Te Whatu Kairangi – Aotearoa Tertiary Educator Awards 2023 have announced Craig as the winner of the category focused on advancing approaches and outcomes of work-based learning.

Selection Panel Chair, Derek McCormack says, “It was a difficult task due to the quality of the portfolios overall. It is very exciting to hear about the impact that all the nominees are having on learners across the sector.” 

Heart, humor and humility are terms often associated with Craig who joined the whānau at Te Whare Wānanga o Wairaka as a plumbing lecturer in 2018.

He is a shining example of Te Noho Kotahitanga in action who demonstrates the practical application of rangatiratanga, kaitiakitanga, mahi kotahitanga, wakaritenga and ngākau māhaki in everything he does.

Head of School Lee Barlow describes him as, “a jewel in the school’s crown…a committed academic professional, highly skilled tradesperson, and empathic human being.” 

Craig combines his knowledge and experience of the plumbing industry with his skills as a successful sports coach to develop and support his team in a co-teaching environment. He goes beyond the call of duty; making himself available outside work hours to provide personalised study plans for individual students.

He is passionate about contributing to the stability of the plumbing industry while promoting lifelong learning and developing his students’ cognitive and problem-solving skills. Fully committed to ongoing professional development.

Watching apprentices mature to become trade professionals is something that makes Craig feel tremendously proud and fulfilled.

He recognises the importance of mixed-mode learning, including on-the-job and on-campus components as well as peer-to-peer learning to address the needs of apprentices and build a professional community.

His dedication has created enduring connections with his students who see him as an educator, a mentor and leader.

“You were the best teacher I have ever met. You were really professional, and I felt your passion to teach.”

When asked how he felt about this prestigious acknowledgement, he responded by saying it was an acknowledgment of the entire Trades and Services team, not just him.

In total, four amazing members of our Unitec-Te Pūkenga whānau were nominated this year with the support of our Te Puna Ako Academic Advisors.

Ngā Wai A Te Tūī Director, Hinekura Smith (Te Rarawa, Ngā Puhi) who received a Fullbright Ngā Pae o te Nāramatanga Scholar Award earlier this year was nominated in the Kaupapa Māori category with the support of Karen Haines.

Our amazing Whaikaha (Supported Learning) team were also nominated for a group award with the support of Fiona Dalton.

Renata Jadrisen-Milic supported by Maureen Perkins was nominated for an individual award in the general category.

The Awards ceremony will take place at Parliament from 3.30pm on Tuesday 26 September with the Minister of Education Hon Jan Tinetti as guest presenter.

Ki a koutou ngā kaiako taioreore o te whānau o Te Whare Wānanga o Wairaka, kei te mihi, nā tō kaha he hua nui ka puea ake mo ngā reanga kei te tipu haere tonu mai.