Mr Hiini said the institute had always started its graduation ceremonies with a pohiri.
"It is a tradition that students are extremely proud of," she said.
"It signals the end of a journey for many as well as the beginning of a new pathway."
Tamara Kumar is graduating with a Bachelor in Tourism Management and said the pohiri signalled the end of an era.
"In the last three years there has been tough moments but it is wonderful to know I am now more qualified to work in my favourite industry," she said.
"I chose to study at Waiariki because I liked the idea of getting qualified in my own backyard and Rotorua, being a tourism capital, was the ideal place to do the degree I've done."
Mrs Kumar said with her new qualifications, she hoped to one day open her own business.
"My ultimate goal would be to open my own tour guiding business or travel agency - my new degree will help me achieve this."
Chief executive, Professor Margaret Noble, said the institute was excited about this week's graduation events.
"Graduation is the culmination of hard work, commitment and dedication by our students who come from a diverse range of backgrounds, ages and nationalities."
Nearly 3000 students will graduate this week with various qualifications.
The annual graduation procession through town will take place today from 11am to 12pm.
The procession starts at City Focus, follows Tutanekai St, then right into Arawa St and to the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre.
Family and friends are encouraged to join those in town cheering on the procession.
- To see video of the Waiariki Institute of Technology graduation pohiri and farewell, visit www.dailypost.co.nz.
