The Green Party co-leader shared her experiences of leaving school with no qualifications and having a second chance at education as a solo mother in her 20s.
A bridging course allowed her to get into law school.
When she graduated in 1999, she proved to herself and others she was capable of learning and achieving.
"Now I'm a Green Party co-leader - who'd have thunk (sic) it?," Ms Turei said.
Everybody deserves a second chance and everyone benefits from an educated community, she said.
Tutor Michael Ayers described the annual event as very special for those involved as it recognised the progress they had made throughout the year.
More than 140 awards were presented to course participants.
These varied from outstanding achievement, to progress awards and national certificates.
Michelle Gray, Alicia Miller and Melanie Chapman were presented with one year scholarships from Otago Polytechnic.
