Kaitautoko Maori Profile
Ko Tawhiuau te maunga
Ko Rangitaiki te awa
Ko Ngati Manawa te iwi
Ko Tangiharuru te tangata
Ko Adrian Christie toku ingoa
Tena koutou katoa, nga mihi mahana ki a koutou katoa, na reira, kia ora tatou katoa.
I have recently been appointed to the position of Kaitautoko Maori within Massey University's College of Business at Palmerston North's Turitea Campus. The intention is that i will assume the appointment until the incumbent staff member returns in December 2009.
I hail from Kaingaroa Forest and Murupara, two ‘forestry type' settlements located in the central North Island. Personal achievements while growing up in the area included: gaining university entrance prior to the qualification being abolished in 1985, and representing various Bay of Plenty rugby teams throughout the senior years of my secondary schooling.
I left the ‘comforts of home' in 1987 to pursue a career in the NZ Army as a Telecommunications Technician/Systems Engineer (TT/SE) - a ‘transitional' trade group eventually becoming responsible for the technical planning and ‘engineering' of the Army's communications systems. I completed relevant training courses and experiences (civilian and military), qualifying with ‘Electronic Technician Certificates' (ETC).
While in the NZ Army, i also continued my interest in sport by participating in numerous sporting codes that included: rugby, tennis, golf, squash, and basketball for example. Highlights in this sporting arena included: representing the NZ Army in rugby, tennis, and golf; and representing the NZ Defence Force in tennis.
In 2007, i opted to leave the NZ Army in search of new life challenges and experiences. On reflection of my military career, i consider it advantageous to have been exposed to the numerous opportunities to professionally develop in areas of interest. I refer specifically to the following for example: planning, coordination, leadership, and management.
Through this learning and experiences, i was able to successfully engage in the study of management and leadership, by working toward the Bachelor of Administrative Leadership Degree (BAdminLead) from Australia's University of New England - a professional development initiative encouraged and sponsored by the NZ Army.
Post the NZ Army i have: studied full-time in a total immersion te reo Maori environment, worked in contract/casual roles within the Ministry of Justice and the Manawatu Rugby Union, and played a notable part in the nurturing of our two children.
I am married and we have two children, a boy and a girl who respectively attend an Intermediate and Primary schools within the Palmerston North area.
I have many interests particularly with regards to sports - as a coach, manager, and player. I also enjoy social interaction where there is scope to meet people and develop relationships.
I am delighted to be a Massey University staff member, and plan to undertake studies in the near-term future at postgraduate level as circumstances permit.
Kia ora ano tatou katoa.
