Rate My Professor Josh Chisholm

Josh Chisholm serves as Tautiaki-Kaiāwhina and Assistant Warden at Te Rangihīroa College, University of Otago’s dedicated residential college for Māori and Pasifika students. Together with George Jackson, he supports the staff in delivering pastoral care to residents and fostering hauora, or holistic health and wellbeing. The duo organizes the college’s social calendar, including events for the Inter-College Competition, with one living onsite for immediate support. Chisholm also works as a residential advisor at University College, residing in a self-contained unit on campus that facilitates easy access to lectures, the city center, and his athletic training venues.

As a second-year student in the Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) programme—a three-year degree—Chisholm is training to become a primary school teacher. His drive stems from hands-on experience as a youth worker, witnessing behavioral challenges and justice system entanglements among young people, including time in juvenile detention. Believing in proactive prevention, he draws inspiration from impactful teachers in his life and commits to being a role model, particularly for tamariki who share his physical and cultural profile, while attentively addressing their struggles. Born and raised in Mosgiel, Dunedin, to whānau of Kāi Tahu descent, Chisholm was educated at St Peter Chanel School and Trinity Catholic College. He entered para athletics four years ago after coach Raylene Bates spotted his potential at a local track; she now guides him and leads as Chef de Mission for New Zealand’s Paris 2024 Paralympic team. Competing in F40 shot put for short-statured athletes due to dwarfism, under a nuanced scoring system tied to records and bests, Chisholm marked his international debut with a fourth-place finish at the 2024 Oceania Championships in Suva, Fiji. He established a qualifying record yet pushed for more in finals, embracing the supportive para community. His preparation involves four weekly sessions plus fitness work in the elite gym co-used by the Highlanders. The process earned coverage in TVNZ’s Attitude programme. He thrives in his programme’s collaborative cohort model, building enduring bonds.