Pim's here to stay

There have been a lot of changes at Rotorua's Waiariki Institute of Technology over the past year, all for the best according to chief executive Dr Pim Borren. Daily Post education reporter KRISTIN MACFARLANE goes behind the scenes to find out about the man ringing in the changes.
For most people, studying for 12 years at tertiary level would be enough to put you off education for a while.

Dr Pim Borren is a different sort.

He went straight into tertiary education out of high school at the age of 17 and has remained there for just about all of his working career.

All up, the 45-year-old spent 12 years between 1979 and 1994 studying at different tertiary institutes - the University of York in England, Lincoln University, University of Canterbury and the Christchurch College of Education.

In that time he gained a Bachelor of Science majoring in mathematics, a Diploma in Teaching, a Master of Commerce majoring in economics with first class honours, and a Doctor of Philosophy in economics.

"I spent a bit longer studying than most people," Borren admits.

But just learning at tertiary level wasn't enough for Borren, who also held numerous positions at institutions during study and after.

He kicked off his career as a lecturer at the same place where he studied to be a teacher and also taught students at Papanui High School.

"I always wanted to be a teacher. I always say once a teacher, always a teacher."

He realised that he preferred tertiary teaching to secondary school level but says he has the "utmost respect" for secondary teachers because it's such a challenge. He reckons they are under-valued.

"Secondary teachers start teaching kids then take them to adulthood. It's a difficult job but an extremely important one.

"[Tertiary] students want to learn. They mostly know what they're giving up to study."

He taught for two years before changing direction and becoming a professional economist - an expert in the science of economics.

But education was never too far from his mind and guiding students at the same places he was taught also became a bit of a theme in his life - he was also a lecturer in economics at the institution where he studied it for a few years before starting up his own economics consultancy business, specialising in health economics. He was heavily involved with hospitals, insurance companies and other agencies like Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC).

He became regarded as one of only two or three top health economists in New Zealand.

While he loves economics, he never studied it until he went to university. He believes that's the right thing to do because you don't appreciate the subject as much when you are younger.

"It shouldn't be taught at high school as a subject, certainly not before seventh form [Year 13]."

He enjoys working in education because, he says, it plays such a vital role for the country.

"I spent a fair bit of time on my own education and I've always found education to be beneficial for both personal and professional growth."

But he does admit studying at tertiary level was a lot easier when he was younger because in the 12 years of study he did, there were no fees. Students didn't have to worry about paying thousands of dollars back.

"This country was poorer but had a far greater commitment to its students from its government."

In 2000, a position as a director of the school of business arose at the Christchurch College of Education. Borren saw it as a great way to get back into the education industry, where he has remained since.

"I sort of feel like I've had two careers prior to management.

"It would be extremely hard for me to pick between education and economics - I absolutely love them both."

After two years Borren headed to the Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology where he was the dean of the commerce faculty before becoming the deputy chief executive.

Last year Borren took on another new challenge, becoming the new chief executive of Waiariki Institute of Technology, which has campuses in Rotorua, Taupo, Whakatane and Tokoroa.

He says it's the highlight of his career.



"This job is my highlight because I feel like I'm learning everyday."

There have been many changes at Waiariki since Borren's arrival, including new initiatives like free fees for school leavers, a new sports academy, the creations of new positions like deputy chief executive Maori - which is a first for polytechnics in New Zealand - and restructuring to improve relationships with the community and iwi and to benefit students. That included reducing eight schools to six, under new titles.

Borren says education management allows him to mix his education and economics backgrounds.

"I've always enjoyed my work and I've always felt challenged."

Borren has proved he can also guide people through more than just education by coaching a number of hockey teams over a 20-year period.

He had played competitive hockey in the New Zealand University men's team and has now coached the sport at just about all levels, including the New Zealand Women's University team, club hockey and secondary hockey. He gave up coaching about six years ago.

Despite all of Borren's educational accomplishments and career highlights, being a dad to his seven children is the most rewarding aspect of his life.

He has been with his wife Jane Borren for 10 years and they have two children - Millie, 8, and Gus, 4.

He also has five other children from two previous marriages - Lisa, 26, Joanne, 25, Peter, 23, William, 15 and Michael, 14. He's also a grandfather to Paige, 3, and Meg Bowman, 9 months.

"Family is the highlight of my life."

Borren, the youngest of eight children to Abe and Helena Borren, was born in Holland. He and his family moved to New Zealand when he was one. He grew up in Wellington, moved to Christchurch after his final year at Wellington's Scots College in 1978, where he stayed for 27 years.

Now Rotorua is home. He loves the place and has no plans to leave in the near future. "My parents had eight children, they left [a] populated country ... because they wanted to ensure their children had a better quality of life. This was exactly the part of New Zealand they were looking for.

"This is one of the most stunning regions in the world.

"I'm regularly saying to people 'come and stay in the most beautiful city and most beautiful country in the world'."