NMIT graduates celebrate 25 years

More than a thousand people have graduated from NMIT’s Bachelor of Commerce programme, the first in Australasia to receive a five-year accreditation (in 2015) from recently merged new governing body, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ).

Some of the original NMIT business students including Francesco Pessione, director of local accountancy firm RWCA, and Gilbert Robertson, head of Nelson-based business advisory firm, Your Success, were at the celebrations.

Head of the NMIT Business department John Inglis, a graduate himself, says NMIT is regarded as having some of the best qualified business tutors in the country. “We’re fortunate in being able to attract the very best people who come for the local lifestyle as well as a vocation.”

At Thursday’s party were some of the original tutors and designers of the Bachelor of Commerce programme, including Chris Turner who is retiring after 27 years, and the NMIT chief executive at the time the degree was launched, John Cretney.

Others attending are 2017 graduates and NMIT staff members including former graduates, Caroline Holland and Olivia Carson.

Olivia Carson, the Bachelor of Commerce programme co-ordinator, says the degree has been re-developed for next year for the first time in its history to give it more flexibility for students. “The emphasis is moving away from classroom learning, giving more options for people who are working full-time or who can’t come to the campus every day.”

John Inglis says the degree will continue to focus on applied learning, making graduates “work and world ready.

“It has been an incredibly successful degree and very important for our region and businesses. It’s well worth a party to celebrate 25 years.”

Graduates talk about their experience:

• ‘I am so happy to hear this year is the 25th year of the NMIT Bachelor of Commerce. I love Nelson so much, I spent a good year and a half in Nelson. People who live in Nelson are very nice and the place is beautiful. I hope next year I can find a couple of days to have my holiday in Nelson to see you guys.’ – Hao Chen
• ‘Studying at NMIT was a very high-pressure & busy time in my life but I can honestly say it was also some of the best years. Meeting so many amazing tutors and making some great friends was a really special added bonus to graduating with a double degree. I always smile when I think of my studies and the time I spent at NMIT!’ – Jade Gosling
• ‘I loved my time studying the Bachelor of Commerce at NMIT. The practical nature of the programme allowed me to develop the necessary skills and knowledge that I later applied in my career. The lecturers go the extra mile for you and really encourage your growth and success. I have also made lifelong friends which I will cherish forever!’ – Caroline Holland