Kaimahi graduation celebrated

Huge congratulations to Te Hauora o Ngāti Rārua kaimahi James Kauri, who graduated Heke Toiora Whānau, Diploma in Social Work, from Te Wānanga o Raukawa in Ōtaki. 

James said it was an ‘awesome’ day, captured on the live stream of the ceremony.  

“It was a beautiful experience that I shared with my whānau, and with over 380 others walking across the stage, it was a busy day.  

“I got to walk across the stage with my baby.  She played her part and didn’t play up too much.” 

The qualification will be used every day in James’s role as Kaiwhakaaraara at Te Hauora o Ngāti Rārua, and James says more study is on the horizon. 

“A big mihi to Ngāti Rārua for the manaaki and awhi to help get across the line. Year 1 down of 4 on way to a Degree. Mauriora!” 

The taonga for heke (undergraduate diplomas) is a punga (anchor) with a feather attached. The anchor symbolises being secured to the earth so that the waka does not drift with the tides. The feather symbolises the flight of birds. Therefore, although we remain grounded and do not drift off course our minds are free to soar with the birds. Ko te kaihanga o te punga ko Jean Kahui.