Posted on 2 October 2026
80th AnniversaryStudying three Information Technology qualifications through the Open Polytechnic was one of the most significant decisions graduate Thomas King made for both his professional and personal life.
Thomas has completed several Open Polytechnic programmes, including a NZ Diploma in Web Development and Design in 2020, Graduate Diploma in Information Technology (2021), Graduate Certificate in Information Technology (2025), along with Introduction to Generative AI and AI for Business Leaders micro-credentials.
While his qualifications have helped Thomas grow professionally, they also greatly impacted his personal life, where he used his IT skills to help care for his mother, Victoria, who had cancer, before she passed away in August.
“The technology skills I developed allowed me to create and adapt software tools that assisted with monitoring her health, medications, appointments, nutrition, and overall wellbeing."
“These solutions helped me become a more effective caregiver during one of the most challenging periods our family has faced.”
"It's always been a pleasure to be a student of the Open Polytechnic. It has helped me to grow and thrive in both my career and as an individual."
Thomas’ IT knowledge also played an important role in helping him plan and coordinate a once-in-a-lifetime trip for his mother through Europe and Asia in February 2026.
“Technology enabled us to manage travel logistics, accessibility requirements, medical considerations, and communication, helping turn a lifelong dream into reality,” he says.
In 2018, when he first enrolled with Open Polytechnic, Thomas was operating Vyking Distributions, a transport and logistics business throughout the Mid Canterbury and Selwyn regions.
“The IT skills I developed enabled me to move beyond traditional business processes and begin creating digital solutions that improved scheduling, administration, operational efficiency, customer management, and overall business performance,” he explains.
“Rather than relying solely on off-the-shelf software, I gained the knowledge and confidence to develop systems tailored specifically to the needs of my business.”
“The skills gained from my learning took me to almost 30 years of employment in the competitive logistics sector.”
The foundation skills and knowledge Thomas received through Open Polytechnic also inspired him to continue his education elsewhere, completing diplomas in Cloud Computing and Software Development, before ultimately progressing to a Master of Applied Computing.
Although Thomas is currently taking a break from operations management to focus on family responsibilities, he remains passionate about the intersection of technology, creativity, health, and wellbeing.
“Looking ahead, my goal is to combine these interests by developing innovative applications or creative technologies that empower people to take greater control of their own health,” he says.
“Today, I am already testing early prototypes of nutritional, dietary, and health-monitoring applications, with my mother enthusiastically volunteering as the first user.”
“Her determination, resilience, and willingness to embrace new ideas continue to inspire me every day.”
According to Thomas, the education he received through Open Polytechnic did far more than teach him technical skills.
“It opened doors to advanced study, strengthened my business, supported my family during difficult times, and laid the foundation for future innovations that I hope will make a positive difference in the lives of others,” he says.
Open Polytechnic turned 80 years old in 2026, providing hundreds of thousands of Kiwis, like Thomas, access to career-focused, flexible distance learning wherever they live.
Photo: Thomas and his mother, Victoria.