World is their oyster

More than 100 graduates, parents, family, friends, stakeholders, farmers and Taratahi staff attended the Taratahi Taranaki Graduation in December.

Taratahi chief executive Donovan Wearing addressed the graduates and their supporters with the message that "the world is their oyster" and there are many opportunities out there for graduates to make a success of their lives.

Guest speaker Brian Hocken reinforced this message and added that graduates with the right attitude, initiative, punctuality and motivation must take their opportunities. He emphasised to graduates that they need to find a mentor to help them be successful and offered a number of quotes as inspiration.

Grant Kobus, Taratahi Taranaki project manager, thanked all the work experience farmers, sponsors, stakeholders, employers and staff who contributed to a successful year of training.

Prize winners:

Primary Industries Trade Academy Most Improved Level 2 PITA Student: Julia Webster. Top Level 2 PITA Student: Alex Bell. Muir Family Trophy (moving and controlling stock): Bell-Kinza Ward. Reardon Family Shearing Trophy (best hand-piece skills): Bradley Taylor.

Stratford Demonstration Farm for Most Improved Level 3 Student: Darren Middleton. Taratahi Farm Machinery Trophy (best all-round on quads and tractors): Duane Martinelli. Williams and Kettle Work Experience Trophy: Liam Taylor. Fencing Trophy: Bill Kereti. Coplestone Family Leadership Trophy (most able to direct and supervise a team of people): Bill Kereti.

Langridge Trophy Top Level 3 Student: Bill Kereti. National Certificate in Agriculture Level 4 Programme Taratahi Taranaki Tutors Trophy (top Level 4 student): Mitchell Wooller.