Posted on 2 June 2026
Media ReleaseAround 1150 graduates from throughout Aotearoa New Zealand received their diplomas and degrees from the Open Polytechnic, the nation’s specialist provider of online learning either at graduation ceremonies in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, or in absentia, in May 2026.
Photo: Open Polytechnic's Christchurch graduates.
Open Polytechnic’s Auckland graduate speaker Susan Aretere’s five-year study journey has been about serving her whānau, community, and future generations.
Susan, who is a proud Cook Islander born and raised in South Auckland, now living in Hamilton, shared her experience of earning her Bachelor of Social Work when she spoke at Open Polytechnic’s Auckland graduation ceremony at the Due Drop Events Centre on Thursday 28 May.
Photo: Susan Aretere speaking at the Auckland ceremony.
Through her work over the past eight years, particularly as a Learning Support Assistant, Susan began to see the real need to be “a voice for tamariki (children), in a world that is often adult led, where their voices can be overlooked or misunderstood.”
“Pursuing my Bachelor of Social Work has been a journey of growth, challenge, and sacrifice, not just for me, but for my family who have walked alongside me,” Susan said.
“My learning throughout this journey has also shaped me as a mother.”
“It has helped me to become more understanding, more reflective, and more patient than I once was.”
Open Polytechnic’s Wellington graduation ceremony graduate speaker Rohini Ngaluafe is utilising her Bachelor of Applied Science in Psychology in her role, providing social services support as Youth Coordinator – College Team at Te Puna Whai Mātauranga in Levin.
“It’s been a privilege to study the Psychology degree, and I’ve quickly learnt that the human
mind is complex, and so are other factors in a person's being and environment,” she said as part of her speech.
“I have the privilege of working in the prevention end, by supporting our most vulnerable youth
and their whānau, to navigate barriers and challenges that they face today.”
“It’s quite rewarding to be working alongside the people I serve, and part of that is the valuable insight my studies have contributed to making those practical and intentional connections.”
Invercargill-based Bachelor of Social Work graduate, Kayla Brady was the student speaker at the Christchurch ceremony.
In her speech, Kayla explained what drew her to study social work at Open Polytechnic, after working as a photographer.
“I didn’t come into this degree because I had it all figured out. Quite the opposite,” she said.
“I didn’t see myself as an academic. I had my beautiful children young, and after COVID, my photography business was never quite the same.”
“I came into this because I understood what it feels like to stand on the wrong side of that bridge and not be sure if there’s a way across.”
Through her studies with Open Polytechnic, Kayla has learned a lot about what it means to be a social worker.
“It’s about making room for someone’s experience long enough for them to find their own way forward,” Kayla said.
Open Polytechnic Chief Executive Sharon Cooke congratulated the graduates for their commitment to completing their studies, often juggling work and family responsibilities.
“Some of our graduates and their whānau have crossed oceans to be here today, from Australia to wider afield - reflecting the power of flexible learning to connect people, wherever they are in the world,” Ms Cooke said.
“Each graduate represents something special. You arrive at this moment with a deep sense of achievement, pride in what you have accomplished, and a growing confidence in your ability to contribute.”
“You have gained more than a qualification — you gain what it represents: The ability to think critically, the confidence to embrace new ideas, and the readiness to apply what you have learned as you move forward in your careers and communities.”
Ākonga (learners) graduated with a variety of diplomas and degrees, including early childhood education, primary and secondary education, business, applied management, funeral directing, legal executive studies, library and information studies, human resources, marketing, psychology, applied science, social health and wellbeing, web development and design, information technology, construction, architectural technology, engineering technology, and social work.