Staff and Student Profiles

Suvisal Thilina
Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology Graduate
Growing up in Sri Lanka, Suvisal Thilina had an interest in technology and learning how to use new software. UCOL’s Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology gave him the tools to turn that interest into a career.
Meet Suvisal
Jensina Phillips
Bachelor of Social Work student
Part-way through her degree, Jensina's placement at a mental health peer support, education, and advocacy service led her to securing a part-time job as a Carer.
Meet Jensina
Lena Matiaha
Business Administration Graduate and Bachelor of Social Work Student
Looking to help fulfil the need for more Māori social workers in Wairarapa.
Meet Lena
Kat Delves
National Certificate in Security (Site Security) Graduate
A highlight of Kat's experience at UCOL was making industry connections while studying.
Meet Kat
Andy Halewood
Senior Furniture Lecturer and Joinery Lecturer
"Taking a slab of wood and turning in it into someone’s prized possession, it’s definitely an art."
Meet Andy
Salamo Sooalo
Early Childhood Education & Care Student
Originally from Samoa, it was Salamo Sooalo’s faith and love for music brought him to Levin. It’s here that he’s started his journey to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a teacher.
Meet Salamo
Derryn Hurinui
New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing Graduate
Derryn Hurinui was inspired to pursue a career in nursing while working as an administrator at a medical centre. Now she’s loving her job as an Enrolled Nurse at Whanganui Hospital’s eye clinic.
Meet Derryn
Leigh Munro
Early Childhood Education Student
Leigh Munro has always loved working with children, so studying Early Childhood Education (ECE) was a natural path for her.
Meet Leigh
Warren McKenzie
Cookery Lecturer
Warren McKenzie fell into teaching after his career as a chef took him to Australia, England, and Brazil.
Meet Warren
Mack Bold
U-Skills Academy Automotive Student
Mack Bold is on track to become a third-generation mechanic as he starts his automotive apprenticeship.
Meet Mack
Megan Lory
Baking Graduate
From baking birthday cakes with her mum to now making sweet treats enjoyed by people across the country, Megan Lory is turning her passion into a career.
Meet Lory
Ina Devine
Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) Graduate
Ina withdrew from psychology and sociology studies at university to pursue her passion in early childhood education at UCOL.
Meet Ina