Auckland Campuses Unite to Celebrate Graduating Class of 2025

On 20th February, our Auckland campuses – Wiri and Manukau – came together for a combined graduation ceremony at Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau (a first-time venue!) — marking a milestone moment for hundreds of learners and the whānau who supported them along the way. With 700 people in attendance and approximately 277 learners graduating, the event was a landmark celebration for both campuses. 

The event brought together graduates from the Wiri and Manukau campuses, filling the venue with pride, joy, and plenty of well-deserved applause. For many graduates, the ceremony represented the culmination of hard work, dedication, and personal growth.  

A Day to Remember 

From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere was electric. Families, friends, and supporters packed the venue to cheer on their loved ones as they crossed the stage to collect their qualifications — a moment that for many marked not just the end of a programme, but the beginning of something new. 

Skills Institute staff and tutors were also on hand to celebrate alongside their ākonga, reflecting the close-knit relationships that are a hallmark of learning at Skills Institute. 

Top Honour Recipients

A special highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of Top Honour recipients — graduates who demonstrated exceptional commitment and achievement across their programmes: 

Congratulations to each of these outstanding graduates — your dedication and mahi is truly an inspiration. 

More Than a Qualification 

For the graduates of 2025, the journey was about far more than gaining a certificate. Many came through their programmes navigating real-life challenges — balancing study with work, family, and everything in between. Their resilience and commitment is a testament to what is possible when learners are supported to succeed. 

Speaking to the graduates, the message was clear: what you have built here — the skills, the knowledge, the confidence — is yours to keep. And this is just the beginning. 

Looking Ahead 

As the Class of 2025 steps into the next chapter, Skills Institute wishes every graduate the very best in their careers and beyond. Whether entering the workforce, pursuing further study, or taking their next big leap, they leave with the tools and the belief to make it happen. 

To the whānau, families, and supporters — thank you. You are an essential part of this achievement, and your manaaki made all the difference. 

Congratulations to every graduate who crossed the stage. Dream big, work hard, and keep learning. The future is yours to create. 

Click here to find more photos from the day!