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Walker family inspire at Bay of Plenty Polytechnic graduation

Tuesday 5 August 2014, 4:52PM

By Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology

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BAY OF PLENTY

There was more than one misty eyed proud parent last Friday as family and friends gathered to applaud the success of almost 400 graduating students from Bay of Plenty Polytechnic.

The Mid-Year Graduation brought together graduates from across the Schools of Applied Technology and Design and Humanities. The graduating classes included Distribution, Commercial Road Transport, Heavy Vehicle Driving, Welding, Carpentry, Construction Trades Supervisor, Preparation for Law Enforcement, Health Care Assistance, Social Services, Relaxation Massage, Hairdressing, Foundation Studies (ESOL), Tertiary Study, Early Childhood and Beauty.

Mother of five Tangiora Walker provided plenty of inspiration and motivation as guest speaker. Tangi, a graduate of the Polytechnic’s Kahikatea – Certificate of Social Services programme, is now in the second year of study towards a Bachelor of Social Work with the University of Waikato.

“I never dreamed I could actually return to study after 33 years and no formal education,” said Tangi. It transpired that she had picked up a brochure ‘killing time’ while waiting for son Samuel who was enrolling into the Diploma in Music Production and Performance programme.

“My husband and family encouraged me to go for it and so I applied for the course. I was amazed I was accepted and then proceeded to do the Tools Preparation for Study course before starting the Cert of Social Services – Kahikatea.”

In fact four out of five of Tangi’s children have now studied with the Polytechnic. Eldest daughter Elizabeth is a beauty graduate (and is now a senior therapist at Jamele Skin Care Centre), Samuel from music, son Michael graduated on Friday from the Certificate in Tertiary Studies and younger son Caleb was enrolled onto a carpentry programme earlier this year before being snapped up as an apprentice builder.

Tangi took time to thank the audience for their support of their graduates.

“The reason I have shared with you about myself and family is because I would like to take this opportunity to say to the families, friends and whanau supporting the graduating students here today that your support and encouragement is invaluable to the success of your loved ones.”

Those same families, friends and whanau offered many rounds of applause, hugs, congratulations, haka and waiata over the evening ceremony. For some graduates, this is the start of a longer journey into formal education while many are heading off into local industry and beyond.

Included amongst the graduates were some special awards:

NZL Group Top Student: Certificate in Commercial Road Transport Level 3
Christopher Otene

CIGWeld Top Student: Certificate in Welding Level 3 CLASS 1
Rudolf Hattingh

CIGWeld Top Student: Certificate in Welding Level 3 CLASS 2
Aaron Tupara-Burgess

PlaceMakers Theory Merit: Certificate in Carpentry Level 3
Jake Riley

PlaceMakers Practical Merit: Certificate in Carpentry Level 3
Kurt Wood

PlaceMakers Most Improved: Certificate in Carpentry Level 3
Scott Gibson