Reginald John Junior Kay, Ngāpuhi
Seven simple words shared by Unitec Diploma in Construction Management graduate Reginald John Junior Kay (Ngāpuhi) provided a powerful exemplar of Māori triumph over adversity at Kahurangi celebrations this year.
“I am me and that is enough”
The simple, yet deeply meaningful statement, prompted both laughter and tears from an audience of proud whānau members gathered to celebrate the success of their loved ones at Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae.
Too often, Māori are surrounded by information highlighting negative statistics and stereotypical perspectives that marginalise their cultural pride and identity, so a collective aspiration to combat the negative rhetoric through celebrating positive examples of Māori achievement and success took form in the shape of Kahurangi more than 20 years ago at Unitec.
Whaea Lynda welcomes Kahurangi graduates
Kahurangi was created as a safe space for Māori to celebrate their identity, each other, and the people who played an integral role in helping them achieve their goals in a kaupapa Māori space.
Pou Hautu Keith Ikin told whānau at the event that it was the celebration of a miracle achievement for the graduates, who had worked tirelessly through pandemics and uncertainty to reach their goals.
“Today we are also acknowledging whānau who have supported our students through the challenges of learning within the environment of a pandemic. Each graduate today will have their own story. I know of one graduate married working full time with eight children and three under five who completed a master’s degree through COVID. Each and every one of these graduates will have their own story of perseverance and courage.”
More than 40 Māori graduates were celebrated at this year’s event and the qualifications gained highlighted the breadth and depth of skill they possess.
Bachelor of Nursing graduate, Tania Ripeka Parata (Ngāpuhi) acknowledged her whānau and those who kept her driven and motivated in an incredibly challenging space.
“I want to thank my kaiako, the support teams and everyone one else who helped create a safe space for me here to walk as a Māori and navigate my way through a system that’s not built for us, and my peers and fellow students who helped me through my insecurities and challenges, and to my two daughters who kept me steady and to my grandsons, I love you and thank you.”
Bachelor of Early Childhood Teaching graduate Kathleen Goldsmith (Tuhoe) shared her aspiration to follow in the footsteps of Whaea Rangimarie Rose Pere (Tūhoe, Ngāti Ruapani), a great spiritual leader and healer, educator and academic.
“Whaea Rose has always said that every child is born with a gift, and through early childhood education I want to help our tamariki Māori and everyone around them recognise and value their gifts to help them achieve greatness in their futures.”
The ability and potential of Māori is endless and positive examples of success for generations to come is continuing to grow. Those who took center stage at Kahurangi this year will forever remain positive examples and role models for anyone wanting to pursue a similar dream.
What a beautiful celebration honouring these Māori graduates and those who supported them. Truly inspiring stories, great role-models for current and future generations!