Wintec's class of '26 celebrated
A rich cultural experience, as much as a celebration of achievement, is the best way to describe the Wintec graduation 2026.
Wintec's 2026 graduation ceremony at Claudelands Arena.
Graduates entering the Claudelands Arena were immediately wrapped in rousing taonga pūoro, karakia, haka and waiatā, and the powerful Pacific rhythms of the Hamilton Cook Islands Association drummers.
In total, around 2000 ākonga completed their qualifications with Wintec in 2025, including certificates, diplomas, degrees, and postgraduate qualifications.
The four graduation ceremonies held on two days in May were attended by over 900 graduates with 3700 whānau and supporters in the audience to cheer them across the stage.
A new chapter filled with possibilities and opportunities
Warwick Pitts, Wintec chief executive, described graduation as not just a personal triumph but a celebration of collective effort, “of your whānau, friends, and the entire Wintec community who have supported and guided you every step of the way.”
As the voice of their graduating cohort, the graduate speakers took to the stage at each ceremony to share heartfelt reflections on their learning journeys, celebrating the challenges, achievements and memorable moments that had brought them to this important day.
Wintec Chief Executive, Warwick Pitts, addressed graduates and attendees at Claudeslands Arena.
Adam Hague, who graduated with a master of arts (communication), urged ākonga to follow their passion - “once you find that thing, grasp it in both hands, be bold and take risks.” That passion, he said, had made completing a master of arts easy.
Adam Hague, master of arts (communication) graduate and 2026 student speaker.
Connection and supporting others – the Wintec spirit
Regardless of the field you pursue, connection is one of the most fundamental skills for success, according to Dylan Muollo and Amiria Te Rangi, who both completed a bachelor of sport and exercise science.
“Remember to help others who are on the way up. Give them a hand and support their journey to success. We rise by lifting others, and in true Wintec spirit, if one of us does well, we all do well.”
Dylan acknowledged his tutors who he lauded, “have been counsellors, coaches, career advisors and never got tired of us continually asking why?”
Dylan Muollo (left) and Amiria Te Rangi, bachelor of sport and exercise science graduates, addressed their peers as student speakers.
Similarly, Julie Sharpe, who graduated with a New Zealand diploma in applied science, expressed her appreciation for her tutors, “Every single one of my teachers showed up not just to teach, but to inspire. Most importantly, they made people like me — who started with nothing but curiosity — believe that we belonged in science.”
Ceremony three student speaker, NZ diploma in applied science graduate Julie Sharpe, expressed her appreciation for her tutors in her speech.
Joshua Sefo and Dominic Gerrard spoke at the final ceremony for the centre for health and social practice as graduates of the bachelor of nursing. They talked about the support they’d received throughout their studies and new friendships.
“You are all the people who listened to us, encouraged us, and reminded us why we started. Now we can look back and say, ‘damn, we really did this, for the good and bad, we made it through,” said Joshua.
“Dom and I have gone through this journey together, working together, studying together, being able to debrief, and having someone who understands both the pressure and the purpose makes a huge difference.
His closing wero was to be kind to people - “Not just when it’s easy, but especially when it’s not. Often, the people who are the hardest to deal with are the ones who need it the most.”
Joshua Sefo (left) and Dominic Gerrard, bachelor of nursing graduates, reflected on the friendships they'd made and the support they'd received during their studies.
The end of graduation was ushered in by Wintec executive director Tiriti partnerships and Māori success, Te Wai Collins, the cue for an eruption of light, sound, music and fireworks.
Graduates spilled out of the auditorium to the joyous, rhythmic beats of the Pacific drummers and a guard of honour of cheering Wintec kaimahi – off to collect special awards, to capture their special day in photographs and to share kai with their loved ones and supporters.
A moment to remember, a moment to cherish for the rest of their lives.
Our thanks go out to Wintec kaumātua, Tame Pokaia, Wintec Chair, Sheree Ryan and other Wintec Council members, our performing ākonga Aroha Whaanga and Kate Scotting, and kaimahi Nick Brae, and to all our kaimahi who attended or who made Graduation the success it was.
Sheree Ryan, Wintec Council Chair, presented ākonga with their qualifications.
Also, a special thank you to our mana whenua representatives, industry partners and other key stakeholders, who continue to be critical partners in helping our ākonga succeed and our community flourish.
To view photos from the ceremonies, head to our Facebook page: Wintec Facebook.
About Wintec graduation
Wintec graduation 2026 was held on 5 and 6 May at Claudelands Arena, Hamilton. Four ceremonies were held for:
- School of Media Arts and Centre for Education and Pathways;
- Centres for Engineering and Industrial Design, Sport Science and Human Performance, and Trades;
- Centres for Business and Enterprise, Information Technology; Centres for Applied Science and Primary Industries and Languages, and Design Factory NZ.
- Centre for Health and Practice.