Media Release
For immediate release
10 November 2020
Graduates recognised by Mayors’ Taskforce
KAWERAU District Council hosted the 2020 Mayors Taskforce for Jobs Industry Training Graduation Ceremony last Thursday night.
The annual graduation was held at the Kawerau Cosmopolitan Club, with the three Eastern Bay Mayors presenting certificates to nearly 60 of the region’s industry graduates.
A mihi (welcome) from Tūwharetoa Kaumatua Te Haukakawa (Boycie) Te Rire started the formalities, followed by an address by Kawerau Mayor Malcolm Campbell.
His Worship Malcolm Campbell outlined that the graduations “recognise the achievements of industry graduates and celebrate their success with trainees and their families”.
“The Mayors’ Taskforce for Jobs is a commitment by the Eastern Bay Mayors to lifting the level of prestige for industry graduates. It also reinforces the regions’ commitment to industry training to benefit the community and economy.”
All graduates who recently completed a National Certificate qualification with an Industry Training Organisations (ITO) were invited to attend and receive a certificate of appreciation from the Mayors and ITO representatives.
Mayor Campbell also recognised local employers for their ongoing commitment to on-the-job training.
Graduates, guests and their families were treated to an inspirational speech by guest speaker and executive director and co-founder of Sequal Lumber David Turner.
Based in Kawerau, Sequal Lumber is committed to upskilling employees and David said the benefits to both the trainees and their business had been huge.
Whakatāne Mayor Judy Turner and Ōpōtiki Mayor Lyn Riesterer both congratulated the graduates and thanked them for their contribution to the region.
Lyn said, “Each year, it is inspiring to be in a room with so many people of all ages and backgrounds who have worked hard to gain these qualifications – it is a chance to give some well-deserved recognition. I also appreciate that it may feel unusual to be getting qualifications and entering the workforce during such unusual global times. But I feel optimistic about the future for the Eastern Bay. I am seeing dozens of jobs each week in all sorts of industries and there are many new opportunities already here and on the horizon. It is an exciting time for these new graduates and I wish them all the very best.”
Whakatāne Mayor Judy Turner said it was an excellent turnout of graduates this year. “This event is so important not only for the graduates who deserve to celebrate, but also family, workplaces, friends and others who support them to get the qualification. It is a real community effort recognised at the graduation ceremony.”
On hand to support and assist with the presentation were representatives from the training sector including BCITO Scott Braithwaite, BITO Jennifer Mossman, Connexis’ Sue Hawkins and Ministry of Education rep Julia Pura-Mackenzie.
The presentations were awarded in the following categories:
- Careerforce Graduates
- Primary Industry Training Organisation qualifications
- MITO (Motor Industry Training Organisation)
- BCITO (Building Carpentry Industry Training Organisation)
- Connexis (electrical and utilities qualifications)
- Service IQ Graduates (catering and tourism-related courses)
- Skills Active Graduates (leisure and outdoor education)
The evening concluded with dinner and a karakia to close the ceremony by Te Haukakawa Te Rire.
The graduation presentation will be hosted by Whakatāne in 2021.
Photographer Bless Maxwell captured the presentations and acknowledgements of graduates by the dignataries, industry training representatives and whānau.
Whakatāne Graduate – Ariana Simmons
Ariana received a BCITO National Certificate in Works Level 3 Architectural Aluminium Joinery Machining and Fabrication.
Ariana was also chosen as Apprentice of the Year with BCITO.
TOP: BCITO apprentice of the year Ariana Simmons with Connexis ITO Rep Sue Hawkins and Whakatāne Mayor Judy Turner.
ABOVE: Ariana Simmons (centre) is congratulated by her Mother and BCITO Rep Scott Braithwaite.
Ōpōtiki Graduate – Ute Seufert
Ute received a New Zealand Certificate in Aquatics (Level 3) Swim and Water Safety Teacher
TOP: Ute Seufert with Kawerau Mayor Malcolm Campbell and MOE Rep Julia Pura-MacKenzie.
ABOVE: Graduate Ute Seufert with Ōpōtiki Mayor Lyn Riesterer.
Kawerau Graduate – Jacqui Roberts
Jacqui received a New Zealand Certificate in Tourism (Visitor Experience), Level 3.
Jacqui works at Kawerau District Council’s i-SITE.
TOP: Graduate Jacqui Roberts with Mayor Malcolm Campbell and MOE Rep Julia Pura-MacKenzie.
ABOVE: Jacqui Roberts is congratulated by her Kawerau District Council i-SITE work colleagues.
TOP: Tūwharetoa Kaumatua Te Haukakawa (Boycie) Te Rire with the Eastern Bay Mayors Malcolm Campbell, Judy Turner and Lyn Riesterer with Julia Pura-Mackenzie who represents the Ministry of Education.
ABOVE: Eastern Bay Mayors Malcolm Campbell, Judy Turner and Lyn Riesterer with some of the graduates from Waiotahi Contractors.
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For more information please contact:
Tania Humberstone, Kawerau District Council’s Communications Manager 027 464 3785
