Building a Future Through Tourism: Savannah’s Story

From Classroom Dream to Tourism Career: Savannah’s Journey

Savannah with her Academy classmates

Some journeys begin with a single step. For Savannah Jackson, her journey into tourism began with a simple school workshop and a dream that would eventually lead her to a career welcoming visitors from around the world.

Today, Savannah works at the iconic Hundertwasser Art Centre in Whangārei, but her path to success has been one of determination, passion, and perseverance.

A proud young mum to her son, Savannah has always understood the importance of creating opportunities for a brighter future. Her love for tourism was sparked during her school years when a Flight Attendant visited her classroom to share stories about the travel and tourism industry.

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ITC Students Shine at TRENZ 2026

ITC students, Andre, Maureen, Susana, Mercedes & Lucy

This experience was about so much more than volunteering. It was an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the tourism industry, connect with industry leaders from around the world, and gain first-hand insight into how major events operate within New Zealand’s thriving tourism sector.

Throughout the event, students assisted with:

• Helping sellers set up their exhibition stands
• Manning key information areas including coat check and food stations
• Supporting delegates and exhibitors with last-minute requests and errands
• Assisting visitors and creating a warm, welcoming environment for international guests

The feedback from industry leaders was outstanding.

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Study Tourism or Aviation in 2026 and Make the Most of Fees Free Before It Ends

If you’ve been thinking about starting a career in tourism, travel, or aviation, now is the perfect time to make your move.

The New Zealand Government has confirmed that the current final-year Fees Free scheme will end after 2026. That means students who complete an eligible qualification during the 2026 calendar year can still apply for Fees Free, but future intakes may not have the same opportunity.

For students enrolling in ITC’s June and July 2026 intakes, there’s still time to complete your qualification by the end of 2026 and potentially access Fees Free before the scheme finishes.

Whether you want to study on campus or study from home anywhere in New Zealand, these upcoming intakes are designed to help you get qualified quickly and start building your future in one of New Zealand’s largest and most exciting industries.

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Meet Mike Matata – Inspiring the Next Generation of Tourism Professionals in Northland

At ITC, we are proud to have passionate industry professionals guiding our students toward exciting careers in tourism, aviation, travel and hospitality. One of those incredible educators is Mike Matata, who delivers our full-time programme in Whangārei and has helped many students pathway into tourism careers, airline roles, internships and even paid overseas exchanges.

With decades of industry experience and a genuine passion for helping young people succeed, Mike brings real-world knowledge and inspiration into the classroom every day.

A Passion for Aviation and Travel from a Young Age

Mike’s love for the tourism and airline industry started early.

“I was very fortunate that my family travelled frequently overseas when I was a kid and decided this was the industry for me, although I wasn’t sure which part at the time because the industry is so large.

The real passion started as a very young teenager, spending many weekends riding my bike out to Auckland International Airport with a friend plane spotting. My love for commercial aircraft and airlines became overwhelming, and that’s when my passion for the airline industry was born. I have never lost that passion.”

A Career Across Airlines, Cruises and Tourism

Mike’s tourism journey began when he studied a Diploma in Travel Management at ATI. While studying, he secured a Managerial Cadetship with Atlantic & Pacific Travel, one of New Zealand’s largest travel wholesalers and agencies at the time.

His dream of working for an international airline soon became reality.

“After three years at A&P, I was employed as a Sales Executive with Thai Airways. It was my dream job — working in sales for a large international airline.”

From there, Mike went on to work with several major international airlines including Virgin Atlantic Pacific, Ansett and America West Airlines before moving into the cruise sector.

“My love for the cruising industry started with Holland America Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and Marco Polo Cruises. I’ve also worked across many different parts of the industry including wholesale, retail, inbound tourism and GSA operations.”

Today, Mike brings this wealth of industry experience into the classroom for ITC students in Northland.

Preparing Students for Real Industry Success

Mike believes one of the most important parts of teaching is helping students build confidence, professionalism and practical skills that employers are genuinely looking for.

“With continuous training and experience across different parts of the tourism and travel industry, I feel well qualified to prepare students for the workforce.

I focus heavily on practical skills and interpersonal communication — not just basic customer service, but strategies that help students confidently work with clients, solve problems and communicate professionally.”

Mike also trains students in airline, hotel and cruise reservation systems, travel product knowledge, presentations and one-on-one consultation skills to ensure they are work-ready.

Mike with our Whangarei student at Industry Expo

Watching Northland Students Grow

One of Mike’s favourite parts of teaching is seeing students develop over the year.

“Seeing how much they grow within the first four to six months is incredible. The confidence and knowledge they gain compared to when they first start is amazing.

Another highlight is seeing students offered employment opportunities and internships at the end of the year.”

Sharing a Passion for the Industry

For Mike, teaching is about more than qualifications, it’s about helping students realise they can achieve careers they may never have thought possible.

“I love sharing my knowledge of the industry with the next generation and helping students achieve their dream of being part of such an exciting industry.”

He also believes Northland students bring something truly special to tourism.

“It’s important to teach students how to work professionally while still keeping the warm, hospitable nature that Northland people are known for. That is very special.”

Mike’s Advice for Future Tourism Students

Mike encourages students to see study as an investment in their future.

“One year is minimal in a lifetime of employment. Preparing and learning about the industry before entering it can make a huge difference.

Having advanced knowledge, practical skills and industry experience is invaluable to employers when selecting candidates for jobs.”

Through his passion, experience and dedication, Mike continues to make a lasting impact on students across Northland,  helping them build confidence, gain industry skills and take their first steps toward exciting careers in tourism and aviation.

Learn from experienced tutors like Mike at ITC

Study at ITC, where the entire team has experience in the industry and is excited to share everything they’ve learned with you!

 We’re enrolling now – so register today and kick start your own career in tourism and travel!

Celebrating Irena’s Remarkable Journey at ITC

Irena Wilson – Academic & Quality Manager

What do you say about someone who has shaped a decade of quality, inspired a team of educators, and impacted countless learners, all with humility and heart?

As International Travel College of New Zealand (ITC) prepares to farewell our dear Irena Wilson (formerly Irena Wysoczanski) into retirement, we do feel incredibly grateful. We are so lucky she chose us and that we chose her.

Many of you will remember Irena from when we first introduced her to the ITC whānau. Before joining ITC, she built an impressive career with Air New Zealand, beginning as a flight attendant and progressing to Training Manager, where she updated and wrote training programmes that helped shape the airline’s people and service standards. That depth of real-world experience became a gift to our learners and our team.

As she steps into retirement, we asked Irena to reflect on her journey.

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Meeting Demand, Supporting Northland: A Second Tourism Intake for Whangārei

ITC’s Mel with her Whangarei Academy

The strength of any industry lies in its people — and right now, New Zealand’s tourism and aviation sectors are thriving. With that growth comes opportunity, optimism, and an urgent need for skilled, job-ready professionals who are ready to step into exciting careers.

At the International Travel College (ITC) Whangārei Campus, we’re proud to share some exciting news: a second full-time Tourism intake will launch in July 2026, following overwhelming demand for our February start, which filled earlier than expected.

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Meet John Armstrong, our Tutor who brings inspiration and sunshine to the classroom

ITC Tutor John Armstrong has been an important part of the ITC whanau, since 2005!

Known for his friendly nature and great sense of humour, John has been a tutor at ITC since 2005. He loves helping students discover the magic of a career in travel and tourism. John shares his journey and passion for the industry.

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Meet Esther, our dedicated Schools Coordinator

ITC leads in delivering Tourism Resources, Experiences, Short Courses and so much more.  Seniors can experience tourism or aviation and make an informed choice for a potential tourism or airline career. We have a team of dedicated people, we like to call the ‘Schools Team’. 

We consistently receive amazing feedback about our quick turn around of our schools products and services.  When you reach out to our dedicated schools team for support you’ll have the pleasure of emailing our Schools Coordinator, Esther.  Esther takes pride in all she does to help schools receive all they need in a timely fashion.  Read more to learn a little more about our amazing Esther Johnston.

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Get to know Botany tutor, Kirsten Leith

We’re excited to have Kirsten as our Botany Tutor.

Kirsten Leith is no stranger to ITC.

Kirsten has been a Course Advisor & Employment Consultant for our Botany Campus, and now we are lucky to have her in the role as our Botany Tutor.  Her incredible expertise in the industry will prepare any graduate for an exciting career in our tourism or airline industry.

Not only that, but she also has supported our busy Short Course team with our popular Business of Tourism Academy in South Auckland. 

We reached out to Kirsten to hear all about her story to date. 

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Meet our Academic & Quality Coordinator Star – Allison Jones