In Brief:

  • More than two hundred and seventy graduates celebrated their achievements across three certificate graduation ceremonies held at Manukau campus from 20 to 22 October
  • The ceremonies recognised graduates in a wide range of programmes including business, health, social work, hospitality, automotive engineering and construction trades from Manukau, City, Ōtara and TechPark campuses, with more than eight hundred and fifty whānau and friends attending.

For mother and daughter Tui Maria Mete Graham and Alshalay KerryJane Le No, graduating together was a very special occasion, marking another step towards their shared ambition of becoming nurses.

Alshalay KerryJane Le No (L) with her mother Tui Maria Mete Graham

At the first ceremony, held for graduates from Manukau and City campuses, 38-year-old Tui and her 19-year-old daughter Alshalay celebrated completing New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways – Nursing (Level 3) together.

Their journey was inspired by Alshalay’s grandmother, who had also studied nursing at MIT and worked as a mental health nurse for more than ten years before passing away two years ago.

Alshalay wanted to follow in her grandmother’s footsteps, and Tui decided to join her to offer support along the way.

“I thought I’ll just give her that helping hand and that taupua and support to do nursing with her,” Tui says.

While Tui described her studies as challenging, she credited hard work and dedication with helping her complete the qualification.

For Alshalay, studying alongside her mother also brought them closer.

“It was pretty cool, especially with my mum as well. Just having a little bit of bonding time together. Driving to school every morning.”

Both have continued to Level 4 studies, with plans to pursue Bachelor of Nursing degrees.

At the second ceremony, celebrating graduates from Ōtara campus, Reyna Lilione Vilisoni was overcome with emotion as she crossed the stage to receive her New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways – Social Work (Level 4).

Her family’s encouragement helped her persevere through the challenges of studying.

“They told me that you can do it, you can achieve your goals. And this is what I want to do.”

Inspired by her aunt, who had also studied social work, Reyna chose the pathway because of her desire to support people through difficult circumstances.

“I want to be able to help others in whatever they’re going through. I want to be able to talk to them so they can have opportunities for themselves.”

Now studying towards her bachelor’s degree in social work, Reyna is proud of how far she has come.

“Just happy that I graduated this month and am now on to the next.”

At the third ceremony, celebrating TechPark graduates, Raphael Antonio was surrounded by proud family members clicking pictures, adorning him with lei as he came off the stage.

Raphael, who completed New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Technology (Level 3), says his family encouraged him to pursue further study and build a career.

After initially considering a career in building and gaining experience in the industry, he decided to follow his interest in cars and enrol in the automotive programme.

“I like cars, so I said, oh, maybe I’ll go and do a mechanics course and see how that goes. I did it and I had a blast.”

Raphael says one of the highlights of his time at TechPark was meeting students who shared similar aspirations.

“They all come from different backgrounds, different parts, but they’re all here for the same reason. To make a change for them and their family. I loved that.”

He also acknowledged the support of his tutors.

“They taught me everything I knew. I’ll take that with me wherever I go.”

Reflecting on his study experience, he described it as “10 out of 10”.

Raphael is now undertaking a heavy diesel automotive engineering apprenticeship with Waste Management.

Addressing graduates, Professor Martin Carroll, Deputy Chief Executive – Academic, described graduation as a rite of passage, drawing a parallel with the pōwhiri that welcomed many students at the beginning of their studies.

“A pōwhiri is a rite of passage. A meeting where your status changes during the course of the event. So, at a pōwhiri you come in as strangers, but you leave as members of the whānau,” Prof Carroll says.

“Tonight is also a rite of passage. Because tonight you leave as graduates. You leave as alumni and if you like, lifelong members of MIT and Unitec.”

Reminding graduates that as alumni, they would carry the institution’s values into their professions and communities, encouraging them to remain honest, uphold the mana of others, pursue excellence and stay connected.

Congratulations to all our latest certificate graduates.

MIT offers certificate programmes across a wide range of study areas, including business, health, trades, technology, hospitality, maritime studies and social services. Explore certificate programmes at MIT.