NZSE’s 2023 Graduation brought our community together in a warm celebration of student success that stretched across our five schools: ATC, Early Childhood Education, Health and Wellbeing, Hospitality and IT & Business Technologies.
Graduation is a milestone every tertiary student looks forward to, whether they are receiving a certificate or a diploma. It is a day to celebrate achievements with fellow graduates in and out of their own cohorts and to share this milestone in their education journey with friends and whānau.
Last week our graduates experienced this highlight in their education journey on Friday 11th August at Auckland's Viaduct Events Centre. Through the crisp, sunny afternoon more than 800 attendees enjoyed cheering on the 300 students graduating.
“It is not easy to go through your learning journey with everything happening around us,” CEO Wendy Liao addressed NZSE’s graduates, “but you are here because you took the opportunity to walk your through life eager and open to self-improvement. To grow into more of yourself, always moving to the next level of understanding, passion and growth.”
This was a particularly special milestone for our School of Hospitality students and staff, who had their first ever cohort graduating during this ceremony with a NZ Certificate in Food and Beverage Service (Level 3). Graduate Mercedes has made some lifelong friends with her fellow graduates and her tutors. “Besides all the work that we go for the course, we get along really well during our free time as well.”
Our graduates’ elated triumphs were further met with enthusiasm with Kapa Haka performances from our ATC students and a Cook Island dance featuring ATC graduate Terry Akava.
Graduate Laila Shihada upon receiving her Diploma in Software Development (Level 6) is reminded of the words of Nelson Mandela; “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world. This sentiment resonates deeply as we reflect on our journey at NZSE. Each obstacle encountered only fuelled my determination for success.”
Jennifer Berry of Rocket Lab took the stage for the commencement speech – inspiring students to make an impact no matter how big their role in the world may be. "Whilst you may not be travelling on a rocket to explore other galaxies, I encourage you to be brave, step up and use your new qualifications to play an essential role in shaping the future of our earth.”
We are thrilled to see our graduates now take their next steps in starting or furthering their careers as Software Developers, Aged Care Nurses, NZ Army recruits and more. We wish you all luck with your fresh new futures and are proud to call you NZSE’s newest graduates.
Every year, ATC holds an annual competition where all students from our three campuses: Manukau, Waikato, and Waitakere, come together to compete for the top honours within ATC.
The ATC Terminator Challenge is designed to be fun and exciting, whilst also testing the physical, mental, and strategic potential of our students to achieve success as a team. It has been two long years on hold, but the challenge makes its 2022 comeback with drill and circuit challenges, endurance sports, team work strategy, tug-of-war and so much more.
This year we will hold our ATC Terminator Event on Thursday 27th October 2022 at:
A terminator challenge is an event the whole family can enjoy.
Bring your whanau, tell your neighbour, iwi, communities. Share it on social media!
Support one another, celebrate victories, and connect with friends on this day of exciting challenges.