Fashion tutor Emma Cathcart grew up in Stafford, England before leaving home to study Fine Art. After her studies, Emma left Britain to work in Bavaria, Greece and Australia, before arriving in New Zealand. Having owned and operated a Mexican restaurant in Queenstown for nine years while designing and producing made-to-measure clothing for special occasions, and costumes for local film and stage shows, Emma then came to work at SIT in 2008.
“I was motivated to move to Southland and study at SIT because of the Zero Fees scheme* and I wanted to get back into something creative again. Once I was living in Invercargill, I realised just how supported SIT was by so many amazing facilities and there was a real sense of community”.
Emma’s role involves tutoring for programmes within the fashion department including the Bachelor of Fashion (Design and Technology) and the Graduate Diploma in Fashion (Design and Technology). Having a foundation of study in Arts, Emma has also completed the National Diploma in Fashion and Design, National Certificate in Adult Literacy and Numeracy Education and the National Certificate in Adult Education and Training at SIT. Currently undertaking study with Te Wananga o Murihiku in Te Ara Reo Maori, Emma is also interested in the research areas of Real world and community-based assessment practices and projects and Self-and student- exploration of culture and identity through garment and textile design.
“I like working alongside a committed team of full-time and part-time tutors as well as our technician in the Fashion department. Meeting like-minded creatives who are keen to demonstrate their skills and learn from each other and watching our students’ knowledge, skills and confidence grow and develop during their time at SIT is very rewarding. I also enjoy participating in new and interesting professional development every year and expanding my own knowledge and skill set, while having such a great facility as SIT’s Fashion department at my disposal.