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Kiwi Gold Medalist Finds Diploma Means Business

Monday 19 February 2018, 10:21AM

By Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology

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Photo credit: Whakatane Beacon
Photo credit: Whakatane Beacon Credit: Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology

BAY OF PLENTY

Eastern Bay of Plenty’s Raanj ‘Rangi’ Rapana, has represented New Zealand in dragon boat racing, touch, waka ama, and as part of the kiwi Masters Women’s rafting team, recently won gold at the World Championships.

In-between work, motherhood and training, the multi-discipline star has kept her career moving forward by completing a New Zealand Diploma in Business (NZDB) via part-time study at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology’s Whakatane Campus.

“Success in either sport or education comes down to consistency. I chose the accounting major, over marketing or leadership, and could instantly apply what I learnt to my job.

“The diploma didn’t just teach me about ledgers and systems, my tutor, Ric Carr made sure that I knew what was happening every step of the way. After all, accounting can often be computerised now, but those programs still rely on human input. You still have to know where things go.”

Not only a stand-alone qualification, the NZDB also represents the first year of a business degree and completes the requirements for the CAANZ accounting technician qualification.

“When I got my exam dates, I thought ‘Sweet, I can still go to Japan and raft for New Zealand!’ Yet as that three-week trip landed in the lead up to exams, I had no time to study.

“That’s where having Ric as my tutor was so good. He really worked with me. When I got back into the country, he reiterated what I had missed and I was soon back on track.”

From his perspective, Ric feels that that Raanj’s ability to “keep her eyes on the prize” was key in achieving her diploma.

“A grounding in business is relevant no matter what direction your career is headed in. That’s why working students like Rangi study part-time with just two lectures per week.”

Rangi agrees “There are too many excuses these days. Everyone has time to sit on their phone when they could just as easily be giving studying a go and learning new skills.”

With her graduation set for April this year, Rangi is now aiming for a previously unconsidered goal; becoming a chartered accountant.

“Now that my son has left home, it’s just me, so I’ve got time.”