Source: Whitireia and WelTec
On 30 April Whitireia and WelTec proudly celebrated the Whakapōtaetanga (graduation) of ākonga (students) from Engineering, Business, IT, Health, Creative, and Hospitality. The event was the second of two graduation ceremonies to be held in 2025, celebrating over 1,000 graduates.
The ceremony was opened by the cultural leadership of Whitireia and WelTec Tamaiti Whangai Mentor and Jobs Broker Tame Ngaheke (Te Āti Awa). Te Ara Whānui Kura Kaupapa Māori o ngā Kōhanga Reo o Te Awa Kairangi performers welcomed the graduands as they took their places in the Lower Hutt Town Hall and set the scene for what was a moving ceremony.
Mayor of Lower Hutt Campbell Barry and Upper Hutt Mayor Wayne Guppy (as pictured) joined the celebrations to acknowledge the achievements of the graduates and their families.
Mayor Campbell Barry said, “It’s been fantastic to join today’s celebrations and see the pride across the community. Graduation is a major milestone-not just for the students, but for the whānau and friends who have supported them. Whitireia and WelTec graduates bring real skills and talent to our city and will play an important role in shaping Lower Hutt’s future. I’m proud to celebrate with them and look forward to seeing what they achieve next.”
The ceremony ran seamlessly under the guidance of Whitireia and WelTec Jobs Broker, Tui Bradbrook, as MC. It featured inspiring speeches from special guest Vanessa Stacey, Director of the NZ Fringe Festival, and international ākonga speaker, Sonam Narayan.
Vanessa Stacey shared career highlights and commented on the importance of working hard and taking opportunities as they come.
“We live in a world where we are constantly comparing ourselves. The only real commodity that you have is in your own individuality, your own sense of self. Please hold onto that as you take these first steps into the beginning of the rest of your lives.”
Representative of the ākonga body, Sonam Narayan shared her unique experience moving from a new country to join Whitireia and WelTec, and her life-changing journey through tertiary education.
Whitireia and WelTec Executive Director Mark Oldershaw congratulated the ākonga and thanked the families, friends, and the dedicated kaimahi (staff) who have supported them every step of the way.
“We look forward to seeing these talented graduates make their mark on the world, confident that the knowledge, skills, and connections they have gained will empower them to shape a brighter future for themselves and their communities.”
