Summer Shaneece Te Rore was one of fifty-five ākonga presented with qualifications at MIT’s Secondary School Tertiary Studies (SSTS) graduation ceremony.

The ceremony, held at Ngā Kete Wānanga Marae on Tuesday 9 December, was an opportunity to celebrate students and their achievements in 2025 says Principal Gareth Leadbeater.


Summer Shaneece Te Rore (centre) and some other students who got qualifications

“We work with students where mainstream school hasn’t worked for them. We pick them up and help them engage with their learning again.  We lift their attendance and help them work towards a qualification,” Mr Leadbeater says.

“Sometimes students can get lost in the transition from secondary school to tertiary education so being part of MIT we can also smooth that process out a bit.  It makes them a little bit easier for them, so they don’t fall between the cracks and drop out.”

“Being located next to and part of MIT (Ōtara Campus) means they get a leg up as they transition into tertiary.”


The school’s tī rākau group led by Matua Taura Te Whata welcomed whānau onto the marae

Ms Shaneece Te Rore won the award for best NCEA Level 2 student and was also one of two winners of the most improved ākonga. The Year 12 learner says that at the start of the year she was pretty bad.

“I wasn’t really into improving my education, but I was eventually and I was so keen on getting things done. I hated starting something and not finishing it. So, I chose to finish it.”

“The teachers were so much help. Very motivational. I enjoyed the year and made a lot of friends. Next year, I’m onto Level 3 and after that I don’t know but I’ll figure it out.”

“I had my family here. My mum, my aunty, my little sister and my brother was performing.”


A big group of whānau and friends were there to celebrate the day

The ceremony started with a tī rākau group from the school welcoming whānau onto the marae with a performance. After karakia, speeches and some awards; the guest speaker, former SSTS and current MIT student Macy Cupples addressed the audience.

Macy explained how she had been seeing a counsellor since she was nine years old and at 16 was in respite care for her mental health when she was given a brochure for SSTS.

“Before my transition here I was struggling a lot with my mental health. I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression. Things became a lot harder at high school. From terrible attendance to being suspended. I had zero motivation for school or getting out of bed.

“I wasn’t hopeful at the time but I enrolled. I wish I could tell you that when I enrolled all my troubles went away and I was the perfect student, but I faced a lot of challenges.

“I was still battling my mental health. Flo (Student Advisor Florence Tamehana) sat with me through every single step. She gave me the much need discipline and support.

“There were yelling matches between her and I and the other teachers but no matter how hard I pushed, they never gave up on me. Looking back, I feel I was tired. Tired of pushing against these challenges.

“There wasn’t a special moment when I thought, ‘today I’m going to change’. Day by day I put my head down and I got to work. And I managed to get my NCEA Level 1 and 2 and I couldn’t have done this without SSTS.

“I left SSTS in July 2019 and my mental health declined again so I had to rebuild. I thought I didn’t want to give up. I focused on healing with the world’s best support – my mum and dad. They are here today and I can’t thank them enough. “

“I started to study at MIT. I got my Level 3 Social Work Certificate and now I’ve done two years of an Applied Bachelor of Counselling degree.”


Former SSTS learner Macy Cupples was the guest speaker

In conclusion, Ms Cupples had some advice for the current SSTS ākonga.

“If you are ever struggling, no matter how big or small remember one thing, what is your purpose and keep holding onto that passion.

“I held onto my passion of wanting to help others. Others that are struggling like I was. I want you to remember that no storm lasts forever. Even when it when the water it feels heavy, remember there is another side. Every single one of you is capable of reaching that light.

“You are not alone. You are not broken. You are not out of time. You are allowed to heal at your own pace.”


Principal Gareth Leadbetter (fourth from right) and Deputy Chief Executive Learner Success and Achievement Simon Nash (third from right)

Mr Leadbeater says Macy has done really well.

“She’s moved into a space where she’s succeeding so it’s great to see. She pops in from time-to-time so it’s really good to see her progress.

“One of the cool things is the number of former students who have been here and pop their heads in and say hello and let us know how they’re going. It’s really neat to hear about the success they are having once they’ve moved on.

“Part of the programme is that we support the students when they’re in tertiary study as well. We keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t fall out of tertiary study.

“It was an emotional day. Most students who leave, go on to study at MIT in construction, plumbing; mainly the trades. We also have few staying to do level 3 to go onto university. We will work with the other students who stay with us to help them find their pathway.”

SSTS is funded for 200 students per year and was opened in 2010.


A haka at the conclusion of the ceremony