Meet Kahurangi Bray: The ITC student working at one of New Zealand’s best (and most important) attractions

Posted on 15/12/2021 by Hayley Clark

Kahurangi Bray has been studying level 4 with ITC, but this summer, she had the opportunity to work at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

She hadn’t quite finished her level 4 studies, so she took ITC’s flexible study option and has moved to our online platform, Study From Home, to allow her to finish the course.

This meant that she got to kick off her career in tourism and travel as soon as the opportunity arose, while also completing her qualifications. Everyone at ITC is incredibly proud of Kahu, and excited to see her take this first step.

So of course, we got in touch for an interview!

Congrats on your new role at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds! Can you tell us a little bit about it and how it’s going so far? 

It’s going great! 

Waitangi Treaty Grounds being one of New Zealand’s most important historical destinations and Northland’s main attraction, I could not let this opportunity pass by, therefore gaining more knowledge and experience within the customer service and tourism industry this just seemed like a great place start.

Although I have only recently started, I am enjoying learning about the many things Waitangi Treaty Grounds has to offer not only to our domestic tourists but our International tourists as-well. 

You’ve had to switch to Study From Home to finish level 4 since you’ve picked up a job for the summer. How have you found the switch from in-person learning with ITC?

Personally Study From Home has been such an easy switch as I knew what to expect from last year lockdown. ITC tutors have been a big help throughout the switch as they do make themselves available for any questions and guidance. 

We heard you’re interested in the level 5 diploma! What’s your motivation for continuing your studies past level 4?

After what was such a tough year last year and having to give up many opportunities (like travelling to China for a cultural exchange) I’ve decided to carry on with a level 5 diploma in Travel & Tourism as I want to be able to have options available for myself once the world discovers it’s new ‘normal’.

This being said, I don’t want to look back in 5 years and regret not jumping at this once in a lifetime opportunity. 

What made you decide to study and work in travel and tourism in the first place? 

In 2016 I was given the opportunity to travel alongside our Reo Rua department at Bay Of Islands College to Canada and America on a cultural exchange. This being my first ever time out of Northland and on a plane I really enjoyed it, but this gave me my first ever glance at the travel and tourism industry. During this trip we were fortunate enough to experience what life on a cruise ship is like.

Again in 2018 I travelled to Europe with our Reo Rua department on another cultural exchange, this also gave us the opportunity to travel on a Mediterranean cruise visiting tourist attractions and destinations.

After travelling I decided to take tourism throughout high school, being able to be a part of many short courses I knew ITC was going to be a good fit for myself but also a place to make dreams a reality! 

Do you have any ultimate career goals? 

My career goal is to travel to 30 countries by the age of 30 (7 down, 23 to go!) 

Study travel and tourism with ITC

Kahu is one of many ITC students and graduates who have landed roles in New Zealand’s most important tourist attractions. Thanks to her hard work, passion for the industry, and fantastic qualifications, she has been able to move into the career of her dreams.

If you, like Kahu, would love to work in tourism and travel, ITC could be the provider for you. Our in-depth industry knowledge and contacts, industry-recognised qualifications, and dedication to helping graduates find roles, make our courses the perfect stepping stone for starting work in tourism and travel.

We have campus options in Auckland, South Auckland, and Whangarei, as well as Study From Home, so you can study where it suits you, even if that’s at home.

Get in touch to find out more, or enrol for 2022 now.

Campus Study – college@itc.co.nz 0800 TOURISM (0800 868747) or https://www.itc.co.nz/contact-us/

Posted in News, Student success | Tagged Employment, Student interview, Student success, Study From Home, Study travel and tourism |