2009 Graduation

Photographs by UoC Photographic Services

Whānau from around New Zealand gathered at the Hotel Grand Chancellor on Wednesday 8 April to honour and recognise the success of 22 Māori graduates who this year received degrees and diplomas from a range of academic disciplines. The celebrations began with a pōwhiri followed by addresses by the Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Māori), Tā Tīpene O'Regan, and the President of Te Akatoki Māori Students Association, Tahae Roberts. Amongst those celebrating was Pauline Harris, who graduated with a PhD in physics. She is only the second Māori woman to graduate with this degree, but the first to do so in astrophysics. Also graduating with MA with Distinction was Eruera Prendergast-Tarena, who is the first Ngāi Tahu student to graduate with a Master of Arts Degree in Māori Studies.

Manuhiri being greeted by the tangata whenua	Tangata whenua welcoming the manuhiri	Te Akatoki supporting graduating students

Tā Tīpene O'Regan addressing the pōwhiri	Dr Pauline Harris (Rongomaiwahine)	Eru Tarena (Kai Tahu)	Paora Tukapua (Mua-Upoko); and Erina Okeroa (Taranaki)

Māori graduates 2009