May 18: Te Whare Wananga Awanuiarangi

Our last institution of the 3 day marathon. I’ll be honest, it’s a lot of information to get all at once, and I have to work hard to make sure I’m not blending my days together (especially because we have been staying at different hostels every night).



Te Whare Wananga Awanuiarangi was going through a lot of construction so we were not able to see the new marae they were building for the institution (which I would assume will be beautiful). Our powhiri was very similar in nature to the on that we went through at Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, minus being in the marae (the building was still very welcoming and beautiful). The “hongi” wasn’t much easier, but it definitely felt much less awkward than the hongi yesterday.

Te Whare Wananga Awanuiarangi is a 20 year-old institution that is extremely Maori centered and they pride themselves in that. It is only of 3 Wanangas in all of New Zealand and is rebranded as the “indigenous university”. There is a focus on not just academic excellence AND world knowledge excellence (it is important to knot lose the cultural factors, something that is done at some institutions).

Red Revolution of 1980s
The red revolution was basically a “thinking shift” in the Maori that changed from being reactive to proactive. Basically, they took responsibility to make change rather than waiting for permission (which obviously made all the difference), which involves a lot of self-determination.
I felt the “red Revolution” was important to note because it was not something that has been talked about yet, but it is what happened to create the attitude shift toward the Maori and the importance of their culture.

I’ll be honest, the presentation style of this institution was extremely dense and informative.We received a lot of information in a short period of time, from a lot of different people. Being the 3rd institution in a row, was probably not the best for my attention span, but my hand was definitely sore by the end of the day because of all the notes I took.

Graham Smith, the first speaker of the day talked a lot about transformation versus transforming, which was an interesting concept, especially after taking the Issues in Higher Education class this fall (large focus on change theory). Basically Graham explained that transformation is a utopian concept, but rather “transforming” is what our focus should be on, not the END RESULT of transformation.
This was something that I always thought about transformation, and Graham put more light on that idea: I believe transformation may not look like transformation while it’s occurring… but rather over time, looking back, we can they say that this “change” of sorts was a transformation (like when a caterpillar is in a cocoon…or a baby growing up. If we compare a picture of a baby to an adult we can say “wow, what a transformation”… but at the time it seems like such small incremental steps that lead us there… I think that’s the point Graham was trying to making about transforming and transformation, and how institutions need to look at small changes… they may seem small a first, but they may lead to transformation.

I found that, like at Bay of Plenty Polytehcnic, I felt a sort of anger at Auckland and how economically privileged they are compared to Awanuiarangi and Bay of Plenty Polytechinic. Awanuiarangi provides a very rich experience and education, but the funding is so little compared to Auckland; it’s just not fair.

Another phrase that was said during the day was

“Thou shall not can’t”

 I LOVE THAT. I think it’s such a good phrase, and it doesn’t surprise me that an institution with a high “minority” population is an institution that uses such a phrase. Why do I say this? Because institutions that are privileged in many ways (thought they have that problem) would never admit it (Ahem… Auckland).
I also liked when they said that “technology is a supporting tool but it can never take over the face to face”. I really hope that the United States has that memo, because I worry that’s going to happen with all advising (not a good idea, RETENTION PEOPLE).

Overall I found that Awanuiarangi was very research based in their application and implementation of services, but also in their way of presenting. This was the first institution we have visited that used citations in their powerpoints and gave us a reference page at the end of their presentation. It is obvious that they know their work very well, and have probably had to defend their programs and implementations (perhaps) more than other institutions have to because of the Maori population (this is just an assumption).

I didn’t feel like I got a good idea of what it’s like to be a student here, nor what it’s like to be an employee of the institution. I feel I got a rich history, overview and explanation of WHY they do the things they do (which was great), but as a student affairs professional, I would have liked to meet students and gotten their perspective, or seen the professionals in action. I think they have a strong grasp on how to reach our to their student population, and it would have been great to see that happen while we were there (because I know it would have been impressive and a great experience).

After being at the Awanuiarangi we got to visit a computer-lab-kids-space that is there for the public to use for free, and had workshops for children in getting experience with technology. We even had the opportunity to watch a video created by one of the children that went there. It was a great space and a wonderful opportunity for the children of the area.

Lastly we went up to a gorgeous view (see pictures), and were told this really long and descriptive story about the area (that was nearly impossible to remember but wonderful.

We then drove to Rotorua and I tried Indian food for the first time. YUM! I was surprised how not busy the area was for a Friday night. Lastly, we enjoyed the evening and headed t bed before our trip to Te Puia and Wellington.

May 17: Bay of Plenty Polytechnic

Today as left me feeling absolutely enlightened... what a wonderful place and experience.

As you may or may not remember, the first assignment that my group did for the New Zealand class was focused on the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic. From the get-go I was excited to go to this institution because it very much resembled a Community College (Polytechnic’s are basically the community colleges of New Zealand), and because I work at a community college, I was interested in what take-home lessons I could learn from this institution. What I didn’t realize was how much I would love the institution and the people we encountered while there.

 

This was the first institution that we did the highly anticipated “powhiri”, or the welcome ceremony done in the institutions marae (at least how it was done here). Most of the introductions and welcoming was done in the Maori language so other than knowing that we were being welcomed and introduced to the institution it was hard to know what we being said. Carney then introduced us to them (it was an awesome experience to be introduced, and here ALL the different countries we represented French/German/Finnish/English for me alone).

 I’ll be honest, through most of the ceremony I was worried about doing the “hongi” or the greating where you are supposed to touch your most and forehead to the nose and forehead of the other person. Even though I am aware of how meaningful that gesture is, it was really uncomfortable at first (and will hopefully get better). The only time that I’ve EVER been that close to someone’s face is when I have kissed someone… and that’s not something I do with total strangers. I suppose in a way were weren’t total strangers (seeing as the ceremony we introduced ourselves to each other and basically became “family”), but that doesn’t make it any less uncomfortable to a girl like me that has a very large personal bubble. Maybe experiencing the hongi will be good for me.

After the ceremony we met Kuku.

 

(this is the only picture I could find.  I'm about 90% sure that's him, his hair was shorter when we met with him)

I can honestly say that this man is, in my opinion, the ideal student affairs professional. As much as I love interacting with people, interacting with people I don’t know is often a very hard task for me. I’m not good with “small talk”.

 But, after the powhiri, before we were allowed the leave the Marae we had to engage in a conversation with someone we didn’t know and really get to know them (have an engaging conversation). Kuku said he wanted to see that we were engaged with our eyes and that we were staring at the persons soul. Wow. Okay, this may seem like the basics of making conversation, but he was able to describe it in a way that really forced me to do just that. I hate eye contact. I have nystagmus, an eye problem that makes eye contact very difficult, but Kuku intimidated me (in a good way) enough to make me really be intentional and PUSH myself do to just that. It was really hard. I felt that the conversation was forced at times… but guess what? I learned something about the person I was interacting with (I don’t remember her name but I know she was from Wellington and attended Victoria), and by golly, I learned that I could make eye-contact if need be. I’m sorry, but that was really intimidating for me but it will definitely but something that sticks with me. But, more than that, the power that Kuku had in pushing us to be uncomfortable. I don’t know how he did it… but we all LISTENED and interacted, something I hadn’t truly seen on our trip until now.

 

After the powhiri, we met and got a general overview of the institution. Remember the buzz words in the mission that I mentioned were used in my pre-reflection about the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic? They used them! It was explained that the main goal of the institution was for students to reach their potential, and for the institution to fully reach it’s potential. I feel like through our first project, I really was able to get a truthful idea of what this institution was like, and they met/exceeded my expectations.

Bay of Plenty Polytechnic is like Owens Community College in many ways. For one, they rely on partnerships with other institutions for class offerings and helping students to transfer to a larger institution after Bay of Plenty Polytechnic. One thing that I found interesting is that they even have classes taught at this institution that aren’t tied to the institution in any way (use their facilities, but don’t teach their classes or work for Bay of Plenty Polytechnic). 

One of their prime focuses at this time is engagement. It was explained that,

Without engagement students are “just a number and we have plenty of numbers in this game”. 

“This game” meaning higher education in general. It was apparent that there was tension that was caused by “academic elitism” (ahem… Auckland and Otago). Um, HELLO, that’s exactly what I was talking about when I wrote my reflection about Auckland. Great institutions like THIS (Bay of Plenty Polytechnic) are thrown to the wayside because of ELITISM… so frustrating.

One of the aspects that I loved most about Waikato was Debra Tanfield’s heart being totally in it for the students.

That’s what I felt ALL of Bay of Plenty Polytechnic was like. They focused on the “journey” of the student rather than looking at them like they are just another number to add to their statistics. They even went as far as say “if you aren’t comfortable with walking our walk, don’t bother applying here (for a job)”. The whole idea of this institution is to “provide support, professional development, and personal development” for their employees. Yeah, this was the first institution that I can remember talking about what they need to do to improve, that wasn’t focused on the STUDENTS. I feel like this institution understands that it’s more than the student population, it’s the people that work there and how and what they provide to students. Student services at it’s best (and they don’t even realize it). All the buzz words that we often hear as student affairs professionals in the United States were said but employees of Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, and they weren’t forced either. Their goal is a value added experience versus focuses solely on performance. 

During the day we were given an “assignment” of sorts, and we mixed with employees of Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, and focused on ways that we can help students stay enrolled or get enrolled at Bay of Plenty. Among the many things that we all recommended (all recommendations that could help Owens Community College), the thing that stood out more than our ideas was the way the all the professionals of the institution reacted. Instead of tell us things they do and things we should do, they listened… THEY TOOK NOTES.

This is the first and only institution that we visited that listened to OUR ideas and actually took notes (I saw it, I watched). IT wasn’t just “duly noted”-type attitude it was… a “wow, that’s a great idea I want to remember this”-attitude. That was just a GREAT thing to see. They acknowledge that they needed to grow and change, and that they weren’t perfect and showed that they were actively and intentionally looking for new ways to improve. This wasn’t just a trip for us, we were there so THEY could learn too. I never got that experience from anywhere else. I would want to attend an institution like this, that obviously cares about their growth and direction.

Advising and Counseling
I found it interesting that they had no Career Center on campus and they refer students to “Careers New Zealand”. Although I believe it is great to have resources to refer students to, I think a polytechnic of all places would benefit greatly if they had an office to send students that needed help deciding their major or career path. More-so, Bay of Polytechnic says that they want to create students that will help the community (in the bay, for the bay), and having an office to help students to get jobs and write resumes seems important.

Counseling is another referral service. However, it fully funds students to seek help from an outside professional for up to 100 sessions (which is 2 a week for a year, definitely something that could help benefit a student in need). From what I’ve seen, the mental health issues at Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, and all of New Zealand, are similar to that of the United States.

Overall, I loved of visit to this institution, I feel they welcomed us and were whole-heartedly honest with us about their short falls AND strengths. I felt like this institution understood what students affairs truly means (without understanding it). What they are doing, and working towards becoming, is an institution that focuses on the holistic development of the student. More so, they care about the student as a person that can be molded and developed rather than a number to add to their statistics and charts.

The discussions that we had throughout the day were amazing, and on top of that we were given a campus tour by some amazing students of the institution who I could tell truly loved the institution. I felt a part of something while there, something I haven’t felt at the other institutions on this trip.

Adele's Pub
After a fufilling day at Bay of Plenty Polytechnic we were treasted to an amazing dinner at "Adel's Pub".  I was able to taste test (aka drink) different wines to figure out my favorites (I've never done a wine tasting before).  Favoriates: Sauvingnon Blac, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay.  YUM!  Plus, we got to see a dog and cat for the first time in New Zealand (you know, actually INTERACT with the animals, I loved it).  It was a wonderful time with wonderful people.

May 16: Waikato

And we were OFF.
See ya Auckland. It’s been real. I learned a lot… and I liked your hostel. But it’s time to move on. Next stop…
WAIKATO.

In my eyes, this institution was COMPLETELY different from University of Auckland. I’m writing this a few days later… after visiting 4 institutions… and this is still a lot of people’s favorite institution.

I definitely think that some of the professional staff that work there (especially in disability services) where ABSOLUTELY inspiring. Talk about idol material. Yep. I think I met her.

Waikato is smaller institution that just didn’t seem to throw themselves out there as much as Auckland.

What do I mean by that? Good question.

I just felt like everyone we spoke with was genuine and authentic. It wasn’t about selling the institution… the people sold it themselves. 

Going back to what I talked about with Auckland… and trying to figure out WHY certain institutions get so much credit… it’s smaller institutions like THIS that are really missing out(or maybe it's the STUDENTS that are missing out.... AM I RIGHT?).

Many of the services that are offered at Waikato are very similar to the other institutions in New Zealand (and the U.S.).

Counseling services were free like many other institutions which I was happy to see.  Whether or not Counseling Services are offered is ALWAYS something that I want to know... mostly because I'm super bitter that Owens Community College offers absolutely NOTHING. 

Our host explained that the institutions that make students pay for Counseling Services do this because it decreases no shows. ABSOLUTELY (snaps to that). My “no show” pile at work is VERY similar to that of my appointment that actually show up. Many students are repeat offenders. I definitely don’t think that Owens should charge for Academic Advising but I DO think that there needs to be policies in place that stop students from NOT showing up… Make them pay for NOT showing up? I know hairdressers do that… why not advisors (obviously very similar)? There are so many students that have taken not only MY time, but other students' time… I could have students that would actually USE and NEED that time

Other random facts:
-Waikato is the only institution to have a citizens advice bureau.

-Another interesting fact that she shared with us is that… as we often hear… living in a residence hall contributes to academic success. Well… this isn’t necessarily true. At Waikato changes needed to be made so that this statement is true. This was a bit jostling… it was like I was walking down the street. Totally believing one thing… and being smacked in the face with a reality check. Have a residence hall does not automatically equate with academic success, being intentional abut what you're doing does.  It's not something that is SURPRISING per se, but it's just something to make you really THINK about your actions and implementations.

Throughout this trip I’ve been reading the book Sophie’s World and it talked about not losing your “faculty of wonder” and not let things become a “habit” This is a prime example of what they mine. Don’t let what you BELIVE to be true… guide you wholly and completely. Always question what you’re doing… check yourself before your wreck yourself.

-Waikato also had a STRONG emphasis on biculturalism and makes sure to be intentional about taking the Maori into consideration. After our first meeting and morning “tea”… which is definitely a lot of snacks…. I met with one of the most inspiring professionals in student services thus far.

 

 -I LOVEEEEE that they had these "table tents" (or whatever you want to call them) on the tables in the dinning hall/facility.  It talked about bored eating/stressed eating etc etc.  It was basically the whole "eat to live don't live to eat"-philosophy.  It struck home with me largely in part of the fact that I helped work on a study that talked about bored eating.  Did you know that "bored eating" is a new construct that has rarely been studied on its own (it's usually chunked in with "emotional eating"... um no?)?.  I know surprising... BECAUSE it doesn't seem "new" to me.  I just think it's great that this was something that was so obvious and talked about.  I think it's a huge issue that's often overlooked (and they placement on the dining tables... what a great idea)


Remember when I said I met my idol?  Her name was Debra Tanfield.

Not only did she have an awesome senese of style and and awesome pair of blue glasses, she knew her shit. There wasn’t a moment that went by that I wasn’t either nodding my head, or having tears well up in my eyes. This woman is intelligent, compassionate, and just awe-inspiring. One thing she emphasized that was important to know is that when students come in to their institution with a disability, there are some things that are the responsibility of the government and the other may be the responsibility of the student. Part of the orientation process for a student with a disability must be done on their own. For example, Waikato does not offer a seeing eye dog because this is something that students should already be provided with by the government. More-so, she made sure to note that the student isn’t going to be completely nullified from their disability either

The world isn’t going to operate in a way that makes the individual with a disability live in a world as if they didn’t havea disability… they student must learn to work in a world WITH their disability.

I loved when Debra said: 

“If you don’t like students… don’t bother working here”

“You have schizophrenia? I’m great with it…l what can I do to help you”

Debra explained that she loves having challenges. She showed a genuine love for working with and helping students. The more complex the disability the better because she knows how much the student has had to deal with and she is excited to make it better and help them in any way possible.

Waikato was refreshing. I feel like they lived their mission and what they DID spoke for itself. They didn’t need to TELL me WHY to come to Waikato… I just wanted to go because of the space and atmosphwere.

After Waikato we headed to Syndicate a Stone grill. Have you ever been to a stone grill? YOU SHOULD. It’s crazy. They bring out your meet on a sizzling tray UNCOOKED… and you cook it yourself. The freshest way to get it. I got the chicken so I was ALL SORTS of stressed out and worried I wouldn’t cook it enough… hence why I burnt some of it.  But, it was SUPER tastey.

Then… Bed.

May 15: First Free Day

Free day! WORD!

It was DEFINITELY needed after my extremely long day yesterday…. Long physically and mentally. My body is definitely not used to this time change yet. Jet lag is REAL my friends. Absolutely positively REAL. My body definitely thinks it’s still back in Toledo… but my head knows what time I should be on. It’s a really unique feeling.

Today we went to the Sky Tower. Apparently this is the tallest building in the southern hemisphere… wow. Weird to think about. I’m in the SOUTHERN hemisphere. Technically in the “future”. I feel like I need to keep reminding myself that I’m here. I still can’t believe it. I can’t even imagine what it would be like to live here. Do New Zealanders feel this way at ALL about the U.S.? We DO have beautiful things… even if those things are spread out a bit. New Zealand is an condense land of beauty. End tangent.

The Sky tower was nice. We spend 2 extra New Zealand dollars (so like… oh, 1.60 or something) to go up to the sky deck… absolutely WORTH IT. The windows were wider and slated a bit. The most amazing part was that we had the opportunity to watch a storm slowly come in (and leave quickly… welcome to New Zealand weather). Even better, RAINBOW. Hello!

It was such a beautiful view. After out visit to the Sky Tower we headed to:
Devonport

This was the first time I actually have a recollection of being on a boat. I know I’ve been on a boat before but I don’t have much of a memory of it (I do remember being on a speed boat… not the same) . I keep saying boat but I mean fairy boat. Whatever. WUDDUP GREYS ANATOMY. Fairy boat anyone? Okay cool. (I also tried Gelato for the FIRST TIME... nom nom nom)

First stop in Deveonport? A nice little Pub.

         

We’ve been told by quite a few Natives that we NEED to try the fish and chips. So… I did. And they were delicious.

I loved the feel of the Pub… extremely homey with a FIREPLACE. Dang, I really need a fireplace. .. a useable one.

After lunch we worked off the calories by climbing Mt. Victoria. Once again… BEAUTIFUL. At the top they had fake red mushrooms with polka-dots. Not sure why they were there, but I’ve seen them around. It feels magical and I’m okay with it. Also kind of reminds me of the nursery rhyme little Miss Muffet. Regardless of why, I can’t help but wonder if what I felt on top was a snip-it of what a fairy might feel like. So freakin beautiful/mystical/magical. Of course we cut it close and had to run back to the boat to make it back.

Some people stayed… a group of us didn’t… and we literally did.. NOTHING but sit around. Guess what folks? That’s EXACTLY what I needed. We discussed what iPhone apps we liked and I introduced them to my Hatchis (Tamogothic) Poop, Pee, and my most recent… Doo doo. We also discussed whether or not we will be going sky diving. Not sure yet. Not at all.

After waiting around and doing absolutely nothing, people started coming back and we decided to go at get food. At first we had settled on “Indian star” but we ran into the wonderful Casey and decided try out Wakamama which she apparently had when she was in London…and loved it. I got the Chicken Ramen… This may sound weird but I prefer the taste and texture of Maruchan ramen more than the ramen I got for MUCH more money. I find that food in New Zealand has less sodium… which is probably a good thing… but, my tastes buds are certainly not ready for it.

I really enjoyed Auckland. But after being there for a few days while also having the opportunity to visit L A before we left… I just don’t think a big city is for me. I liked having the opportunity to walk around… but I enjoy walking around in a much less populated area. Nothing beats a good walk/jog with Tony through the neighborhoods of Bowling Green. Or even Toledo. I like being around families, people walking their dogs… There’s just so many people and so many things happening in the city that it’s difficult to focus your attention on just one thing. I like the focus I can get from less busy place. For vacation this type of area is wonderful… but to LIVE. No. I just don’t feel like it’s about the people… family… community…. It’s about businesses, stores, and constant movement. Sometimes it’s just nice to BREATH. Which I’m sure will be the case at some of the other institutions we visit. I always thought that I wanted to live in New York or Chicago… and the good ol’ show “How I Met Your Mother” continued that idea. But I’m realizing that I SAY I wanted to live in a big city because it seems to be the norm and what a lot of people want… or SAY that want just like I do. But... It’s no for me. And I’m okay with it.

But let me tell you something… IF ONE MORE PERSON MAKES FUN OF OHIO…. oooooOOo….