One son’s sweet gesture at his mum’s graduation is going viral, and it’s giving us all the feels.
Whānau is everything when it comes to important milestones in life - and graduating is definitely one of them.
A video shows Cristal Devereux walking the stage at her Ara Institute of Canterbury ceremony as her son stands to honour her with a haka.
“Just in awe of my son and the wairua he holds, you will go many places, my boy. Thank you for supporting me and being my number one supporter,” Cristal wrote in the caption.
“I love you so much. Here’s me ugly crying, so proud of myself for making it this far!”
His young voice carried with power throughout Wolfbrook Stadium, surrounded by fellow students and their whānau.
The confidence it took to stand in front of such a huge crowd on his own is something his mama can be seriously proud of.
Cristal stood wiping away tears as she watched her son. It’s hard not to feel the emotion that filled that room.
The comments section was full of aroha too, with one person writing: “That son got us mums out here just crying. What a show of pride and respect for his Mother and his heritage. 🥹❤”
Another said: “By himself as well... A well-known haka and no one else stood up... Bro that tama has earned all my respect... TIHEI MAURIORA!!!”
And a third added: “A true loving son of a true loving mother.”
This isn’t the only haka from an Ara graduation ceremony to capture attention.
Back in 2023, one Kiwi woman was celebrated with a surprise haka from her biggest supporter - her partner.
Kiisha Rose Woodhouse, holding her baby in her arms, watched as her partner Justiz stood to honour her achievement.
A fellow graduate told us the moment was “emotional” for everyone in the room.
“It was a very special moment not just for her, but for all graduates. It seemed like everybody stopped to respect and embrace the moment,” he said.
“It just shows the support a whānau can bring to encourage the success of others, and this was demonstrated through this haka.”
Nothing quite beats the support of our loved ones, and these are proof of that!
