RodneyGraduation11

More than eighty families, farmers, members of the community and staff squeezed into the Taratahi Rodney Campus woolshed on Monday to celebrate the success of twenty-five graduating students. These young men and women have completed a full year of practical training and theoretical study earning themselves two nationally recognised certificates: the National Certificate in Fencing and the Certificate in General Farm Skills.

Guest of Honour, Dr The Rt Hon Lockwood Smith, Speaker of the House, was thrilled to present awards and to share graduation day with students, their community and tutors. He was particularly pleased to hear how
many young people have already gained employment as a direct result of the agricultural training programmes. “This region is a key source of primary production and here is an organisation trying to match industry needs to the aspirations of young people. Well done Taratahi,” said Dr Smith.

Taratahi Rodney Educational Manager, Steve Hannam, was more than happy with the number and quality of students graduating. “Taratahi has experienced overwhelming support for our training programmes from the Rodney community and we are looking forward to continuing these relationships over the years ahead. Our tutors have worked hard this year to transfer core agricultural skills to some of Rodney’s young people. It is pleasing to see so many happy graduates, families and farmers here today!”

Cups and prizes were awarded at the graduation ceremony for both effort and achievement. The Taratahi Top Student award went to Marley Manase, “I am looking forward to exploring the opportunities available to me now and I have really enjoyed learning new skills this year,” he said.

Agricultural training is delivered from the Innes family property at Kaipara Flats – students use the woolshed and an adjacent small house has become a classroom. Practical training takes place on a number of farms around Rodney.

From 2012 Taratahi will offer more agricultural training opportunities to the wider region from bases in Whangerei and other Northland locations in partnership with NorthTec.

Taratahi Rodney Celebrates Success