There were celebrations aplenty at the latest EIT Tairawhiti achievement ceremony to round off a successful year.

More than 100 students, with friends, whanau and supporters, packed into Toihoukura’s Maia Gallery to honour and applaud those students graduating from short and one semester courses.

Campus director Jan Mogford extended heartfelt congratulations to the students, but also those who supported them and the tutors and staff who ensured they all passed.

“We are here to celebrate your achievements and success,” she said to the students. “You have all come a long way and achieved great things.”

In all there were 350 students completing the shorter courses in the final semester of the year.

She was keen to see the students back next year to continue their tertiary education.

Maori studies tutor Joe Pihema also had words of encouragement for all.

“Remember you are not at the end of your journey, but the beginning of another.”