Kim Holmes Kairapuara - Career and Employability Coordinator
Kim Holmes is passionate about helping learners discover their strengths, build confidence and connect with meaningful education and employment pathways through practical, personalised career support.
Raised and educated in Te Tauihu, Kim has spent most of her life in Nelson and Motueka.
Building on your unique strengths
As an NMIT graduate herself, Kim understands that everyone's journey into study and work is different. Her career has taken her from the arts into education, youth work, disability support and careers and employability, always with a focus on helping people find pathways that feel authentic, achievable and aligned with who they are.
At NMIT, Kim works alongside learners as they explore study options, develop career plans, prepare CVs and job applications, build interview confidence and transition into employment. She believes career development is about much more than finding a job - it's about recognising strengths, building confidence and creating opportunities for long-term success.
Personalised approach
Kim has worked with learners from diverse backgrounds, including those who are neurodiverse or have experienced barriers to education or employment. Her approach is practical, encouraging and personalised, creating a welcoming environment where learners feel comfortable asking questions, exploring ideas and taking the next step towards their goals.
“As I have been here in Nelson for most of my life, I have broad industry and community connections. I love helping learners build those same connections because relationships are such an important part of finding meaningful work. ”
Lifelong learning and recognising your own potential
Kim holds qualifications in Visual Arts, Teaching and Learning, and Career Guidance, and is an active member of the Careers and Transition Education Association (CATE). She also serves on the Board of Trustees for the Nelson Tasman Youth Workers' Collective and has taught ceramics through Nelson Community Potters.
Returning to study while already working in career development reinforced the value of lifelong learning.
"Studying while already working in the field confirmed that I was intuitively following best practice. Gaining the formal qualification gave me confidence and reinforced that I was actually very good at what I was doing."
Kim is particularly passionate about creating inclusive opportunities for neurodiverse learners and supporting people to recognise their own potential.
“I'm passionate about equipping and supporting all people to achieve their goals. Everyone deserves opportunities that recognise their unique strengths rather than focusing on perceived barriers.”
Supportive environment at NMIT
She believes NMIT offers a supportive learning environment with strong industry connections and practical programmes that prepare learners for meaningful careers.
For Kim, the most rewarding part of her role is seeing people discover what they are capable of and take confident steps towards a future that feels right for them.
Outside of work, Kim enjoys ceramics, spending time in nature with her whānau, and making the most of everything Te Tauihu has to offer.
Contact Kim to help you explore your study options, develop a custom career plan, prepare your CV and job applications, build interview confidence or transition into employment. Visit our learner support page
