Over 100 Cook Islanders and expats graduated from the Cook Islands Tertiary Training Institute (CITTI) yesterday, marking a major milestone in vocational training.

The highlight of the event was the first cohort of graduates from the newly introduced New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Vehicle Automotive Engineering Level 5.

Held at the National Auditorium, the graduation ceremony recognised 109 graduates from 15 different vocational programmes, spanning trades, teaching, business, health, hospitality and more.

The student cohort represented a wide cross-section of society from hotel workers to employees in private and public sectors, all united by one thing, “a shared commitment to furthering their skills and qualifications”, said CITTI’s learning and development manager Wendel Karati.

One of the five graduates of the electric vehicle course was Manoa Mataitini, a Fijian national who has worked and lived in the Cook Islands since 2005.

“It’s just like a step forward. We have to move forward with technology nowadays. We can’t be left behind,” said Mataitini.

“When new vehicles come in, we have to update ourselves so we can keep track of the maintenance of this new technology.”

Mataitini, 45, said the journey wasn’t easy — balancing work, family and night-time online learning with a New Zealand-based provider.

“Sometimes we started around 8am which is 7am in New Zealand (daylight saving time) and finished (after a continuation) at 11pm after a long day at work. It took me three years to complete this course.”

He said having his two children witness his graduation made the occasion even more meaningful.

“It’s like telling them to study, and they have to see that we are progressing as well. Age is not a barrier.”

Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Owen Lewis, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Education, congratulated the graduates for their determination and resilience.

“Across 15 vocational programmes, you’ve earned qualifications in areas vital to our people ... and for the first time ever in the Cook Islands, electrical vehicle engineering. This reflects not only where the world is going, but where we want our country to be,” said Lewis.

He also acknowledged the graduates from Pa Enua – including those from Aitutaki, Atiu, Mangaia, Mauke and Manihiki – who had overcome logistical and personal challenges to achieve their goals.

“You’ve juggled family responsibilities, jobs and studies. Now you can walk proudly, knowing you didn’t just complete something, you grew, you stretched, and you succeeded,” Lewis said.

CITTI’s Karati described the graduation as a proud moment, not only for the students but also for the institute and its supporters.

“There is a sense of pride we feel when we see our learners returning back for formal education,” Karati said.

“To our staff, thank you for your dedication. You have helped reignite the confidence our community has in us to deliver.”

Karati made special mention of the five graduates of the new electric vehicle course, thanking the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) in New Zealand and employers who helped make the programme possible through courses and practical workshops.

While the mood was celebratory, it was also noted that quite a number of graduates were unable to attend the ceremony. Despite their absence, their achievements were acknowledged with equal respect.

Karati concluded by saying, “Learning is definitely a partnership. It has been an absolute privilege being part of your learning journey and I am so proud to celebrate this ending as a prelude to your new beginnings.”