Posted on 29 June 2026
Our LearnersThe Stevenson family had more reasons than most to celebrate at Open Polytechnic’s Christchurch graduation at the Air Force Museum in May.
Craig Stevenson, father, graduated with a NZ Diploma in Business (Level 5) (Leadership and Management) from Open Polytechnic, while daughter Laura graduated with a Bachelor of Business last year at the same venue.
Craig wants to step up into a management role and has always been asked what degree or diploma he has.
“It seems that 40 years in the sales industry and being successful wasn’t enough, so I decided that a NZ Diploma in Business, specialising in leadership and management was a great start,” Craig said.
“I want to prove to others that I do know what I’m doing when it comes to leading teams.”
Photo: Craig receives his NZ Diploma in Business from Open Polytechnic Chief Executive Sharon Cooke.
While he has decades of sales experience, Craig felt he needed a qualification to progress his career, after leaving high school without any formal qualifications.
According to Craig, his practical experience from his working life was a good foundation to build on during his studies.
Craig currently works at NZ Safety Blackwoods as a Business Development Specialist.
He was encouraged to study by his daughter, Laura, who completed a Bachelor of Business degree, graduating at Open Polytechnic’s 2025 Christchurch ceremony.
“She was doing her degree, which gave me the idea to start, and she pushed me to go for it,” Craig says.
Laura was studying at Open Polytechnic, while working full-time before going on maternity leave.
She left her existing job while on maternity leave and ended up getting her current role, as Business Administrator, at Next Hire, fully utilising her degree.
The Stevenson family enjoys the flexibility of studying with New Zealand’s leading provider of online learning.
“I liked the convenience of studying online, it allowed me more space for work life balance. It was also simple and easy to learn and complete assignments or exams to fit around everyday life,” Laura says.
Craig was very proud to gain a qualification, with the support of his children who have also studied at Open Polytechnic.
“It means a lot to graduate,” Craig said.
“I always knew my kids are very intelligent; I’ve always pushed them to succeed and they have.”