Hundreds of graduands of Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi will be honoured at a two-day graduation in Whakatāne this week, marking a first for the tertiary institution.
The wānanga has confirmed that graduation activities have increased over recent years hence the reason for the graduation to be spread over the two days, this includes over 1300 certificates, bachelor, master and doctoral degrees for 2014.
Acting CEO Professor Wiremu Doherty (Tūhoe, Ngāti Awa) said, “Awanuiārangi takes great pride and pleasure in honouring their achievements. 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.”
Hundreds of supporters are expected to join the Wānanga at the traditional "Gown and Town" hīkoi through the centre of town, and the formal capping ceremony on tomorrow (April 30) and Friday (May 1).
Graduation 2015 will begin on Thursday with a pōwhiri at 9am at Mātaatua, Te Mānuka Tūtahi followed by the presentation of special awards and a series of Honorary Doctorates.
This year’s keynote address will be delivered by Robin Hapi (Ngāti Kahungunu) from Te Wānanga o Raukawa.