Source: University of Waikato
It was fitting that, on a day of showers followed by sunshine, Jake Angus brought out the rainbow when they graduated from the University of Waikato on Thursday (10 December).
Jake (Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāpuhi and Tainui), who identifies as takatāpui/gender diverse, walked the stage at Te Kohinga Mārama Marae to graduate with a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary), resplendent in a rainbow zebra print suit topped off with their graduation gown and whānau korowai.
Although they studied at the University’s Tauranga campus, Jake opted to have their degree conferred in Hamilton to experience the full tikanga Māori Marae celebration. Jake glowed with pride, and shed a few tears, when Professor Don Klinger presented them with their degree to the sound of their dad’s touching rendition of Auld Lang Syne in Te Reo Māori. For Jake, it had been a long journey to make it to graduation day.