Te Wananga recognises te reo achievements

Thursday, November 15 was a significant day for Te Wananga O Tamaki Nui A Rua and te reo because it celebrated the achievement of more than 20 students, all of whom had achieved certificates for studies of te reo.

The ceremony was held at The Hub and a gathering of 50 graduates and friends enjoyed a presentation of the certificates and a supper catered for by the Workforce Development Catering students.

First to be recognised were members of local church groups who had been invited to participate in a UCOL Introduction to Te Reo course held over 10 weeks. It involved the introduction to Ma¯ ori culture and the correct pronunciation of the language.

Dr Bridget Percy, UCOL head of school, said she was pleased to come over from Palmerston North to celebrate this new initiative in Dannevirke.

The second group of graduates gained EIT certificates for achieving level one and level two studies in te reo — the language. This was a six month course, one day a week with some immersion weekends.

Head of Ma¯ ori Studies at EIT, Puti Nuku, said she was delighted to attend this graduation, one of six scattered around the region.

In addition to the presentations Tamai Nicholson invited Eva Wright to present certificates to participating schools in the successful kapa haka competition held in September.

EIT Certificate winners for level one and two te reo with EIT head of Ma¯ ori Studies Puti Nuku (second from left) and tutor Tamai Nicholson (right).

Introduction to Te Reo certificate winners with head of UCOL Dr Bridget Percy (left) and tutor Tamai Nicholson (second from right).

Helen Collier, holding flowers from her school St Joseph’s Primary, celebrates with Tamai her level two certificate in te reo.