PhD graduated and awarded 1st = Top PhD thesis...

 

Here's a pic of one of my graduation photos in the local marae (Māori meeting house) with the traditional carvings and taniko (traditional wall hanging) patterns, earlier this year, for Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi (Māori Indigenous Education institution of higher learning).

I'm also holding the flax flowers that I received in having been awarded the "Emeritus Professor Roger Green (ONZM) Award for Top Thesis" (2026) as first equal with another PhD candidate.

It was indeed a pleasure to receive the award, as my colleague was able to deliver the valedictorian speech in honour of all those who had graduated that day.

I was also honoured to have some of my family there and especially my beloved and children, as it would have been too much for my mum to travel the three and a half hour drive. 

Instead, we made it a road trip, staying over two nights at an Airbnb and having an enjoyable time with good company. It was also a time of relaxation, chilling and listening to music and being together as a family. I think it solidified how important it was for me to enjoy this time with my children in sharing with them the end of a journey that had been one of my goals to complete. They have now seen the completion and the joy that it brought to all of us...

Finally PhD grad' completed...

 

It's finally official in completing my PhD graduation ceremony in Whakatāne yesterday with Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.

Here I am dressed in our regalia for PhD students, with one of my examiners. Her late father had been an important figure and worked for Māori Affairs.

Her esteemed father met with the former Head of State for Samoa, His Highness Tui Atua (he does have a longer official title) and whose writings I also used as an important part of the methodology for my PhD thesis.

It was such a beautiful day with so much more to write about as my family accompanied me down with two full cars and after a 3.5 hour drive we finally arrived at our Airbnb that my eldest booked for us. We hurriedly attended the Powhiri (Māori welcoming ceremony) the day before the graduation.

That's all for now with so much more to write about. It was such a blessing to attend with my family and my mum waiting at home as the long ride would have been too taxing. With more to come...