Former EIT student Rangi Medcalfe is one of six entrants shortlisted nationwide for “best beauty therapy student of the year”.

Formerly from Hastings, Rangi moved to Whakatane to work after graduating from EIT with a Diploma in Beauty and Body Therapy programme in March.

Programme coordinator Theresa Styles says Rangi topped her class with her project, practical work, examination marks and CIDESCO (Comité International d’Esthétique et de Cosmétologie) results. 

Rangi is particularly interested in thalassotherapy, which uses marine products and treatments.  She also draws on her Māori culture in her philosophical approach to her work, and submitted her portfolio for the competition in a kete.

A biennial award, the New Zealand Professional Beauty Industry’s Best Student trophy was awarded two years ago to another EIT student, Anneke Groenewald – the first time it had gone to a provincial training provider and an institute of technology/polytechnic.

The winner is to be announced at the awards dinner, to be held in Auckland on Saturday night. (July 2)