Capable NZ

When Silver Fern Farms employees and Otago Polytechnic graduates Ricky Fife & Susan Dunn reflect on the past year, they see more than textbooks, deadlines, and long hours of writing.

The graduates see a journey that challenged them, strengthened them, and ultimately transformed how they view themselves and their careers.

Their Bachelor of Applied Management studies began in mid-2024 when Silver Fern Farms launched a new opportunity for Māori staff to gain formal qualifications through Otago Polytechnic’s Capable Māori programme. Read more: https://capable.nz/blog/learner-stories/a-capable-hand-for-silver-fern-farms-maori-employees

Karen Daly has built on years of retail leadership and operational experience to earn her degree and develop a values-based approach that now guides her decision-making and leadership. Read more: https://capable.nz/blog/learner-stories/karen-daly-bachelor-of-applied-management

Phillip Armstrong used his Capable NZ qualification to bring together his practical industry experience and health and safety knowledge to improve efforts to reduce worker harm. Read all about his study journey: https://capable.nz/blog/learner-stories/phillip-armstrong-graduate-diploma-in-professional-practice

Capable NZ Construction graduate Eteniu (Eddie) Lemana says it’s never too late to dream and motivate yourself to learn new things. The 59-year-old received two job offers shortly after completing his diploma with us this July. Read more: https://capable.nz/blog/learner-stories/eteniu-eddie-lemana-new-zealand-diploma-in-construction-level-6-construction-management

Kelly Rose says completing her Capable NZ degree gave her confidence and practical tools to enhance her work supporting students into careers.

“I wanted to continue my professional development in a way that recognised the experience I’ve already built,” says Kelly.

Capable NZ’s model appealed to her because it was flexible, reflective, and directly connected to her day-to-day work at Long Bay College, she says.

Read more: https://capable.nz/blog/learner-stories/kelly-rose-bachelor-of-social-services-career-practice

Jeremy Hanshaw’s journey with Capable NZ was transformational, enabling him to complete his doctorate while continuing his international consultancy work. Jeremy is a transnational, transdisciplinary international higher education consultant currently based in Cambodia. He has 30 years of experience as an education practitioner. Read about his study journey: https://capable.nz/blog/learner-stories/dr-jeremy-hanshaw-doctor-of-professional-practice

The official Auckland Graduation photos are now available, beautifully captured by Chris Dillon from Dillon Photography.

Free download of all images from the Parade & Ceremony: https://dillon.queensberryworkspace.com/opaic_2025_graduation_ceremony_parade

Purchase prints, framed prints, canvases, or digital files: https://dillon.queensberryworkspace.com/opaic_2025_graduation_portraits_store

Congratulations to our Capable graduates who crossed the stage at today’s ceremony at the Auckland Town Hall. We’re proud to see your hard work recognised.

Studying with Capable NZ allowed Ingrid Campbell to bring her learning directly into the heart of her mahi in mental health and community work. “Capable NZ is a place where real life matters. It honours the wisdom of community, lived experience, and creative expression, and it enables learners to show up as their full selves,” she says. Read more: https://capable.nz/blog/learner-stories/ingrid-campbell-bachelor-of-social-services-counselling-master-of-professional-practice

Mahendra Devkota says his study experience with Capable NZ has been practical, reflective, and empowering. Mahendra chose Capable NZ because it offered a pathway to earn a recognised qualification while continuing to work full-time. He says he was able to apply what he was learning directly into the workplace, whether that was improving standard operating procedures, developing a training system, or lifting team performance. Read more: https://capable.nz/blog/learner-stories/mahendra-devkota-bachelor-of-applied-management