Alumni
“Since I can remember, I always wanted to be a Lawyer. After starting my law studies, I decided to take a year off to travel. Three years later, I was still traveling. A new passion had started blooming in me by then; nature and a need to truly heal. Although I understood those two things very well from the right side of my brain (the feminine type of intelligence), I had quite a hard time to grasp the essence of nature and healing from the left side of my brain (the masculine type of intelligence). In other words, my travels gave me a good understanding of healing at a spiritual level. However, as our soul lives in a physical body in a physical world, I felt that I needed help to understand the scientific aspects of my body and the medicines around me, whether they be food or herbs.
I am now in my last year of study at South Pacific College of Natural Medicine, and I could never have made it so far without the generous support, help, and understanding of all of the SPCNM team. Their passion for what they do as well as their authentic desire to help me succeed has pushed me to keep going in harder moments. I never thought I could one-day study medicine to this depth; I thought my brain was just not made for that kind of study. But thank you to my teachers, who made it possible and to whom I will forever be thankful.
I am further grateful that I found a training that combines the latest scientific research while still respecting and honouring the ancient traditions of our ancestors, which consist, among other things, of healing with the gifts nature provides us. After the completion of this degree, I feel confident of my capacity to guide my clients in their journey towards health, with a combination of the knowledge in my brain and the passion in my heart.”
“The journey of life is one of great mystery; yet with time, lessons are learned, questions are answered, and clue by clue, the mystery unfolds…
I had spent decades of my life working passionless jobs and moving aimlessly from place to place, wondering what my purpose in life would be. I found myself unconsciously searching for something more, opening up to strangers, making random life changes and, in the process, questioning my life choices. I eventually journeyed away from my home country, worked overseas and did a bit of travel.
The traveling years brought me challenges, connections and a passion for life that I never could have imagined I would experience. Through turning my entire life upside down: changing my environmental surroundings, eating habits, hobbies, work and social support system, I learned just how interconnected the many aspects of life are and how impactful they are to a person’s health and wellbeing. I found a passion for the many ways of healing within the many cultures that crossed my path.
Just like so much of my unfolded life, I was given clues that lead me the doors of South Pacific College of Natural Medicine. It was here that I was taken into the arms of Aotearoa and given another place to call home. The college offered me evidence-based learning of holistic medicine whilst providing the support and environment for personal transformative change. The school has further supported my journey of self-awareness and self-understanding, components which are important when undertaking a path of wanting to assist and nurture others.
Over the years I have immensely enjoyed learning about herbs and Rongoā, spending time in the school garden and connecting with nature. However, natural medicine goes beyond plant and food medicine; it is also medicine for the soul and spirit. The mind-body connection has become of particular interest to me. South Pacific teaches these concepts and modalities through progressive evidence-based programmes and a supportive atmosphere. The school and staff go beyond curriculum requirements to provide students with experience and learning that can be applied to and carried throughout their own lives.
If you are reading this now, you have already been given clues within your own life journey. Possibly you are asking yourself some similar questions I once asked myself. It is within your power to unfold the mystery, trial the open doors of opportunity to see where they will take you and just what answers to life you may find.”
“I was lucky enough to study both online and on-campus with South Pacific College of Natural Medicine. After completing my initial studies in nutrition, I still felt like there was something missing. I was eager to learn more, especially in the realm of natural herbal medicine, as well as gain valuable clinical experience which I unfortunately did not get through my previous studies. As soon as I made the leap into online learning with SPCNM, I knew it was the best decision I ever made. The well structured online modules made distance learning a breeze, and the ability to complete the modules at your own pace week to week made balancing study with work and family life so easy. I was also lucky enough to attend the onsite campus weekends in Auckland each semester, to connect with other online students as well as meet the incredible lecturers, ask any questions and of course spend time in the beautiful herb garden.
In my final year, I made the switch to on-campus learning full time. While this was the most challenging year by far, I would do it again in a heartbeat! The clinical experience through the on-site Paua Clinic, coupled with our studies on managing a professional practice and marketing, helped me tremendously after graduating to build my own busy clinic which I am now able to be self employed full time. Along with managing my own practice, I have also been lucky enough to contract to a number of brands, working on product formulation as well as copy writing for online blogs and magazines. I truly feel like I would not be living my dream today had I not gone back to study at SPCNM.
I will forever be grateful for my time at SPCNM, especially to the amazing college staff for all their support and knowledge shared, as well as for the lifelong friends I have made along the way. So, if you are thinking about studying at SPCNM, I can 100% tell you, you will not regret it!“
“After a number of years working in the non-profit sector, I was tired and completely worn out. Not sure what direction to take, I went on a retreat and spent some time contemplating my future. I had always had a keen interest in natural health, and a strong desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others. As I started to put my life’s ‘puzzle pieces’ together – a picture began to form – and I knew what I had to do: I enrolled to study at SPCNM. It was a big decision to launch into something completely different, but any concerns that I had melted away as my first semester progressed.
I chose to study at SPCNM because of the scientific-based approach coupled with the flexible learning options that would suit my lifestyle. Getting back into study was a little daunting at first. However, the environment is so supportive – and the course content is nothing short of fascinating. The lecturers and staff are approachable, and I have met an awesome bunch of supportive peers.
Did I mention the SPCNM Garden? It is just beautiful, and this semester I will have the opportunity to grow my own medicinal plants – so exciting!! But don’t just take my word for it! I would encourage you to visit SPCNM and see it for yourself.”
“I come from a family of food scientists where good nutrition is seen as the cornerstone to good health. It is regular dinner conversation in my family to identify the active constituents of the foods we are eating and to “debate” (argue!) over the health benefits of those constituents.
I discovered other aspects of natural health treatment whilst at University in my early 20s by working with a naturopath to overcome an “unsolvable” medical condition. I was so impressed by how quickly my condition was solved using diet and herbs that I very nearly embarked on herbal studies there and then. However, opportunities in the wine industry took me overseas and kept me there for the next 10 years.
Upon returning to New Zealand, I was disillusioned with the wine industry and was ready for a new challenge. The flexibility of the online learning program at SPCNM allowed me to take the plunge and begin this path of becoming a Natural Medicine practitioner- something I had thought was years or decades out of my reach.
I am now entering my 2nd year and am thrilled with the program at SPCNM. The flexibility of the online learning program suits me down to the ground. The content of the courses has been very well-thought out, is of a high academic standard and is always fascinating. The assessments are challenging but provide valuable learning experiences in themselves.
The on-site learning weekends have been invaluable to becoming part of the SPCNM community. I am always in awe of the passion within my tutors and fellow classmates, their backgrounds, knowledge, and abilities to juggle family and work commitments, in order to pursue their studies. I also really enjoy visiting the College outside of the organized weekends, whether to use the Library, walk around the garden, visit the clinic, or just say hi to everybody. It is so nice to be greeted by name and with warm smiles when you walk in the door.”
“The three years I spent studying the Bachelor of Natural Medicine degree at the South Pacific College of Natural Medicine were the most challenging, and also most rewarding, three years of my life. Originally from Canada, I chose to study at SPCNM because of its progressive programmes and evidence-based approach.
However, what I got from my time there was much more than I expected…
I met an incredibly passionate group of people- staff and students alike- who were all at the College for the best of intentions: to help others get well. The atmosphere was incredibly supportive, as we all worked towards the goal of becoming natural medicine practitioners.
Within the courses, I interacted with not only the most up-to-date health science research, I also learned to respect the traditional use of natural medicines, which of course, is the fruit of hundreds of years of research. I was able to understand more about the herbs that we use through the amazing garden, which was used extensively as a teaching tool, and which I was fortunate enough to work in during my final year. The College emphasized the importance of that naturopathic principle which is the foundation for all that we do: to look at each person as an individual and treat them holistically.
The on-site, community-based clinic, which is part of the final year of the degree, was vital for giving me the practical experience that I needed before setting out. Now I am working in an amazing integrative health centre in Dunedin, and feel confident in my clinical skills.
I am endlessly grateful for my time at SPCNM, and know that because of this course I have a career that I love so much that I will never work a day in my life.”
“Since graduation I have had a full and rewarding career as a naturopath. South Pacific College of Natural Therapeutics gave me the basic grounding and confidence to tackle the challenges and opportunities that have made Natural Health not just my passion, but my career. It has been and continues to be a diverse and stimulating work life, taking me into private clinical practice, onto media, made me a twice published author, taught me to train others and given me love of constant research and learning. From corporate wellness to product research and development, the broad scope of a naturopathic qualification brings a wide and varied range of opportunities.
I am constantly grateful for the degree course I undertook and the life enriching learning it gave me. How you apply the insight and learning available from SPCNM is up to you. It is limited or defined only by your drive and your vision. Take it as far and as fast (or slow) as you wish.
Whatever your calling, personal wellbeing, a base for your own business and practice or a corporate career, if you have a strong life philosophy, are dedicated to life enriching learning and are prepared to be challenged, then talk to one of the finest naturopathic colleges in New Zealand, SPCNM.”
Please click here to visit Lani’s website
Photo courtesy of www.elementmagazine.co.nz
“Without really being aware of it, I have been around natural medicine my whole life. My Mum used natural remedies for the family as I was growing up and at the time I just thought it was a little different, but did as I was told.
Natural medicine did not enter my mind as a career until a point in my life when I was overseas, travelling, and I promised myself that when I came home to New Zealand, that I would choose a career that I was truly passionate about. I had seen a naturopath before I went overseas and experienced some awesome results. Naturopathy was everything I wanted in a career: research, an abundance of learning, and, most importantly, it is all about helping people and allowing them to see how they can help themselves.
South Pacific College of Natural Medicine was the absolute best fit for me. It is an amazing school with the most up-to-date resources, a beautiful campus and amazing staff. As I was still working through the duration of the degree, I initially studied by via the distance-learning option, but I finished onsite for my final year. I absolutely loved coming to College, as my fellow classmates and my teachers were always so friendly, caring and informative. The whole environment is synergistic and you really feel that everyone is there to help each other.
I am determined to give my clients the very best experience possible, and part of that is making sure they have the tools and knowledge to take charge of their own lives and health. My consultations are collaborative; I work with my clients to make sure that they can make the changes they need to get to their best health. Natural health treatment can be difficult, as it takes a real commitment from both parties, but when you see the amazing results it gives, it proves its worth a million times over.
I have always wanted to make a difference in the world and now through my clinic, Naturopathic Solutions, I am.
I am currently also a product specialist for Martin and Pleasance through Brandfolio NZ.
It is incredible to wake up every morning and know that I will be sharing my knowledge with my clients so they can make a difference to their lives. Synergy at its best.”
Fred has had the benefit of being both an on-campus and an online learner at SPCNM.
“Having always had an interest in medicine, circumstances in my early 20s led me to choose a career in engineering. But it was when I was diagnosed with a life threatening illness, that my interest in medicine was sparked again 30 years later. Confronted with my diagnosis and little hope of a cure I substantially changed my life and rediscovered my passion for medicine. Motivated by the limitations of conventional medicine to cure my condition, I embarked on a journey of natural therapies. Luckily, I met integrative medicine practitioners who supported me on this journey early on. Providing me with emotional support, guidance and a wealth of information, these doctors encouraged me to study at the South Pacific College of Natural Medicine after noticing my scientific interest in natural therapies.
SPCNM’s flexible options of part-time study in a combination of online and on-campus papers enabled me to fit in study, work, doctor visits and family without undue stress.
With the original premise of trying to rebuild and improve my own life and health first, I learnt a vast amount about relevant and science-based natural therapies that have not only been beneficial for my own wellness but will also help me in my endeavour to help others with similar conditions.
SPCNM is a great place to study with a modern purpose-built campus and even free student carparks! The supportive administration staff and the knowledgeable lecturers provide a friendly atmosphere which makes study fun. Student feedback is valued and acted upon and curriculum adjustments ensure the currency of the Bachelor of Natural Medicine degree. Students work together and even as a slightly ‘older’ adult I never feel like the odd one out. It’s great to be part of such a positive learning environment.”
“Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou, ka ora ai te iwi
With your food basket and my food basket the people will thrive.
The world of natural medicine has been a huge learning curve for me and SPCNM have supplied all the necessary tools, knowledge and mentoring to make me feel assured and excited about going into my final year of study.
The SPCNM staff team and our student reps do an amazing job in continually improving and adapting to our needs as students. I know they value our feedback and it has been great to see the degree evolve and improve each year.
My biggest challenge has been essay writing. I love to read and discuss topics at length but find academic writing tough. Luckily, I’ve had exceptional support from Rachel (our Library, Web, IT & Student Support Manager), my lecturers and my Mum (who I didn’t take after!).
My all-time favourite thing about my studies is the people! I get to spend time with fellow students and lecturers who are passionate about natural medicine. We motivate, inspire and help each other in so many ways. I would highly recommend on-campus study to everyone. For me personally, I couldn’t have done it on my own and I couldn’t have studied on-campus without the huge support from my awesome husband and tamariki.
Nga mihi nui ki a koutou“