This year’s graduation ceremony was easily one for the books. After a very challenging 2020 our students pulled through and made it! For this reason (and many more) we just knew we had to add a little extra special-ness to it.
Special congratulations to our 2021 Valedictorians:
- Business School Valedictorian – Vaibhav Patil
Graduate of Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Business (Level 8) - Digital Marketing School Valedictorian – Tatiana Lebedeva
Graduate of Diploma in Digital Marketing (Applied) (Level 7)
Valedictorian is an academic title of success awarded to the top student of his/her class. We had two very well-deserved Valedictorians this year. They both delivered very heart-felt and beautiful speeches on the night.
Special mentions below for adding to the graduation magic
VENUE:
The NZIE graduation was held at the stunning B:hive Auditorium in Smales Farm. The foyer area and bar made for the perfect mixing and mingling space.
![Rob's speed at Graduation 2021](https://nzie.ac.nz/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/nzie_graduation_2021-1024x682.jpg)
HOSPITALITY:
We were fortunate enough to have the MSL Training team come through and assist with the food and drinks.
NZIE MEDIA:
We had not one, not two but three dedicated photographers PLUS two talented videographers. Who were fiercely dedicated to capturing the BEST footage! We had our usual graduation photographer who always captures the photos perfectly from Freestyle Photography.
Furthermore, we also (for the first time) set up a video corner at graduation. The goal was to capture success stories of some stand out students. Especially since they were all glammed up and dressed in their best! The timing was great, and it was all lights, cameras and action for the graduates who participated.
Thank you to:
Tatiana, Cherise, Tony, Diego, Naida, Thiago, Laura and Elena who all took some time to drop to our video corner. All videos will be uploaded on our YouTube Channel.
SELFIE BOOTH:
Additionally, we had a NZIE first which was the customised Photo Booth. The crew over at Modo Booth even branded the selfie booth with our branding for us. We also included our famous Instagram Frame.
CULTURAL SUPPORT:
Our Kai Awhina (cultural support) Terehia & Ngaiwi put on a beautiful welcoming ceremony (powhiri) for graduates and their guests. Lei managed to capture this beautiful, heartfelt moment and exchange with Valedictorian student Tatiana.
![NZIE Graduation Tatiana and Terehia](https://nzie.ac.nz/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/nzie-graduation-tatiana-and-terehia-1024x682.jpg)
ENTERTAINMENT:
Partway through the graduation ceremony we paused for some entertainment. The talented group from @hiwaltd put on a super engaging, entertaining and skilful cultural performance. Kia ora 💙
![Traditional Maori dance](https://nzie.ac.nz/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/nzie_graduation_2021_dancing-1024x682.jpg)
GRADUATION COMMITTEE:
The glue that bought our wonderful graduation vision and event to life and made it one to remember! Thank you Janaina, Jane & Asuka.