An impressive 71 graduates were honoured at the Wai Tech Class of 2023 ceremony in front of almost 300 friends and whānau in West Auckland today.
The incredible 96 per cent completion rate showed a high level of unwavering commitment to study while maintaining a full time role, which did not go unnoticed by Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency Chair, Merepeka Raukawa-Tait. (Pictured here with Te Whānau o Waipareira Chair, Ray Hall and Wai Tech's Dr Donna Morrison.)
“It’s lovely to come out and celebrate your success with you today. Thank you to the whānau for supporting these graduates today – your role should not be underestimated with disrupted schedules and home life. I have the utmost respect for you and what you do in the background. Congratulations and thank you to our graduates for deciding to step up and do the study to get your diploma’s. I recognise it’s not easy to work fulltime and show up to study”.
Merepeka was quick to acknowledge how valuable these qualifications will be throughout Whānau Ora.
“I’m so pleased you saw this through because you are needed right now. You already have brought life experience to the time you spent studying, it would have been difficult and here you are ready to be available to whānau. We are living in changing times. The life and wellbeing of Māori has been compromised over the years and we need to respond. To those who have graduated, you will make the difference, you will have the opportunity with your knowledge and working role to add to the health and wellbeing of our whānau”.
Congratulations to our graduates from the following partners:-
Maketū Health & Social Services
Ngā Mataapuna Oranga
Ngai Te Rangi
Ngāti Porou Hauora
Ora Toa
Raukawa Charitable Trust
Ruapōtaka Marae
Takiri Mai Te Ata-Kōkiri Marae – He Iwi Kotahi Trust
Taumarunui Kōkiri Charitable Trust
Te Arawa Whānau Ora
Te Hapori Ora
Te Kōhao Health Trust
Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki
Te Manu Toroa
Te Rūnanga o Te Whānau
Te Rūnanga o Tūranganui-a-Kiwa
Te Whānau o Waipareira.
Te Whare Oranga Wairua
Tui Ora.
