Our tutors are the heart of Toi Ohomai and whānaungatanga is part of everything we do here. As students of Toi Ohomai, you’ll feel a sense of family, of welcome.

Our friendly learning spaces and smaller class sizes will give you confidence as you gain new skills that will lead you into the future, and our tutors will be there for you every step of the way.

Your success is what we’re all about!

  • Rani Dhaliwal

    Rani Dhaliwal

    Faculty of Health, Education and Environment


    Rani teaches in the Master of Applied Professional Studies programme on the Mentoring and Leadership Strand which includes specialist subject areas around reflective practice, communication, and leadership practices.

    She supports students to develop critical thinking/writing, and research skills, while working towards improving their own… Read full profile

  • Steve Comber

    Steve Comber

    Faculty of Primary Industries, Trades and Infrastructure


    When he’s not teaching the next generation of automotive technicians and mechanics at the Toi Ohomai Taupō campus, Academic Staff Member – Automotive Apprenticeships, Steve Comber, can be found on the sidelines at racetracks around the world.

    Steve contracts part-time to Prime Speed Sport, a Kiwi company based out of Hampton Downs and… Read full profile

  • Ruth Thomas

    Ruth Thomas

    Faculty of Health, Education and Environment


    Ruth is a Senior Academic Staff Member in the Master of Applied Professional Studies (MAPS) team, teaching in the Adult Teaching and Mentoring and Leadership strands. 

    She has a background in secondary school English teaching, EdTech, information literacy, embedding literacy into programme teaching, and in supporting learners with… Read full profile

  • Matthew Miller

    Matthew Miller

    Faculty of Health, Education and Environment


    Matt teaches Research Protocols and leads the dissertation programme within the Master of Applied Professional Studies. His work focuses on supporting postgraduate students to conduct rigorous research and develop the skills needed to contribute meaningful knowledge in their fields.

    Matt holds a PhD in Sport Science from Massey… Read full profile

  • Paddy Stewart

    Paddy Stewart

    Faculty of Health, Education and Environment


    Paddy has been part of the Environmental Management teaching team since 2002 and teaches the Biological Surveying courses, and also advises students on their research projects. 

    Paddy has many years experience carrying out various ecological and field surveys in New Zealand, including for the Department of Conservation, Regional… Read full profile

  • Elena Marais

    Elena Marais

    Faculty of Health, Education and Environment


    Elena joined Toi Ohomai in 2021 and teaches across a range of subjects, including freshwater ecology, waste management, terrestrial invertebrates, and research design and methodology. She enjoys helping students connect theory with real-world practice, particularly during field-based learning and student research projects.

    Elena holds a… Read full profile

  • Nick Ririnui

    Nick Ririnui

    Faculty of Business, Design and Service Industries


    Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology Academic Staff Member, Nick Ririnui, is a music educator with over 20 years’ experience teaching musical performance and production, drumming and percussion.

    Nick joined our institute in 2013, and currently teaches subjects within our New Zealand Diploma in Music (Level 5) and New Zealand Certificate of… Read full profile

  • Francisco De Abreu Roldao

    Francisco De Abreu Roldao

    Faculty of Business, Design and Service Industries


    Francisco De Abreu Roldao holds a Bachelor's and Master's in Computer Science and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Psychology from the University of Auckland. He has extensive experience in the IT industry, including his current role as an IT Applications Manager.

    Francisco's speciality is mentoring students in Project Management and… Read full profile

  • Bruce Tuhakaraina

    Bruce Tuhakaraina

    Faculty of Business, Design and Service Industries


    Bruce Tuhakaraina is a passionate educator with over eight years’ experience teaching software and web development at tertiary level. Bruce specialises in fostering student engagement through innovative, practical learning experiences. His expertise includes teaching Levels 3 to 7 in programming and web development.

    With a Bachelor of… Read full profile

  • Que Bidois

    Quinton Bidois

    Faculty of Business, Design and Service Industries


    At Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, Quinton Bidois (Ngai Te Rangi, Ngāti Tapu and Ngati- Ranginui Pirirakau) teaches Visual Arts - one of the three majors offered as part of our Bachelor of Creative Industries degree. 

    Born and raised in Tauranga Moana, Quinton is a highly-respected figure in the local arts community, and is… Read full profile