Graduation ceremonies top off a successful year of Children’s University

Manawatū graduation

The Manawatū graduation ceremony, held on 23 November, saw 95 ākonga cross the stage to receive their graduation certificates or diplomas. For the first time, the ceremony took place at the Regent on Broadway, the same location as the university’s bi-yearly graduation ceremonies. The goal of this was to make ākonga feel included in the university’s main graduation programme and inspire them to continue their journey of lifelong learning.

An impressive 5154 cumulative hours of learning amongst the Manawatū ākonga was recorded for 2023, with some graduates achieving their certificates and diplomas that recognise over 130 or over 230 hours of learning during their time with the programme.

The master of ceremonies for the event was Kaiarataki Māori Reupena Tawhai, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Uepohatu, Te Whānau-a-Umuariki. Deputy Vice-Chancellor Students and Global Engagement, Dr Tere McGonagle-Daly, Ngāti Whakaue ki Maketu, Te Arawa, presided and welcomed ākonga across the stage.

Principals from each of the four participating schools and the one after-school programme gave a short speech onstage, before school coordinators read out the names of those graduating, who then walked, or in some cases ran, across the stage.

Several hundred people were in the audience to watch the ākonga graduate. A number of spontaneous haka erupted from whānau in the audience.

Of particular excitement for the students was the attendance of Fergus the ram, the Massey mascot, who was giving out high fives all night. Another moment of delight was when the streamer cannons went off at the end of the ceremony.

Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington graduation

The Wellington graduation ceremony, held on 5 December, saw 24 ākonga cross the stage to receive their certificates. The ceremony was held at the Tea Gardens on the university’s Pukeahu Wellington campus.

Over 840 cumulative hours of learning amongst the Wellington ākonga was recorded for 2023. Six of the graduates were return Children’s University members, back to graduate with the next level of achievement.

Master of Ceremonies for the celebration was Māori Student Coordinator Ākonga Māori Success Simon Koperu-Miyamoto, Waikato. Dr McGonagle-Daly again presided and welcomed ākonga across the stage.

About 130 people attended the special ceremony, with whānau ranging from young babies to elderly grandparents coming to celebrate the success of the young graduates.

Background

Children’s University is a charity programme that supports and encourages young learners to participate in educational experiences outside the classroom. The programme identifies learning destinations where tamariki can explore, gain confidence, and develop a passion for learning. Massey is the only university in the North Island to offer the Children's University programme, which started in the United Kingdom in the 1990s.

To join the programme, tamariki apply through their participating school and once they’re enrolled, they receive their Passport to Learning. With their passports, tamariki can visit local learning destinations of their choice. Visits are recorded, and each entry is validated in their passports by the learning destinations.

They also get membership to an online portal with information about local destinations, along with a wealth of online activities for days they can’t get out and about. Once 30 hours or more are earned in their passports, tamariki receive a certificate at a graduation ceremony to celebrate their achievements. Massey Children’s University Wānanga Nohinohi Te Kunenga held its first graduation ceremony in December 2021.