Alongside many other EIT graduates and surrounded by his proud family, Jobey Pomare was celebrating his graduation last week. Of Ngāti Kahungunu descent, Jobey grew up in Wairoa and moved to Napier to study a Bachelor of Recreation and Sport at EIT.

In the beginning however, the Bachelor wasn’t on his radar. “I just wanted to gain a diploma at first, but then I realised that I enjoyed studying and that I was interested in every single topic.”

“Every course that I passed was a great incentive to make even more effort”, says 20-year-old Jobey about his straight ascent towards the Bachelor’s degree.

As one of the highlights, Jobey mentions the friendships that he built on campus and the one-on-one- time with his lecturers, “Their expertise really made a difference to my learning experience.” 

Two and a half years ago however, Jobey broke his leg in a rugby accident and is currently recovering from his fifth operation. “Being injured gives me more time to study,” he smiles. He makes no bones about wanting to get fit as soon as possible. When he looks ahead into his future he sees “the black jersey,” he says.

Jobey started the new year by enrolling in a Postgraduate Diploma in Sport and Exercise at AUT. His educational journey will not likely end after that, as he is already considering studying physiotherapy. “That would mean an extra four years of studying but why not,” he says.

He recently started to work part-time at a gym in Napier. “I really enjoy coaching and teaching group fitness classes. I see it as a stepping stone”, he points out.

Moving back to Wairoa is something that Jobey also considers. “I love Wairoa and if I get a good job there I will definitely pack my bags.” Otherwise, Jobey is ready for new challenges anywhere.