2006 Rā Whakamana

Rā Whakamana is an annual graduation event celebrating Maori achievement at Lincoln University. It is an opportunity for whanau, friends and staff to meet graduands and acknowledge their success. Lincoln University – Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki, Te Awhioraki, Lincoln University Māori Students’ Association, and Te Taumutu Rūnanga conducted the 2006 ceremony in Ivey Memorial Hall.

In keeping with recent tradition a celebration for Lincoln University’s Maori graduands was held during the family campus afternoon prior to graduation day. The celebration, in Memorial Hall, was attended by the Chancellor, Pro Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, representatives of Te Taumutru Runanga, participating on behalf of the manawhenua, and whanau and friends of the graduands. Twenty-six Maori students were eligible to graduate this year - Certificate 1, Diploma 3, Bachelors degrees 16, Postgraduate Certificate 2, Postgraduate Diploma 3, Masters degree 1. A number were overseas or precluded by work commitments from attending but eight were at the celebration. They included Anna Baker (Ngati Kahu) of Northland, the University’s most northerly Regional Education student, who has completed a Diploma in Maori Studies, and Rachel Hewitt (Ngai Tuhoe), Lincoln University’s Maori and Pacific Islands Liaison Officer, who graduated Bachelor of Commerce and Management. Along with Anna and Rachel the others honoured in the ceremony were Sarah Booker, Bachelor of Environmental Management; Murray England (Te Ati Awa, Ngati Mutunga), Bachelor of Commerce (Transport & Logistics); Lyndon Greening (Ngai Tahu), Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology; Michelle Kirton (Ngai Tahu), Bachelor of Recreation Management (Sport); Kopa Lee (Ngai Tahu), Bachelor of Maori Planning & Development; and Shona Sam (Muaupoko, Te Ati Awa), Bachelor of Science.