Baljinder Devgun
Bachelor of Science (Technology), Graduate Diploma, Master of Management Studies
Everdt Venecourt
Everdt is now a teacher at Gate Pā School in Tauranga and he couldn’t be happier.
Teacher at Gate Pā School, Tauranga
Everdt Venecourt had to take a step back to go forward.
After 13 years of working his way up the ladder in retail and hospitality, Everdt wanted to do something different and work with the next generation to have a positive impact on the future of New Zealand.
At 37, he enrolled in a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary) degree at the University of Waikato in Tauranga.
“One of my greatest achievements in life is being a dad; seeing my children grow and learn, I wanted to be part of that journey for others too,” Everdt says.
Everdt is now a teacher at Gate Pā School in Tauranga and he couldn’t be happier. He finds his work rewarding and enjoys using his performing skills as a lead singer in a heavy punk rock band, called Two Skinner, to bring the curriculum to life.
“I love coming to work every day and helping these children.”
Although the decision to transition from a successful career into study as a mature student was daunting, Everdt received tremendous support from his family and the University. He highly recommends students utilise all the facilities available at Waikato.
“My success story definitely started within the halls of the Tauranga campus. The lecturers front-loaded us with all the information we needed to be a teacher and standing in front of the classroom today, I know I’ve been set up for success."
He was thankful to his student advisor Matua Paul Woller who helped him complete his summer papers and prepare him for study.
In 2008, the height of the recession, Everdt received a Bachelor of Product Design from a New Zealand polytech but was not able to find a job in his field. For the next 13 years, he supported his family by working in cafes and retail outlets in Auckland before moving to Tauranga and deciding to change career paths into teaching.
Looking to the future, Everdt hopes to be in a leadership position and continue to grow as a teacher.
