A real buzz filled the room at the MAST Academy graduation in March, as a record number of graduates gathered at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron on 4 March 2026. Surrounded by proud families, employers, and industry partners, the evening was a celebration not just of achievement, but of the future of our industries.

The diversity of trades represented was a powerful reminder of how far training has come across New Zealand — from aerospace and composite manufacturing to custom and production boatbuilding, marine engineering, yacht rigging and sailmaking, outboard servicing and rigging, and advanced textiles. Together, they represent a new generation of highly skilled professionals building careers in industries that design, build, and make things that matter.

The evening’s motivational address came from Kiwi legend Steve Gurney — nine-time Coast to Coast champion, world record holder, and the man behind one of New Zealand’s most remarkable comeback stories. His message that resilience isn’t something you’re born with, but something you build, struck a chord with an audience who understand hard work, persistence, and problem-solving better than most.

One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the special awards, including the inaugural Industrial Textiles Future Leader Award. These awards recognise not only excellence and craftsmanship, but also the people who are helping shape the future of our industries — and on the night, the industry stood up proudly to celebrate them.

Congratulations to Adriana Hayden of Canvas and Covers Whangarei, the first recipient of the Industrial Textiles Future Leader Award. This award recognises craftsmanship, precision, and a commitment to excellence. Although unable to attend the graduation, Adriana was recognised for her strong technical skill, precision stitch work, and standout fitted canvas solutions.

Congratulations also to the following graduates of the Level 3 qualification:

• Samuel Walesby – The Boat Cover Company Ltd
• Adrian Lightfoot-Neale – Tauranga Canvas Company Ltd
• Tyler Allen – Custom Canvas & Watsons Saddlery Ltd
• Marnix Bubbert – Gulf Harbour Covers & Marine Interiors
• Adriana Hayden – Canvas & Covers Whangarei
• Shyla Marie Armstrong – Baytex Ltd
• Paul Whiting – Automotive Interiors Ltd

We hope to see many of them continue their training and return for Level 4 — because this industry needs more people like them: skilled, committed, and proud of what they do.

Shyla Armstrong attended the evening with her parents and employer, Andrew Lingman, a reminder that behind every apprentice is a team of people backing them. It was a fantastic night celebrating not just graduates, but the future of marine and specialised technologies in New Zealand.

If you are nearing completion of a qualification, make plans now to attend graduation next March. It is a very special evening, and a chance for the industry to recognise and celebrate the effort, commitment, and hard work you have put into your training. It’s not just a ceremony — it’s a milestone, and one well worth celebrating.