What’s new at Skills Ignite

Our campus came together to celebrate the Māori New Year – Manawatia a Matariki! It was a vibrant day of reflection, connection, and culture, filled with incredible performances from our talented students, delicious kai prepared by our amazing Cookery team, and plenty of good vibes across Skills Ignite.

Skills Group recently welcomed Jordan Kestle, Head of International Projects at Schweizerische Hotelfachschule Luzern (SHL), to explore partnership and student exchange opportunities within our Skills Ignite Cookery and Hospitality programmes.

International student Abegail Galias shares her Skills Ignite journey in Hospitality and how hands-on learning gave her the confidence to succeed in New Zealand, turning her passion into a rewarding and meaningful career.

Led by our Hospitality Tutor, Rahul Pradhan, the team joined the MyMarathon Fundraiser with a mission to raise awareness and vital funds for heart disease research in Aotearoa. With weekend hikes, team spirit, and plenty of heart, our team truly crushed it!

Rey Arcos, originally from the Philippines, has worn many hats – from high school teacher to CNC machinist. Rey’s journey is one of persistence and adaptability. Now based in New Zealand, he’s taken a bold step into the healthcare sector, driven by curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Skills Ignite proudly hosted our annual Pink Ribbon Stakeholder Breakfast, and thanks to the incredible support of our sponsors, community, and the Wiri Business Association, we raised a phenomenal $3,900 for Breast Cancer Foundation NZ!

Police and Defence Prep graduate James Muliaga shares his study journey – marked by resilience, leadership, and a powerful commitment to making a difference, becoming a positive example for his community.

Moving to a new country can be overwhelming—but for Olive Opetaia, it was also the start of something incredible. Originally from Samoa, Olive faced the challenge of adjusting to a completely new environment when she arrived in New Zealand.