Every obstacle is surmountable, guest speaker Dr Monty Soutar told 400 students, whanau and supporters at the 2012 EIT Tairawhiti Graduation Ceremony held in the Events Centre.

“Don’t believe anything negative that is told to you.”

His successful career had been driven by being told he wouldn’t do well, or couldn’t do something, and had made him even more determined to prove the naysayers wrong.

Dr Soutar congratulated all on their achievements, saying all had learned gems from tutors and lecturers, some of whom would never be forgotten.

“Make the most of it – tomorrow your journey continues, and the challenge for you all will be what to do next.”

He urged them all to strive for the best.

EIT Chief Executive Chris Collins said that knowledge alone was not enough in this world. “You must now apply that knowledge,” he said.

He urged students to set new goals and seek to accomplish them.

The past year had been a big one for EIT Tairawhiti and the graduation ceremony was one of the highlights.

In addition to the degrees, diplomas and certificates handed out, the Rishworth, Wall and Mathieson award for the top law student in the New Zealand Diploma in Business went to Priscilla Hawkins, with Josh Taare picking up the Chamber of Commerce award for the top first year student in the New Zealand Diploma in Business.