Five Bachelor of Sport and Recreation graduates had their degrees conferred during a graduation ceremony at AUT University last week.

The first two years of the programme are taught by NorthTec tutors as part of the Diploma in Sport and Recreation. Students then gain credit into the third year of the degree which is delivered in conjunction with AUT who provide lecturers and use NorthTec's facilities at the Genesis Energy Kensington Stadium for their teaching.

AUT senior lecturer Jenny Fleming says that the relationship between AUT and NorthTec creates an ideal situation for students.

"While completing their AUT degree, students can live and work locally and continue to contribute to sport and recreation within the Northland community," she says.

She added that graduates Anna Markwick and Hayley Moselen continued to work while studying with Sport Northland and fellow student, Shane Klinac, coached at Athletics Whangarei.

New graduate Anna Markwick said that she was motivated to do the degree after finishing the diploma course about twelve years ago. "At the time Phil Giles (NorthTec's Regional Manager, North) was undertaking a lot of work to try and get the degree up here in Whangarei. That was the key for me being able to study here instead of heading away as my career pathway had started at Sport Northland, where I am now a Senior Manager.

"Having the flexibility to undertake study whilst working full-time was a big attraction - that and the quality of the teaching that's provided in a small class. If local lecturers or expertise couldn't be sourced, lecturers traveled from AUT.

"I have been able to apply all of the papers that I took in my work here at Sport Northland. This is another big plus in that the degree course is totally set up for our industry."

Fellow graduate Kyal Collins will be using his degree as a means of achieving his ambition of teaching full-time. Kyal said that the flexibility of being able to work in Kerikeri and study at night classes in Whangarei was ideal.

"The learning you get is quite substantial. I would definitely recommend it. It's been fantastic to have quality teachers up here in Northland and to have the degree programme facilitated by AUT in the final year."

Kyal is now planning on completing a graduate diploma in teaching.

Meanwhile another graduate, Northland golfer Caroline Bon, is trying to earn her place on the Ladies' European Tour at a qualifying school in Spain this week with a view to turning professional.

Caroline said that she didn't want to contemplate turning pro without a degree behind her.

NorthTec Sport and Recreation tutors Paul Sykes and Bobby Newport travelled to Auckland to support the five Bachelor of Sport and Recreation graduates at the ceremony which was held at AUT.