Nursing Pinning Ceremony

Awanuiārangi Celebrates Resilience and Commitment at Nursing Pinning Ceremony 

The annual pinning ceremony at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi is a special occasion, marking the culmination of years of dedication, resilience, and commitment by the nursing graduates. At the most recent event, Catherine Wilkinson, Director of Nursing at Awanuiārangi, and Guest Speaker, Jo Brown a retired Nurse, shared inspiring words for the latest group of graduates. 

Catherine’s opening speech reflected on the challenges of recent years, including the unprecedented impact of COVID-19 on tauira (students). She said: “While your studies have been altered by the consequences of COVID-19 and numerous other events nationally, locally, and personally, each of you has completed your degree, and that is an achievement worth celebrating today.” 

Catherine also highlighted the significance of the nursing profession, which is symbolised by the Star Pin that each graduate receives in recognition of their final state exam pass results. 

“The five points of the Star Pin each represent a commitment to service and the alleviation of suffering. Please remember these words when you look at your Star and be reminded to be proud of who you are and the special role you play in healthcare.”  

Jo Brown, who has dedicated more than thirty-nine years to the nursing industry, expressed her joy and honour to be a guest speaker at the event. She recounted many special memories, including the advice she gave to the first cohort of the Bachelor of Health Science Nursing, which commenced in 2015.  

“That first intake of nursing students began their studies looking so professional. It was such a pleasure for us registered nurses to volunteer our services during Hauora week (health week), where we assessed and marked students demonstrating practical skills with kaumatua and kuia clinics. Before each clinic and to make a nervous student feel more at ease, I would let them know that I would never fail them, but they need to demonstrate what they had been taught. My advice was: if in doubt, just pause, take a deep breath, and wash your hands, because you cannot fail a student for washing their hands, no matter how many times.”  

Laughter filled the room as her humour was well received by whānau and friends in attendance.  

Sixteen of the 2023 nursing graduates attended the ceremony, which has been running annually since 2017.