 Tana koutou, Tana koutou, Tana koutou katoa. Vice-chancellor, pro-chancellor, council members, members of the university, special guests, graduands, families and friends. I extend a warm welcome to this, the first spring graduation ceremony for 2011 of the University of Auckland. This week, the university is bestowing a total of 2,708 qualifications on some 2,450 students. At this ceremony, degrees will be conferred and diplomas awarded in the Faculty of Business and Economics. A total of 430 in person, plus a further 182 in absentia. I am privileged as Chancellor to preside at spring graduation for a third year. The regularity of graduation ceremonies makes them no less special for the university and me personally than for those of you being capped here today, many of you for the first and only time. It is also a pleasure to return to the Auckland Town Hall, long our traditional graduation venue. For the first time since 2009, the Aotea Centre which we now use has been temporarily captured for rugby World Cup purposes. Graduation is a festive event rich in history, pomp and colour with a lively array of contemporary touches. Here in Auckland, our rich mix of cultures and ethnicities can be seen in the striking variety of dress and adornments worn by graduands. Today is one of hard earned celebration by you, the graduands and diplomas and on your academic accomplishments and by your family and friends who have encouraged and supported you into a here to share in your success. The university represented by the council and academic staff members seated behind me and those many staff who control proceedings with remarkable precision. It takes equal pleasure at this hugely significant day for each and every one of you. The University of Auckland is deservedly ranked as one of the best universities in the world. Your qualifications will always serve you well in this country and abroad, whether in qualifying you for a satisfying career or in leading to more advanced study, or simply as a route to personal and intellectual enrichment. In today's ever-changing world, you cannot afford to stop learning, so please keep in mind our enormous range of postgraduate opportunities. I urge you, as alumni of New Zealand's leading university, always to remember your alma mater. We depend increasingly on our graduates for support, moral and political, as well as financial. Your advocacy and influence are vital in encouraging Government and the community at large to fund universities so they can generate the knowledge needed to drive a productive and competitive economy and to create full and satisfying lives for all New Zealanders. At the same time, philanthropy has become critically important to our university, funding major capital projects, scholarships and professorial chairs. The crucial contribution of major research universities is not well understood and therefore insufficiently acknowledged. It is inconceivable that a developed progressive 21st century nation can maintain that status without strong internationally recognised research-based universities such as the University of Auckland. Our innovative research is vital for long-term sustainable economic growth and social cohesion. We are more so than in the testing economic times we now face in the wake of the global recession and, of course, subsequently the devastating Christchurch earthquakes. Universities equip graduates like you not simply for the jobs of today but for future careers not yet imagined. Universities need greater investment by Government, the commercial sector and private philanthropy, not less. But that's sufficient for me on the challenges facing this institution for today is unquestionably your day. I congratulate you and I trust that you will long cherish the memories of your graduation in September 2011. We welcome, as our Speaker at this morning's ceremony, Mr Brian Hannon, who is the Sir John Logan Campbell Executive in Residence at our Business School. He brings to this role both academic prowess and a wealth of experience at the highest level in business. Mr Hannon completed a PhD in organic chemistry from the University of Auckland in 1973. He began his working life at Fletcher Holdings and then joined our Chemical and Canada, ultimately becoming Global Operations Manager at the US Head Office. In 1981 he returned to Fletcher Challenge holding positions in business development, manufacturing and general management. After working in investment management and owning a manufacturing and distribution company, Mr Hannon became Managing Director of newly formed Fletcher Challenge Methanol Limited. Later he was CEO and Deputy Chairman of the NASDAQ listed methanol company Methanex, from which he retired in 1995 returning to New Zealand with his family. During his time in the USA he also completed studies at the Harvard Business School. Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, members of council, members of the university, graduates, parents and friends. Today is a very special day for you, the graduates. The honour and recognition being bestowed on you by the university recognises the years of hard work and endeavours you have successfully completed. So too does today mark the support of your families, teachers and mentors. This is an occasion for all to celebrate, to reflect on friendships formed and to anticipate the new horizons to be ventured and explored. Your degree is unique to you and becomes something in your life that can never be taken away from you. The commitment of your professors and staff that have helped you reach this point will probably become more apparent to you in the years ahead. Use these thoughts to enhance your appreciation of the future role of the university in both your own life and that of the community at large. Becoming an alumni is a conferment of trust. It is a trust that you will seek to honour the reputation and achievement of the university and that you will, like other graduates, look to continue your association and support opportunities for others. As graduates, you and your future careers will be a validation of the standards and culture of the business school. Yours is a school which ranks in the top 1% of its echelon in the world. You are now a representative and an ambassador. The charter you hold as a graduate is to carry that honour with pride and accomplishment. Many of you will seek opportunities in other countries, but your time in Aotearoa and the spirit you have shared will never leave you. It will calm and strengthen you. Following your dreams and ambitions will lead you to working with cultures and languages with which you are not familiar. New Zealanders often excel overseas because of a willingness to work, social maturity and a certain gentleness. As well as gaining your academic qualifications from one of the best business schools in the world, you have been extremely fortunate to have interacted with each other and begun the experience of understanding and respecting each other's cultures. This will continue for the rest of your life. Cultural appreciation can be raised in many different ways. 133 years ago, in 1878, virtually to this day, two of my great-grandparents were on a sailing ship from Ireland and were shipwrecked off the coast of Otaki, near Wellington. They were rescued by the local Māori, Nati Rākawa, who sheltered, fed and cared for them before they set out to make a new life in New Zealand. Without the bravery of those early Māori, I would not be here today. The University of Auckland Business School comprises a highly diverse ethnic group of staff and students. Observance, dialogue and awareness of this diversity is a form of education equal to the direct benefits of your formal classwork. Increasingly, graduates like yourselves will venture offshore to explore, work and enjoy our global environment. Many may be returning to their homelands. Many will be New Zealanders drawn by opportunity and dreams. Like many before you, you will be singularly successful and exceed your expectations of social and intellectual competency. Your careers and organisations will advance quickly. You will be identified as one capable of independent thought, of challenging conventional methods and being prepared to work hard to bring about change for the good of all. That is our history. That is what graduates of the University of Auckland Business School do. From my own experience with undergraduates in this school, I submit that you are much better prepared and ready to contribute meaningfully in your newfound careers than we were in my era. The term business ready is a strong endorsement of your studies and the outstanding skills you have achieved. Every one of us here wants you to build on your achievements and to become the best you can be. I do want to leave you a few thoughts that have helped me immensely in living and working with many different people and cultures around the world. The first is to seek wisdom. Study it from books and think deeply about the strengths and characteristics of those people who have been or are humanitarian leaders in global societies. Financial wealth is not necessarily a hallmark of success. Look for those who have used their talents to be the best they can be and given unselfishly of their time to help others. The second is to practice sincerity in everything you do and strive for harmony in the course of trying to bring about change and deliver excellence. Never shrink from the task and learn to be resilient. The level of respect and understanding you are able to show to diverse individual people and cultures will be a primary determinant of your ability to succeed. The third is to guard and protect your health. You have it within you to do so. You will fulfil your dreams and make best use of your talents when you do. You are now ready for the next chapter of your lives. You are alumni of a very, very good business school. You are now on the start line for the most exciting time of your life. I hope that you have the time to reflect on the values of quiet self-assurance and intellectual honesty gained through your education. I hope too that you look for the dignity of others in all walks of life. You have an opportunity to make the world a better place. Be brave. Enjoy your success and celebrate with spirit. My heartiest congratulations to you all. Thank you Mr Hannon for that very interesting and insightful speech. This is a meeting of council and convocation of the university for a ceremony of conferring degrees and awarding diplomas. At this ceremony the Pro-Chancellor Ian Parton and I will be conferring degrees and awarding diplomas. I now invite the Pro-Chancellor to award the diplomas and confer the degrees in the first half of this ceremony. By the authority vested in me by resolution of the University of Auckland Council, I, Ian Parton, Pro-Chancellor, confer the degrees and award the diplomas stated upon those who, within the faculty of business and economics, have satisfied the requirements of this university. I call upon the Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics Professor Wong to present graduands in that faculty. Pro-Chancellor, as Deputy Dean, I have the honour of presenting to you the students qualified for the conferment of a degree or award of a diploma in the Faculty of Business and Economics. Graduate Diploma of Commerce Graduate Diploma of Commerce Graduate Diploma of Commerce Graduate Diploma of Commerce Graduate Diploma of Commerce Graduate Diploma of Commerce Graduate Diploma of Commerce Graduate Diploma of Commerce Graduate Diploma of Commerce Graduate Diploma of Commerce Graduate Diploma of Commerce Emma Lucy MacFarlane Jasmine Aruna Makan Nipuna Lakshant Manawadu Jennifer Jane Mason William Hamish MacFarlane Louise Renee McKenzie Shaoja Moor Liana Waqlal Mohammad Razion Yik Hem Mok Jordan Daniel Morrison Michael Stephen Nash Lydia Ng Shinyi Alex Wo Tiyut Mai Ngo Q Wing Sulakshi Shamila Andy Sankha Arachi Apuhami Lage and graduate diploma in commerce Mohammad Adel Mohammad Aldisuki Gabala Sirnau Richard Alexander O'Malley Stanislef Oreskin Kwan Hung Park Sandeep Bajirao Patil Adriana Susina Payne Timothy James Peart and a graduate diploma in commerce Ji-Shin Peng Michael Alexander Peters Nicholas John Piper Zachary George Porath Rita Potrus Mohammad Iksan Putrowan Chakita Karishma Putri Shao Dong Chau Shao Yao Chi and a graduate diploma in commerce Huifong Kwak Ajay Rao Catherine Mary Helena Redan Preeti Sarsista Redi Burnett Edward Rydell Ridenstein Jin Wu Rowe Nicole Margaret Rockleff Anthony Lyle Rodrick Sarah Ashley Rodger Jerome Russell Santos Gabor Michael Sureski Stephanie Chandra Georgina Schroeder and a graduate diploma in commerce Clara Belle Waifagaloa Schuster Lee Ann C Ha Na Siew James Martin Andrewshaile and a graduate diploma in commerce Renil Chris Sharama Jessica Anne Shears Shan Qing Ji Su Shim Villa Mina Kate Shrimpton Danhada David Michael Xu Jirwei Sima Jessica Nwal Pridd Singh Elaine Man Yen Siao Jeffrey David Smart Xin Yang Son Ha Nui Sun Igor Serjavit Sonkin Elizabeth Alexina Sodin Li Chui Su Peter Daniel Sullivan Mao Sun Xiong Huun Sung Henry Dao Song Tam Thank you for our Chancellor for conferring the degrees and awarding the diplomas in the first half of this ceremony. One of the great pleasures of graduation is the opportunity to hear performances by students from our acclaimed School of Music. Nick Hall on Trumpet accompanied by James Tibbles will now perform the Rizouzance by Tellerman. As many of you will know that George Tellerman wrote five heroic marches and, I think, would all agree that was heroically played from a heroic vantage point. Can I ask you to show your appreciation again to Nick? By the authority vested in me by by resolution of the University of Auckland Council, I, Roger France Chancellor, can further degrees and award the diplomas stated upon those who within their faculty have satisfied the requirements of this university. I now call upon the Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics, to present further graduands in that faculty. To the degree of Bachelor of Commerce, John Kian Chong Tan, Sasha Tan, Kevin Tan, Kosein Taufik, Russell Phillip Taylor, Navita Tediana, Shi Yong Yue Ting, Sharon Sara Thomas and a Graduate Diploma in Commerce, Christopher Rodney Tippert, Simaima Kaluni Telangamaka, Chao Tong, Joshua Olussoni, Tukutama, Rory George Venables, Da Peng Wong, Shi Wong, Xing Han Wong, Yi Wen Wong, Zi Yuan Wong and a Graduate Diploma in Commerce, John William Watt, Jing Wen, Cathy Jing Ya Wen, Jing Min Wen, Andrew Thomas Williams, Samantha Maris, Will Wilson, Wong Ting Che Chi, Wei Ga Wong, Matthew Boyd Woodley, Annabel Mary Woodward, Shirley Wu, Shuang Wu, Xia Li, Chun Winyao, Sir Yen You, Yin Ching Yan, Ato Naza Yukana, Matthew Chao Xiang, Ge Chian Zhang, Chang Jiang, Jun Yu Zhang, Xiao Jiao Zhang, Xin Ru Zhang, Yin Zhang, Yi Zhou Zhang, Wei Xi Jian, Xiao Rong Jian, Yi Zheng, Ting Zhou, Wen Ya Zhou, to the degree of Bachelor of Property, Richard John Scott Ferguson, Julia Margaret Healy, David John Herbert, Raywin Leslie Hills, Nina Hinnick, Jared Mark Lowry, Erie Miyakoshi, Jamie Robert Malkroft, Megan Sarah Payne, to the degree of Bachelor of Commerce, Conjoint, Gemma Jean Barclay, and a Bachelor of Arts, Sari Hassan A. Bodge Bazuni, and a Bachelor of Arts, Matthew Bloomfield, and a Bachelor of Arts, Neil Timothy Bryant, and a Bachelor of Arts, Ashley Ellen Curd, Bachelor of Arts, Jack David Cuthbert, Bachelor of Property, Babu Daliwal, and a Bachelor of Science, Melanie Kate Edmonds, and a Bachelor of Arts, Ryan Victor Finlay, and a Bachelor of Property, Philip Fong, and a Bachelor of Arts, Senior Scholar in Chinese, Alexander John Gray, and a Bachelor of Arts, Michael John Guy, and a Bachelor of Science, Jing Huang, and a Bachelor of Property, Biom Siok Kim, Bachelor of Science, Cameron Sean Burton-Lardner, and a Bachelor of Science, Victoria Leong Chu Ling, and a Bachelor of Arts, Michelle Cecilia Lobo, and a Bachelor of Property, Gavin Koonwei-Loi, Laura Grace Kingston Madden, and a Bachelor of Arts, Gabriel Ken Marks, and a Bachelor of Laws, Samuel Andrew Nash, and a Bachelor of Arts, Grant Samuel O'Connor, and a Bachelor of Music, Edward Arlan Carter-Hing Ong, and a Bachelor of Science, Gloria Chanmi Payek, and a Bachelor of Arts, Hiran Patel, and a Bachelor of Science, Namreta Nilam Prasad, and a Bachelor of Science, Shi Chu, and a Bachelor of Science, Hulai Sok, and a Bachelor of Property, Cameron James Stringfield, Bachelor of Science, Samantha Lee White, and a Bachelor of Arts, Benjamin Ian Wright, and a Bachelor of Science, Ntai Chun-Yao, and a Bachelor of Science, Kaesang Yu, and a Bachelor of Property, to the degree of Bachelor of Property Conjoint, Sophia Jacqueline Aqarabi, and a Bachelor of Commerce, Gail Manly Chan, and a Bachelor of Commerce, Jason Cashman-Callis, and a Bachelor of Commerce, Stephen Donald Hook, and a Bachelor of Commerce, Matthew Lawrence Robert Hyde, and a Bachelor of Commerce, Che Huiliao and a Bachelor of Commerce, Samson Lim, and a Bachelor of Commerce, Rebecca Jane Merchant, and a Bachelor of Commerce, Scott Daniel Miller, and a Bachelor of Commerce, Sandeep Avneel Narayan, and a Bachelor of Commerce, Simon Jonathan Queen, and a Bachelor of Commerce, Lauren Amy Emma Scott-Smith, and a Bachelor of Commerce, Jordan Elizabeth Speer, and a Bachelor of Commerce, and a Bachelor of Commerce. Postgraduate Diploma in Business, Mark Edwin Perez-Barrios in Health Management, Belinda Lee Campbell, Operations Management, Kapil Chata in Marketing, Daniel Alan Chadwick, Administration, Ritesh Chambial, Administration, Robert Edward Collier, Administration, Projuctor Dolby Marketing, Tanya Francis-Drain, Administration, Marilina Dinu in Marketing, Louise Elena Fautain, Human Resource Management, Ryan Malcolm Frost, Administration, Regan Nolde Thomas Hawkins, Administration, Nicholas Charles Hensel, Administration, Nathan Robert Egbert Hooker, Administration, John Samuel Jamison, Administration, Jelena, Andrea Majicz, Administration, Jelena Majicz, Administration, Kate Marie McArdle, Administration, Etian McClintock, Administration, Alistair Scott, Johnson McGregor, Administration, Danielle Moer, Deshny Roonell Pillay, Marketing, Natasha Popovic, Marketing, Bruno Relik, Administration, Christopher Neil Rowe, Administration, Stephen Bruce Simpson, Administration, Nylen Xures Solanki, Administration, Jeremy Sholto, Administration, Paul Jason Woodruff, Operations Management, Chi Young, Operations Management, Hock Hon Teran Xiao, Administration, Aiji Yoshida, Administration, Jing Zhang in Administration, Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce with Distinction, Seirish Jamil, Information Systems, Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce with Merit, Maxine Roma Santos-Banson, Information Systems, Not My Low Information Systems, Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce, Anastasia Kolimasova, Information Systems, Postgraduate Diploma in International Business, Chen Liu. To the degree of Bachelor of Commerce Honours with First Class Honours, Yun Sun Choi Accounting, Marcus Jeremy Croucher in Accounting and a Bachelor of Commerce, Marcus Chi Bong Sin in Economics and a Bachelor of Commerce, Hannah Joy Watson in Marketing, Dana Lee Wilson in Marketing. To the degree of Bachelor of Commerce Honours with Second Class Honours, First Division, Edrum Tanhai Chen, Operations and Supply Chain Management, Wei Wong, Operations and Supply Chain Management. To the degree of Bachelor of Commerce Honours with Second Class Honours, Second Division, Edward Sinclair-Bowrie Lowrenson, Operations and Supply Chain Management. To the degree of Master of Business Administration, Adam Phillip Berry, Robert Ian Downey, Simone Marie Ford, Timothy Paul Gordon, Russell James Hiller, sorry, Russell James Hiller, David Murray Hillier, Anthony John Hope Cross, Tui John James Isaacson, Adrian Rowland Timothy Low, Emma Bridget McDonald, Robert Derek McDonald, Murray Edward Robertson, Smithon Narayan-Shunbug, Delise Ann Tansley, Bill Tafenoa Walker, Anthony Sean Wilson. To the degree of Master of Commerce with First Class Honours, Nino Perosius Marketing, Geoffrey Charles Kenneth Cooper in Economics, Yu Wei Su, Information Systems, Dana Niko, International Business, Information Systems, Di Wu Information Systems. To the degree of Master of Commerce with Second Class Honours, First Division, Magdalena Adnoska Economics, Shaol Chandran Management, Soran Grotsna Management, Natalie Waien, Operations and Supply Chain Management, Shen Wang in Finance, Dan Yu Finance. To the degree of Master of Commerce, Ruth Lyle Management, To the degree of Master of Management, Sandeep Kamal Narayan. I now call upon the Vice-Chancellor to present the doctoral graduands. Chancellor, I have pleasure presenting to you the doctoral graduands. To the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Ahang Huat Bin in Management. Andy investigated the role of core self-evaluations in understanding individual differences among New Zealand farm managers in the stress or strain satisfaction process. Sandra Lindsay Ballmer in Marketing. Sandy investigated the ways that people use the narratives in branded advertisements when interacting with their children, wider family, friends and strangers. Their study demonstrated that brands play an unexpected role in perpetuating and reinforcing national identity. Lisa Jane Caller in Management. Lisa explored how learning and knowing influence innovation in an emerging industrial cluster. Her contributions provide insights into ways that public policy, organisational processes and individual practices can work together to support innovation by firms. Michelle Hutchison in Management, University Doctoral Scholar and study factors which explain success in senior executive roles. Her analysis shows that the highest performers not only have personalities characterised by greater drive and emotional stability, but also have greater management experience, strong expertise in their field and superior relationship-building skills. Ryan Geome Carlson in International Business, University Doctoral Scholar. Ryan's thesis investigates how small firms can develop successful relationships with universities around innovation and research commercialisation. And in absentia, all those other persons named in the Book of Convocation qualified for the conferment of a degree or the award of a diploma in the Faculty of Business and Economics. On behalf of the University, I now invite all today's graduates to stand and receive the congratulations of us all. And this would be the perfect opportunity for the graduates to show their appreciation of their families and supporters and the staff of the University who have helped them as they have achieved their qualifications. This concludes this meeting of Council and Convocation of the University for the conferment of degrees and the award of diplomas. I now invite you to sing the first verse of God, Defend New Zealand and Murray, and then in English. The words are printed on the reverse of your programmes.