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!

Meet Anetta: ITC’s newest family member!

Anetta has a fantastic travel and tourism background, and can’t wait to share it with students!

Anetta Kusa is ITC’s newest family member, where she has recently joined as the Academic & Quality Manager.

Adding to the team’s array of experience, Anetta brings her own history of travel and tourism adventures. She started out in Poland, and has now spent more than 20 years here in Aotearoa!

Read on to learn more about her background, experience, and advice for ITC students!

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Introducing Birthe Bakker – Our Newest Botany Team Member!

Birthe Bakker is our Newest Botany Team Member, bringing a huge amount of travel and tourism experience to the team.

It’s been an exciting time here at ITC, as we recently welcomed a new Auckland City Tutor Fiona, and now we’re introducing our newest member of the team at Botany – Birthe Bakker!

Birthe is from the Netherlands, and has international experience helping travellers with personalised itineraries. She also brings a PhD to the team!

She is going to play a key role in educating and supporting our next generation of Kiwi travel and tourism experts, so we asked her a few quick questions to learn more. (more…)

Introducing Fiona – Our new Auckland City tutor!

Auckland City’s new tutor, Fiona!

The ITC family is one of real diversity. We come from all over Aotearoa, and we have all sorts of backgrounds and interests. The one thing we all have in common is real-world experience in travel and tourism!

Our newest recruit, Fiona, is no different. Bit early by the travel bug, Fiona has built a career on helping others to see the world and love their adventures, and on teaching travel and tourism.

We’re so excited to welcome her to the family, where she will be working as a tutor at the Auckland City campus. We chatted to Fiona to learn a little more!

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Removing Financial Barriers to Study: ITC Now an Approved MSD Registered Supplier

ITC is now an approved MSD Registered Supplier!

For many capable and motivated people, the biggest barrier to training isn’t ability — it’s affordability.

Not everyone can access a student loan. Some are returning to study after time away from work. Others are managing long-term health conditions or disabilities. Many simply need a pathway that is financially realistic and fully supported.

That’s why we’re proud to share that ITC is now an approved registered supplier with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD).

This approval allows eligible students to apply for MSD funding to support their training with us — helping remove financial barriers and create real pathways into employment.

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We’re excited to share that Sumaiya Yasmin has joined the ITC team!

Sumaiya Yasmin has joined the ITC team as our new Botany tutor!

Sumaiya Yasmin has recently joined the ITC whanau as a tutor, bringing with her a truly impressive wealth of experience – including visiting 92 countries!

For example, she has seven years’ experience as a Senior Cabin Crew for Qatar Airways and a Premium Host at Auckland Airport for Qantas/OACIS. 

We of course had to ask Sumaiya a little more, from what her favourite job has been (before now!), so how she thinks her experience will best help her ITC students.

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From Short Course High School Student to ITC Team Member!!!

Leilah in the ITC aircraft cabin.

Every year, high school students around Aotearoa learn about the travel and tourism industry through our Short Courses taught in high schools. Just two years ago, Leilah Va took one of these courses as a student at Edgewater College.

From there, she went on to study the New Zealand Certificate in Tourism with a strand in Aviation Level 3, then the New Zealand Certificate in Travel Level 4. It goes without saying that Leilah was a dedicated, fantastic student, and now, she is one of ITC’s newest recruits as a Student Services Advisor.

Leilah is the perfect person to support new students, as she can lean on her own recent experiences as a student. Of course, we chatted to Leilah to learn more! (more…)

Meet Moana McKeen: ITC’s new Tourism Education Tutor & Marketing Support!

Moana in Tahiti – her favourite place to visit!

ITC’s newest recruit is Moana McKeen, who is joining us as a Tourism Education Tutor and Marketing Support professional.

Moana brings more than 17 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry, with an impressive background in product development, client engagement, and business growth.

Her career spans key roles with Fuzion World Travellers, Tahiti Tourism, and Flight Centre, where she has developed a reputation for exceptional relationship management, insightful market knowledge, and a deep commitment to delivering outstanding service.

Moana holds a Bachelor of Aviation in Flight Crew Management from Massey University, and her passion for tourism, learning, and helping others thrive shines through in everything she does.

We’re incredibly excited to have Moana join the team, and we know her warmth, expertise, and industry insight will be a wonderful asset to our students, partners, and marketing projects.

We asked her a few quick questions to learn more!

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Meet our newest team member and City Campus Tutor, Daria!

Our newest team member and City Campus Tutor, Daria, during a 2023 trip to Sicily.

ITC’s newest team member grew up around tourism and hospitality, so it’s no surprise that her career has been rich in travel and tourism experiences.

Not only has Daria built a career on her love of tourism, but she also made the decision early on to share those skills with others. That’s how she ended up as the newest member on our team, and that’s why we’re so excited to have her on board to help lead our students towards their own incredible careers!

We chatted with Daria to learn more about her background, and what she can offer for ITC students.

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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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