Waiariki graduation joy to be shared by regions

Last year's Waiariki graduands gathered at City Focus to process through town to the Graduation Awards Ceremony. Photo/Supplied

Hard work and study has paid off for Waiariki Institute of Technology students who will graduate this week.

A pohiri will be at Tangatarua Marae today at the Rotorua Mokoia Campus, which will be followed by the annual graduand march and graduation ceremony at the Rotorua Convention Centre.

This is the first year the institute is also holding graduation ceremonies in Taupo, Tokoroa and Whakatane.

"We're very pleased to be able to bring graduation to the regions," Waiariki chief executive Margaret Noble said.

"In the past students from our regional campuses have had to travel to Rotorua to graduate. We feel it is important for them to be acknowledged within their own communities and be able to have their family and friends around them in support to celebrate their academic achievements."

The graduation ceremonies in the regions will take place next week.

A total of 450 students will graduate in Rotorua with about 80 in Taupo and about 30 each in Tokoroa and Whakatane.

"Waiariki has been one of the most improved institutes of technology in New Zealand for the past six years as it has focussed on getting back to its roots, and the success of that has been evident with enrolments increasing by more than 70 per cent since 2006," Professor Noble said.

Trades training has been broadened in recent years and the institute continues to experience growth in student numbers in areas such as nursing and health care.

"Student success continues to improve, which is very heartening, and graduation is an exciting time for all involved as we celebrate the successes of both the institute and the students our staff have helped prepare for further education or employment," Professor Noble said.

The institute is now looking forward to another successful year. "Campus developments are ongoing and we are now delivering at postgraduate level, introducing a Master of Management, Postgraduate Diploma in Management and Postgraduate Certificate in Management," Professor Noble said.

"Our vision is to be known for developing individual potential and enabling students to excel through strong regional links with businesses, iwi and the community and we will continue to work on those relationships for the benefit of our students, to provide them with improved opportunities," Professor Noble said.