Posted on 15 May 2026
Media ReleaseOpen Polytechnic’s Wellington graduation ceremony graduate speaker Rohini Ngaluafe is utilising her Bachelor of Applied Science in Psychology in her role, as Youth Coordinator – College Team at Te Puna Whai.
“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.”
In her speech, Rohini (who identifies as Tongan) gave a welcome in Tongan, giving glory to God, before congratulating fellow graduates.
“Your courage, perseverance, and commitment to excellence have brought you to this pivotal moment in your lives,” Rohini said.
She also shared the highs and lows of her journey over the course of her study, including juggling work and family commitments as a mother of five children.
On behalf of the graduates, Rohini thanked Open Polytechnic for “providing distance learning that is not only flexible but quality and relevant to today’s world.”
Rohini was also grateful for LeVa – Aotearoa’s Pasifika primary prevention organisation, for its Futures that Work Pacific Mental Health and Addictions Scholarships Programme, which helped to pay for her studies.
Photo: During her speech, Rohini acknowledged her late maternal grandparents and her sister, who believed in her during the most challenging times of her life.
She finished by thanking family and friends, before giving a final word, to encourage fellow graduates to go out and apply what they have learnt.
“Be bold to step into roles and spaces that often may challenge you,” Rohini said.
“Utilise the new knowledge and insight that you have been equipped with to share and inspire others around you.
“And most importantly, do it out of love and genuine care for the people you support. This will have a lasting impact in their lives and therefore, creating stronger families, communities and the world we live in.”
Open Polytechnic Chief Executive Sharon Cooke congratulated the graduates on their achievements.
“Each graduand here today 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”.
“Today you gain more than a qualification — you gain everything it represents: The ability to think critically, the courage to embrace new and bold ideas, and the confidence to apply what you have learned as you move forward in your chosen careers and communities.”
More than 100 graduates from the lower North Island graduated at the Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington, Te Whanganui-a-Tara this week (Thursday 14 May 2026), to receive their qualifications from Open Polytechnic, New Zealand’s specialist provider of online learning.
Around 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.
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.