For this year’s Graduation Ceremony, we produced a slideshow of memories, and as we’ve had numerous request to put it online for everyone to enjoy, here it is.

One of the traditions of an IPU New Zealand Graduation day is our Tree Planting Ceremony, where a Sakura (Cherry Blossom) tree is dedicated to the graduates. This year, the honour fell to Chouly Thy, who spoke of her time at IPU New Zealand, before assisting in the unveiling of the plaque.

For our students, once their IPU New Zealand academic study has been successfully completed, their next journey begins, but before that step can be taken, they have their Graduation Ceremony to look forwards to. So it came to be that the Class of 2023 took their turn on the stage at the Palmy Conference + Function Centre, eager to share their achievements with family and friends. Family they have known their whole life; friends, who but a few years ago would have been strangers, but thanks to the gift of education, they have been brought together to provide support, encouragement, and that most valuable of life’s experiences, friendship. We will remember the Class of 2023. They have endured the strains of a pandemic, the stress of study, but have emerged with pride, with a qualification that will serve them well, and the opportunity to take their place in the world and make a difference. Congratulations and ngā mihi to everyone who graduated at IPU New Zealand’s 2023 Graduation Ceremony. Our heartfelt thanks and appreciation are also due to the many organisations who have supported them and IPU New Zealand during their time here, their contributions should also be recognised, as it has been much appreciated. We look forwards to building on those relationships in the years to come. Here are some photos from that special day, we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. Welcome to the IPU New Zealand whānau.

Some of our students were lucky enough to spend the New Year’s celebrations in Japan as part of their five-month Japan Immersion Programme. Two of them, Eva Malone and Kayla Marshall, are seen here with a group of friends visiting the Wake Shrine, in Okayama Prefecture, where they had the chance to take part in hatsumode, a Japanese tradition, and make wishes so that the new year will make their dreams come true. If you are interested in studying Japanese, and learning about the country’s traditional and contemporary culture, IPU New Zealand is the perfect place to do so, so why not get in touch? 新年おめでとう or Happy New Year in Japanese.