Graduation celebrations return to the capital

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is bringing graduation back to the city in September with two parades and seven ceremonies.

The University had to postpone May graduation week due to the health and physical distancing requirements of COVID-19.

While students had their qualifications granted by the University Council at its May meeting and have received a physical copy of their certificate, the University always planned to reschedule the graduation ceremonies as soon as possible.

“Graduation is a wonderful opportunity for students to celebrate with their whānau, friends, and supporters,” says the University’s Chancellor, Neil Paviour-Smith. “The whole Wellington community gets behind the graduation celebrations so we strongly encourage all students to participate and celebrate their achievements.  We are delighted to bring the parade and ceremonies back to the capital.”

There will be seven ceremonies, six held at the Michael Fowler Centre and one to be held at Te Herenga Waka marae, to cater for students who would have graduated in May, as well as two parades from the Old Government Building to Te Ngākau Civic Square.

Graduation ceremonies

Tuesday 8 September

12 noon: Parade (for ceremonies 1, 2 and 3)

Ceremony one: 1.30 pm: Wellington School of Business and Government, Faculty of Law

Ceremony two: 6 pm: Wellington School of Business and Government, Wellington Faculty of Health

Wednesday 9 September

Ceremony three: 1.30 pm: Wellington Faculty Architecture, Design and Innovation and Wellington Faculty of Engineering*

Ceremony four: 6 pm: Wellington Faculty of Science

Thursday 10 September

12 noon: Parade

Ceremony 5: 1.30 pm: Wellington Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Ceremony 6: 6 pm: Wellington Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Wellington Faculty of Education

Friday 11 September

Ceremony 7: Te Herenga Waka Marae

Eligible graduates have been emailed and we ask that they let us know if they are attending or not.