27 April 2006 Graduation of Maori Students, Lincoln University – media advisory (Maori Television)

Graduation of Maori Students, Lincoln University
Thursday 27 - Friday 28 April 2006

Kia Ora

(1) Lincoln University's 2006 Graduation Ceremony is in Christchurch Town Hall, Christchurch, on Friday 28 April from 2.00 - 5.00pm. It will be preceded by a parade of graduands through the city between midday and 1.00pm.

There are 26 Maori students eligible to graduate this year – Certificate 1; Diploma 3; Bachelors degrees 16; Postgraduate Certificate 2; Postgraduate Diploma 3; Masters degree 1.

Nine will be at the ceremony. The rest are either in jobs and cannot attend or are overseas. The list of those attending accompanies this Advisory.

Your coverage of the Graduation is welcome.

The Pro Chancellor of Lincoln University (i.e. The Deputy Chairman of Lincoln University's governing body, the University Council) is Don Couch of Rapaki, Lyttelton Harbour. He will be helping to officiate.

Don is Ngai Tahu and is Deputy Kaiwhakahaere of Ngai Tahu. He is the representative of Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu on the Lincoln University Council. He is a cousin of former Minister of Maori Affairs and All Black Ben Couch. Don is a former technical institute head in Canada and spent 30 years in Canada in a variety of education posts.

(2) Today, Thursday 27 April, there is a celebration ceremony for the 2006 Maori graduates on the Lincoln University campus. The new Maori graduates and whanau will be welcomed and honoured. Te Taumutu Runanga will participate on behalf of the manawhenua.

Again your coverage is welcome. It runs from 4.00 - 6.00pm.

Ian Collins, Communications Group, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand