A year of discovery and celebration for Children’s University graduates

Students' participation culminated with hundreds of students from across the motu crossing the stage at whakapōtaetanga graduation ceremonies in Wellington, Palmerston North and Auckland, cheered on by proud whānau, dedicated kaiako, Learning Destination representatives and community leaders who champion curiosity.

Graduation represents more than receiving a certificate. It is recognition of the efforts tamariki have put in to earn learning hours through online activities, visits to Learning Destinations, on-campus Discovery Days, as well as their commitment to regular clubs like kapa haka, sports teams, music and volunteering. During these efforts, tamariki experienced the breadth of tertiary education and discovered that university is a place for stories, movement, science, art and possibility.

As one teacher reflected, “watching my students walking in awe around parts of the campus, dreaming about their futures… They were mind blown!”

The growth of the programme in 2025 was remarkable. A 44 per cent growth in 2025 saw 349 graduates cross the stage with a record 21,533 hours logged nationwide.

For the first time, a postgraduate qualification was awarded at the Manawatū ceremony to Te Fatu Learning Hub student, Isla Alefaio. Isla earned a Silver Postgraduate Award having accumulated 469 learning hours since starting her Children’s University journey as one of the pilot students back in 2021.

Among the many memorable graduation moments was a piano performance by Kauwhata Teiti, a student from Te Kura o Takaro. His musical journey began with encouragement from Pa Jacob and the school caretaker, who saw his natural talent and helped him grow. With support from their local Rotary Club, Kauwhata received a year of free tuition, an opportunity that has shaped his confidence and creativity.

Pa Jacob says Children’s University has opened doors for their students in ways that go beyond the classroom.

“For our kids, recognition is the biggest thing. Having a programme where we sit down with the kids and talk about what they could do in the future and what they do beyond the school curriculum is really good. It gets our kids involved in a range of extracurriculars and to exposes them to university. It’s a great eye-opener for our community.”

Programme Manager Janet Van Jenkins says, “seeing their joy on stage and off was a beautiful reminder that this kaupapa is about much more than tohu and certificates: it’s about community pride, celebrating curiosity, and creating core memories.”

More about Children's University

Children’s University is a global charity programme that supports and encourages young learners to participate in educational experiences outside the classroom and ignite a love for lifelong learning. Massey delivers the Children's University programme for the North Island, which started in the United Kingdom in the 1990s.

To join the programme, tamariki apply through their participating school and receive their Passport to Learning and online portal logins. With these tools, tamariki can visit Learning Destinations as well as access thousands of activities from across Australasia that expose them to a whole world of possibility.

Once 30 hours or more are earned, tamariki receive a certificate at a university graduation ceremony to celebrate their achievements, building confidence and aspirations for higher education. Te Wānanga Nohinohi ki Te Kunenga Children’s University Massey held its first graduation ceremony in December 2021.