17 October 2008

Associate Minister of Tertiary Education Visits IPC

Translated by Shirley Ghozalli. Edited by Moira Blake

Hon Maryan Street, in conversation with Nagisa Mori	Mr. Lees-Galloway shaking hands with Kotaku Iha
Students having a chat with Mr. Lees-Galloway	The Minister Hon Maryan Street, and Labour Candidate Mr Iain Lees-Galloway with IPC students and staff

On Friday, 3rd October 2008, the Associate Minister of Tertiary Education, Hon Maryan Street, and Labour Candidate for Palmerston North, Mr Iain Lees-Galloway, came to visit IPC. Both had an informal meeting with IPC students and staff members, and were very interested to know more about IPC. Hon Maryan Street also holds the offices of Minister of ACC, Minister of Housing, and Associate Minister of Economic Development. After the meeting, they joined a luncheon gathering in the Dining Hall before leaving the campus.

When asked about the impressions they received, students made these comments:

Mulyono Widjaja (a 2008 student from Indonesia)

I had a conversation with the Minister about why I chose the MIS environment programme. I explained that by choosing the masters program I can develop my analytical skill and I think that environment studies have become important now, especially in business.

She asked me what I would do after I graduated. I answered that I will find a job and work here to improve my skills and experience before I return to my country.

The Minister is a kind and also friendly woman. She doesn't seem like a famous person. They are usually arrogant. I am very pleased to have met her and hopefully I can meet her again in the future.

Nagisa Mori (a 2005 student from Japan)

I found that the Minister and Mr. Lees-Galloway are very friendly and good-humoured people. I was so tense but after talking to the Minister, I felt like I was talking to one of the IPC lecturers. I could enjoy our conversation more.

I had this image that "government = formal, stiff" but it changed as soon as I had the opportunity to talk to both of them today.

Kotaku Iha (a 2006 student from Japan)

I talked to the Minister about my study in business and my dream to work in a trade/travel-related field after I graduate. I also told her about how I am enjoying my study at IPC and how I am becoming enriched every day. I think the Minister is a very elegant person. Although we only spoke for a short time, her wisdom and personality impressed me.

With Mr Lees-Galloway, I talked about Palmerston North - about how I was amazed that I could study with friends from other countries when I first arrived here and how I enjoy doing activities with those multinational friends now. He was a bright and good-humoured gentleman and I enjoyed our conversation very much.

I can see why they are able to hold important positions in the community. They spoke clearly with proper tone and manner. Both of them seemed to be able to give a great amount of attention to the people they are conversing with.

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