Jayden Houghton

Kia ora, my name is Jayden.

I graduated in 2025 with a Bachelor of Information Technology from Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology. Currently I am based in Christchurch working as a software engineer.

My main passion and career lie in technology. I love technology as it brings together my creativity, logical thinking, and problem-solving skills. I love the endless opportunity technology provides for people to create new things and leave a positive mark on the world.

My significant achievements include completing the Queen Scout Award, Gold Duke of Edinburgh, and Gold Student Volunteer Army Award (500 hours). In 2023, I received the Prime Ministers Scholarship for Latin America, awarding me a 6-week internship and cultural exchange in Colombia over the following summer.

Through my tertiary studies I took on several roles to continue developing my leadership skills. I was a student representative, peer study group facilitator, and a Nelson IT Student Association admin.

During high school, I was elected as a House Academic Captain and Academic Committee Deputy Captain, as well as completing NCEA Levels 1- 3 endorsed with excellence. After my Pinnacle Spirit of Adventure voyage, I returned three times as a leading hand/buddy to help other trainees get the most out of their voyages.

I am also interested in music, the outdoors, and fitness. I have been playing the drum kit since I was young, being involved in over a dozen bands of many styles, including rock bands, orchestras, jazz bands, drumline, concert band, and brass ensemble.

I am constantly inspired by those in their respective fields who are making the most of their opportunities to achieve their dreams.

“Accept no one’s definition of your life; define yourself” – Harvey Fierstein