Our Team
Our friendly team is here to support Under 25s with study options, scholarships, and help guide you through the application process. We understand that this process can be overwhelming which is why our dedicated team is here for you. Get in touch and allow us to help answer any questions you have about becoming a student at Unitec.
If you want to meet us face-to-face, please book a couch session with one of our friendly team below.
Anaru Par
angi
Team Leader Secondary School and Community Engagement
I hail from a long line of storytellers that speak of adversity, triumph, love and loss. Our stories lead us across seas we have not yet traveled, and our experience keeps the wind in the sail. I have a passion to share stories and experiences to keep my gaze focused on the sky and horizon, leading us to new destinations and places of opportunity. From this storyteller to you: Live a chapter you will share with the world.
Get in touch with Anaru
aparangi@unitec.ac.nz
021 835 927
Blair
Sorensen
Secondary School and Community Engagement
Mā te huruhuru, ka rere te manu. Adorn the bird with feathers, so it may fly. Kia ora! Education is a waka that can help us all to navigate the waters of knowledge. I am thankful to support our youth as they pathway forward. I enjoy connecting with secondary schools and in community groups and am inspired to see our youth allowing their dreams to take flight. What a blessing!
Get in touch with Blair
bsorensen@unitec.ac.nz
021 749 637
Debbie Loots
Secondary School and Community Engagement
I am extremely passionate about supporting young people in their journey into tertiary study which has led me to my current role, and completing a Bachelor of Career Development. In my role, collaborating and building meaningful relationships with secondary schools, whānau and the community is important to provide the support every young person needs to make informed career choices and be successful.
Get in touch with Debbie
dloots@unitec.ac.nz
021 843 401
John Taufa
Secondary School and Community Liaison
Malo e lelei. Supporting students in navigating their way through the different career opportunities available to them, is a highly rewarding role. Whether it’s online or face to face, walking alongside students as they equip and prepare themselves for tertiary studies is a very exciting journey to be a part of. There is an exchange in added value with the amazing people I get to work with every day.
Get in touch with John
jtaufa@unitec.ac.nz
021 346 782
Other faces you might recognise
You might get to meet senior members of the team during your pōwhiri, or see them at events. We're a very active and integrated team who are invested in your future success!
Teaching staff

Rocxie Ngaro
UPC Trades Academic Lead / Carpentry Lecturer

Jake Fuemana
Carpentry Lecturer

Pete Smeets
Automotive Lecturer

Arbin Prasad
Automotive Lecturer

Ana Pickering
Health and Community Lecturer
Leadership and support

Andrea Thumath
Director of Under 25s Success

Renee Wilkinson
Community Engagement and Content Co-ordinator

Sarah Sommerville
Team Leader Academic Operations

Janette Daunakamakama
UPC Administrator

Shar
Lewin
Operations Co-ordinator
Our planned activities & events
Check out our 2021 events calendar to see the activities we have planned at Unitec, as well as community events we're involved in. Take a look upcoming events and workshops for more details so you know what to expect, and more importantly, where you'll have the opportunity to meet our team and chat with us.
Follow us on Instagram!
Keep up with the hustle and bustle of the Unitec Pathways team. We enjoy being in the community and sharing the excitement and vibe at Unitec. Join us to see behind-the-scenes at holiday workshops or see how no day is the same for us. Let us show you that there is no single path to succes. Get in touch with us so we can help you find your thing at #unitecnz.