Communities thrive when education is accessible and meets the changing needs of the people and industries it serves, as Toi Ohomai’s executive director affirms.
Kieran Hewitson (Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui) has been a pivotal figure at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology since 2014 when it was known as Bay of Plenty Polytechnic.
Over the years, her role has evolved, especially due to recent changes in the vocational education sector. Now, as executive director, she is responsible for steering the organisation through its next period of its evolution.
Kieran’s love for her job is centred on people, both ākonga (students) and kaimahi (staff) alike.
“Seeing campuses bustling with life and witnessing the transformative power of education is so inspiring,” she says. “Welcoming new ākonga with a pōhiri at the beginning of each semester and then seeing these same ākonga at graduation ceremonies is a highlight – it’s wonderful to truly celebrate the achievements of our graduates.”
As change is a constant within the education sector, it can present challenges, but it also presents opportunities to adapt and evolve, Kieran confirms.
“We are currently facing some big changes within the vocational educational sector and we have a responsibility as an organisation to respond to the changes in a way that will set Toi Ohomai up for delivering excellent education now and into the future.”
A strong advocate for equity and inclusiveness, Kieran believes in striving for a fair society in which everyone can thrive. She acknowledges progress already made but also asserts that there is still long journey ahead towards equitable outcomes in education. Mentoring and encouraging wāhine to step into leadership roles, breaking down barriers and fostering a supportive environment is of particular importance to Kieran.
However, adaptability is also crucial.
“Having been in the education sector for the majority of my career, I’ve seen how its demands change. Currently, we’re seeing employers wanting graduates with more practical skills who are work ready,” she says.
“We’re also seeing more people wanting flexible learning options. Many cannot afford to give up work to study fulltime so, over the past few years, we’ve offered more in-work options. We work with employers to take learning into the workplace while delivering more options online and during evenings or weekends. It’s about ensuring we get the balance right, offering courses that meet the needs of our industries as well as our communities.”
Although the future of education is changing, Kieran is excited about the challenges ahead, ensuring Toi Ohomai prospers over the long term.
“With a strong leadership team, Toi Ohomai is poised to navigate the evolving landscape of tertiary education, continually adapting to meet the needs of communities and industries.”
