Passionate Maori educator welcomed to the Bay

Bay of Plenty Polytechnic welcomed new Director Education & Maori Development, Kieran Hewitson, to the senior leadership team.

Ms Hewitson (Ngati Porou me Te Whanau-a-Apanui) comes to the Polytechnic from Te Wananga o Aotearoa in Te Awamutu, where she held the position of Associate Kaihautu – Marautanga (Curriculum).

Passionate about providing unhindered access to tertiary education for all learners, Ms Hewitson brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the institution with almost 20 years in tertiary education.

Dr Alan Hampton, Polytechnic Chief Executive, says Ms Hewitson is a very welcome addition to Bay of Plenty Polytechnic’s senior leadership team. 

“Kieran will lead the continuing development of how we support all our students to enjoy tertiary success,” says Dr Hampton.  “Her particular attention will also be on how the institution can provide greater opportunity for Maori to participate successfully in tertiary study and partner with Iwi of Tauranga Moana to meet their skill needs for the future.”

Ms Hewitson is excited to be joining the Polytechnic team and is looking forward to working with people from across the organisation as well as hapu and iwi of the region.

“I’ve got a real passion for education which is why I’ve stayed working in tertiary for so long,” says Ms Hewitson. “In particular, Maori education and helping Māori to succeed as Maori. It is important that our tauira [students] don’t have to leave half of themselves at the door when they come in to a learning institution, that they are able to express themselves and be their whole self.”

“I see so many great opportunities for Maori at Bay of Plenty Polytechnic. There is such diversity amongst the programmes and the skills on offer.”