Whitireia and WelTec has celebrated the achievements of over 350 ākonga (learners) who graduated this week at a vibrant ceremony at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua.
The event brought together graduates from Te Wānanga Māori, Health, Pacific Health and Social Practice, filling the Arena with proud whānau, friends and kaimahi (staff) as ākonga crossed the stage to mark the culmination of their study, dedication and hard work.
Dr Leanne Ivil, Operations Lead at Whitireia and WelTec, says the ceremony was a moving reminder of why whakapōtaetanga (graduation) is such a highlight of the year. "Seeing our ākonga cross the stage surrounded by whānau is incredibly special, and each graduate represents a unique journey of perseverance, commitment, and community support. The ceremony was filled with joy and many powerful moments."
Guest speaker Dr Debbie Ryan - a long-standing advocate for improving primary healthcare for Pacific peoples in Aotearoa - highlighted the deep significance of the occasion.
"Graduation is never just an individual achievement - it is a collective milestone. Each graduate carries the hopes, sacrifices, and dreams of their wider community. When one person walks across the stage, we all move forward," she said. "This week’s graduation reminds us of the strength that comes from connection, culture, and shared purpose."
Dr Ryan reinforced the importance of vocational pathways across Aotearoa. "Vocational education plays an essential role in building equity. It opens doors for learners who bring enormous potential but have not always had access to systems that recognise and nurture their strengths. When we invest in education that is shaped by ākonga and community needs, we invest in a future where more people can thrive, contribute, and lead in the sectors that matter most."
This week’s celebration set the scene for Whitireia and WelTec’s remaining 2026 graduations. On 30 April, ākonga from Innovation, Design and Technology (Business, IT, Engineering), Creativity, and Hospitality will take the stage at the Lower Hutt Events Centre. Then on 10 September, another milestone moment arrives with the inaugural graduation of the Bachelor of Nursing Māori ‘Matariki’ cohort at Waiwhetu Marae.
As Whitireia and WelTec look ahead to the remaining ceremonies, Dr Ivil says the 2026 graduations are a powerful reminder of what vocational education makes possible - transforming lives, uplifting communities, and opening doors to new futures.
