Robin Atherton

After completing the National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Horticulture and Crop Technology from the prestigious Pershore College of Horticulture in the UK, Robin embarked on a career in nursery production, managing a number of propagation nurseries where she specialized in commercial propagation.

After working as a propagator and educator throughout the UK, Bermuda, the Netherlands and the USA for over a decade, Robin made the decision to return to study. She gained an Honours Degree in Botany from The University of Reading before arriving in New Zealand in 2008 to undertake a PhD in plant genetics at Massey University.

After completing her PhD, Robin returned to her former role as a tertiary tutor specialising in horticulture. She currently tutors the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (General) Level 3, on and off-Campus, and is the online tutor for the programme..

Robin says the experience of teaching on and off-Campus has helped her to gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the differences between face-to-face tutoring and online facilitating.

“I like all my classes to be fun and vibrant and they are jam-packed with practical activities and hands-on learning in the nursery,” says Robin.

Robin has a deep interest in organic primary production and works to promote the movement through education.

“Being a horticulture tutor allows me to contribute to my community in a meaningful way."

Robin says the student experience NMIT provides is comprehensive and industry orientated.

"NMIT is a great place to study, the tutors are accessible and friendly and committed to giving students the skills they need to transition into further study or into industry."

Actively involved in the home school community, Robin is currently in her 5th year of learning Te Reo Māori and is a keen amateur photographer.