Kelvin St was transformed into Graduation Lane as Southland celebrated the return of Southern Institute of Technology to its community.
Southlanders came together last Friday for a city-scale celebration that reflected who they were as a people, and the central place SIT holds in the region.
Kelvin St hosted a graduation walk with a street name, a public display of pride in their students, their community and the return of SIT to local hands.
SIT interim chief executive Amanda Whitaker said the activation was a proud moment for the community and represented a significant milestone in SIT’s future.
"Closing Kelvin St for the procession was more than a moment on a calendar," Ms Whitaker said.
"It was a statement that SIT was here for our community and here because of our community."
Oversized images of students and graduates lined the street along with stories of their journeys and achievements.
H & J Smith owner Jason Smith offered his building as a platform for the display of the graduate stories.
The Invercargill businessman said Southland’s success was built on generations of people who had contributed to the region.
"Using the building to showcase our graduates felt like the perfect way to recognise that shared history and support the next generation of Southland achievers," Mr Smith said.
Banners, window displays, colour and movement shaped a week-long celebration that honoured both the people of Southland and SIT’s renewed autonomy. — Allied Media
