As Puaka rises in the east signalling new beginnings and heralding the arrival of Matariki, many of our whānau are acknowledging and celebrating the completion of studies and the new beginnings these may bring.
In April, Joe Wakefield graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Management from the Otago Polytechnic along with whānau members, Vicki Ratana and Vania Pirini.
In May, his sister Maatakiwi, along with cousins, Victoria ‘Tori’ Campbell, Ariana Stevens, Fern Whitau and Nate Anglem graduated from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa with a Level 7 Diploma Te Reo Māori in Te Pīnakitanga ki te Reo Kairangi.
Maatakiwi was joined by cousin Patty-Ann Obrest who graduated with a Level 5 Diploma Raranga (Māori weaving) in Te Toi Paematua and Liz Maaka who graduated with a Level 4 Certificate Raranga (Māori weaving) in Kāwai Raupapa, introduction to raranga.
In June, Maatakiwi not only graduated from Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi with a Bachelor of Māori Performing Arts, along with 10 other members of Te Ahikaaroa but she topped her class.
Wairewa Rūnanga extend our congratulations to all our whānau members who have graduated from the various learning institutions over the past few months.
his wife, Ann celebrating his degree.
Liz graduating Kāwai Raupapa.
Maatakiwi delivering her speech at the Ahikaaroa graduates BMPA dinner.
Patty-Ann graduating Te Toi Paematua.
Te Pīnakitanga ki te Reo Kairangi 2015.