Where Compassion Meets Curriculum: Inside NZTC’s Health and Wellbeing Programs
In a world where the demand for compassionate, culturally competent healthcare professionals is rising, Vaidehi Dave’s journey from the wards of India to lecturer at New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC) is inspiring a new generation of carers.
Vaidehi’s career began as a registered nurse in India, where she quickly developed a passion for holistic care — one that addresses not just physical health, but emotional and cultural wellbeing. After relocating to New Zealand, she immersed herself in aged and dementia care, taking on roles that spanned from hands-on support to team leadership in high-needs environments.
“These experiences didn’t just shape my practice,” she reflects. “They ignited a calling to teach and inspire others.”
That calling led her to pursue adult and tertiary teaching qualifications, eventually stepping into her current role at NZTC, where she now leads the Health and Wellbeing programs with a vision that blends compassion, culture, and clinical excellence.
Under Vaidehi’s leadership, NZTC’s Health and Wellbeing programs have become a cornerstone of accessible, industry-relevant education in New Zealand. Offering NZQA-accredited qualifications from Level 2 to Level 4, the programs cater to both newcomers and experienced practitioners across healthcare, aged care, community support, and specialist areas like dementia care.
What sets these programs apart is their emphasis on real-world learning. Students engage in work-integrated practice, develop cultural competence, and are trained to deliver compassionate care — all through flexible delivery modes including online and blended formats.
“Our graduates don’t just leave with a certificate,” Vaidehi says. “They leave with purpose, cultural intelligence, and the confidence to lead.”
As New Zealand faces an ageing population, rising mental health needs, and growing calls for equity in care, the importance of skilled, empathetic healthcare professionals has never been greater.
“Health and wellbeing education is no longer optional — it’s essential,” Vaidehi emphasises. “We need professionals who are not only clinically capable but also emotionally intelligent and culturally aware.”
To those considering a career in health and wellbeing, Vaidehi offers a heartfelt invitation: “This is a path of profound impact. If you have the heart to serve, the curiosity to learn, and the courage to lead, NZTC offers the platform to transform your passion into a lifelong, meaningful vocation.”
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, leaders like Vaidehi Dave are ensuring that the future of care is in capable, compassionate hands.