New Zealand is ranked as the worst-developed country in the OECD for family violence. So, having people with real-world insights to train new social workers is essential if we want to achieve change.

Genevieve Sang-Yum is such a person, and she’s not only incredibly eloquent and passionate. Still, she has gone full circle, from studying at the local Waitakere campus of Unitec and working in the community to teaching there to pass on her learnings to the next generation. 

At the event, Academic Programme Manager Dave Hicks shared some thoughts and memories, noting that the new facility mirrors the improving recognition and acceptance of neurodiversity.

After years of making do in adapted spaces, the team is thrilled with a building designed specifically for the unique needs of neurodiverse ākonga, complete with thoughtful touches like calming interior design, LED lighting (goodbye fluorescent!), and a welcoming social area, he says.

To be honest, I've wanted to be fully independent from a very young age, says Renée. “Of course, when you go to university and start living on your own, you become slightly independent, but my family and friends always stayed close during that time. When I got the opportunity to study abroad, I decided I wanted to go as far away as possible. I knew that New Zealand was a beautiful country, and the culture wasn't too different from my own, so that's why I decided to do my semester abroad in New Zealand.”