Northern Hub background

Background on the Northern Hub

The Hub is staffed by Ruth Peterson (Regional Manager) and Kirsten White (Administrator) and is located in the heart of Auckland City, on the corner of Wakefield St and Mayoral Dr, just off Queen Street.

The Hub is jointly hosted by AUT University (AUT) and Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) with the two co-convenors, Dr Pare Keiha of AUT University and Dr Helen Anderson of MIT, overseeing the hosting arrangements.

Ako Aotearoa’s northern hub covers the North Island from Turangi; taking in the Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Auckland and Northland. The region has over 400 tertiary providers, many of whom are already engaging with us through projects or seminars. We are always seeking ways in which to collaborate with tertiary providers in our region.

Background on Northern Hub Staff

Ruth Peterson

I have always had a strong interest in outcomes for learners. My master’s thesis focused on the question of the effectiveness of learning from informal sources. The experience I have gained in my education career has been obtained at both secondary and tertiary levels. Most recently I have been working at the Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT). Initially I was with their Centre for Educational Development. This led to a management role in the newly established Centre for Assessment of Prior Learning, also at MIT. I share Ako Aotearoa’s vision to achieve the best possible educational outcomes for all learners.

T: +64 9 921 9752 | M: +64 21 943 490 | ruth.peterson@aut.ac.nz

Kirsten White

Kirsten is working for Ako Aotearoa part-time as Northern Hub Administrator on a temporary contract to June. Her other part-time position as Communications Manager, and a previous role as Communications Officer make her a valuable addition to the Auckland team.

T: 09 921 9750 | M: 021 0258 3421 | kirsten.white@aut.ac.nz