Source: Open Polytechnic
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 2025.
Four years ago, during the COVID-19 restrictions, Wellington graduate speaker Sarah Beets, from Upper Hutt, was unsure about what she was going to do for a job in the future.
It was during this time that Sarah became aware of the mental health challenges facing New Zealanders and the pressure being placed on the mental health system.
“These reports compelled me to explore a career in this field, and fortunately, Open Polytechnic offered my desired qualification with the benefit of flexibility,” Sarah said.
She enrolled in the Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) in the midst of a big overseas family move.
“Being able to study part-time via distance, online on my own schedule, was invaluable to my success,” Sarah said.
“I was able to study on the other side of the world. I wrote essays in hotels rooms, I did my readings anywhere and everywhere, beside the lake, on the plane, in cafes.”
A defining moment for Sarah was during her second year of study while completing the Psychology of Grief course.
One of the assignments required Sarah to interview someone about their experience with grief. Her good friend agreed to share her story with Sarah.
“It was during this interview, while listening to my friend’s journey, that I knew I was on the right track. My studies had enhanced my knowledge and were continuously igniting my passion for the path that I was on,” Sarah said.
With her Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) degree under her belt, Sarah is now a step closer to achieving her ultimate goal of becoming a clinical psychologist.
“I have learnt much about the complexities of the human mind, I have learnt about why humans may behave the way they do, and I have learnt about how individuals consider their place in our social world,” she said.
During her graduation address, Sarah thanked Open Polytechnic staff and her family and encouraged other graduates. “To those who have graduated today – today is the beginning,” Sarah said.
“Let us move forward with the knowledge we have gained and resilience we have cultivated.”
“Whether you’re embarking on a new career, further studies, or are on an entirely new path – I encourage you to keep your curiosity alive and to remember that you can do hard things.”
Bachelor of Social Work graduate Jasmine Bishop was the student speaker at the Auckland ceremony.
Jasmine spoke about her time studying over the last five years and how much has changed, noting that her child was eight months old when she started, and is now a six-year-old school student.
Among the Auckland graduates were Pasifika sisters Vanessa (28), Serena (26) and Alyssa Tatupu (25).
They had never planned to do any tertiary education, but when the option to earn a New Zealand Diploma in Funeral Directing (Level 5) at Open Polytechnic came up, “it was an opportunity they couldn’t pass up”.
The trio, based in Manukau City, all work as funeral directors for Ese Tatupu Funeral Directors & Mortuary Embalmers under the guidance of their father Ese Tatupu, who is also a funeral director.
Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood Education graduate, Tessa Karati was the student speaker at the Christchurch ceremony.
During her speech, Tessa who identifies as Cook Island and New Zealand Māori, acknowledged the impact that studying with Open Polytechnic has had on her life.
“I thank Open Polytechnic, for sensitively, but boldly calling us up and out to be advocates, and for helping to shape not just who I am as a teacher, but who I am as a person,” she said.
She likened her learner journey to a “relationship” with her degree as she went through the five stages of attraction, romance, disillusionment, commitment and acceptance.
Executive Director of Open Polytechnic Alan Cadwallader congratulated this year’s graduates for their commitment to completing their studies, while often juggling work and family commitments.
“We are delighted to be able to celebrate our graduates’ academic achievements at our ceremonies across the country,” Alan said.
Alan acknowledged the support of friends, family, whānau and supporters who have helped all Open Polytechnic graduates throughout their study journeys.
“It’s your practical means of support, your words of encouragement, and your guidance throughout your graduate's study journey that has also contributed to their success,” Alan said.
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.
About Open Polytechnic
Open Polytechnic is New Zealand’s largest specialist provider of open and distance learning; Open Polytechnic enrols over 35,000 mainly part-time learners per year. The majority of learners are adult learners, combining work and study.