Graduation of 56 Maori from Massey University in a special ceremony coincided with the final address from its Assistant Vice Chancellor of Maori and Pasifika, Sir Mason Durie.
Professor Durie told the graduates that they had a challenge to ensure that Maori society realised its potential over the next 25-years.
He says it's important not only for a strong economy but also to realise healthy whanau, healthy lives and healthy young people.
Professor Durie says a new whanau research programme being introduced at Massey in June will find out what are the ingredients of success for whanau and how to make it happen.
This year 396 Maori have graduated from Massey University.
Professor Durie is due to retire in June.
