Whitireia and WelTec | Te Pūkenga celebrate nearly 700 graduands from six programme areas

The 2023 Graduation Ceremonies are significant as they are the first graduation ceremonies since Whitireia and WelTec have become fully part of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.

Attendees are expected to include local dignitaries, community members and key partners.

Dr Te Taku Parai, Ngāti Toa Kaumatua is representative of a long relationship with Ngāti Toa Rangatira that reaches back to the very beginning of Whitireia. He will lead the event alongside Mark Oldershaw
Manahautū, Executive Director of Whitireia and WelTec | Te Pūkenga.

Guest speakers on the day will include alumnus Hannah Lockyer who is a clinical nurse specialising in mental health, addiction and disability support, and Sharlene Maoate-Davis who owns and manages Mokopuna Solutions, providing Kaupapa Māori professional development and training.

The ākonga voice will be represented by speakers Jes Howes, a current learner in Hospitality Management, and Kuini Fatu, who has completed her Postgraduate Certificate in Specialty Care, Pacific Health Leadership.

“These ceremonies signal a milestone that acknowledges the hard work, commitment, sacrifice and achievement of our graduates and we are immensely proud of them,” says Mark Oldershaw
Manahautū, Executive Director of Whitireia and WelTec | Te Pūkenga.

“Education can be a truly life changing experience – and seeing our graduates excited and ready for the future reflects what is possible, despite challenges that may have been posed on the way. We know your next steps will bring credit to yourself, to your families, and to the communities in which you live and work.

“Mā te kimi ka kite. Mā te kite ka mōhio. Mā te mōhio ka mārama - Seek and discover. Discover and know. Know and the world of light is yours to behold.”