Whakatāne-based tertiary provider Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi will celebrate the graduation of 1130 students this Friday, May 27.
The graduands, which include more than 200 Bachelor and 12 Masters graduands, have worked hard to attain their qualifications.
Although some students will graduate in absentia, many will receive their degrees, diplomas, and certificates during the formal Graduation ceremony in Whakatāne.
Hundreds of supporters, whānau and friends will join Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi Council, staff and community representatives for a full day of celebrations.
Following in the footsteps of the ancestor Toi and his son Awanuiārangi, Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi is bringing Graduation proceedings back to the historic site of Te Mānuka Tūtahi marae on Muriwai Drive.
As part of a full day of formalities, graduands will don academic dress for the now-traditional hīkoi through the heart of Whakatāne.
Awanuiārangi chief executive Professor Wiremu Doherty said Graduation is a proud occasion for the wānanga, and the biggest event of its annual calendar.
“This is a great day not only for the graduands and the wānanga but our entire community – a celebration of success and the milestone achieved by so many this year. This day of honours, surrounded by the foundation landmarks of Mātaatua iwi, will also be a time for many to reflect on their personal journey and the sometimes challenging path to Graduation Day.
We honour their achievements with pride. Their knowledge and expertise must now be put to work not only for themselves and their whānau, but also for the good of all our people and of society at large.”