With new knowledge comes greater compassion
New graduate Shianne Casey (centre).
Nā Tania Smith
Kaiāwhina / Kaiatawhi (Community and service support / Health promotion and prevention)
Valedictorian for the Diploma in Social Services, class of 2025
In February I joined three of my hoamahi to celebrate our new Diploma in Social Services qualifications.
As the Takatini graduating class of 2025, we honoured this achievement as a collective achievement grounded in the values of Te Piki Oranga.
We reflected that gaining a new qualification is more than learning – it’s a commitment to manaakitanga and whanaungatanga. Gaining invaluable new skills in social work demonstrates our commitment to walking alongside whānau with purpose, dignity and humility.
While we studied we were reminded that our mahi is not just practice, it is purpose. We work with whānau navigating some of the most challenging moments of their lives. The new knowledge gained through this qualification has strengthened our ability to respond with competence, compassion and whakaaro Māori, while reminding us of the greater responsibility to uphold mana, to listen deeply and to serve with humility and aroha.
As graduates, we step forward as kaitiaki of this kaupapa, ready to continue our mahi at Te Piki Oranga and within our communities, united by kotahitanga and hope for the future.
I firmly believe that our greatest qualification is not the one printed on paper, but the humanity we bring to our mahi.
E tipu, e rea,
Grow into your potential,
Grow your purpose,
Grow into your calling.
