Mum graduates alongside 'the Waiariki baby' | Rotorua News | Local News in Rotorua

Tiari Tahau isn't even 2 yet but she's no stranger to tertiary education.

The Rotorua toddler was a temporary fixture at Waiariki Institute of Technology's Bachelor of Applied Social Science course for six weeks shortly after she was born last March.

Tiari joined the classroom with her mother, Chantelle Walker, who yesterday graduated with the degree at Waiariki's graduation ceremony at the Energy Events Centre.

She was one of 330 students at the graduation powhiri farewell procession from the City Focus and awards ceremony.

Graduation co-ordinator Chris Walls said a total of 1000 Waiariki students graduated.

Ms Walker had to juggle her studies while also looking after her children, Jahnte Walker, 12, and Romin Tahau, 3.

Things became even more difficult when the 28-year-old fell pregnant during the first year of her three-year programme and by the end of year one, she considered putting her studies on hold.

However, her tutors convinced her to stick with it.

During her second year, Ms Walker gave birth to her daughter Tiari and took her to class with her.

While it was "really difficult" because she had to breastfeed her baby, rock her in her carseat and hold her while she was trying to learn, sticking with her studies has now paid off.

Fellow students were supportive. One classmate even brought a bassinet into the classroom for Tiari to sleep in.

Tiari was even there while Ms Walker and her classmates sat human development tests.

Ms Walker said she didn't like the thought of her baby being there while she and her classmates were in an exam and found it upsetting.

"It was just the fact that she was there, she was just looking at me," Ms Walker said.

One of her tutors looked after the baby while Ms Walker sat her test. After six weeks, Tiari came under the care of a nanny but by then she had already been dubbed "the Waiariki baby".

Even though she had thought about pulling out of the course because of her pregnancy, it was Tiari who ultimately kept her there, Ms Walker said.

 She enrolled at Waiariki in 2007. During the course of her studies, she expanded her chosen field of social work to all youth and she is now an adolescent drug and alcohol co-ordinator for Maketu Health and Social Services, which is where she did a work placement while studying.

Ultimately, Ms Walker would like to set up and run a transition home for youth in Rotorua.