education.

Jacqui has authored and/or co-authored four journal articles and two chapters in edited books. She has presented at 13 national and/or international conferences. She has supervised 14 Masters’ students, mainly in the areas of health and education, and has examined four Masters’ theses. She enjoys seeing students accomplish their research goals and then graduate with their completed Masters. 

Dr Joey Domdom - Team Leader, Professional Practice Postgraduate Programmes

Joey leads the Professional Practice Postgraduate Programmes, where he teaches research courses and supervises Master of Professional Practice theses and praxis research projects. His research interests include migrant and minority communities, Indigenous research methodologies, interprofessional education, and the role of religion in social services, with publications in these fields. Joey holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, a Graduate Diploma in Information Assurance and Technology, a Master of Arts in Theology, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Education. With over 20 years of experience in the education sector across New Zealand and the Philippines, he brings a wealth of knowledge to his academic and professional engagements.

Rachel Tallon

After completing a B.Sc. in physical geography Rachel began work as a hydrologist on New Zealand rivers in the early 1990s. She then retrained as a secondary school teacher and taught geography for nine years. An interest in postcolonialism, representation and the international aid sector saw her completing a masters in development studies in 2001. Following this she was a community educator involved in education around social justice issues. In 2010 she decided the time was right to complete a doctorate (through Victoria University) in development studies. Her thesis looked critically at how international aid agencies portray developing countries to young people in New Zealand.

Since 2013 she has been teaching and lecturing in a variety of fields, such as education, geography and youth development. She taught on the Bachelor of Youth Development at Whitireia and WelTec from 2018 to 2022. She joined the MPP programme in 2023. Her research interests include youth, education, religion, politics, culture, feminist studies and media studies. She is currently an adjunct research fellow with the Victoria University School of Social and Cultural Studies, leading a research team studying religious leadership during the pandemic.

Rachel is a keen ‘outdoors woman’ and enjoys the beautiful Aotearoa bush.

Oliver Ho

MCIOB, NZIQS

Oliver is a senior tutor who specialises in teaching Quantity Surveying courses. He started teaching at Whitireia and WelTec in 2021. Oliver began his construction planning role in 2001 and was involved in various residential and commercial construction projects. He became a Chartered Construction Manager of the CIOB (UK) in 2019, where he has been promoting positive changes to the industry, hence, the teaching role.

Oliver strives to train work-ready quantity surveying graduates. He strongly believes in the value of real-world projects in the classroom and greatly appreciates the teaching and learning environment in Whitireia and WelTec.

Bret Nichols - Tutor

Bret is a professional director of photography, producer, writer, and digital video editor. He has been involved in the production of documentaries, short films, music video, tv commercials, feature films, and online videos. He has many years of experience in all these areas and roles, specialising in camera and editing. Bret started in the industry as a photographer, camera assistant, and assistant film editor and worked his way up through these departments to become a fully trained Director of Photography (DOP) and Editor. He has also spent over four years as a film tutor at the Waikato Polytechnic (now Wintec), tutoring a degree course and setting up a digital video editing and motion graphics design tutoring lab.

Karen Harris - Administrator/Host, Cosmetology

Karen has been working for Whitireia and WelTec since 2003. She has been involved in the hairdressing industry since her early twenties, having previously owned a salon, rented a chair, worked as an off-job co-ordinator, and tutored hairdressing apprentices for the past three years. This has given Karen a great understanding of the creative industry in which we work in.

At the beginning of 2022 Karen decided to help out the administrative team at Te Auaha with her skills. Karen is thoroughly enjoying her new role and assisting tutors with admin help within the cosmetology team.

Karen is very enthusiastic about her role but she also enjoys travelling and socializing with family and friends.

Donna Banicevich-Gera - Senior Tutor

MA (Creative Writing)

Donna’s work has been produced for radio, page, stage, and screen, with her stage plays being presented in New Zealand, Australia, Spain, Austria, the USA, and Alaska. She has had several overseas artist residencies, and attended many offshore workshops, seminars, and conferences, enabling her to acquire knowledge and write outside her New Zealand framework.

Donna has written a trilogy of plays based on Croatian immigration into New Zealand: Anton’s Women, Land without Sundays, and Tarara Child. Two scripts My Name is Ruhi (which premièred at Waikato Museum), and Burn, have been developed using oral history interviews. She currently writes a bi‐monthly column for PANZ (Playwrights Association of New Zealand), and is presently researching storytelling and scriptwriting in business.