Tauranga adult learners recognised

Media Release

Tauranga adult learners recognised

Thursday 9 September 2010

Four individuals and a class of adult learners received awards from Mayor Stuart Crosby at the Tauranga Moana region's 10th annual Adult Learners' Week Awards held tonight in the Council Chambers.

Whare Turnbull, Steve Hunter, Shane Warbrick, Kataraina Rimaha (all from Bay of Plenty Polytechnic), and a class of nine students from Deaf Aotearoa New Zealand were recognised for their enthusiasm and determination to learn new skills. In choosing the recipients, the judging panel also looked for learners who encourage others to engage in adult learning, share their new skills and knowledge with others, and use learning to improve their professional lives or the lives of others.

Facilitator Judi Honeyfield from Bay of Plenty Polytechnic says lots of nominations were received for the awards.

"It's wonderful to see so many people continuing to engage in learning during their adult lives and to be recognised by others. It can be hard work, especially with all the pressures going on in their lives, but they get out there and learn new skills, and many go on to share their skills and teach others. It's a fantastic effort and we want to applaud that," Judi says.

Whare Turnbull is halfway through his first year of the National Diploma in Architectural Technology. The father of three and voluntary fireman was nominated by tutors for his 'enthusiasm, engagement and absolute willingness to help every member of his class.'

Steve Hunter is also studying the National Diploma in Architectural Technology and is in his second year. Steve was recognised for his commitment to study, and consistently high quality work, while balancing a heavy workload, including two hours employment every day before his 8am class.

Shane Warbrick is studying a Diploma in Art. Nominated by his tutor as "one of the most charismatic and optimistic people he has ever met", Shane has had to overcome significant learning difficulties to achieve his excellent grades. His tutor says he has openly shared his own learning journey with other students and is constantly improving his ability to learn and teach others.

Hospitality student Kataraina Rimaha was nominated for her professional work standards, her class leadership roles and her entries in regional cooking competitions. Kataraina balances a busy home life with her studies, and says she wants to show her children that, "it doesn't matter what age you are, you can always learn".

The 'Build Your English Skills' class from Deaf Aotearoa New Zealand also received an outstanding adult learner award. Described by their tutor as 'inspirational', the nine deaf adult English learners demonstrate an "enthusiasm for learning and a determination to achieve and improve their lives, and to contribute fully within their families, workplace and community".

Judi Honeyfield says this year's theme 'Learn for Today and Tomorrow' emphasises the way learning has an immediate impact on the lives of adults and their communities, but is also an investment for the future. "Whanau and communities are enriched through ongoing adult learning and in this time of economic uncertainty, adult learning enhances opportunities for so many people and for society as a whole," she says.

Barry Dawe, Bay of Plenty Polytechnic; Patricia Terremere, Katikati Community Resource Centre; and Joy Taylor, Literacy and Language Bay of Plenty, also received adult educator awards for their exceptional commitment to excellence and the advancement of their learners.

Relationship Services - Whakawhanaungatanga Tauranga received the Innovative Provider Award. Adult Learners' Week, held from 6-12 September, is a UNESCO initiative organised in more than 40 countries to celebrate achievements and contributions in adult learning. Since 1998, ACE (Adult & Community Education) Aotearoa has organised the event in New Zealand with funding support from the Tertiary Education Commission and Ako Aotearoa.

2010 marks the event's 10th year in Tauranga, where it is supported locally by Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, The University of Waikato and Tauranga City Council. As part of the week's celebrations, a professional development day for adult educators in the community is being held tomorrow (Friday) at the Wairoa Marae in Bethlehem.

University of Waikato student Deidre Hauschild was also recognised at the awards ceremony. Deidre is studying a Bachelor of Social Science at Tauranga and received the University's BOP Alumni Adult Learner scholarship of $1000 for 2010. The scholarship is presented annually to one student who studies at the University in Tauranga. Recipients are recognised for their enthusiasm and commitment to learning, and their inspiration to other students.

Judi Honeyfield says concluding the ceremony with this award was a "wonderful acknowledgement of our outstanding community of students."

Ends.

Words 750

www.boppoly.ac.nz

© Scoop Media