NZTC graduates celebrated in Auckland
New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC) celebrated the first of two graduation ceremonies in Auckland on Wednesday evening. 191 graduands congregated at the Victory Convention Centre to be capped, with a further celebration taking place in Christchurch on 27 April for graduates based in the South Island.
All graduates were honoured for their hard work, dedication and commitment to early childhood education with each receiving a special gift that we look forward to sharing with our wider NZTC community after our Christchurch graduation ceremony.
Tereapii Aniterea
NZTC’s values of Vision, Heart, Competence and Spirit are held dear by the College and underpin all initiatives undertaken every day. Tereapii Aniterea and Binumon Thanangattu were acknowledged for displaying a true commitment to each of these values throughout their qualification as they were jointly awarded the special NZTC Values/Puawaitanga Award.
Over the course of her study Tereapii became a role model for many students, demonstrating all of the NZTC values in the way she supported and respected her fellow students. For Tereapii, it was a special moment hearing her name called as one of the Values Award recipients, “It’s very special and an honour. It helps me reflect on the support I got from my lecturers and also my fellow students so it’s really special – and surprising too!”
Tereapii credits her family, particularly her mother and the support she gave Tereapii to complete her qualification while juggling her commitment to her faith, family, and work on top of study, readings and assignments. When reflecting on her study journey, Tereapii says “It’s been really rewarding in so many ways.”
International student Binumon, consistently held the College values in high regard throughout his practice and this was reflected in his study. “Binumon exemplifies every one of the NZTC values. He has made multiple resources as gifts for the various centres he did placements in, he supported other students in study and was active in fostering our community of learners,” said NZTC lecturer Ra Keelan.
Similar to Tereapii, Binumon was inspired and supported by his family throughout his study journey. “I lost my mum at age 15, but she was a big inspiration in my life. I can see her holding these values and encouraging me,” said Binumon.
Binumon also credited his lecturers for supporting his learning process. “I knew I could ask my lecturers questions and they would get back to me quickly. They gave corrections to my work in a way that was helpful to me, and I valued that support,” he said.
When asked about their plans for the future, both graduates spoke about the ECE sector with excitement. Binumon has secured a role in a centre and looks forward to supporting the children, and Tereapii plans to continue with the centre she worked at during her studies, with a long term goal of managing her own centre.
NZTC Chief Executive Selena Fox shared a special message with graduates. “You have taken your love for children, and stepped up through hard work, determination, sheer grit and at times against all odds to realise your professional goal of a qualification specialising in early childhood education. We are so very proud of you,” said Fox.
With 532 graduates to be celebrated this year, NZTC looks forward to the next graduation ceremony in Christchurch before sharing a special initiative with our wider community.