Best, brightest set to graduate Te Wa nanga
Half of graduates have been studying te reo Ma ori
They didn’t let Covid19 lockdowns stop them studying, and next week more than 800 students will graduate across Northland from Te Wananga o Aotearoa.
The determination of the students continuing their studies will be celebrated with graduation ceremonies in Whangarei, Kaitaia and Kerikeri.
More than 800 students will graduate in subjects such as te reo Maori, tikanga, art, business, social services, rongoa Maori, elder care, and adult and tertiary teaching.
More than half have been studying te reo Maori at various levels, from beginners to advanced, reflecting the growing de- sire across the country for people to increase their levels of fluency. More than 600 people have enrolled in te reo classes in Te Tai Tokerau for 2021.
Te Wananga o Aotearoa chief executive Te Ururoa Flavell said graduation is an exciting time for students and staff alike. “It’s the culmination of months of hard work and a fitting tribute to the journey our students have had getting here, particularly under such trying and difficult circumstances in recent times,” Flavell said.
“I’m particularly pleased to see so many people learning te reo Ma ori. As a wa nanga, we have a commitment to the revitalisation of te reo Maori and acknowledgment of matauranga Maori. I hope many of these students choose to continue their learning journey with Te Wananga o Aotearoa.”
Aukaha Kahutaupua (regional head of student experience) Tracy Chapman said graduation ceremonies are important to recognise the achievement of students and to acknowledge the support of their whanau during their studies.
“This is particularly important as in 2020 our staff and students faced major disruptions to their teaching and learning due to Covid-19. The commitment and perseverance of our students in successfully completing their studies under challenging circumstances is admirable and we look forward to celebrating with them, their whanau and communities,” she said.