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ABOUT WHITECLIFFE

Whitecliffe has continued to develop and extend the reach into Higher Education and has continued to invest in understanding industry gaps and demands, responding to these through innovative and student-centric programmes to continue to meet education needs in New Zealand, aligned with the sectors we serve and to ensure Whitecliffe graduates are highly employable and recognised for their work readiness.

Whitecliffe is New Zealand’s highest-ranked and awarded institution in the private education sector and is a long-standing Category One Private Training Establishment, established in 1984.

Whitecliffe strives to actively collaborate and connect with aligned industry to ensure work-integrated learning, excellent academic programmes and actively preparing our graduates for the professions they pursue.​

Our graduates are trailblazers, they are confident in their skills and leaders of the future!



Our vision

Our Vision is to be globally recognised as a centre of education excellence, and New Zealand’s leading private tertiary higher education provider in key sectors of technology, education, creativity, innovation, and research.​

We are committed to empowering trailblazers, nurturing leaders, and fostering creative thinkers who confidently make a positive impact in the world. We are the first choice.​ Our approach reflects our belief that creativity has the power to transform how people see and experience the world.



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Our Offering

Whitecliffe stands as a cornerstone in New Zealand's private education landscape, boasting a storied combined legacy of over one hundred and thirty years dedicated to exemplary teaching and educational excellence across the departments of fine arts, design, fashion design, IT and creative art therapies.

The consolidation of three of the oldest PTEs in New Zealand has positioned Whitecliffe as a key player in the tertiary education sector. Offering a spectrum of programmes from certificates, degrees and up to the master's level (levels 4 - 9), Whitecliffe is synonymous with academic distinction, and is committed to shaping students into global citizens in society and leaders within their respective professional fields..​

In an era defined by rapid technological progress, AI and dynamic change, the demand for creative minds adept at adaptation, problem-solving, and innovation is incessantly burgeoning. Whitecliffe bridges this skills gap through a higher education ethos that places great importance on creativity, critical thinking and agility.


Our industry-ready graduates can apply their skills and have had excellent exposure to work-based learning and application. Our graduates stand out and lead through their connection to industry and creative thinking prowess. Accolades adorn Whitecliffe’s journey, celebrating its faculty, students, and alumni. Noteworthy recognition from industry advisory boards and regulatory bodies such as NZQA, underscored by a string of positive reviews and monitoring appraisals, underscore Whitecliffe’s commitment to academic excellence.

Whitecliffe has continued to expand reach and is actively spearheading international expansion initiatives across Europe, Canada, Australia, China, and the UAE. With a global impact and connection, future graduates stand to benefit from these connections to world-class education and qualifications at the leading edge, whilst passionately linked to roots in New Zealand. Whitecliffe remains steadfastly committed to fostering strategic partnerships with industry through long-established advisory boards and connections linked to each faculty, guiding education development and enhancements. With an unwavering focus on delivering top-tier education that equips students for success in an ever-evolving world, Whitecliffe epitomizes excellence in education, creativity, and innovation.

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Our Socials

Got a question about our socials? Reach out to [email protected] - we’ll be happy to help!

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Board of Governors

At Whitecliffe, our Board of Governors plays a vital role in shaping the direction of our institution. With diverse expertise across education, business, and the creative industries, they provide strategic leadership to help us grow and thrive. Their vision ensures we stay true to our values while embracing new opportunities for our students and community.

Feroz Ali Owner Whitecliffe, Executive Chairman, Board of Directors, Leadership, staff, Whitecliffe, team, member

Feroz Ali

Executive Chairman

Feroz is a distinguished entrepreneur and leader in the education and creative industries, with a career spanning over 30 years ...

Derek McCormack, Board member, Board of governors, Whitecliffe, team, member

Derek McCormack

Board member

Derek McCormack was appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of AUT in 2004, a role which he only recently stepped down from ...

Dr Caroline Seelig Whitecliffe Board Member

Dr Caroline Seelig

Board member

Dr Caroline Seelig has 30 years of experience as a senior manager in the New Zealand tertiary education sector and ...

Daniel Nakhle, Director, Board of Governors, Whitecliffe, team, member

Daniel Nakhle

Director

Daniel has directorships and interests in a wide range of industries and businesses. These encompass commercial, industrial and residential property ...

Anita Killeen Board Member Whitecliffe

Anita Killeen

Board member

Anita offers a combination of hands-on practical commercial, legal and governance skills to clients and boards. This together with dispute ...

Tim Jennison, Board member, Board of Governors, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member

Tim Jennison

Board member

Tim was the Chief Financial Officer of a diversified education group for ten years, which followed his career in investment ...

Leadership team

At Whitecliffe, our Senior Leadership Team is at the heart of everything we do. They bring together strategy, management, and innovation expertise to guide us towards a bright and inspiring future. Their leadership helps shape the student experience, foster creative excellence, and ensure Whitecliffe continues to thrive in a dynamic world.

Fay Amaral, Chief Executive Officer, Leadership, employee, staff, Whitecliffe, team, member, CEO

Dr Fay Amaral

Chief Executive Officer (New Zealand)

Fay Amaral is a seasoned executive leader with over 20 years of executive leadership experience across various sectors, including education, ...

Dr Raymond Young, Chief Academic Officer, Leadership, employee, staff, Whitecliffe, team, member

Dr Raymond Young

Chief Academic Officer

Prior to joining Whitecliffe in 2018, Raymond held a range of teaching, faculty management, and senior academic leadership roles at ...

Dr Amanda Perry, Dean of Academic Operations, Executive team, Whitecliffe team member

Dr Amanda Perry

Dean of Academic Operations

As the Dean of Academic Operations and a member of the Executive Team at Whitecliffe, I lead the strategic execution ...

Juanita Prinsloo, Director of Marketing and Communications, Leadership, employee, staff, Whitecliffe, team, member

Juanita Prinsloo

Director of Marketing and Communications

As Director of Marketing and Communications and a member of the Executive Team at Whitecliffe, I lead the strategic direction ...

Fahim Hussain, Director of Business Services, Leadership, employee, staff, Whitecliffe, team, member, Finance

Fahim Hussain

Director of Business Services

Fahim has over 20 years’ experience in senior audit and finance leadership roles across a wide range of sectors including ...

Mark Chelton Director of People and Culture Whitecliffe

Mark Chelton

Director of People and Culture

Mark has a broad international HR background with over 10 years’ experience in Senior People and Culture Leadership roles across ...

Faculty members

At Whitecliffe, our faculty is more than a team of educators - they’re mentors, innovators, and industry leaders passionate about shaping the future of creative arts, design, fashion, and technology.
With a commitment to excellence in teaching and research, our faculty empowers students to push boundaries, challenge ideas, and turn their creative vision into reality. They bring real-world experience, fresh thinking, and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in today’s creative landscape.

At Whitecliffe, you'll learn from the best - people who believe in your potential and are here to help you thrive!

Dr Muhammad Azam, Head of School, Applied Information Technology, IT, Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member

Prof Dr Muhammad Azam

Programme Head

Applied Information Technology

Professor Muhammad Azam is a highly respected Computer Engineer and Chartered IT Professional recognised by IT Professionals NZ, with over ...

Dr Shahbaz Pervez Chattha, Programme Leader, IT, Applied Information Technology, Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member

Prof Dr Shahbaz Pervez Chattha

Programme Chair

Applied Information Technology

Professor Dr. Shahbaz Pervez Chattha is a globally recognized cybersecurity leader whose 25-year career exemplifies excellence at the intersection of ...

Pinal Shah

Pinal Shah

Lecturer

Applied Information Technology

Pinal Shah is a seasoned educator, researcher, author, and creative professional with over 15 years of teaching experience. He is ...

Amal Das, Lecturer, Information Technology, Whitecliffe

Amal Das

Lecturer

Applied Information Technology

Amal is a Microsoft as well as Cisco Certified Trainer with wide experience in all aspects of the Information and ...

Jun Han, Lecturer, Information Technology, Certificate in IT Essentials, Manukau campus, Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member, teacher

Jun Han

Lecturer

Applied Information Technology

Jun Han teaches our Certificate in IT Essentials on our Manukau campus. She joined Whitecliffe last year, but has been ...

Dr Simon Yusuf Enoch, Lecturer, Applied Information Technology, IT, Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member, Wellington Campus

Dr Simon Yusuf Enoch

Lecturer

Applied Information Technology

Simon holds a PhD in Computer Science (specializing in Cybersecurity) from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand. His research interests ...

Rooshan Ghous, Information Technology

Rooshan Ghous

Research Associate & Co-ordinator for Centre of Research Excellence

Applied Information Technology

Rooshan is a Research Associate at the newly established Centre of Research Excellence at Whitecliffe. As part of the founding ...

Dr. Badeea Al Sukhni, Information Technology

Dr Badeea Al Sukhni

Lecturer

Applied Information Technology

Dr Badeea Al Sukhni is a cybersecurity, digital forensics and machine learning researcher and lecturer with experience across certificate, undergraduate, ...

Dr Joseph Dang, Information Technology, PhD Computer Science, Master of Information Technology

Dr Joseph Dang

Lecturer

Applied Information Technology

Joseph earned his PhD in Computer Science from Victoria University of Wellington in 2023. His previous roles include serving as ...

Sana Alyaseri, Lecturer, School of Information Technology, Applied Information Technology, IT, Information Technology, Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member, Manukau

Dr Sana Alyaseri

Senior Lecturer

Applied Information Technology

Dr. Sana Alyaseri began her career as a computer programmer and software developer in Iraq, earning her Bachelor’s and Master’s ...

John Williams, Lab Assistant, Applied Information Technology, Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member

John Williams

Lab Assistant

Applied Information Technology

John has been an IT Trainer for over 30 years. John joined Whitecliffe as a Lab Assistant in 2023, after ...

Dr Mariapaola Mcgurk, Programme Lead, Art and Design

Dr Mariapaola Mcgurk

Programme Lead

Design Innovation

Dr Mariapaola McGurk (fondly known as MP) is a dynamic leader and scholar in the creative and cultural industries, bridging ...

Rob Mills, Lecturer, Design Innovation, Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member

Rob Mills

Programme Leader

Design Innovation

Rob Mills is a design thinker, educator, and creative freelancer with a Master’s degree in Digital Art from the University ...

Rebecca Steedman, Programme Leader, Design Innovation, Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member

Rebecca Steedman

Senior Lecturer

Design Innovation

Rebecca Steedman is a design educator, designer, and artist with over 12 years of educational experience at Whitecliffe College. She ...

Uelese Vavae, Lecturer, Design Innovation, Design, Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member

Uelese Vavae

Lecturer

Design Innovation

Uelese is a graduate of the Whitecliffe School of Fine Arts and is teaching the Certificate of Digital Media + ...

Chris Chong, Lecturer (Contractor), Design Innovation, Faculty, employee, staff, Whitecliffe, team, member

Chris Chong

Lecturer (Contractor)

Design Innovation

Chris has over 36 years of commercial experience in the creative industry. Including 30 years as CEO and ECD of ...

Dr Shireen Chua. Tutor. :lecturer, Faculty, MBIL, Masters of Business, Innovation and Leadership

Dr Shireen Chua

Lecturer

Design Innovation

Shireen is a lecturer in the Master of Business Innovation and Leadership programme. She brings a strong background in leadership ...

Amanda Sterling, Teacher, Tutor. Lecturer, Faculty, MBIL, Masters of Business, Innovation and Leadership. MBIL9801 Risk and Resilience.

Dr Amanda Sterling

Lecturer

Design Innovation

Dr Amanda Sterling is a lecturer in the Master of Business Innovation and Leadership programme. Outside of Whitecliffe, she runs ...

Gautam Nair, Teacher, Tutor. Lecturer, Faculty, MBIL, Masters of Business, Innovation and Leadership.

Gautam Nair

Lecturer

Design Innovation

Gautam is a lecturer in the Master of Business Innovation and Leadership programme, connecting design, strategy, and real-world application. He is ...

Teacher, Tutor. Lecturer, Gouhar Pirzada, Faculty, MBIL, Masters of Business, Innovation and Leadership.

Gouhar Pirzada

Lecturer

Design Innovation

Gouhar Pirzada is a lecturer in the Master of Business Innovation and Leadership programme. He brings a strong background in ...

Aida Shahbazi, Lecturer, Faculty, MBIL, Master of Business, Innovation and Leadership.

Aida Shahbazi

Lecturer

Design Innovation

Aida Shahbazi is a lecturer in the Master of Business Innovation and Leadership programme. She is a PhD Candidate in ...

Michelle Wetherell, Whitecliffe Head of School, Whitecliffe Fashion and Sustainability, Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member

Michelle Wetherell

Programme Head

Fashion + Sustainability

Michelle holds a Master’s degree in Fashion from Central Saint Martins, a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education, and is a ...

Tannaz Barkhordari, Lecturer, Fashion and Sustainability, Fashion, Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member

Tannaz Barkhordari

Programme Lead

Fashion + Sustainability

Tannaz Barkhordari is a fashion designer and educator specialising in sustainable fashion practices, textile innovation, and natural dyeing. Her work ...

Doula Matheos, Programme Leader, Fashion and Sustainability, Faculty, employee, staff, Whitecliffe, team, member

Doula Matheos

Programme Lead

Fashion + Sustainability

Doula has a rich background in fashion design, having graduated with an Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology from ...

Giles Peterson, Lecturer, Fashion and Sustainability, Faculty, employee, staff, Whitecliffe, team, member

Giles Peterson

Lecturer

Fashion + Sustainability

Giles Peterson is a distinguished educator and independent curator at Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design, where he focuses on ...

Angela Newson, Lecturer, Fashion and Sustainability,Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member

Angela Newson

Lecturer

Fashion + Sustainability

Angela holds a Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology from Massey University, where she received the Clothing Institute Award for ...

Harita Kapur, Lecturer, Fashion and Sustainability, Faculty, employee, staff, Whitecliffe, team, member

Harita Kapur

Lecturer

Fashion + Sustainability

Harita Kapur is an academic and design professional with over 30 years of experience in integrating research, critical thinking, and ...

Heather Hohenberger, Lecturer, Fashion and Sustainability, Faculty, employee, staff, Whitecliffe, team, member

Heather Hohenberger

Lecturer

Fashion + Sustainability

Working with such a diverse range of people brings Heather immense satisfaction. She truly believes in the programmes, knowing they ...

Lisa Holst, Lecturer, Fashion and Sustainability, Faculty, employee, staff, Whitecliffe, team, member

Lisa Holst

Lecturer

Fashion + Sustainability

As a graduate of the Wellington Polytechnic School of Fashion, Lisa discovered her passion for fashion design early on and ...

Pip Stevenson

Pip Stevenson

Lecturer

Fashion + Sustainability

Pip has been involved in the fashion industry since completing her Bachelor of Design (Fashion) at Otago Polytechnic in 2002. ...

SuJin Lim, Lecturer, Fashion and Sustainability, Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member

SuJin Lim

Lecturer

Fashion + Sustainability

SuJin is an experienced jewellery CAD designer who has been serving the New Zealand industry since 2010. She has worked ...

Susan Barter, Lecturer, Fashion + Sustainability, Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member

Susan Barter

Lecturer

Fashion + Sustainability

Born in Yorkshire during a time when crafting and repurposing were everyday practices, Susan Barter’s early immersion in making has ...

Veronica Frankovich, Lecturer, Fashion and Sustainability, Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member

Veronica Frankovich

Lecturer

Fashion + Sustainability

Veronica’s extensive fashion background spans from traditional fashion methodology to graphic and digital textile design. She has worked as a ...

Nicole van Vuuren, Whitecliffe Lecturer, Fashion and Sustainability, Fashion, Sustainability, Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member

Nicole van Vuuren

Lecturer

Fashion + Sustainability

Nicole integrates innovative design methodologies with a commitment to sustainability and critical fashion practices. With extensive industry experience in New ...

Denise Callan, Lecturer, Fashion + Sustainability, Faculty, employee, staff, Whitecliffe, team, member

Denise Callan

Lecturer

Fashion + Sustainability

Denise Callan graduated from Whitecliffe College with a Bachelor in Jewellery Design and Technology. Her practice explores notions of the ...

Anton Maurer, Lecturer, Fine Arts, Faculty, Employee, staff, Whitecliffe, Team, Member

Anton Maurer

Lecturer

Fine Arts

Anton Maurer is an artist and educator, with a practice grounded in lens-based media.

David Cowlard, Senior Lecturer, Fine Arts, Faculty, employee, staff, Whitecliffe, team, member

David Cowlard

Senior Lecturer

Fine Arts

David Cowlard is a senior lecturer with specialist teaching experience in lens-based practices, digital media and sound. His interdisciplinary practice ...

Glen Snow, Lecturer, Fine Arts, Faculty, employee, staff, Whitecliffe, team, member

Dr Glen Snow

Lecturer

Fine Arts

Dr Glen Snow gained his PhD with Creative Scholarly Work from the University of Auckland (UOA) Waipapa Taumata Rau in ...

Matt Dowman, Lecturer, Fine Arts, Faculty, employee, staff, Whitecliffe, team, member

Matt Dowman

Lecturer

Fine Arts

Matt Dowman received his BFA from Whitecliffe in 2002, and a MFA with honours from Auckland University’s Elam School of ...

Matt Ellwood, Head of School Fine Arts, Fine Arts, Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member

Matt Ellwood

Senior Lecturer

Fine Arts

Matt Ellwood is an artist and educator with more than 25 years of professional experience in the arts sector merging ...

Richard Maloy, Programme Head, Fine Arts, Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team member; Faculty of Art and Design, Leadership Team

Richard Maloy

Programme Head

Fine Arts

Richard Maloy completed his MFA from the University of Auckland in 2001. He employs a multi-disciplinary practice including; sculpture, photography, ...

Rose Meyer, Lecturer, School of Fine Arts, Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member

Rose Meyer

Certificate Programme Lead

Fine Arts

Rose Meyer gained a Master of Fine Art with First Class Honours in 2015 and a Post Graduate Diploma of ...

Caryline Boreham, Lecturer, Fine Arts, Faculty, Employee, staff, Whitecliffe, Team, Member

Caryline Boreham

Lecturer

Fine Arts

Caryline Boreham is an artist and educator whose recent work blends a photography practice with archival research, video, and sound. ...

Sonya Lacey, Programme Leader, Fine Arts, Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member

Sonya Lacey

Postgraduate Programme Lead

Fine Arts

Sonya Lacey completed an MFA through Auckland University’s Elam School of Fine Arts and is the Programme Leader Postgraduate, School ...

Naomi Pears-Scown, CAT, Faculty, Programme Head, Lecturer, Creative Arts Therapies

Dr Naomi Pears-Scown

Programme Head

Creative Art Therapies

Naomi is a researcher, clinician, and educator in the field of Creative Arts Therapy, with a strong foundation in clinical ...

Lynnemaree Patterson, Lecturer, CAT, Creative Art Therapies, employee, staff, Whitecliffe, team, member

Lynnemaree Patterson

Lecturer

Creative Art Therapies

Lynnemaree has worked in a range of positions at Whitecliffe and is currently a lecturer and a Creative Arts Therapist ...

Creative Art Therapies Lecturer

Julia Hanna

Lecturer

Creative Art Therapies

Julia has been practicing Art Therapy since 2016. She has led art therapy groups for children with anxiety and has ...

Susan Knaap

Lecturer

Creative Art Therapies

Susan Knaap is the Postgraduate Diploma Coordinator and Lecturer in Pōneke, Wellington. She completed her Master of Arts in Creative ...

Candy Lynn Smit, Whitecliffe Lecturer and Placement Coordinator, Creative Art Therapies, CAT

Candy Lynn Smit

Lecturer

Creative Art Therapies

Candy is a Lecturer and Placement Coordinator within the School of Creative Arts Therapy. She brings a strong background in ...

Negin Dastgheib, Lecturer, CAT, Creative Art Therapies, employee, staff, Whitecliffe, team member, teacher

Negin Dastgheib

Lecturer

Creative Art Therapies

Negin Dastgheib completed a Master of Arts Therapy at Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design in 2019 and has since ...

Jordan Monaghan, Lecturer, CAT, Creative Art Therapies, employee, staff, Whitecliffe, team,

Jordan Monaghan

Lecturer

Creative Art Therapies

Jordan is a registered creative arts therapist, and sandtray practitioner based in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland. She works predominantly within the ...

Whitecliffe Creative Arts Therapy lecturer

Beth Buxton

Lecturer

Creative Art Therapies

Beth’s clinical and research interests include supporting parents, children and educators to integrate relational ways of understanding their experiences and ...

Nuraishah Abdullah, Lecturer, CAT, Creative Art Therapies, employee, staff, Whitecliffe, team member, teacher

Nuraishah Abdullah

Lecturer

Creative Art Therapies

Nuraishah’s career began and developed whilst she was in Singapore. In the early days, she worked primarily as a counsellor ...

Janaina Moraes, Lecturer, CAT Faculty, Creative Art Therapies, employee, staff, Whitecliffe, team member, teacher

Dr Janaína Moraes 

Lecturer

Creative Art Therapies

Janaína is an academic, published researcher, dancer, and movement practitioner passionate about facilitating learning environments that are collaborative, inclusive, and ...

Rebecca Richardson, CAT, Creative Art Therapies, employee, staff, Whitecliffe, team, Research Coordinator

Rebecca Richardson

Research Coordinator

Creative Art Therapies

Rebecca Richardson is currently a PhD candidate, following completion of her Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours in Psychology) and Master ...