Source: Ara Institute of Canterbury
Ara Institute of Canterbury is proud to announce that Richard Hope, Senior Academic Staff Member in automotive Ttrades, has been named the 2025 Te Tohu Kaiako o Te Tau a Te Pirimia | Prime Minister’s Tertiary Educator of the Year at the prestigious Ako Aotearoa Te Whatu Kairangi Awards in Wellington on 5 November.
“This is the pinnacle of tertiary teaching awards in New Zealand,” said Ara Executive Director Darren Mitchell. “Richard has made us all extremely proud today.”
Hope received the honour for his exceptional contribution to vocational education and his innovative, inclusive approach to teaching automotive engineering. His work demonstrates a deep commitment to learner success, particularly for those facing barriers to education.
Te Whatu Kairangi Awards panel chair Derek McCormack said: “Richard’s profile was simply outstanding, he thoroughly deservers the Prime Minister’s Educator of The Year award.
“Comments from his colleagues, along with his students’ results and feedback, all speak to how dedicated he is to learner success.”
Hope was typically humble when asked for his reaction at the gala event in Wellington saying: “I just really enjoy doing my job, so this is the biggest honour and it’s totally unexpected,” he said.
Today, however he was still trying to make sense of it all. “I woke up this morning and had to ask my wife did that really happen? It’s very surreal!”
After 25 years as an automotive mechanic, Hope transitioned into tertiary teaching in 2019. Since then, he has transformed his classroom into a supportive and empowering learning environment for ākonga of all backgrounds and abilities. His initiatives include:
- Initiated the translation of automotive engineering course material into te reo Māori
- Created online resources to support deaf learners
- Introduced professional conversations as an assessment method for Trades learners
The Te Whatu Kairangi Awards citation noted “Richard’s teaching practice reflects what it truly means to be a kaiako who is invested in the outcomes of their learners”.
In addition to the Prime Minister’s Educator of the Year Award, he also received a General Individual Award under the category of ‘Achieving diversity and inclusion for improving outcomes for Māori learners; Pacific learners; neurodiverse learners; and/or learners with disabilities.’
Mitchell congratulated Hope on this outstanding achievement, acknowledging the transformative impact his teaching has had on learners.
“Richard’s vision and determination for inclusive education is inspiring. He’s shown what’s possible when opportunities are created for every learner to thrive,” he said.
“His work is a true celebration of Ara’s values and our commitment to equity and excellence. We couldn’t be prouder of the impact Richard is making on learners and the learning environment at Ara.”
Hope said he was humbled by the accolade: “For me, teaching is about giving every ākonga the chance to succeed and feel valued. Seeing them grow in confidence and capability is the greatest reward – it reminds me why I do what I do every day.”
“I’d also like to acknowledge the whole team at Ara. Developing ākonga who are empowered and engaged takes many hands. We all play our part ensuring we help build resilient people who’ll flourish in society today, and in the future.”
