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Sport & Recreation Student Profiles

Damon Haenga
Sport and recreation graduate, Damon Haenga
Graduate: Diploma in Sport & Recreation Level 6, Bachelor of Sport & Recreation

After graduating from Trident High School, enrolling in the Diploma in Sport and Recreation was an obvious decision for Damon, allowing him to continue his passion for beach volleyball and physical activity while working toward a career in an industry he was very much part of.

Moving to neighbouring Tauranga was an added bonus, guaranteeing continued access to the Bay’s great climate and beaches allowing him to continue his beach volleyball training. What did Damon learn in the diploma?

“The thing that blew me away the most was just how astonishing the body is. How it works and does everything for a reason, with an overall purpose to live as efficiently as possible. I really loved the field trip to the anatomy lab at the University of Auckland – seeing real human anatomy was totally awesome!”

“The tutors on the diploma programme were ’better than good’,” said Damon. “Our small class sizes allowed for one-on-one education and personal attention from the tutors. They have such a huge amount of knowledge and expertise that they’re willing to give."

After completing the diploma, Damon went on to complete AUT’s Bachelor in Sport & Recreation offered through the polytechnic at Windermere Campus. Damon was surprised by the sheer number of programme areas that interested him. “Exercise science, human movement, coaching, marketing and event management were amongst my favourites,” said Damon. “I developed and picked up some crucial skills during my time at the polytechnic including learning how to become more critical in my thinking and an effective problem solver.

The degree gave me insight into my own personal sporting career and this led me to train and eat more effectively and efficiently. I’ve decided to share my passion for sport and fitness with high school students so I’m currently completing the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) through the University of Waikato (also taught at Windermere Campus).”

Damon’s recent Polytechnic/AUT placement at Mount Maunganui College has confirmed he’s definitely on the right career path. Damon plans to go on playing beach volleyball for New Zealand and aspires to qualify for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016!

Written On: Thursday, 1 April 2010
Megan Read
Image of Megan Read working out
Graduate: Certificate in Fitness "Cert4Fitness" Level 4
Employed: Fitness and Aquatic Instructor, Bay of Plenty Polytechnic

When chosen for the national outrigger canoeing squad in 2005, little did Megan realise it would be one of the catalysts for her life taking a whole new direction.

During the ten month intensive training regime, she found herself inspired by the apparent ‘method behind the madness’ brought to the eighty plus strong women’s squad by the trainer.

After every division in the New Zealand women’s squad took home medals at the Waka Ama World Sprint Championships at Lake Karapiro in 2006, Megan realised the impact of a brilliant trainer/coach team and decided to end a twenty-one year career in construction to follow a whole new lead.

“I never believed in myself or had the confidence to get out of the job I’d been in for all those years. So many people raved to me about the fitness course at the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic and told me I should be doing this course. After the outrigger canoeing competition, I decided to go for it and enrolled. It was the best decision I ever made in my life!”

Going back to school as a mature student was daunting, particularly after having bad high school experiences as a teenager, but Megan says she soon found she was in her element.

“The tutors’ ability to deliver information in a way that is understandable was outstanding. I was so impressed by their delivery. I can’t say enough about them. The course was practical and applicable. I felt really prepared going in to my new job."

Megan is thriving in her Fitness and Aquatic Instructor role and hopes to stay right where she is.

“I love the environment here. It really suits me. The tutors, students and public really make the place, and management allow me to be creative and support new initiatives. It’s a great place to study and a great place to work!”

Written On: Friday, 1 January 2010
Michelle Barns
Image of Michelle Barnes at work
Graduate: Diploma in Sport & Recreation Level 6, Bachelor of Sport & Recreation
Employed: Health Promoter, Toi Te Ora - Public Health Service, Tauranga

Wherever Michelle Barns ends up in her career path, she will have nothing but fond memories of her time spent at Bay of Plenty Polytechnic while studying towards the Bachelor of Sport and Recreation. She made the decision to study locally so she could continue training toward representing New Zealand in gymnastics, and believes she ended up with the best of both worlds.

“Studying in a regional area meant class sizes were smaller and it seemed to be way less intimidating than the big city institutions. I felt like I wasn’t just a number. The staff at Poly were friendly and on top of that there were really awesome facilities. There’s stacks of new and high tech equipment and the pool and gym facilities are amazing.”

Michelle also rates the quality of her education highly. Tutors were always available and had an open door policy. She also had the opportunity to bump shoulders with other high profile athletes who were also at the top of their game.

“I loved every minute of it. It was absolutely the best three years of my life. We had a close knit group and it was really inspirational to be studying with similar-minded people. I also discovered how much I have a thirst to learn. Every subject we studied, I found fascinating. I really want to continue learning and eventually would like to gain another qualification specialising in nutrition.”

Twenty five year old Michelle has not struggled for work since graduating with her degree; working first as a full-time team leader at the Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre in Tauranga and now as a WorkWell Health Promoter for Toi Te Ora - Public Health Service. Her current role is focused on supporting businesses to put in place simple strategies for managing employee wellbeing by focusing on the impact of the working environment and organisational systems.

Written On: Thursday, 1 April 2010