Student profiles

Student and alumni profiles from the School of Management

Hinerangi Hemara

Hinerangi found the Executive MBA a transformative experience.

“It pushed me to transcend my technical expertise and adopt a business leadership perspective. This program balanced strategic vision with practical execution, significantly enhancing my daily responsibilities, from managing complex environments to engaging with clients and stakeholders.”

“It also strengthened my ability to lead with purpose and clarity, greatly benefiting my governance roles with iwi and driving substantial infrastructure initiatives. The skills I developed have been pivotal in advancing my career in the transport sector, ensuring my effective contribution to both current projects and future developments.”

“One of the most gratifying experiences was the cohort interaction. Collaborating with diverse, talented professionals broadened my outlook and fostered lasting connections.”

Hinerangi's long-term goal is to revolutionise how infrastructure and information systems create value for communities.

“I am dedicated to integrating the knowledge learnt, through digital innovation across all facets of operations and contributing at governance and executive levels, influencing strategic decisions to shape sustainable, future-ready outcomes.”

“Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.” (My strength is not that of an individual, but that of the collective.)

Hinerangi Hemara-Haeana

Ngāti Raukawa Ki Te Tonga, Rangitāne O Manawatū, Uenuku, Tamahaki, Tamakana, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāti Tukorehe, Executive MBA graduate

Stuart van Voornveld

Bachelor of Tourism Management

I started working for Europcar soon after I graduated and progressed towards a Senior role within 2 years. This role allowed me to experience the tourism industry first hand with tourists shortly after arriving in New Zealand and starting their New Zealand tourism journey.

I moved to Orbit World Travel in December 2017 as a Junior Domestic Consultant, arranging domestic travel for a variety of clients (from small to large). Within a year of arriving at Orbit I have progressed into a Senior role within Orbit and feel like an integral part of the team. My future plans are to stay with Orbit to grow my practical experience in Travel Management, then look at a more serious management role.

The tourism degree at Victoria University of Wellington has allowed me to take a chance with career choices, while also giving me a leg up on other people in applying for a job that I want to. When starting to apply for Orbit World Travel, I realised that my Degree allowed me to offer a different view on how to approach the job. The degree has allowed me to put into practice the skills I learned at Victoria University of Wellington and apply them to my current role and my future plans. The Degree has opened a door for me to advance further in the Tourism field and the practical experience I’ve gained will allow me to grow further.

I’m at the start of an amazing career all because of the support and knowledge that I gained with the Tourism Management degree.