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Celebrating our newest graduates

18 October, 2022
News and events

We celebrated success and resilience at our 15th Graduation ceremony at the Auckland Town Hall yesterday.

A total of 149 graduates crossed the stage yesterday. They had completed a range of qualifications through our Auckland International Campus, Capable NZ, and our Dunedin campus.

Otago Polytechnic Chief Executive, Megan Gibbons, said it was exciting to be celebrating success after all the challenges of the past couple of years. Those challenges had been particularly difficult for our international students.

“The resilience that has been demonstrated by our learners, their families, and the wider community should be congratulated.”

She said Graduation was a chance to acknowledge that resilience and see what success meant.

“We will acknowledge the transformation that happens with education.”

She said she believed we were all placed on the planet with a purpose to fulfil.

“The closer you get to your purpose in life, the more energy you will get from it.”

It’s not about following convention, but rather finding your passion in life and going in that direction.

“As you choose your path, follow your passion. Get the support you need and create your own destiny.”

Our Graduation Address was given by Acoustics Agile Engineering Consultants Technical Director, Richard Finley.

Richard told graduates their programmes have given them valuable technical skills. The next stage of their career would involve developing a broad set of life skills.

“The best way to do this is to get the right people around you to teach, encourage and correct you,” he said.

They might be in the workplace or in other circles such as community groups or sports clubs.

He encouraged them all to build and maintain integrity. He said the reputation they developed each day would precede them.

“Whether you are diligent, have integrity, have a thirst for learning and development or supporting those around you. These and other factors are crucial to what a prospective employer will hear about you before they decide to hire you.”

Some might encourage you to develop a short-term win-at-all-costs approach in your employment, but that could damage your reputation, he said.

“A good reputation will last longer than any short-term gain and will stand you in good stead for your career, no matter where you go.”