Marcus Flintoff brings over 14 years of teaching experience to his role as a Lecturer in Veterinary Nursing.
In 2024 he started on a new journey with Te Atakura that has seen him
recognised by UCOL and the New Zealand Veterinary Nurses Association
which named him the New Zealand Veterinary Nurse of the Year.
A Palmy-born and bred graduate of Freyberg High School, Marcus set his sights on working with animals, inspired by his dad and their menagerie of pets, including rats, cats, dogs, and tropical fish. He went to Massey and pursued a two-year diploma in Veterinary Nursing, then joined the Equine Department. He spent five years there before specialising in anaesthesia, primarily with horses. His experience extended to working with various animals, including giraffes at Wellington Zoo, a sea lion from the old Napier Marineland, and even an ostrich.
Marcus’s journey into teaching was driven by a desire to share his passion and knowledge of veterinary anaesthesia, as there are too few in the real world. He believes students should learn the best practices in the classroom to be well-prepared to apply them in real-world scenarios. This commitment to hands-on, practical education is a cornerstone of his teaching philosophy.
When a role covering maternity leave at UCOL arose, Marcus leapt at the chance and successfully applied for a permanent role. He joined the Te Atakura programme this year and values the guidance provided by his mentor. In past roles, he said there were a few PowerPoints, but in general, it was sink or swim.
Through the programme, Marcus has not only recognised but also actively addressed the historical parity gap in educational outcomes for Māori students. By regularly seeking feedback from his students and refining his teaching methods, he is committed to closing this gap and promoting equity in education. His dedication to relationship-based teaching and his passion for veterinary anaesthesia have significantly impacted his students, helping them reach a high standard before they enter the workforce.
Marcus Flintoff’s journey into teaching and his embrace of the Te Atakura values reflect a deep dedication to not only teaching but also fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment where all students can thrive. His unwavering commitment to ākonga has also seen him recognised by the New Zealand Veterinary Nurses Association, and he is a finalist in the New Zealand Veterinary Nurse of the Year award—one of three finalists!