Cook Island students graduate from Whitireia, PM in attendance
16 Students in the Cook Islands have completed a goal they set out to achieve a year ago, completing the National
Certificate in Business Administration and Computing through Whitireia Polytechnic.
“It was a good course but it takes a lot of dedication and commitment to succeed. We all feel proud and we’re looking at
continuing with our studies” says graduating student Veronica Papatua.
A staff member at the Cook Islands Ministry of Justice, she says the course focuses on various duties she carries out
within her work. “I encourage those thinking of taking up training with Whitireia, the course covers customer services,
computing and office management – important skills to learn and advance yourself in the workplace.”
Also graduating are: Rachael Aiturau, Grace Chynoweth, Florida Hosking-Pori, Te Hauarii Karotaua, Ngaoa Paniani,
Ngatokorua Putere, Rouruina Nooapii, Helen Wiliams, Pai Obeda, Pauline Teavae, June Piakura, Julia Kapi, Utia Opo, Bree
Taia, Eugene Anthony Tangaroa.
Cook Island Prime Minister Jim Marurai was in attendance at the graduation ceremony as was Justice Secretary Terry Hagan
and Bank of Cook Islands Director Unakea Kauvai. Whitireia has been delivering this programme to the Cook Islands since
2005.
ends