Historic cloaks, beautiful waiata, moving haka and plenty of emotion made the 2014 EIT Tairāwhiti Graduation Ceremony today one of the best yet.
Around 500 people packed into the Showgrounds Event Centre to toast the 2014 graduands.
One of the highlights of the day, which started with a march along the main street, was the awarding of the inaugural Tuakiri EIT Medal of Distinction to Rawinia Te Kani – or Nanny Ra as she is known to everyone.
There were tears as the room erupted into a moving haka when EIT chief executive Chris Collins announced the recipient.
The medal acknowledges the lifelong achievements of Henare Kohere Swann and Tuahine Joe Northover, two pivotal figures in the histories of EIT and, what was, Tairāwhiti Polytechnic. It will be presented to a person who follows the same path as these two kaumatua and in the spirit of the proverb ‘mate atu he tētē kura, ara mai rā he tētē kura’ – as one chief passes, another lives on to lead.
“Someone who is selflessly working in the service of others,” said Mr Collins. “In this, the inaugural awarding of the Tuakiri medal, we believe we have found such a treasure.”
Toihoukura’s Professor Derek Lardelli paid tribute to Nanny Ra in a video. He is offshore and was unable to be at the presentation. He described her as someone who had dedicated her life to benefit all Maori people in the community, to te reo, the kohanga movement and kapa haka.
Earlier, Mr Collins acknowledged each of the graduands, as well as their family, whanau and supporters, without whom, the road to graduation would have been a lot more difficult.
“And a special salute to those (graduands) who have children and have completed their studies.”
He also highlighted the specialness of the Maori name of EIT in both Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay – Te Aho a Māui, along with achievements of staff, including Professor Derek Lardelli who last year was the first staff member to be promoted to be internally promoted to the rank of professor.
EIT Tairāwhiti had been recognised with many community awards and initiatives, which was indicative of how high a regard the institute was held by many.
He urged students to embrace change, but retain the true quality of character needed to do well in the world – attitude, a willingness to explore, inquire and give things a go.
“You will be able to make a difference in the world,” he said, “if you are not just a person of success, but also one of value.”
In 2013 EIT Tairāwhiti awarded 43 degrees – an increase of 207% on 2012, 72 diplomas, five post graduate qualifications and 681 certificates.
EIT Council chairman David Pearson said it was particularly pleasing to see the trend of significant increases in higher level qualifications.
“It is something that was identified at the time of the EIT and Tairāwhiti Polytechnic merger as a key opportunity,” he said. “These numbers reflect the strong progress towards these goals.”
Other interesting statistics from EIT Tairāwhiti last year included –
2500 students – the equivalent of 1105 full time students
50% of graduates were female
38% of graduates were under 25
71% of graduates were Maori
the average age of those completing a qualification was 33
the oldest graduate was 58
Lecturers and EIT Tairāwhiti support staff received plenty of praise from Mr Collins, Mr Pearson and valedictorian Sharai Takao. The many people in the community, businesses, industry and others who supported EIT Tairāwhiti were also thanked.
In her valedictory speech, Ms Takao urged her fellow students to also get out in the world and make a difference.
“Find your purpose and go for it!”
Community stalwart and guest speaker Murray Ferris sent a similar message to the crowd.