1st Year Students
“From the moment you walk in the door at South Pacific College of Natural Medicine, you feel welcomed and inspired. I studied on the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Preparation course last year and whilst it was an online course, I found myself at the SPCNM library 2-3 days a week – the environment was perfect for study. I came to know some of the students and staff and being on site certainly helped with motivation.
Having not studied at a tertiary level before, I must admit to being initially quite daunted. But, within a few months of being on the Certificate course I found myself really curious about the degree. After I passed the Certificate course I was confident that the degree was the right path for me. I am now 3 weeks into the Bachelor’s degree and am loving it. The content is incredibly engaging and the staff and fellow students are encouraging and supportive.
I know I made the right decision to study at SPCNM.”
“After a number of years working in the non-profit sector, I was tired and completely worn out. Not sure what direction to take, I went on a retreat and spent some time contemplating my future. I had always had a keen interest in natural health, and a strong desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others. As I started to put my life’s ‘puzzle pieces’ together – a picture began to form – and I knew what I had to do: I enrolled to study at SPCNM. It was a big decision to launch into something completely different, but any concerns that I had melted away as my first semester progressed.
I chose to study at SPCNM because of the scientific-based approach coupled with the flexible learning options that would suit my lifestyle. Getting back into study was a little daunting at first. However, the environment is so supportive – and the course content is nothing short of fascinating. The lecturers and staff are approachable, and I have met an awesome bunch of supportive peers.
Did I mention the SPCNM Garden? It is just beautiful, and this semester I will have the opportunity to grow my own medicinal plants – so exciting!! But don’t just take my word for it! I would encourage you to visit SPCNM and see it for yourself.”
2nd Year On-line Student
“I have travelled a very circuitous route back to myself and cannot put into words the feeling of ‘rightness’ I have at South Pacific College of Natural Medicine. I am in alignment with my values, living my truth, and being supported academically and personally by the most uplifting ethos, pathos and passion of a dedicated team of professionals who work coherently in providing a supporting, nurturing and challenging environment.
I am currently in my 2nd part time year of the Bachelor of Natural Medicine degree and have been fully seen, heard and made to feel at home. All staff and fellow students have a smile, say hello, ask how you are, how you are getting along. The atmosphere is gentle and kind, and we are constantly reminded to reach out for help if we are struggling, whether that be academically or personally. Access to resources and accommodating different learning styles is well thought out, tutors are clearly knowledgeable and generous with their time and expertise and support staff are very approachable; nothing is too much trouble.
I am excited to be continuing my journey and studies with SPCNM, and look forward to this being my home for the next few years.”
“I come from a family of food scientists where good nutrition is seen as the cornerstone to good health. It is regular dinner conversation in my family to identify the active constituents of the foods we are eating and to “debate” (argue!) over the health benefits of those constituents.
I discovered other aspects of natural health treatment whilst at University in my early 20s by working with a naturopath to overcome an “unsolvable” medical condition. I was so impressed by how quickly my condition was solved using diet and herbs that I very nearly embarked on herbal studies there and then. However, opportunities in the wine industry took me overseas and kept me there for the next 10 years.
Upon returning to New Zealand, I was disillusioned with the wine industry and was ready for a new challenge. The flexibility of the on-line learning program at SPCNM allowed me to take the plunge and begin this path of becoming a Natural Medicine practitioner- something I had thought was years or decades out of my reach.
I am now entering my 2nd year and am thrilled with the program at SPCNM. The flexibility of the on-line learning program suits me down to the ground. The content of the courses has been very well-thought out, is of a high academic standard and is always fascinating. The assessments are challenging but provide valuable learning experiences in themselves.
The on-site learning weekends have been invaluable to becoming part of the SPCNM community. I am always in awe of the passion within my tutors and fellow classmates, their backgrounds, knowledge, and abilities to juggle family and work commitments, in order to pursue their studies. I also really enjoy visiting the College outside of the organized weekends, whether to use the Library, walk around the garden, visit the clinic, or just say hi to everybody. It is so nice to be greeted by name and with warm smiles when you walk in the door.”
3rd Year Student Practitioners
“The journey of life is one of great mystery; yet with time, lessons are learned, questions are answered, and clue by clue, the mystery unfolds…
I had spent decades of my life working passionless jobs and moving aimlessly from place to place, wondering what my purpose in life would be. I found myself unconsciously searching for something more, opening up to strangers, making random life changes and, in the process, questioning my life choices. I eventually journeyed away from my home country, worked overseas and did a bit of travel.
The traveling years brought me challenges, connections and a passion for life that I never could have imagined I would experience. Through turning my entire life upside down: changing my environmental surroundings, eating habits, hobbies, work and social support system, I learned just how interconnected the many aspects of life are and how impactful they are to a person’s health and wellbeing. I found a passion for the many ways of healing within the many cultures that crossed my path.
Just like so much of my unfolded life, I was given clues that lead me the doors of South Pacific College of Natural Medicine. It was here that I was taken into the arms of Aotearoa and given another place to call home. The college offered me evidence-based learning of holistic medicine whilst providing the support and environment for personal transformative change. The school has further supported my journey of self-awareness and self-understanding, components which are important when undertaking a path of wanting to assist and nurture others.
Over the years I have immensely enjoyed learning about herbs and Rongoā, spending time in the school garden and connecting with nature. However, natural medicine goes beyond plant and food medicine; it is also medicine for the soul and spirit. The mind-body connection has become of particular interest to me. South Pacific teaches these concepts and modalities through progressive evidence-based programmes and a supportive atmosphere. The school and staff go beyond curriculum requirements to provide students with experience and learning that can be applied to and carried throughout their own lives.
If you are reading this now, you have already been given clues within your own life journey. Possibly you are asking yourself some similar questions I once asked myself. It is within your power to unfold the mystery, trial the open doors of opportunity to see where they will take you and just what answers to life you may find.”
“Since I can remember, I always wanted to be a Lawyer. After starting my law studies, I decided to take a year off to travel. Three years later, I was still traveling. A new passion had started blooming in me by then; nature and a need to truly heal. Although I understood those two things very well from the right side of my brain (the feminine type of intelligence), I had quite a hard time to grasp the essence of nature and healing from the left side of my brain (the masculine type of intelligence). In other words, my travels gave me a good understanding of healing at a spiritual level. However, as our soul lives in a physical body in a physical world, I felt that I needed help to understand the scientific aspects of my body and the medicines around me, whether they be food or herbs.
I am now in my last year of study at South Pacific College of Natural Medicine, and I could never have made it so far without the generous support, help, and understanding of all of the SPCNM team. Their passion for what they do as well as their authentic desire to help me succeed has pushed me to keep going in harder moments. I never thought I could one-day study medicine to this depth; I thought my brain was just not made for that kind of study. But thank you to my teachers, who made it possible and to whom I will forever be thankful.
I am further grateful that I found a training that combines the latest scientific research while still respecting and honouring the ancient traditions of our ancestors, which consist, among other things, of healing with the gifts nature provides us. After the completion of this degree, I feel confident of my capacity to guide my clients in their journey towards health, with a combination of the knowledge in my brain and the passion in my heart.”
“Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou, ka ora ai te iwi
With your food basket and my food basket the people will thrive.
The world of natural medicine has been a huge learning curve for me and SPCNM have supplied all the necessary tools, knowledge and mentoring to make me feel assured and excited about going into my final year of study.
The SPCNM staff team and our student reps do an amazing job in continually improving and adapting to our needs as students. I know they value our feedback and it has been great to see the degree evolve and improve each year.
My biggest challenge has been essay writing. I love to read and discuss topics at length but find academic writing tough. Luckily, I’ve had exceptional support from Rachel (our Library, Web, IT & Student Support Manager), my lecturers and my Mum (who I didn’t take after!).
My all-time favourite thing about my studies is the people! I get to spend time with fellow students and lecturers who are passionate about natural medicine. We motivate, inspire and help each other in so many ways. I would highly recommend on-campus study to everyone. For me personally, I couldn’t have done it on my own and I couldn’t have studied on-campus without the huge support from my awesome husband and tamariki.
Nga mihi nui ki a koutou“
Fred has had the benefit of being both an on-campus and an on-line learner at SPCNM.
“Having always had an interest in medicine, circumstances in my early 20s led me to choose a career in engineering. But it was when I was diagnosed with a life threatening illness, that my interest in medicine was sparked again 30 years later. Confronted with my diagnosis and little hope of a cure I substantially changed my life and rediscovered my passion for medicine. Motivated by the limitations of conventional medicine to cure my condition, I embarked on a journey of natural therapies. Luckily, I met integrative medicine practitioners who supported me on this journey early on. Providing me with emotional support, guidance and a wealth of information, these doctors encouraged me to study at the South Pacific College of Natural Medicine after noticing my scientific interest in natural therapies.
SPCNM’s flexible options of part-time study in a combination of on-line and on-campus papers enabled me to fit in study, work, doctor visits and family without undue stress.
With the original premise of trying to rebuild and improve my own life and health first, I learnt a vast amount about relevant and science-based natural therapies that have not only been beneficial for my own wellness but will also help me in my endeavour to help others with similar conditions.
SPCNM is a great place to study with a modern purpose-built campus and even free student carparks! The supportive administration staff and the knowledgeable lecturers provide a friendly atmosphere which makes study fun. Student feedback is valued and acted upon and curriculum adjustments ensure the currency of the Bachelor of Natural Medicine degree. Students work together and even as a slightly ‘older’ adult I never feel like the odd one out. It’s great to be part of such a positive learning environment.”
Alumni
My Remedy Integrated Natural Medicine Clinic, www.myremedy.co.nz
Alumni
“At My Remedy Integrated Natural Medicine Clinic, we are proud to say that we currently have five BNatMed graduates from South Pacific College of Natural Medicine.
This excellent qualification gives us confidence to work both independently, and as a team, in order to provide our patients with the best treatment plans possible. We all have a common philosophy which makes it easy to understand and work alongside each other. We also are very individual in our chosen specialties and believe that it is the knowledge and philosophies that we learned whilst at SPCNM that have allowed us to practice so confidently.
Lynette (BNatMed) is a naturopath and homeopath who utilises Hemaview to give a very comprehensive picture of the physical state of the body and how it is functioning; and, where indicated, also integrates homeopathy into her protocols. Her focus is on adrenal fatigue and general health and wellbeing. She also is experienced in supporting those going through cancer treatment. Lynette has a desire to “take Natural Medicine to New Zealand” and enjoys speaking publicly about the benefits of Naturopathy and Homeopathy.
Kohei (BNatMed, BSc) is our newest member of the team and like Lynette is passionate about the benefits of Hemaview (Live Blood Observation). Currently, Kohei is also part of the Graduate Practitioner Programme 2014 SPCNM, which speaks of his excellence in clinic during his Third Year Student Practitioner year. This, combined with his ongoing studies and clinical experience enables Kohei to give clients/patients a comprehensive understanding of not only their current health status, but also help them understand why their symptoms exist and therefore provide excellent treatment plans.
Because of our shared learning history, and philosophical background, working together is both a pleasure and incredibly empowering. We also are honoured to have graduates from both the Auckland College of Classical Homoeopathy and AUT working in the clinic in the roles of Homeopath (Kathy) and Nutritionist (Danielle).
We thank you South Pacific College of Natural Medicine for what you taught us at the academic, philosophical and humanitarian levels. With the skills and experience that the College has nurtured in us, we can now nurture our clients and patients.”
BA, BNatMed, NZAMH, 2014 Graduate,
Alumni
“The three years I spent studying the Bachelor of Natural Medicine degree at the South Pacific College of Natural Medicine were the most challenging, and also most rewarding, three years of my life. Originally from Canada, I chose to study at SPCNM because of its progressive programmes and evidence-based approach.
However, what I got from my time there was much more than I expected…
I met an incredibly passionate group of people- staff and students alike- who were all at the College for the best of intentions: to help others get well. The atmosphere was incredibly supportive, as we all worked towards the goal of becoming natural medicine practitioners.
Within the courses, I interacted with not only the most up-to-date health science research, I also learned to respect the traditional use of natural medicines, which of course, is the fruit of hundreds of years of research. I was able to understand more about the herbs that we use through the amazing garden, which was used extensively as a teaching tool, and which I was fortunate enough to work in during my final year. The College emphasized the importance of that naturopathic principle which is the foundation for all that we do: to look at each person as an individual and treat them holistically.
The on-site, community-based clinic, which is part of the final year of the degree, was vital for giving me the practical experience that I needed before setting out. Now I am working in an amazing integrative health centre in Dunedin, and feel confident in my clinical skills.
I am endlessly grateful for my time at SPCNM, and know that because of this course I have a career that I love so much that I will never work a day in my life.”
Adv. Dip Nat, BHSc.
Alumni
“Since graduation I have had a full and rewarding career as a naturopath. South Pacific College of Natural Therapeutics gave me the basic grounding and confidence to tackle the challenges and opportunities that have made Natural Health not just my passion, but my career. It has been and continues to be a diverse and stimulating work life, taking me into private clinical practice, onto media, made me a twice published author, taught me to train others and given me love of constant research and learning. From corporate wellness to product research and development, the broad scope of a naturopathic qualification brings a wide and varied range of opportunities.
I am constantly grateful for the degree course I undertook and the life enriching learning it gave me. How you apply the insight and learning available from SPCNM is up to you. It is limited or defined only by your drive and your vision. Take it as far and as fast (or slow) as you wish.
Whatever your calling, personal wellbeing, a base for your own business and practice or a corporate career, if you have a strong life philosophy, are dedicated to life enriching learning and are prepared to be challenged, then talk to one of the finest naturopathic colleges in New Zealand, SPCNM.”
Please click here to visit Lani’s website
Photo courtesy of www.elementmagazine.co.nz
BNatMed 2014 Graduate,
Alumni
“Without really being aware of it, I have been around natural medicine my whole life. My Mum used natural remedies for the family as I was growing up and at the time I just thought it was a little different, but did as I was told.
Natural medicine did not enter my mind as a career until a point in my life when I was overseas, travelling, and I promised myself that when I came home to New Zealand, that I would choose a career that I was truly passionate about. I had seen a naturopath before I went overseas and experienced some awesome results. Naturopathy was everything I wanted in a career: research, an abundance of learning, and, most importantly, it is all about helping people and allowing them to see how they can help themselves.
South Pacific College of Natural Medicine was the absolute best fit for me. It is an amazing school with the most up-to-date resources, a beautiful campus and amazing staff. As I was still working through the duration of the degree, I initially studied by via the distance-learning option, but I finished onsite for my final year. I absolutely loved coming to College, as my fellow classmates and my teachers were always so friendly, caring and informative. The whole environment is synergistic and you really feel that everyone is there to help each other.
I am determined to give my clients the very best experience possible, and part of that is making sure they have the tools and knowledge to take charge of their own lives and health. My consultations are collaborative; I work with my clients to make sure that they can make the changes they need to get to their best health. Natural health treatment can be difficult, as it takes a real commitment from both parties, but when you see the amazing results it gives, it proves its worth a million times over.
I have always wanted to make a difference in the world and now through my clinic, Naturopathic Solutions, I am.
I am currently also a product specialist for Martin and Pleasance through Brandfolio NZ.
It is incredible to wake up every morning and know that I will be sharing my knowledge with my clients so they can make a difference to their lives. Synergy at its best.”