Meet Jessica Fuiono – ITC graduate and one of AJ Hackett’s newest team members!

Jessica Fuiono discovered her love of adventure tourism through ITC – and now works for AJ Hackett!

At first, Jessica Fuiono didn’t know what she wanted to do with her career. She tried another study path elsewhere, but quickly realised it just didn’t feel right for her. That’s when she came to us at ITC, where we introduced her to some of the many pathways you can take in travel and tourism. 

All it took was jumping off the Auckland Harbour Bridge to discover her passion: adventure tourism. 

Jessica then did her work experience with AJ Hackett Auckland, but even though they loved her, they didn’t have a job for her at the time. ITC Employment Consultant Sarndra knew that Jessica was considering a move to Brisbane when an AJ Hackett job came up in Queenstown… so Sarndra sent the application link though anyway.

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Your Quick Guide to New Zealand Employment

Not sure where to begin with the paperwork parts of your first job? Here are the basics!

Starting your first job is an exciting milestone. Along with earning your own money, though, there are a few practical things you need to understand about being employed.

Here’s a quick guide to some of the most important things to know.

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Introducing Kristeen Yelavich, ITC’s new Whangarei Tutor!

Kristeen Yelavich is ITC’s new Whangarei Tutor!

Kristeen Yelavich is our new tutor at ITC’s Whangarei Campus, and we’re so excited to have her on the team.

Kristeen comes to us with a truly impressive history as a traveller and as someone who has worked in the travel and tourism industry for her entire career. As a tutor, she will be guiding students, passing on her skills and knowledge, and helping them gain the qualifications that will get them a foot in the door of this exciting industry.

Read on to learn more about ITC’s newest Whangarei tutor!

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Have changes to the Jobseeker benefit made you consider further study?

Thinking about more study now that it’s harder to get Jobseeker benefits? Consider ITC!

Changes to the Jobseeker benefit are coming in November of this year, which may make it harder for some 18 and 19 year olds to receive support during their job search.

That might mean that some of you are looking at other options instead – such as studying travel and tourism!

And whether you’re fresh out of high school, or are already in a career and are looking for a change, or even if you’re simply wanting to upskill in your current career, ITC could help. 

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Introducing Vanessa: Former student and brand new Employment Consultant at ITC!

Vanessa getting into the spirit at ITC!

Last week, we continued our 30^th anniversary celebrations with a blog featuring three past ITC graduates, who all shared their memories and experiences. One of those graduates was Vanessa Barnett, who began studying with us in 2003.

She has since had an incredible career in travel and tourism, returned to ITC as a Course Advisor in 2023, and is now stepping into a new role with us as an Employment Consultant!  

We’re so excited to have her on the team, and to see her helping the next generation of graduates find work in the industry. Of course, we had to learn more – read on to find out about what she’s most excited for, how ITC sets itself apart, and her advice for students!

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Three ITC graduates reminisce about their time with us for our 30th anniversary!

Graduate Eileen on International Day, representing Italian fashion with her group!

Earlier this week, we took a walk down memory lane with two of our industry partners from past years. Today, we’re reminiscing with three ITC graduates – all of which graduated a decade ago or more!

Sharon completed Level 3 and Level 4 of Travel and Tourism in the year 2016, and Eileen studied with us from 2012 to 2014 up to level 6 as an international student.

And for Vanessa, it all began more than 20 years ago in 2003! That’s when she graduated with an Advanced Diploma in Travel & Tourism. She then spent more than 20 years in the industry, and came full circle as she returned to ITC to work as the City Campus Course Advisor in 2023.

Here are some of their favourite memories, what they’re up to now, and more!  

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ITC Celebrates 30 Years: Memory Lane with our Industry Partners

Roy’s most recent visit to ITC!

ITC is celebrating 30 years of being one of the most trusted providers of tourism and aviation education in New Zealand.

As part of our celebrations, we reached out to old graduates, tutors, industry partners, and others who have been part of our story… then we watched the memories roll in!

Two of the first to respond were Andrea Cameron and Roy Quispe. Both were industry partners, with Roy working with us through Disney International Programs.

“I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and recruiting many incredible ITC students and graduates over the years, helping them take their talents from New Zealand all the way to Walt Disney World!” said Roy.

Walk down memory lane with us as we share more about these two fantastic humans!

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ITC Earns Finalist Spot in the 2026 New Zealand Tourism Awards

ITC is ecstatic to be named as a finalist in the 2026 New Zealand Tourism Awards.

The International Travel College of New Zealand (ITC) was delighted to receive the best possible gift on our exact 30^th anniversary this week: A finalist spot in the 2026 New Zealand Tourism Awards.

We are a finalist in the FareHarbor Tourism Collaboration Award category, alongside ChristchurchNZ, Native Nations, and Kiwi North.

The FareHarbor Tourism Collaboration Award recognises tourism organisations, businesses, or partnerships that have aligned or partnered to successfully maximise their tourism industry impact and results.

Aside from it being our 30^th anniversary as a travel college, this year is also special as it saw a record number of entries. There were 177 in 2026, which is up from last year’s record of 150.

Rebecca Ingram, Chief Executive for Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) says that the increased popularity of the annual awards is a sign of a thriving tourism industry.

“We’re delighted with the record number of entries received from a range of individuals and tourism businesses across the country. It shows that people in the industry are proud of what they’ve achieved over the past year,” she explained.

ITC’s Chief Executive Officer, Claire Huxley, shared her excitement for the announcement.

“We are incredibly excited to be named a finalist,” said Claire, “it is a wonderful recognition of the passion and hard work our team puts into this project and has done for 10 years now. We’re grateful to Ceri, Mel, Mike, Brooke and Lisette and everyone who has supported us and helped make this achievement possible.”

We’re also grateful to Explore Group, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Hundertwasser Art Centre, and Bay of Islands Parasail, who all assisted our application with letters of support.

Winners will be announced in person at the New Zealand Tourism Awards Dinner on 4 November 2026 at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, following the Tourism Summit Aotearoa.  

Strong Industry Partnerships Create Incredible Student Opportunities

AJ Hackett Bungy NZ reached out to ITC looking for 3–4 students to feature in an upcoming SkyWalk promotional photo shoot at the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

At International Travel College of New Zealand (ITC), we believe the best learning happens when students experience the industry firsthand. That’s why we work hard to build genuine relationships with some of New Zealand’s leading tourism and adventure operators.

One partnership we’re incredibly proud of is with AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand (AJHBNZ).

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Meet our new Student Services Team Member: Leilani Leith!

Leilani is recently back from a Disney Exchange overseas, and is now our newest Student Services team member!

Sometimes, new team members feel like they’re just meant to be part of the whanau.

That’s certainly the case with Leilani Leith, our newest Student Services team member. She joins us to replace Leilah Va, who has just left to begin her Disney Exchange. Making this hire even more impressive is the fact that Leilani has just returned from her Disney Exchange!

Of course we wanted to learn a little more about Leilani’s background, her travels, and her advice for anyone considering a career in tourism or aviation! (more…)