Media Release 25 September 2014
Taniwhas Get Taste Of NorthTec
The Northland Taniwhas enjoyed a slice of NorthTec life when they visited the Raumanga campus for a special “taster
day”.
NorthTec is the Northland Rugby Union’s (NRU) educational partner, with both organisations keen to help team members
plan for their futures after their playing days are over.
NorthTec taster days are organised annually, to give the team an insight into tertiary education and the options they
might pursue. The players are surveyed and asked which departments they are interested in seeing, with last year’s event
being a trip to NorthTec’s Future Trades department for a spot of welding.
The thirty visiting Taniwhas had some fun this year when they visited the Hair and Beauty department for a lesson in
nail painting from NorthTec Beauty tutor, Elizabeth Halvorson. With Elizabeth giving instructions on the best technique,
the boys showed great concentration as they practiced on each other.
The visit also included a tutorial in cocktail making at the campus’s Apprentice Restaurant. A new cocktail, The Kiss of
the Taniwha, was created in their honour, and they were taught and assisted by students from NorthTec’s Certificate in
Tourism and Hospitality Skills (Level 2) programme.
The team were then treated to a three-course meal prepared and served by NorthTec hospitality students. The National
Certificate in Hospitality (Cookery - Level 4) students were brought out at the end and given a round of applause by the
players.
NRU Commercial and Marketing Manager, Alistair McGinn, reminded the players that as sportsmen, their playing careers
would one day come to an end. At a relatively young age they would be looking for a second career, and it was important
to plan ahead and look at educational options.
Alistair said: “The Northland Rugby Union sees the relationship with NorthTec as essential for player welfare. We are
very excited by the opportunity to forge a growing and strengthening relationship between our two organisations.”
Kirsten James, NorthTec Head of Student Services, said: “The taster day was good fun for all involved and a chance for
the players to see what’s on offer at NorthTec. We look forward to a strong, ongoing relationship with the NRU, and to
working with individual players to engage them in the next step on their educational pathway.”