EIT graduates parade before family and friends

Patricia Flanders (left) with her granddaughter Bachelor of Nursing graduate Erica Flanders and husband Peter Flanders at the annual EIT graduation parade. Photo/ Duncan Brown.

Family and friends cheered and flowers bloomed as EIT graduates walked up Napier's high street yesterday.

EIT had two graduation ceremonies and parades yesterday celebrating the last of the newly capped graduates.

In the morning students from the school of education and social science, Te Uranga Waka, and ideaschool were congratulated and in the afternoon students from the schools of nursing and health and sports science were capped.

Students from the schools of business, computing, tourism and hospitality, primary industries, viticulture and wine science and the centre for veterinary nursing who were capped on Thursday also joined the parade from Clive Square to the Soundshell.

One of these graduates celebrating with her family was Erika Flanders who completed Bachelor of Nursing.

The three-year degree was a struggle at times but the 21-year-old said it was a fun experience, which had set her up for life.

"I made some good friends and I had good support from my family throughout my time there. I think it helped having positive influences around me everyday."

Ms Flanders has already been offered a job at Starship Hospital in Auckland which she starts in May.

Her mother Deb Flanders, sister Vicky, and grandparents Patricia and Peter Flanders were all "proud as punch" of the qualified nurse's achievements.

Mr and Mrs Flanders waited along Emerson St so they could watch their grand-daughter walk past dressed in her cape and cap.

"It is awesome and a great achievement for Erica, she worked hard for those three years so she deserves it," Mr Flanders said.

They were both equally as proud of her job offer at Starship.

"It is so exciting for her and Auckland will be a fun place for her to start out," Mrs Flanders said.

Mother Deb had to hold back the tears as her daughter walked past her along Emerson St.

She said everything has its struggles but she persevered and made it.

"It was very cool to see her make it right through to the end and since she's the oldest child she has set the standards for everyone else."

Another graduate to stamp his mark on his family was Manaia Canterbury.

Mr Canterbury completed a Bachelor of Arts in Te Reo Maori, making him the first in his whanau to complete a degree.

"I loved learning about my culture and the faculty was so helpful and made it a great place to learn."

His mother Alys Edwards described him as a generation paver and game changer.

"It is so cool that he has graduated as it is something positive for our family and we are all so proud of him."

The celebrations for many graduates were continuing today with Michaela Penman having her 21st tonight.

She completed a Bachelor of Nursing alongside Ms Flanders and was thrilled to be across the finish line just before her 21st birthday.

"It is a pretty cool way to finish so I will definitely be having some drinks and a bit of a party with some friends to celebrate both milestones," Ms Penman said.