Abby Van Schreven

Bachelor of Design (Fashion) (2006)

Creative design director partner and CEO of MAAIKE design label store

Described as not just an inspiration to emerging designers — but for all women in business —  Abby van Schreven has gone far.

She was a finalist in the 2007 iD International Emerging Designer Awards, likewise at the 2010 Westpac Fashion Designer of the Year Awards, and has shown at various national and international fashion shows.

Most recently, she was selected to show at the New York Fashion Week in February,

which resulted in extremely positive feedback from international buyers, customers and media.

Abby has co-created a successful fashion label — MAAIKE — which has established itself as a reputable wholesale, on-line retail and physical retail presence.

She is committed to NZ-made product, sourcing locally where possible and supporting local manufacturers.

A “team player”, Abby is generous with her knowledge and advice to graduates. Through MAAIKE, Abby often provides work experience for Otago Polytechnic Fashion students and supports many emerging designers. 

Abby’s career includes the following highlights:

> 2007, finalist iD International Emerging Designer Awards
> 2010, finalist (top 3) Westpac Fashion Designer of the Year
> 2015, selected to show in Darker Eden: Fashion from Dunedin exhibition, Auckland
> 2017, selected to show in Anything Could Happen: exhibition of contemporary art and fashion, Shanghai, China
> 2018, selected to show in New York Fashion Week, February 2018

Alan Dowman

Master of Professional Practice – International Business (with Distinction, 2017)

CEO, Inno-Ventive

Alan Dowman is an outstanding contributor to the development of a range of innovative New Zealand businesses.

However, Alan has always been as keen to learn from the expertise of others, too.

Last year he completed a Certificate in Disruptive Innovation Strategies through Harvard Business School.

In fact, he has been described as “a  perpetual  student  of  innovation  methodologies, a man with  a  knack  of  identifying  and  applying,  then  sharing  the  best  and  most  appropriate  aspects  of  such  new  knowledge  with  his  R&D  team  at  exactly  the  right  time.”

Within 6 months of establishing his consultancy Inno-Ventive,  Alan was awarded preferred supplier status to Callaghan Innovation and has been working with major NZ clients within their programme.

Ross  Pearce, Programme  Manager  Design, Callaghan  Innovation, lauds Alan’s contribution to New  Zealand  business:

“Through  his  efforts,  expertise  and  passion  Ross  has  delivered  significant  value  to  many  businesses  while  at  the  same  time  adding  10s  of  millions  of  dollars  revenue  to  the  New  Zealand  economy. “

Alan’s career includes the following highlights:
> Developed a novel model of innovative product development which reduced the average concept to market time from 3 years to 6 months
> Within 6 months of establishing his consultancy Inno-Ventive,  he was awarded preferred supplier status to Callaghan Innovation and has been working with major NZ clients within their programme
> Certificate in Disruptive Innovation Strategies – Harvard Business School (2017)

Chris Weaver

Diploma in Fine and Applied Arts (Distinction in Design and Sculpture) (1976), Certificate in Ceramics (1976)

Studio Potter

Growing up in a family of five boys, Chris Weaver learned quickly that he wanted something he had to make it with what he had at hand, or go without. 

He built a potter’s wheel while at high school and taught himself to make pots. He then headed to the Dunedin School of Art in the early 70s and turned a necessity into a lifelong  passion.

Based on the West Coast, Chris has won many awards — too many to list them all— and undertaken a range of prestigious international residencies. He produces new work for at least one exhibition every year, and his work has been exhibited widely.

His collections are held in numerous prominent institutions, including the Auckland War Memorial Museum; The Dowse Art Museum; Shepparton Art Museum, Australia; and Mino Ceramic Park in Tajimi, Japan.

Yet despite all the accolades, he remains down to earth and ever-curious.

This from the Otago Potters’ Group, which hosted Chris for a weekend masterclass last year:

“While we were all aware of his status in the art world . . . the calm, meditative way in which this modest artist demonstrated his techniques  . . . was inspiring.”

Chris’ career includes the following highlights:
> 1993 Norsewear Art Award for Ceramics
> 1994 Norsewear Art Award - Merit Award
> 1995 New Zealand Society of Potters - Merit Award
> 1996 Fletcher Challenge Ceramics Award - Finalist
> 1995 Awarded Creative New Zealand grant to travel and study in the United States, the United Kingdom and Ireland.
> 2007 One of six New Zealand potters invited to undertake a residency at FuLe International Ceramic Art Museum, in Fuping, China.
> 2010 Invited as an Artist in Residence at the Sturt Arts Centre in Mittagong, Australia
> Collections held in the Auckland War Memorial Museum; The Dowse Art Museum; the Suter Art Gallery, Nelson; Canterbury Museum; Hawkes Bay Museum, Napier; Shepparton Art Museum, Australia; and Mino Ceramic Park in Tajimi, Japan

Derek James Forbes

Bachelor of Applied Management (Sports Management) (2015)

Sports Ambassador

When Derek James Forbes — better known as “DJ” — retired from playing last year, he brought to an end a career that  has shaped the modern  game of  Sevens. 

New  Zealand  Rugby  CEO  Steve  Tew  notes DJ’s success  in  Sevens  is  without  peer. 

“He has  been  a  consistent  and  dominant  force  on  the  world  stage  for  so  long,  achieving  nearly  every  title and  accolade  during his  playing  career.”

As Tew says: “DJ  is  one  of  the  great  guys  of  rugby.  Dominant  on  the  field  and  respected  off  it. 

“He has been  a  great  ambassador — both  nationally  and  internationally — for  Sevens  and  has  given  a  huge  amount  of  his  time  help  grow  its  profile.”

On his retirement in September last year, Forbes reflected on his lengthy international career, the highlights of which extended well beyond the field.

“I’ve built lifelong friendships with players, coaches and management and got to experience the high of success on the international stage.

“Sevens means you’re on the road a lot. While I got to travel and represent my country, sacrifices were made at home. I want to thank my wife and kids and family and friends for their enormous support, and I am looking forward to being around a lot more.

“Today starts my new life after footy. I’m looking forward to finishing my Masters degree (through Otago Polytechnic’s Capable NZ school), which examines what makes successful coaching from an athlete’s perspective, and my goal is to one day coach a national side.”

DJ’s career includes the following highlights:
> 11 World Rugby Sevens series (512 games on that stage!)
> 153 tries in World Series events
> 2008 International Sevens Player of the Year
> NZ Sevens Player of the Year 2007, 2008 and 2014
> Rugby World Cup Sevens gold medal in 2013
> Commonwealth Games gold medal in 2010 and a silver in 2014

Dr. Lesley Dixon

Master of Midwifery (2005)

NZ College of Midwives National Midwifery Advisor: Practice and Research

Dr Lesley Dixon is likely the most published academic midwife in New Zealand, having had 40 peer-reviewed papers published.

A practising midwife for more than 30 years, Lesley  has  worked  in  a  wide  range  of  hospital settings  and in  many  countries.

She holds a PhD (Victoria University) and was this year appointed Co-Chair of the International Congress of Midwives (ICM) Research Standing Committee.

Lesley is also Co-editor of the NZCOM Journal and Co-editor of the Midwifery textbook “Midwifery; Preparation for practice” -- THE foundational text for schools of midwifery in NZ and Australia.

Associate  Professor  Jean  Patterson (on  behalf  of  the  Midwifery  School) says Lesley’s  contribution  to midwifery and  women’s health has been -- and  continues  to  be -- outstanding.

These comments are echoed by Karen  Guilliland, CEO of the NZ College of Midwives:

“Lesley’s  expertise  as  a researcher  in has  enabled  midwifery  to  continually  improve its  way  of  working  with  women  and  families.

“Lesley has  made  an outstanding  contribution  to  the  understanding  of  a wide  range  of  practice  topics  -- her work has  given  midwives  more  confidence.”

Lesley’s career includes the following highlights:
> PhD Victoria University
> Co-Chair of the International Congress of Midwives (ICM) Research Standing Committee appointed 2018
> Practising midwife for over 30 years
> Co-editor of the NZCOM Journal
> Co-editor of the Midwifery textbook “Midwifery; Preparation for practice”, the foundational text for schools of midwifery in NZ and Australia

Faanimo Elisara-To'o

Bachelor of Applied Management (Business Transformation and Change) with Distinction (2017)

Administrator/Customer Service Officer, Otago Polytechnic

“Nimo” Elisara To’o is likely too humble to tell anyone this — but she has changed lives.

Widely  respected  within  her  church  and  heavily  involved  within  all  aspects  of  the  Pacific  Island  Community  in  Dunedin, Nimo  is a person who gives  tirelessly  to  her  community — in fact, to  anyone  who  may  need  help.

A board member of Pacific Trust Otago, Nimo is a Youth Pastor, Sunday School teacher, Counsellor and motivational speaker for NZ Assemblies of God Church. She is also a highly regarded advocate for youth and a skilled project  leader.

Nimo is also a Court Interpreter and Samoan Translator with the Ministry of Justice, an important role that has her involved in District and Family Court contexts.

An example of just one of the many community projects with which Nimo has been involved is  Project Real, which aimed to address issues of youth alcohol and substance as well as the flow-on effects of family issues.

Nimo’s work included addressing root causes of the problem. The results included a decrease in cases involving police and increased involvement from parents at school meetings and events. Such was its success, other community groups used the concepts and approaches for their own projects.

Nimo’s career includes the following highlights:
> 2014-present, Board member Pacific Trust Otago
> 2000-present, motivational speaker NZ Assemblies of God Church
> 1990-present, Youth Pastor and Counsellor NZ Assemblies of God Church
> 1999-present, Court Interpreter and Samoan Translator, Ministry of Justice, District and Family Courts

Holly Robinson

Bachelor of Applied Science (2015)

Paralympic Athlete

Holly Robinson has always been “sporty”. Her earliest memory is playing rugby with her twin brother in Hokitika when she was three years old.

Robinson “decided to start getting serious about something” (her words) at the age of 12. She focused on javelin throwing and, at 16, was offered a scholarship to train with Raylene Bates.

In 2012 she represented New Zealand at the London Paralympics. It was also Holly’s last year of school.

Fast-forward two decades – to the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast last month, when Holly claimed a silver medal in the F46 javelin.

Of course, it’s not the only medal Holly has won.

One of NZ’s top throwers, she claimed a silver at the 2013 IPC Athletics World Championships, a bronze at the same event in 2015, and a silver at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janiero, where she was also the NZ Team Flag Bearer.

An athletics coach with ParaFed Otago, Holly is also someone who gives back to her sport and is described as an outstanding role model and mentor.

Says one parent:

“During the 2-year period that Holly has been at ParaFed, she has truly helped and motived my son.  It is now his aim to become a Paralympian and Holly has played an integral role in the development of that ambition.”

Holly’s career includes the following highlights:
> Silver medal Women’s Javelin — 2013 IPC Athletics World Championships, France
> Bronze medal Women’s Javelin — 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships, Qatar
> Silver medal Women’s Javelin — 2016 Paralympic Games, Rio de Janiero (was also NZ Team Flag Bearer)
> Silver medal Women’s Javelin — 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games
> Athletic coach, ParaFed Otago

Holly Zandbergen

Bachelor of Visual Arts (Painting) (2013)

Artist

As a student Holly Zanbergen was a model of dedication. She would paint in her studio area for two hours in the early morning before anyone else arrived.

This devotion to her work has paid off, Holly’s record and reputation as an emerging new talent growing alongside her burgeoning talent. She has had works exhibited in numerous galleries, competitions and art fairs in London, Seattle, Toronto, Florence and Auckland.

Holly moved to London not long after graduating and exhibited in various galleries in the UK. She won the coveted ‘Best Young Artist’ Award in the UK’s National Open Art Competition, which was exhibited at the Royal College of Art in London in 2015.

Last year, Holly had her first solo show at Rebecca Hossack Gallery in London, which was opened by the New Zealand High Commissioner, an honour bestowed on very few New Zealand artists.

She has established herself in one of the biggest and most difficult art platforms (painting), largely under her own steam, proof of her dedication to the art-form.

Significantly, Holly has maintained contact with the School of art, offering her time to present to senior students, providing a real account of her struggles and successes.

Holly’s career includes the following highlights:
> 2016 Prudential Best Young Artist Award (£5000) at the UK’s National Open Art Awards, held at the Royal College of Art in London2013 - NZAAT Emerging Artist Award, The New Zealand Art Show  
   – The River Series, Graham Hunter Gallery, London, 2016
   – Columbia Threadneedle Prize, The Mall Galleries, London, 2016
   – Palazzo Strozzi, Florence, 2016
   – NOA Winner's Exhibition, Pallant House Gallery, Chichester, 2015

> Exhibitions: The National Open Art Exhibition, The Royal College of Art, London, 2015;
   – Creekside Open 2015 selected by Lisa Milroy, APT Gallery, London;
   – RSM Plunket Law Show, Aigantighe Gallery, 2014;
   – The NZ Art Show, TSB Arena, NZ; SITE, Dunedin School of Art, NZ, 2013

Justin Stonelake

Bachelor of Applied Management (2017)

Owner and Franchisee, McDonald’s Restaurants, Dunedin

An outstanding business leader, Justin Stonelake stands by his stated vision, “Dedicated to our People and Committed to our Community”.

These are not just words on paper for Justin and the staff of his three McDonald’s Restaurants in Dunedin; he has instilled this vision throughout his entire operation.

As a franchisee in Northland, he offered four Te Tai Tokerau Scholarships each year.  These scholarships provided significant financial and pastoral support for young Northland Māori, allowing them to undertake tertiary study in Auckland.

In Dunedin, he developed and implemented a Key Employee Lifestyle Package, including free gym membership, dollar for dollar support for staff wishing to undertake further education, a Home Loan support package and employee-driven work scheduling.  

Justin is also highly committed to Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) and supports his staff to become members of its Ambassador Programme.

In fact, Justin and his Dunedin team have raised more than $1 million dollars for New Zealand’s Ronald McDonald Houses, provide a caring, supportive environment where families can remain together in tough times.

Justin’s career includes the following highlights:
> While a franchisee in Northland, offered four Te Tai Tokerau Scholarships each year, which provided significant financial and pastoral support for young Northland Maori allowing them to undertake tertiary study in Auckland.
> Developed and implemented a Key Employee Lifestyle Package which offers Dunedin staff innovative and market-leading support, including free gym membership, dollar for dollar support for staff wishing to undertake further education, a home loan support package and employee driven work scheduling
> Highly committed to Ronald McDonald House Charities and supports staff to become members of the RMHC Ambassador programme.  The Dunedin Team has raised in excess of $1M for NZ’s Ronald McDonald Houses.

Kelly Brazier

Kelly Brazier was the hero of the New Zealand women's sevens team’s Commonwealth Games gold medal match, running 80 metres to score the winning try in extra time.

The daughter of an English father and an Irish mother, Kelly followed her older brother Tony into rugby, playing her first game at five.

Having played representative touch in summer and representative rugby in winter for much of her teens, Kelly was selected in the Otago NPC team in 2006 — at the age of 15.

At that stage, she’d already played a season for the Alhambra Union premier women’s rugby team – for whom she set a New Zealand women’s club rugby record of 64 points in a game in 2009.

Kelly was the leading points scorer at the 2010 Rugby World Cup and won the Otago Institute of Sport and Adventure Sportsperson of the Year award in 2009 and 2010.

Kelly’s career includes the following highlights:
> Black Ferns Sevens (2013-present)
> Black Ferns (2009-2014, 2016-present)
> Canterbury (2011)
> Otago (2005-2010, 2012-2016)
> Bay of Plenty (2017-present)
> NZ Award for Player of the Year (2009)
> NZ Award Player of the Year, one of three nominees (2013)
> World Player of the Year, one of five nominees (2017)
> Sevens Commonwealth Games gold medallist (2018)

Kerri Oliver

Bachelor of Social Services (2018)

Senior Support Worker and Advocate – Women’s Refuge

Currently a Senior Support Worker at Women’s Refuge, Kerri Oliver is a long-time advocate for women and children.

Her tireless work involves supporting women and their children in the community who suffer from domestic violence.

She spent six years with Te Whare Pounamu Women’s Refuge as Residential Manager, a role that including supporting women as they entered a safe house, attending appointments with lawyers, doctors and other professionals.

She learned that domestic violence has many victims, including children and extended family and friends.

Kerri has also had extensive experience as an Early Childhood Education Advocate, educating parents and encouraging them to enrol their children.

She has also delivered parenting programmes at the Otago Corrections Facility, educating groups of male prisoners about the effects their incarceration has on their children.

She also came to learn that every prisoner has their own story to tell, that many aren’t born bad, and that prisoners need education and support in order to re-enter society.

Now back at Women’s Refuge as an Advocate, Kerri is continuing her passion for helping others.

Kerri’s career includes the following highlights:
> Tireless work supporting women and their children in the community who suffer from domestic violence
> Residential Manager of Te Whare Pounamu Women’s Refuge
> Early Childhood Education Advocate
> Delivering parenting programmes at Otago Corrections Facility
> Women’s Refuge Senior Support Work and Advocate

Marianne Te Tau

Bachelor of Nursing (2004); Bachelor of Nursing First Class Honours (2005)

Clinical Nurse Specialist

Committed to excellence in all that she does, Marianne Te Tau is a person driven to make a difference to the lives of others.

Described as an “exemplary learner who demonstrated significant leadership skills in both the classroom and clinical setting” while studying nursing at Otago Polytechnic, Marianne’s instincts for caring extend to all – her whanau, hapu and iwi.

Since graduation, she has excelled in her chosen area of clinical expertise and demonstrated leadership within her practice speciality.

She has continued to extend her practice knowledge with postgraduate nursing studies – her contribution being recognised with a Rotary Scholarship for nursing leadership in 2016 and a SDHB Nursing Excellence Award the same year.

Her contribution to kaupapa Māori is also significant. An active member of Puketeraki Marae o Karitane, Marianne contributes to a multitude of hui and wānanga for whanau of all ages.

She has a  Diploma in Traditional Maori Weaving, is a member of the Puketeraki Marae weaving group, teaching and mentoring numerous weavers throughout the region. 

Marianne’s career includes the following highlights:
> Played a critical role setting up the Anaesthetic Pre-Operative Clinic at Dunedin Hospital and now responsible for leading on a day to day basis
> Toi Paematua Raranga – Diploma Traditional Maori Weaving (Te Wananga o Aotearoa) Aoraki Bound 2012
> Master of Nursing (Massey University 2014)
> Ngā Manukura o Apōpō Leadership Award 2015
> SDHB Nursing Excellence Award 2016
> Dunedin North Rotary Scholarship Award 2016
> An active member of Puketeraki Marae o Karitane, who contributes to a multitude of hui and wānanga.

Melissa Clarke-Fuller

Bachelor of Applied Management with Distinction (2009)

Work Ready Coordinator – International Students

Melissa Clarke-Fuller has demonstrated an unfaltering passion and integrity coordinating the Work Ready programme for Otago Polytechnic, the University of Otago and the Dunedin City Council.

Ensuring that international students are safe and work-ready in the NZ employment environment, Melissa has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from students and staff of all three institutions.

As a direct result of her efforts, more than 50 international students are now employed in NZ, a feat that has been supported by Immigration NZ and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

Locally, Melissa has developed rewarding relationships with Dunedin employers who offer their time free-of-charge to support students on the Work Ready programme.

Marc Doesburg, Director: Global Engagement, Otago Polytechnic, applauds Melissa’s  initiative:

“Mel  has  become  very  accomplished  in  quickly  winning  the  confidence  of  the  students  so  they  openly  discuss  with  their  peers  from  multiple  cultures  the  intricacies  of  employer/employee  relationships.”

Melissa’s career includes the following highlights:
> Coordinating the Work Ready programme for OP, UoO and the DCC, ensuring that international students are safe and work ready in the NZ employment environment
> Positive results over two years with over 50 international students now at work in NZ.
> Has gained support from Immigration NZ and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
> Has developed rewarding relationships with Dunedin employers who offer free-of-charge time supporting students on the programme
> While employed by Yellow Media, was named Rookie of the Year at their National Sales Awards in 2010

Pernell Hartley

Bachelor of Applied Management (Project Management), with Distinction (2017)

Self-employed – Managing Director of Hartley Consulting Ltd

Pernell Hartley is a man with a passion for produce.

While employed by Mr Apple NZ Ltd, he progressed from orchard manager to Chief Operating Officer, a role held for 13 years, with up to 600+ staff at peak season

Pernell’s many industry achievements include developing a new Post-Harvest Facility for a variety known as “Rockit”, the world’s smallest export-sized apple.

Pernell is also a passionate advocate for ethical and sustainable business practices and philosophies.

His sustainability initiatives include reducing water usage in apple washing from an industry-standard 40,000-50,000 litres to 7000 litres, as well as introducing full recycling processes.

In 2000, he developed one of the largest horticultural spray sheds in NZ at the time. Named “Spray Palace”, the ground-breaking project focused on an fully enclosed system in which waste and wash-down chemicals were contained and treated on site.

Pernell’s career includes the following highlights:
> Developed new Post-Harvest Facility for a variety of apple “Rockit”, the world’s smallest export sized apple
> Developed “Spray Palace”, one of the largest horticultural spray sheds in NZ at the time (2000), which gained first place in the Hawkes Bay Regional Council Business Environmental Awards
> An advocate for ethical and sustainable business practices and philosophies, with demonstrated application of these

Raylene Bates

Bachelor of Applied Management- Business Transformation and Change and Sports Management, 2011

Athletics NZ Lead Coach – High Performance Paralympics

Raylene Bates has rubbed shoulders with various New Zealand sporting legends.

Yet it might be better to say those greats have rubbed shoulders with Raylene — and in doing so have become better athletes.

Raylene has dedicated more than three decades of her life to coaching athletics, including more than 25 as a volunteer coach.

Specialising in throwing disciplines, she has worked with New Zealand legends Dame Valerie Adams and Dame Beatrice Faumuina.

Most recently, she helped guide New Zealand javelin thrower Holly Robinson to a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games.

Employed fulltime by Athletics New Zealand, Raylene was named a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her service to athletics in the 2017 New Year Honours. She also won the Shining Light Award at the Attitude Awards last year, in recognition of her involvement with Paralympians and the work she does to enhance the lives of people with disabilities.

Raylene’s long and illustrious career includes the following highlights: 
> Athletics NZ Team Manager: 2006, 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth Games; 2008-2012 Olympic Games; 2008-2012 Paralympics; numerous World Championship events
> Board member Athletics Otago
> Life member of Athletics Otago and Athletics Taieri
> High performance coach with more than 30 years of coaching, including 25 as a volunteer
> Attitude Awards 2017 (Shining Light Award)
> MNZM, 2017 New Year Honours

Sara Munro

Diploma in Fashion and Design (1998); Bachelor of Design (Fashion (2007)

Creative design director and CEO – Company of Strangers

Sara Munro is a respected and well-established member of the New Zealand fashion community.

Working for Nom*D alongside designer and founder Margarita Robertson, Sara was instrumental in helping develop a design aesthetic that has influenced many subsequent designers.

Sara has since developed her design signature with the establishment of her own fashion label in Dunedin — Company of Strangers.

She has also shown collections at NZ Fashion Week in Auckland a number of times and her products are sold through stores in New Zealand and in Australia, including her own flagship store in Dunedin, and online.

As a successful businesswoman, Sara has employed other graduates from the Otago Polytechnic Fashion Design programme.

A member of Otago Polytechnic’s Professional External Advisory Committee for fashion, Sara has previously been a member of iD Fashion Week organising committees, as well as being involved in many other projects as an industry collaborator, assessor and moderator.

Sara’s career includes the following highlights:
> 2012-present, Professional External Advisory Committee member, Fashion, School of Design, Otago Polytechnic
> 2015, selected to show in Darker Eden: Fashion from Dunedin exhibition, Auckland
> 2015-2016, iD Dunedin Fashion Society Board Member
> Has created a high quality Dunedin based fashion business, with products sold through stores in NZ and Australia, including her own flagship store in Dunedin, and online
> Collections shown at NZ Fashion Week in Auckland several times