Posted on 22 October 2026
Our Learners80th AnniversaryOpen Polytechnic graduate Maria Fitzgerald has been involved in the property industry for two decades but wanted a qualification to take her career to the next level and help her family’s property business.
Maria had always enjoyed drawing up concepts to give to architects, so studying felt like a great opportunity to learn a new skill and move further into an industry she really loved.
“We have been involved in property for the last 20 years, so I already knew I was passionate about the industry,” Maria explains.
“After building a few houses and experiencing delays with getting plans back, I started thinking that maybe I could learn the design skills myself, which would mean a faster turnaround of plans and help reduce costs for our property company.”
Before studying, Maria worked in finance and administration, while also looking after her children.
Maria graduated with a New Zealand Diploma in Architectural Technology (Level 6) at our Christchurch ceremony in May and finds her qualification “very practical”.
She is now working as a project manager for exciting projects like a walkable village in the heart of Temuka in South Canterbury. She was also involved in the project’s design.
“It helped me step into the industry and led to part-time work where I could learn Archicad design software and gain real experience in architectural design,” Maria says.
“Site investigation, building terminology, and learning how the design and construction process works have been really useful.”
“It also helped me with time management, staying organised, and gave me the confidence to know I can do hard things.”
Not having a formal building background meant Maria had to start from the beginning, but she was very determined to complete the qualification.
“It feels great, it’s a huge achievement for me,” Maria exclaims.
“I was never fully confident I would be able to do it, but I just kept going course by course and worked it out as I went.”
“I love that the day you start studying is the day you start moving towards the industry you want to be part of.”
She chose flexible learning through Open Polytechnic so she could study from home in Temuka, and fit it around her family and work commitments.
“I could study while my children were sleeping or at school, which worked really well for me and is probably why I was able to stick with it,” Maria says.
“I also really liked the assessment structure, having no exams, and being able to work at my own pace.”
This year, Open Polytechnic turned 80 years old, providing thousands of Kiwis like Maria with access to flexible and career-focused learning wherever they are based.
“Open Polytechnic gives people like me the chance to study in a way that fits around real life, family and work,” Maria says.
“That is so important because not everyone can stop everything to study full-time.”
“I am really grateful for the opportunity it gave me, and I wish Open Polytechnic a very happy 80th anniversary.”
Maria cannot believe where study has taken her career and encourages others to consider studying with Open Polytechnic like she did.
“You are never too old to start something new,” she concludes.
“I would encourage anyone who wants to change direction or work in an industry they love to give it a go.
“I now get to do work I love, on a project I am proud of, that will create something lasting for our town. That is a pretty special feeling.”