Hundreds of Waiariki Institute of Technology graduates have celebrated their hard work, marching in a procession through the city centre.
The graduates gathered at Rotorua's City Focus yesterday morning, and marched down Tutanekai St, onto Arawa St and finished at the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre, as friends and family looked on.
The procession was lead by a group of warriors.
It was followed by a day of graduation ceremonies at the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre.
Rotorua woman Deb Bell was pleased to graduate, having started her diploma in business more than 25 years ago.
"My son Richard at 20 completed a New Zealand diploma in business and here I am at my ripe old age two years later.
"I don't think I am the longest person ever. I started it before he [her son] was born. The reason it took so long was life takes you on different journeys with family and business.
"It's amazing, I think everybody should do it just to feel that sense of achievement."
Gowthami Gaoimalla, who came to New Zealand to further her studies, said it was a special day.
"This is the most important day of my life," she said.
"I really enjoyed my time here. I've made so many friends.
"I love it, I love the different culture, meeting people and different kinds of people; it is a good opportunity to do that. But especially in New Zealand, it has got its own culture.
"I am optimistic for the future, you should always be positive, and I am so excited."
Manoj Koyal was excited to have finished his diploma.
"I have got a job already. I studied a postgraduate diploma in health management. I am very excited to graduate, very much so. I am enjoying it.
"I have spent one year here, one year of hard work."
Georgia Mackay, 21, from Tauranga was graduating with a degree in nursing.
"I am excited, it's been three long, hard years."
A disregard for authority could be why those attending court are thumbing their noses.