Graduation Day December 16^th 2011

Thanks to everyone who attended the graduation day on the 16^th at Telstra Clear Events Centre. It was an amazing success with over 700 students graduating.

The photos and video we got speak for themselves. What a great way to finish the year and celebrate with friends and family! Laughing with Samoans Comedian Tofiga Fepulea’i spoke about his struggle to follow his dreams and forge a career in the performing arts.

There were beautiful performances by traditional Samoan dance troupe Deelicious Dance Crew and music by Stks. It was a beautiful reminder how much talent and potential lies in the Pasfika community. Parents were proud; kids were staring, and cameras clicking. Everyone dressed up and came together.

Thanks to everyone who told us about their experience studying at Best, and summoned the courage to stand in front of the camera for a short testimonial clip! What a special Christmas it will be for you and yours!

God bless all the staff and students, performers and graduates. What a high note to finish the year on. We received lots of positive feedback from families attending, proud spouses and parents, were glad to see many students dressed in their native formal costume. The key note speakers spoke from the heart about their personal journey to educational and career success, and the sacrifices they made.

The key note speaker’s message was to not fear failure, as its part of the process of learning. Education is power, people! We have fabulous photos from the day.

From the team at BEST we want to wish you and your family a safe and happy Christmas and a prosperous new year.

Joyful Christmas everyone! To see more graduation photos check us on Facebook.

Celebrating 20 Years of Pacific Pride

Serving the Pacific Island Community

This year (2008) has been very exciting and proudly a milestone year for BEST Pacific Institute of Education. We celebrated 20 years of serving Pacific Island communities through provision of quality educational programmes and employment outcomes. It goes without saying that our goal is to continue the success of the past two decades and to develop even better programmes and outcomes for our Pacific people.

2008 Graduation

In May, two celebrations took place to honour the academic and employment achievements of BEST for 2007. For our Executive Director Anita Finnigan and academic staff, it was a time to recognise their achievements and outcomes on a professional level.

In the same spirit of celebration and recognition, 250 of our students graduated this year at a special ceremony honouring their achievements. The evening at Auckland Girls Grammar School was full of cheer, music, dance and feasting as we shared it with management, staff, family and friends of the graduands.

In 20 years BEST has graduated just over 12,000 students with Certificates and Diploma level qualifications that are NZQA accredited and approved.

Giving Back to the Community

The 2008 Graduation Ceremony also recognised our Pacific Island Community Church Leaders, for participating in BEST's inaugural Certificate in Community Leadership. The programme focused on providing computing and technology skills, and remains BEST's gift to our Pacific Island churches.

Why We Are The BEST Choice For Pacific People

BEST's philosophy is centered on "the journey with the student from enrolment to graduation" whilst also understanding their educational, vocational and individual needs. We have an impressive rate of student retention because of the effective roles our Course Directors and Tutors play in the lives of our students. Moreover, our student support network systems are open and flexible. Our warm, family environment ensures that we are sensitive to the needs of our Pacific peoples therefore securing their success at BEST.

To learn more about studying at BEST, contact us today!

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Graduation

Graduation 2007

Moving ceremony marks students' success

A moving ceremony with a strong Pasifika theme marked the graduation of more than 200 BEST students at Auckland Girls' Grammar School's Centennial Theatre in December.

The venue was overflowing with proud family and friends who came along to support graduands from BEST's Tertiary, Pacific Institute of Performing Arts (PIPA), Tupulaga Le Lumana’i Skill Enhancement and Training Opportunities programmes.

The ceremony began with the sounding of the conch shell and beating drums which heralded the procession of special guests, staff members and graduands into the hall and on to the stage.

Guest speaker was the internationally-respected Chief Executive of the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs Dr Colin Tukuitonga, who inspired his audience with a memorable speech that focused on simple keys to success.

Says Jannitta Pilsi of BEST Centre for Pacific Education and Development "It was a privilege to take part in a ceremony where students, and staff, can see their hard work and achievements celebrated."

The ceremony included entertainment from the Mt Albert Grammar School Drum Line and young film makers from PIPA's Certificate in Screen and Performing Arts programme introduced a note of comedy with their own version of an American day-time soap opera, "The Bad and the Beautiful".

The ceremony ended with a feast of fish, fruit and traditional Pacific Island dishes.

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