Graduation ‘a proud moment’ for all

Emma Leslie has education in her DNA. 

The graduate selected to present her fellow students at the Ara | Te Pukenga 2023 graduation for Southern campuses is following in the teacher footsteps of her mum and grandad. 

“My grandad, Bernie Wilson, who taught at Pleasant Point High School for many years, inspired me to be a teacher as he did my mum before me,” Leslie said. “I’m thrilled they’re both be there to see me receive my Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. A very proud moment for three generations of teachers!” 

Mum, Andrea Leslie, worked in early childhood education earlier in her working life. She served on what was the Ara Board before the institute’s transition to Te Pūkenga and is now the Executive General Manager of Education and Engagement at Timaru-based Primary ITO in the network. 

_{Three Generations of educators: Graduate Emma Leslie is flanked by her grandad Bernie Wilson and mum, Andrea Leslie} 

“I’m so proud of her,” Andrea Leslie said.  “She was very shy in high school and watching her speak today – it’s incredible to see her in her happy place.” 

The latest family member to join the education fold is now beginning her study towards a Bachelor of Education and ultimately her teacher registration in the coming years. 

“I love the challenge of working with young children and also the possibility that, through building connection and trust, I could be an important person and make a difference in their lives,” Emma Leslie said. 

Leslie was one of almost 70 graduates to cross the stage at the Caroline Bay Hall in front of a 300-strong crowd on Thursday 16 February. The cohort began the day with a parade along Bay Hill. 

Graduates from the departments of Trades, Applied Sciences and Social Practice, Business and Digital Technologies, Hospitality and Service Industries, Humanities and Health Practice all featured in the ceremony receiving certificates, diplomas and degrees. 

Director of Southern Campuses Leonie Rasmussen said it was a chance to celebrate the success of Ara students from across the region including those based in Ashburton and Oamaru.  

“It’s a proud moment and a special time to stop and reflect. So many of our graduates are taking strides in their careers contributing to the local economy and beyond,” Rasmussen said. 

One such student travelled to Timaru from her job as a mechanical fitter with Meridian Energy at Lake Manapōuri Power Station.  After four years of industry-based training through Ara, Holly Frewen was delighted to receive her Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Trades) Level 4. 

 _{Holly Frewen at work (photo supplied) and at graduation}  

“All though school I worked hard. I wasn’t a standout, but I kept at it and I never really had a celebration of my achievement – so this is huge for me,” Frewen said, adding that the years of driving from Twizel, then Otematata to Timaru for block courses, as well as night classes and Zoom classes while working in Manapōuri, had all been worth it. 

I enjoy being a mechanical fitter. In short, I work underground all day on the mechanical components of the generating equipment for the Manapōuri Hydro Electric Station – everything from minor repairs to major overhauls. It’s honestly different every day.” 

Sesimani Tuli, who was recognised as a standout student at last year’s Ara | Te Pīkenga Eke Panuku awards for high achieving Pacific Students, said receiving her Level 4 Certificate in Health and Wellbeing specialising in Community Facilitation was a thrill. 

“This qualification, along with my English language study before it, has given me the extra skills and confidence to give back to my Tongan community here in Timaru,” she said. “Before, I was afraid to stand in front of a group, but I found my comfort zone in the welcoming staff I’ve had at Ara,” the mother of four said. 

_{Proud Fāmili and Kāinga surround graduate Sesimani Tuli. Left to right: Ailine Luyten (Aunty /Tongan Elder) Anasiva Moimoi (Sister-in-law), Sesimani Tuli (Graduate), Yardley Woodhouse (Tongan Society Board Member) Pauline-Jean Luyten (Cousin / President, Tongan Society South Canterbury)} 

“My plan is to continue to work in my role as a healthcare assistant but I’m also able to pursue my dream of promoting the Tongan language in my community.” 

Ara’s graduation was also a proud moment for the business community, with many celebrating the success of students in work-based learning. 

Kristy Phillips, co-owner of Cactus Fire on Bay Hill in Timaru, said her whole team were proud to see Chloe Lysaght (Ngāti Tūwharetoa) and Mikayla Ratcliff parade right past the doors of the restaurant in their regalia. 

The pair graduated with a Level 4 Certificate in Cookery, gained while working in manged apprenticeships - something Phillips said benefits not only the district, but the industry as a whole. 

“I felt honoured to be sitting in the audience to see them graduate today,” Phillips said. “It was a very special moment.” 

_{Certificate in Cookery students Mikayla Ratcliff and Chloe Lysaght (Ngāti Tūwharetoa) swapped chef's whites for regalia to attend graduation}