Appoo Nallooran
Production Engineer, Pasture PetFoods New Zealand Limited
Master of Engineering with Honours (First Class)
He has always wanted to contribute something new to the world of engineering, says Appoo Nallooran who came to AUT as an international student from India to study a Master of Engineering, focusing on metallurgy.
“During my undergraduate studies in mechanical production engineering, I developed a strong foundation in manufacturing and materials, which motivated me to specialise further in this field through postgraduate study. I chose AUT for my master’s degree because of its strong emphasis on practical learning, industry-relevant research and modern facilities. The university’s approach of combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, along with the support from knowledgeable staff, made it an ideal place for me to advance my skills.”
It's a decision he certainly hasn’t regretted, and he still fondly remembers his time at AUT.
“My programme included a lot of practical elements, including lab experiments, CAD design projects and research work. I worked with tools like SolidWorks and ANSYS, and also carried out detailed experimental analysis during my dissertation. These experiences helped me build confidence in applying engineering concepts to real problems. AUT also gave me the opportunity to work on meaningful research, which helped me develop both technical expertise and independent problem-solving skills. Conducting research made me very happy and proud of myself for being able to contribute something new to the field of engineering.
“Receiving an A+ for my research project was one of the achievements I was most proud of. I’d like to thank my research advisor, Junior Nomani, and the AUT lecturers for guiding me in completing my research – they were always supportive and approachable, and their support really helped me stay on track and improve my work. I also appreciated how open they were to discussions, which made it easier to ask questions and learn more deeply. But my time at AUT was about more than just studying: I also found a new family and met a lot of friends. If you’re studying in another country, your friends are like family for you, and AUT gave me a big family in New Zealand.”
Part of New Zealand’s export industry
After graduating from AUT at the end of 2024, Appoo now enjoys applying his engineering knowledge in his role as a production engineer for Pasture PetFoods New Zealand Limited, a New Zealand government-registered animal products exporter.
“What I enjoy most about my role as a production engineer is seeing how engineering directly impacts real production processes. Every day brings new challenges, whether it’s improving efficiency, solving a problem on the production line or working with equipment like boilers and steam systems. I enjoy the practical nature of the work and the opportunity to continuously learn. It feels rewarding to know that the work I do contributes to keeping operations running smoothly.”
He says his studies prepared him well for his engineering role today.
“AUT really prepared me to think independently and approach problems in a structured way. One thing I didn’t fully expect was how important research and analytical thinking would be in my job. The way I learned to break down problems during my studies has been very useful in real work situations.
“My studies also helped me develop teamwork and communication skills. Through group projects and discussions, I learned how to work effectively with others, share ideas clearly and understand different perspectives. This has been very important in my current role, where collaboration is a big part of the job. Overall, AUT prepared me to adapt quickly, keep learning and work confidently both independently and as part of a team.”
Advice for other students
Appoo’s advice for other students is simple: make the most of the practical opportunities available to you.
“Don’t just focus on passing exams – try to understand how what you’re learning applies in real life. Ask questions, get involved in projects and make use of the support from lecturers. Take group work seriously as it helps build teamwork and communication skills that are very important later in your career. Finally, make sure you enjoy your time at AUT, meet new people, make friends, build relationships and be a one big family.”
He also has some guidance for those interested in a career in engineering.
“Be open to learning and don’t be afraid to start small. Every experience adds value. Focus on building your teamwork and communication skills as these are just as important as technical knowledge. Over time, you’ll find your place in the industry. Stay consistent, keep improving and be confident in your growth.”
