Staff + Student LoginTe Rā Whakapōtaetanga ki te Kohinga Marama Marae Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato
Thursday 2nd October 2008
This semester, the October Graduation ceremony on the marae was held on Thursday 2 October. Over 70 students graduated from across the University in the ceremony that started with pōwhiri and mihimihi at 9:30am.
The graduation ceremony was opened by the University Chancellor, the Rt. Hon Jim Bolger, who then introduced the keynote speaker of the day, ex-Law School lecturer, Judge Craig Coxhead. His speech was well received by the crowd, often drawing laughs when recounting his own experiences as a student here at Waikato. Judge Coxhead's message highlighted how important the graduation day was not only to the graduands themselves, but also their whanau that had supported them through their University careers. This was evident, as the crowd at the marae swelled to over 500 people over the morning.
As with all marae graduation ceremonies, the capping process was highlighted with much waiata, haka and karanga from whanau and friends that had come to celebrate with graduands. As always, the day was a huge celebration, with many festivities held throughout the day.
Casey Rawiri, the student speaker, received her Masters of Social Sciences in Psychology in the morning; and spoke to the crowds still sitting after the capping ceremony. She recounted her time here at Waikato, and at FASS, and expressed her thanks on behalf of all the students to the teaching staff, the support staff and to the families that had gathered on the marae.
Graduates were then invited onto the marae atea for a graduates photo and closing karakia.
Congratulations to all who graduated! Kia kaha tonu!
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