Thanks and farewells flow at ceremony

Eighteen Manaaki New Zealand Scholars, as well as two Mingma Norbu Scholars, were recognised on Thursday, after completing their qualifications.

They were all presented with a certificate by Lincoln University Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bruce McKenzie, as well as momentoes, before they return to their home countries.

The scholars thanked their teachers and families for their support during their years of study and looked forward to going home, but would miss the friends they had made during their stay.

The Manaaki New Zealand programme is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and has the goal of creating future leaders throughout the developing countries eligible for the programme.

The Mingma Norbu Sherpa Scholarship is a partnership between World Wildlife Fund, Lincoln University, and the Greater Himalayan Foundation, awarded in memory of former student Mingma Norbu Sherpa.

It encouraged postgraduate study and research in natural resource management, tourism, and the environment, with the aim to build conservation leadership in Nepal.

The scholars had earned a range of qualifications, including a Bachelor of Environment and Society degree, a Master of Water Resource Management, and several PhDs.

It was the second completion ceremony of the year for the long-running programme, as the scholars are often unable to attend Lincoln’s official graduation ceremony.

The graduates were from Indonesia, Uganda, the Philippines, Ghana, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Papua New Guinea, Myanmar, and Nepal.