Hard work pays off for more than 1000 Wintec grads

More than 1000 students will participate in one of seven ceremonies during Wintec's graduation week, which begins on Friday 20 March.

Of the 1800 students eligible to graduate, 1015 will take part in one of seven ceremonies over four days: Friday 20, Tuesday 24, Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 March.

The event will commence with nearly 130 students graduating at Wintec's city campus marae, Te Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa on the Friday. The further six ceremonies will be held at Founders Theatre the following week.

Wintec's Chief Executive Mark Flowers says: "Graduation is a highly anticipated celebration that gives students, their families and supporters the opportunity to reflect on their hard work and commemorate their outstanding achievements.

"Gaining a tertiary qualification takes a huge commitment and a great achievement. All of our graduands should be very proud of themselves and enjoy this special occasion."

A graduand parade will leave from Wintec's city campus at 1pm on Tuesday 24 March, Wednesday 25 March and Thursday 26 March. Hundreds of graduands wearing regalia will gather outside The Gallagher Hub, walk down Angelsea Street and make their way to the Founders Theatre on Tristram Street.

"With Wintec's main campus being situated in the heart of Hamilton, graduation week is a time for the city to celebrate alongside our graduands.  We encourage the community to show their support to our students by cheering for our graduands as they parade along Angelsea Street," says Mr Flowers.

Guest speakers will attend each ceremony offering inspiration to an audience of students, their families and friends as well as Wintec staff and special guests. These include: Mihingarangi Forbes, Maori Television Presenter, Native Affairs; Richard O'Brien, author and star of cult musical, The Rocky Horror Show, Wayne Tainui, Partner, PwC Waikato; Dr Paul Wood, Development and Change Specialist; Mary-Anne Spence, Nurse Manager Clinical Education, Waikato District Health Board; Darrel Hadley, Managing Director, Phoenix Group & Good George Brewing; and Sir Dryden Spring.

Each school and centre will hold a Special Awards event in the evening during graduation week. These events recognise top students of 2014.

Wintec's Graduation Site.