Horticulture

Open Polytechnic employs a wide range of learning and teaching experts who provide academic and learning support to our distance learners.

We also use contractors, mostly off campus, who are subject matter experts in their fields who provide academic support and marking services. 

As a specialist provider of open flexible distance learning, we also employ highly skilled courseware design and development, and education technology professionals, administration and customer support staff, as well as library and learning centre staff who are all focused on helping Open Polytechnic learners achieve their educational goals. 

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      Gianni Prencipe

      Academic Staff Member - Horticulture

      Open Polytechnic

      Read more about Gianni Prencipe

      Role at Open Polytechnic

      I am an Academic Staff Member in Horticulture and  I facilitate the organics courses here at the Open Polytechnic.

      In this role, I guide and support learners on their exciting journey of discovering (re-discovering) the joy of Horticulture. After my courses, learners are equipped with the correct tools and knowledge to enter/continue in the organic sector.

      Relevant education

      • Diploma in Hotel Studies (Het Spijker, Belgium)
      • Diploma in Organic Husbandry with distinction (Lincoln University)

       Relevant work experience

      Before coming to New Zealand, I was fully submerged in the high-end gastronomy industry with emphasis on cooking. When I came to Aotearoa 1999, I became a worm farmer and I have held many positions in the organic horticultural industry since then. For the last 12 years, my wife and I ran a certified organic market garden during this time I also tutored organic practises at the BHU (Lincoln University). 

    • 

      Stephen Whitton

      Academic Staff Member - Horticulture

      Open Polytechnic

      Read more about Stephen Whitton

      Role at Open Polytechnic

      I am an Academic Staff Member in Horticulture.

      Our course delivery team consists of two Academic Staff Members and two Student Mentors. Together we facilitate the four horticulture courses and are typically the first and most direct contact between the learners and Open Polytechnic.

      Education and work experience

      I have a BSc in Botany/Ecology (VUW), MSc in Botany/Mycology (VUW), PhD in Mycology (HKU). I am currently studying the Adult Tertiary Teaching course here at Open Polytechnic.

      I am co-owner of Talisman Nursery which specialises in NZ native plants. Prior to joining Open Polytechinc I worked for Natural Habitats which is a landscaping firm that specialises in large scale projects.

    • 

      Tania Hannah

      Academic Staff Member - Horticulture

      Open Polytechnic

      Read more about Tania Hannah

      Role at Open Polytechnic

      Online, I’m one of the Horticulture Academic Staff Members – supporting students with their online studies; guiding them through their assessments and providing inspiration and resource.
      Behind the scenes, I’m part of a wider team facilitating and developing our Horticulture programmes, providing subject expertise and insight into industry and the success of our programmes.

      Education

      • Certificate Organic Horticulture (Lincoln University / Telford)
      • National Certificate Adult Literacy and Numeracy Education
      • National Certificate Adult Education and Training
      • 20+ years experience in Adult Education
      • Bachelor Arts / Bachelor Design

      Research interests

      I am passionate about Sustainable Practices in Horticulture and Agriculture.

      I’m actively involved in and continue to research and network in the areas of Permaculture Design and Food Forest Systems.

      I manage an Eco-Retreat business and Forest Garden property, including a co-operative Apiary.

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