NZTC graduates honoured in Auckland

Early Childhood Education News

New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC) celebrated the achievements of 517 graduates at its Auckland graduation ceremony on Wednesday evening, with the celebration set to continue at the college’s Christchurch graduation event later this month.

The temperamental Auckland weather did not dampen the spirits of this year’s graduates, as they travelled with their loved ones in tow to the Victory Convention Centre in Freemans Bay, Auckland.

The skies cleared just in time for graduates, dressed in the college’s regalia colours of purple and teal, to take part in the traditional NZTC walk of honour, sharing their success with family, friends, and the wider community before the official ceremony. 

Graduates were honoured by NZTC for their hard work and commitment during their study journey, as well as by their loved ones, who showed their admiration and support in their own special ways – like hanging an ula lole (lolly necklace) around their neck as they left the stage – throughout the event.

Several students were also commended for their outstanding accomplishments, with special commendations awarded to those who excelled in practice, academics, and exemplifying the values of the college.

Auckland-Graduands-image



Hemal Manaktala

Tracy Jensen, who graduated with a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) and achieved 14 distinctions in the course of her studies, received the award for Academic Excellence.

After studying a culinary qualification, Tracy found work as a cook at an early childhood centre, but soon realised that she enjoyed interacting with children at the centre more than cooking.

She attributes her academic success to sacrificing many weekends to work on her assessments, along with the support she received from her family and the staff at NZTC.

“It was a very long journey to where I am today. Winning the Academic Excellence Award was the icing on the cake for me, as I worked very hard and spent many weekends, late nights and all my free time on making sure I did the best I could do. I was lucky enough to have people around me who understood what it meant to me to succeed in my qualification and supported me in whatever way they could,” said Tracy.

The NZTC Values/Puawaitanga Award was presented to international student Hemal Manaktala, who continued to demonstrate NZTC’s cherished values of Vision, Heart, Competence and Spirit throughout her study journey.

Hemal was nominated for the award by college staff, who commended her humility, compassion, integrity and professionalism amid various challenges that she faced after moving to New Zealand from India to study with the college.

“She gives freely and wholly of herself to everyone she comes into contact with, and this is evident in the meaningful relationships she has with children, their parents and whānau, her peers, and NZTC staff. It has truly been an uplifting and humbling experience to have shared this part of Hemal’s journey with her,” NZTC lecturers said.

Hemal admitted that she considered returning to India after experiencing many challenges during her studies, but with the support from NZTC’s pastoral support, the guidance of all her lecturers during her assignments, and the NZTC Online discussion forums, she was able to persevere.

“NZTC is like my family, and when you feel that you are with your family it automatically gives you strength, so I feel really blessed that I had the opportunity to study with the college,” Hemal explained.  

The graduation ceremonies this year are particularly special for NZTC, as the college celebrates its 35 year anniversary and its first Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Leadership and Management) and Master of Early Childhood Education graduates.

NZTC Chief Executive Selena Fox addressed those in attendance, explaining why this milestone is an important one for the college.

“35 years later we continue to be inspired by the difference education offers to those who care for and educate young children. 35 years of commitment to supporting our students to be better able to make sound, wise, thoughtful and educated decisions that impact on children’s lives.

“As we celebrate 35 years, we look on the cusp of new dreams, new relationships and new opportunities that the next 35 years will bring.”

We look forward to continuing to honour this year’s graduates at the Christchurch graduation ceremony on 19 April 2017.