New manager brings a wealth of experience to Taruna College
After just one week in her role, new Taruna College manager Trish Giddens says she knows already that she is going to
enjoy the position.
As well as answering phones and greeting people at the door, Trish has taken time to introduce herself to students and
begun familiarising herself with the college environment.
“I see a lot of potential for Taruna, they have some special courses here that attract students both nationally and
internationally, so I am focused on lifting the college’s profile.” she says. “It’s a relaxed place and staff members
are so dedicated and passionate about what they are doing, which in turn inspires the students.”
With over 30 years’ experience in health and social service management roles, Trish is well suited to her job. She has
also worked in local government for 12 years and is a member of the Maori Relationship Health Board, which represents
Ngati Kahungunu on the District Health Board.
“I’m interested in the course content using the principles of Rudolph Steiner and also Dr Mason Durie’s Whare Tapu Wha
model on holistic health and well-being,” she says. “I think there is a lot of emphasis on Maori taking responsibility
for their own health and lifestyles and the model of training that Rudolph Steiner provides is similar to that.”
“I am easing myself into the role as Taruna has been without a manager for a time so it’s a matter of becoming familiar
not only with the environment but the courses and staff, and what’s required to fulfil the whole role.”
“I would very much like to acknowledge the staff and trustees who have carried the load for the past nine months, until
I took up the position. I am thoroughly enjoying it so far and am looking forward to this new challenge.”
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