WelTec graduation has the WOW factor

WelTec graduation has the WOW factor

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Image: Richard Taylor, Suzie Moncrieff and Steve Logan at WelTec’s graduation ceremony. Photography by Des Pitfield.

Wellington Institute of Technology (WelTec) held its annual graduation ceremony at the Michael Fowler Centre on February 4. The event was a star-studded affair with honorary award recipients including creator and head of Weta Workshop, Richard Taylor and 2009 Wellingtonian of the Year, Manager and Co-owner of Logan Brown Restaurant, Steve Logan. Guest speaker Suzie Moncrieff, founder of the Montana World of WearableArt™ Awards Show was also present to congratulate the graduating class of 2009.

Richard Taylor was presented with an Honorary Bachelor of Creative Technologies for his creative contribution to the Wellington region and New Zealand film community. The iconic Wellingtonian gained recognition for his work with Weta Workshop, winning accolades for Lord of the Rings and King Kong films and acclaim most recently for the record-breaking film Avatar.

A number of the Weta team attended the ceremony in support of Mr Taylor including Weta Workshop Supervisor, Gareth McGhie who recently joined WelTec as the Bachelor of Creative Technologies Programme Coordinator.

The second honorary award, a Bachelor of Hospitality Management was awarded to Steve Logan for his significant contribution to the Wellington region and the wider New Zealand Hospitality community. Half of the Logan Brown partnership, he is renowned for his role in the TV series, Hunger for the Wild in addition to owning and running one of Wellington’s most revered dining establishments. Mr Logan is a graduate of Central Institute of Technology (now WelTec), completing a Diploma in Hotel and Catering Administration in 1981.

The awards not only celebrate the best of the creative capital but also highlight WelTec’s links with industry. Weta, Logan Brown and the Montana World of Wearable Art Show have partnered with WelTec on a number of occasions including project work with Weta and work experience with both Logan Brown and the WOW Award Show. These unique relationships have extended to employment for a number of students, three hospitality graduates are currently employed by Logan Brown with one WelTec graduate and two interns currently working at Weta Digital and Weta Workshop.

Approximately 1600 students graduated from diploma, degree and certificate programmes in 2009. The Wellington graduation ceremony is the first of three ceremonies with events in Christchurch and Auckland to follow on February 9 and February 11 respectively.

ENDS