Yesterday I sat with my son as he checked his university course results online.  This is a big year for him being the final year of his BA.  These results are a recognition of the hard mahi he has put in over the last 3 years, but they also confirm his acceptance into masters for 2022.  And while we celebrate the results I also reflect on the sacrifices he has taken to get there -   Its tough being a student, living off less than minimum wage, fitting in study, work, a social life and somewhere in all of this trying to maintain some level of healthy wellbeing.

Congratulations to all students who have navigated 2021, its been a tough year!  For those of you who graduate I hope you get to celebrate this achievement in your own special way as I know there are very few graduation ceremonies being held.

Thank you to all our young people for the sacrifices you have made to get to where you are.  You are the next generation of essential workers, entrepreneurs, scientists, business people and leaders and it is you who will shape the future of our country and the world we live in.

So I say to each and every New Zealander, celebrate our students, open doors to opportunity where you can, listen to their ideas and support them in their wellbeing.

Kei ō ringaringa te ao

the world is yours

Tania