152 students graduated from Waikato University at Te Kohinga Mārama Marae this week. For senior lecturer at Waikato University Tom Roa, graduating with his Phd is a massive achievement.
The educational pathway to achieve and graduate.
It has taken Tom Roa six years to complete his PhD study an achievement for this Māori leader from Tainui.
“My PhD examines the questions about the theory and practices of translation. I researched the examples of the works of Sir Apirana Ngata and Pei Te Hurinui translating English to Māori and Māori to English and ensuring the Māori spirit is felt through the translation of the work.”
Although he is 63 years old, the learning never stops for this elder.
“I'm so happy to be standing here today with my daughter graduating,”
Tom Roa says getting his PhD is a huge achievement but graduating alongside his daughter is an even better highlight for him.