Level 4 graduation 2026

Forty support workers from Pathways, Real and Workwise graduated yesterday morning with their New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 4). Two hours together, and more than a few tears. 

The achievement of the qualification is an expected part of being a support worker at Pathways and is completed at the same time you are working. We only hold a graduation every couple of years, which is part of what makes it special. Yesterday was about pausing to acknowledge what these kaimahi have achieved, and to thank the people who helped them get there. Learning builds confidence, skill and compassion, and it shows up in the everyday mahi of supporting people. 

Graduates were joined by whānau, friends and colleagues, along with Hon Matt Doocey, Minister for Mental Health; Rod Bentham, Executive Director of Careerforce; Keri Opai, Pou Tikanga; and Shelley Campbell, Wise Group Chief Executive. The Minister confessed that he had been instructed to attend by Sally. His words, not ours! 

Our CE, Sally Pitts-Brown,  reminded us that mental health and addiction support is skilled work, and that a graduation is a recognition of that professionalism. “There will be people whose lives are better because you showed up,” she said. “People who found hope because of your encouragement, people who felt heard because you listened, and people who kept going because you believed in them when they struggled to believe in themselves.” 

Minister Doocey, the first Minister for Mental Health, spoke about growing the capacity and capability of the community, NGO and iwi sector. He said we are well placed to do this work because we are embedded in our communities, we know them, and people find it easier to ask for help when they can see themselves in a service. He acknowledged the value of pairing study with real work experience. He also said he never minds an excuse to get out of Parliament and hang out with some real people. 

Then we heard from three of the graduates. 

Locky wore a kahu huruhuru woven for him by his partner Kayla, made especially for the day. He called it the most precious taonga he has ever received. 

Krichelle talked about what happened when her nephew came into her full-time care part way through her study. What she was learning about trauma, relationships, resilience and walking alongside people stopped being course work. It became the thing that carried her through, at work and at home.  

Jess spoke about her own journey, and it was hard for her to do. She did it anyway. 

All three described the stretch of studying while working, some for the first time since high school, and all three named the leaders and whānau who kept them going. 

It was an inspiring and energising couple of hours. Congratulations to every one of you. We cannot wait to see where you take this next, and who you pass it on to. 

Sally finished with a whakatauki 

Mā pango mā whero. Ka oti pai te mahi. 

Together we’ve achieved great things. This today is one of these things.