Whangarei man Henry Beattie was one of 22 teachers who graduated from the University of Auckland's Te Tai Tokerau campus on Friday. His students from Onerahi School and ex-students from Whangarei Intermediate School performed a haka for him as he walked through Whangarei with fellow graduates.
The latest bunch of new teachers graduating in Northland are a diverse bunch.
Among the 22 students who graduated as teachers yesterday were a mum of three, two sisters who drove from Kerikeri to Whangarei, and a Whangarei man whose students performed an emotional haka as he walked through town.
It was graduation day yesterdayfor students who studied at the University of Auckland's Te Tai Tokerau campus. Twenty-two graduated with a Bachelor of Education, 15 in English medium, and seven are Huarahi Maori.
Sisters Angela Brewer, 38, and Michelle Harden, 32, commuted from Kerikeri to Whangarei to study to become primary school teachers. PHOTO/MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM.
Sisters Angela Brewer, 38, and Michelle Harden, 32, had commuted from Kerikeri to Whangarei two or three days a week to study to become primary school teachers.
"It was actually really good because we were able to digest and discuss what we'd learned that day," Ms Brewer said.
Ms Brewer worked in photography and design, and Ms Harden was a hairdresser before they decided to become teachers. They started studying in 2011 but both had their study interrupted by the birth of another child - Ms Brewer's second, and Ms Harden's fourth.
But yesterdaythe sisters graduated together. Ms Harden is teaching years 0 to 2 at Oramahoe School, and Ms Brewer years 2 and 3 at the Bay of Islands International Academy.
"Teaching is like no other job. There is nothing quite like the knowledge that you are making a positive difference in the lives of others. I love working and collaborating with other visionary teachers and have learnt so much from our supportive team," Ms Brewer said.
Mum of three Sarah Sofala was relieved to be graduating. PHOTO/MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM.
Meanwhile, Whangarei mum Sarah Sofala was relieved to be graduating. The 35-year-old was inspired by two teachers who supported her when she was a student at Bream Bay College - Miss Milne and Mrs Gardner.
"They seemed to see the real me and were always encouraging me, setting me goals and they were still part of my life when I finished school. Sadly they have both passed so they will never see that I have followed in their footsteps."
Ms Sofala said with three kids - Tah'leah, 13, Reef, 10, and Israel, 6 ,- being able to study in Whangarei was a huge help.
"I wouldn't have been able to study otherwise," she said.
She is now teaching a year 2 class at Whangarei Primary which she finds challenging but enjoyable.
"I love it my kids are great," she said.
"Hopefully they will look back in later years and say 'I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Whaea Sarah'."
The graduates paraded from Laurie Hall Park to Forum North.
As the graduates reached the intersection of Bank St and Cameron St there was a surprise for Whangarei man Henry Beattie. Students from Onerahi Primary School and ex-students from Whangarei Intermediate School burst into a powerful haka for their teacher and former-teacher.
Mr Beattie had a big smile on his face and pointed at the students in acknowledgement.
