Alumni Members
Abhilasha S
Certificate in Early Childhood Education (Level 5)
I joined as a teacher at KiwiLearners (a NZ Early Learning Centre) in Chennai, India from 2013. It was a totally new experience for me to work in a centre with a unique curriculum and I was fascinated about Te Whāriki. That is when I decided to join New Zealand Tertiary College to gain theoretical experience and get an educational qualification in the NZ curriculum. Today I continue to train, support and guide teachers at KiwiLearners as a Senior Teacher.
Alysha McKay
Bachelor of Teaching (ECE)
I am still working at Queens Preschool, Dunedin. I have been here for 4 years this coming April. I am provisionally registered and working with my old Associate Teacher on my registration. I love my job/career so much!
Amie-Cherie McIntosh
Bachelor of Teaching (ECE)
Amie-Cherie started studies after having spent eight years in the education profession in 2015. While studying for her Bachelor of Teaching Early Childhood Education Amie-Cherie was working in a full-time teacher-in-training position. Once finishing her studies she was able to gain a full-time job as a Qualified teacher within a Kindercare Centre. Amie-Cherie is enjoying her new job while working towards becoming fully certified.
Anne Leuteoamoa Singh
Bachelor of Teaching (ECE)
I joined Kauri Kids under the jurisdiction of Auckland Council in 2011 as a student teacher on practicum and was later granted a permanent teacher’s assistant position. I graduated with my Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) in 2013. Today, I am a Health and Safety Officer as well as on the Health and Safety Committee for our centre. I have also been on the SELO project initiative with the Ministry of Education and am a PSA Union Delegate for our centre.
Annie Tikaram
Bachelor of Teaching (ECE)
I am now managing a preschool in Kerikeri and know that the pedagogy that I have obtained during my study together with my love for wanting to support young children through their early years in a positive way has helped me become a stronger advocate for children in my care.
Atom Lin
Bachelor of Teaching (ECE)
I joined NZTC in 2013, starting with the Certificate in Early Childhood Education (Level 5). Then I transferred into the Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) which I completed in 2016. Now I'm a qualified teacher with the under 2's.
Atrayee Roy
Bachelor of Teaching (ECE)
I was a secondary teacher overseas before coming to NZ. I completed my Diploma in ECE in 2003 and have worked at various ECE centres as Head Teacher, Assistant Manager and Area Supervisor. I completed my Postgraduate Diploma in ELM through Unitec and recently upgraded to a Bachelor of Education in ECE this November. I enjoyed the online course. Presently I work at a centre in a low socioeconomic zone, where I enjoy working and helping the children and families.
Barbara Scanlan
Master of Education (ECE)
Barbara joined the NZTC whānau in 2006 when she enrolled in a diploma. 10 years later she has completed her Masters and was awarded a distinction. Barbara thoroughly enjoyed the journey.
Belmira Maria Taites
Postgraduate Diploma in Education (ECE)
During my postgraduate studies at NZTC I joined Glenavon Early Childhood Centre, initially as a volunteer, and I currently work as a reliever. Now, with my diploma in early childhood education and my provisional teacher registration, I plan to make a difference in the field of education.
Crystal (Jiaqi) Zeng
Certificate in Early Childhood Teaching (Level 6)
Crystal (Jiaqi) Zeng started her early childhood education study in the beginning of 2012 and completed her Certificate in Early Childhood Teaching (Level 6) in 2014. She has been really enjoying the learning journey with NZTC; moreover, she has become really confident working with children in New Zealand early childhood settings. Recently, she has gotten ready to enrol in the Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) at NZTC. It will be nice to come back and fulfil her career dream.
Debra (Debbie) Kruger
Bachelor of Teaching (ECE)
While studying at NZTC, I completed my weekly hours at Red Beach Early Learning Centre. I was fortunate and so happy to be asked to stay on as a full-time teacher. I love working in this centre, and the other teachers have so much experience to impart, plus we all work so well together. Having gotten to know many of the families in this centre, it is fantastic to work with them and their wonderful children as a qualified teacher.
Dhanu Chandrika Ravichandar
Bachelor of Education (ECE)
I am working as an English teacher at BCAS in Sri Lanka. I got to know about NZTC through my consultant who was encouraging me to study throughout the course. I warmheartedly thank all the lecturers who supported me online. The online mode of learning was so helpful and user friendly. I am planning to do the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood Education) next year in New Zealand.
Diana Patel
Bachelor of Education (ECE)
I was working at BD Somani International School until 2013. When I was pregnant, I stopped working, and to utilise my time as well as enhance my professional qualification I decided to take up a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. Studying at NZTC was flexible as I was able to study when my baby would be sleeping. The course has further developed my knowledge of children and early childhood education. It will benefit me in my future career.
Dimple D'Souza
Post Graduate Diploma in Education
I came across NZTC while I was working in China. I wanted to pursue my education without having to give up my job. NZTC gave me that platform where I could study online. It provided me with the flexibility I had hoped for. It also opened up a whole new world and changed my perspective about early childhood education. I am forever grateful and proud to be associated with the college.
Fiona Frew
Master of Education (ECE)
I joined NZTC some years ago now. I completed my diploma, then upgraded to degree, then post grad, and then completed my Masters. I proudly have students coming through the centres I manage from NZTC and support them in their studies.
Gaye Gibbons
Diploma of Teaching (ECE) and Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) Upgrade
I love being a teacher and seeing the children click to the learning going on in the centre.
Haley Plaistowe
Bachelor of Teaching (ECE)
I started studying with NZTC in 2012. At that stage I’d never worked with children, apart from a few weeks of volunteer work and relieving. Upon finishing my degree, I am now so comfortable and confident in working with children. I understand their developmental needs and can really see the learning happening within their play. I am currently employed full-time at Early Years Rongotai in Wellington and am excited to start my registration and my journey as a qualified teacher.
Holley Chandra
Bachelor of Teaching (ECE)
Holley joined NZTC in 2012. Her father passed away the same year. With the comfort and support of the College she was able to return to study in 2016. She had to put her studies back on hold to have her daughter, and with the support of the lecturers, she finally graduated in 2017.
James Lochead-MacMillan
Bachelor of Teaching (ECE)
I graduated in 2011 and have since gained full registration. My favourite area, science, is often missed in early childhood. I spent several years exploring ropes and pulleys, making everything from swings to flying foxes. This ended up being presented to NZTC, Kidicorp and a National ECE conference in Wellington. I have also investigated woodwork and how we provide for this in my centre, including for toddlers.
Janine Ihaka
Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE)
Janine Ihaka graduated from NZTC in 2015. Janine is also a primary teacher predominantly in new entrants and is now a fully registered teacher. Having lived in Auckland all her life, she followed her husband to his hometown in Kaitaia and became a special needs teachers aide in 2000. Following her husband to Whangarei, she worked with special needs adults (IHC Idea services) for 8 years. Janine is where she wants to be until retirement.
Joanne Beaumont-Bates
Master of Education (ECE)
After completing my Masters of Education I found myself contemplating the 'next steps' in my professional learning journey. I’ve been in a senior leadership position in the ECE sector for a number of years and when the position of Head Teacher at a local Kindergarten came up, I jumped at the chance. Without a doubt, my Masters degree not only prepared me for my interview, but secured me the role. I'm currently into my second week and loving it!
Jocelyn Mullins
Bachelor of Teaching (ECE)
Jocelyn and her family moved from Christchurch to Napier and she is currently working in a small rural centre out in Tutria. She looks forward to many more years of teaching.
Josephine Singh
Bachelor of Teaching (ECE)
I worked in childcare for three years before I joined NZTC. I have benefited a lot from NZTC and grown in my knowledge and practice. I am now working towards full teacher registration. I finished my study in 2016 and graduated in 2017. I would like to thank the lecturers for being there for me and supporting me through my study and now I am able to do the same for other students.
Kanchan Changlani
Bachelor of Education (ECE)
After about 8 years of teaching in Kindergarten I decided to upgrade my qualification as I realised that the study I had done wasn’t relevant anymore. NZTC gave me an opportunity to do so, as not only was the curriculum relevant but the online mode helped me to study along with managing responsibilities at home. I now continue to empower and engage young minds (5-6 year olds) with all that I have learnt from my BEd course.
Katrina Fowler
Postgraduate Diploma in Education (ECE)
Katrina Fowler completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (ECE) in 2015. She believes that participating in ongoing qualifications has enabled her to become more competent and as a consequence be better able to provide positive outcomes for children. She is looking forward to completing a Master of ECE through NZTC in 2016.
Keren Liao
Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE)
I am applying for provisional registration and looking for a full time job currently.
Kethmini Liyanage
Postgraduate Diploma in Education (ECE)
I joined NZTC in 2015. Since then I started my career in early childhood education as a volunteer, volunteering at a few ECE centres. In the beginning of 2016, I started working with Randstad Education New Zealand as a childcare assistant/teacher, relieving at centres based in West Auckland. I have also relieved at Lollipops Educare Lynn Mall branch for a couple of months. I look forward to expand my career pathways in early childhood education in the future!
Lin (Lynn) Xu
Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE)
I worked as a volunteer teacher in a bilingual childcare centre in Henderson in 2013. I decided to complete a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) in the end of 2013. I have completed my studies this year. I was offered a permanent position in the end of 2013. Up until now I have been dedicated to work there.
Madelene Kleynhans
Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE)
I started as a primary school teacher from South Africa in ECE in November 2011. During July 2014 I decided to enrol for the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE). Two months later I took on a role at another centre as a supervisor. Studying in NZ opened up a new world of knowledge for me. My goal is to support staff wherever I am; also, to motivate staff to become an excellent support to children in their growth and development.
Manjula Nilupul Magamamudali
Bachelor of Education (ECE)
I joined as an untrained teacher in 1992 in Sri Lanka and became a Trained Teacher of English in 1995. Ten years later I qualified as a Diploma holder in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL). In another year’s time I qualified with the Certificate of Early Childhood Education and Child Care Education with the Open University of Sri Lanka. Finally in 2015 I completed my Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education), something which I always dreamt of.
Margaret Trueman
Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE)
In 2003 Maggie resigned from her job as a journalist so she could attend kohanga reo with her two daughters. When they went onto school, she was a parent support in their total immersion Maori class. This sparked an interest in teaching and in 2013, Maggie graduated with a Primary Teaching degree and was offered a position in an ECE centre. In 2016 she completed the NZTC Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education).
Marion van Acker
Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE)
As from 6 July I will be joining City Heights Montessori in Dunedin as a self-review and bicultural leader. I intend to put all I have learned through my Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) in practice.
Mary Kalin
Bachelor of Teaching (ECE)
Since qualifying, I have held long and short term relieving contracts with the South Taranaki Kindergarten Association before accepting a permanent teaching position at Patea Kindergarten last year, where I now teach as a proud fully registered teacher. I am committed to young children and providing them with a sound, professional quality education. I have discovered a deep interest in children who are learning English as a second language, and I would love to learn more.
Mayuri Jain
Bachelor of Education (ECE)
After completion of my Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) course, I saw a phenomenal change in my outlook about young children and ECE.
Melissa Finlay (formerly Melissa Hunt)
Bachelor of Teaching (ECE)
I completed my degree in the end of 2012 and received my certificate in January 2013. I was already working at an early childhood centre, and when I wanted more hours and a challenge, I applied for and got a managing role. Once in my new role I had training in regards to leadership through supportive owners and am currently growing my skills, as I am still a learner, but every great leader is a learner!
Molly Randall
Bachelor of Education (ECE)
I live in London and teach in a school for visually impaired children.