Tai Tokerau graduation

14 March 2008

Venue: Te Tai Tokerau campus
Website: http://www.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/for/currentstudents/academiclife/graduationinformation.cfm

Successful students who have completed their studies in education at Te Tai Tokerau campus of The University of Auckland will celebrate at a graduation ceremony in Whangarei on Friday 14 March.

The students completed their studies on-site in the heart of Whangarei and will graduate with degrees in Bachelor of Education (Teaching) Huarahi Maori, Bachelor of Education (Teaching) Primary, Graduate Diploma Teaching (Secondary), Bachelor of Education (Teaching) Early Childhood Education, and Bachelor of Social Work.

This year’s guest speaker is Dr Pat Hohepa (Te Mahurehure, Ngapuhi, Te Atiawa), former Professor of Maori Language at The University of Auckland. Originally from the Hokianga, Dr Hohepa was the first Maori dux of Northland College, and went on to have a distinguished career in Maori and Pacific linguistics. He is also a Ngapuhi orator, genealogist, waiata singer, spokesperson, and writer, and retains an enduring interest in education opportunities for the people of the Far North.

Faculty of Education Dean, Dr John Langley, says The University of Auckland is committed to training teachers in the North where there exists a real need for teachers - especially in remote rural areas.

"We want to see more high-quality teachers in Northland schools, so we are reaching out to make sure they can study as easily as possible. The hope is that if people study in their backyard, then they will work in their backyard," he says.

The formalities commence at 12.30pm with a street procession from Laurie Hall Park to Forum North. This will allow friends, family, and the citizens of Whangarei to recognise and pay tribute to the significant achievements of these dedicated individuals.

The procession will proceed via Rathbone Street, The Mall, Bank Street, and Rust Ave. On arrival at Forum North, the procession will be met by a traditional Maori wero on the forecourt, before proceeding inside for the graduation ceremony.

Attending from The University of Auckland will be Deputy Vice-Chancellor Raewyn Dalziel, Dean of Education Dr John Langley, Faculty Manager Stuart Windross and other academic staff. Campus Director Te Tai Tokerau Heather Peters will also attend with staff from Te Tai Tokerau campus.

At the conclusion of the ceremony light refreshments will be served at Te Tai Tokerau Campus at 13 Alexander Street, Whangarei, at 2.30pm.

In case of heavy rain, there will be no street procession. Graduates will instead assemble at Forum North at 12.15pm.