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...