Miretti Liyunzira: Flexibility and Sustainability in Design at Media Design School
I first visited New Zealand in 2018 during a holiday to the South Island. The natural beauty, the greenery, and the relaxed, laid-back atmosphere left a lasting impression on me. I kept thinking about New Zealand even after I returned home, so I decided to do some research on design schools in the country.
That’s when I found Media Design School (MDS) and discovered its Master of Design programme. After reviewing the curriculum, I knew it was exactly what I was looking for.
When I first arrived in Auckland, I was immediately struck by how welcoming and calm the city felt. Everything is so close to nature, and I found that the connection to the environment was something New Zealanders deeply value. That focus on sustainability has significantly influenced my design thinking since starting my studies at MDS. From the materials we use to the projects we develop, there’s a constant awareness of how our work impacts the world around us. The focus on environmental consciousness in New Zealand has shaped my approach to design, encouraging me to integrate sustainability into everything I create.
One of the unique aspects of studying at MDS is the flexibility the Master of Design programme offers. Classes are scheduled on the weekends, which was an adjustment at first, but I quickly realised how beneficial it was. The structure allows me to use my weekdays for research, group discussions, and personal study."
I’ve found that this flexibility gives me more control over my learning and lets me dive deeper into the material. The ability to balance my academic commitments with personal time has been invaluable, and I’ve seen a real improvement in my creative output.
The programme itself is designed to encourage creative thinking and design innovation. Coming from a background in graphic design, where my focus was mainly on production, I wanted to expand my skill set and strengthen my conceptual thinking. The curriculum at MDS ticked all the boxes for me - it emphasised not just technical skills but also design thinking and problem-solving. One of the things I love most about the course is how it pushes me to think critically and creatively, preparing me to tackle real-world challenges in design.
I also really appreciate the support I’ve received from my lecturers. Each one specialises in a different area of design, so when I encounter something new in a project, I know exactly who to turn to for guidance. Their expertise and encouragement have helped me grow both as a designer and as a thinker. The smaller class sizes at MDS have allowed me to build strong relationships with both my lecturers and classmates, creating a collaborative environment where we can exchange ideas and feedback.
A particular highlight of my time here was visiting a marae on Waiheke Island as part of my studies. Experiencing the pōwhiri, an official Māori welcome ceremony, and delivering my own speech in front of Māori elders was an unforgettable moment. It opened my eyes to the rich cultural diversity in New Zealand and reinforced the importance of integrating respect for culture and tradition into my design work.
Looking forward, my goal is to take on leadership roles in design. I want to lead a team of designers who are dedicated to solving real-world problems through creative solutions. The skills and knowledge I’ve gained at MDS have given me the confidence to pursue this path, and I’m excited to see where my career will take me.
For anyone from Indonesia considering studying in New Zealand, I would say, come with an open mind and a positive attitude. Be ready to embrace everything New Zealand has to offer - the stunning natural surroundings, the friendly people, and the unique learning environment at MDS. You’ll be challenged in the best ways and leave with experiences that will shape your future.
Watch Miretti talk about her experience as an international student at MDS.
