More than 2,840 qualifications will be awarded to 2,593 graduates across seven ceremonies. A further 37 graduates unable to attend previous ceremonies due to COVID-19 related disruption will also attend. This year the University is delighted to recognise its first Master of Communication at a graduation ceremony, on Thursday 20 May.
The University’s Chancellor, Neil Paviour-Smith, congratulates those graduating.
“This week’s ceremonies are extraordinary for the fact we are fortunate to be able to join and celebrate together in person. COVID-19 meant all our students had a very challenging year of study in 2020 especially those in their final year. So it is wonderful to be able to recognise the successful completion of their qualifications in this way.
“We have learnt lessons from the past year about the power of science and research, the power of truth, and the power of community. Our graduates can now play a part in building our knowledge and understanding of the world around us and helping to find solutions to the complex issues the world is facing.”
As well as the six ceremonies during the week at the Michael Fowler Centre, Te Hui Whakapumau, the tikanga Māori graduation ceremony, will be held in The Hub on the University’s Kelburn campus for students and their whānau on Friday. This ceremony is usually held at Te Herenga Waka Marae, but the marae complex, including the wharenui, is currently inaccessible due to site works for the University’s new Living Pā.
The University is delighted to welcome Honorable Justice Sir Joseph Williams as guest speaker at Te Hui Whakapumau. The first Māori Justice appointed to the Supreme Court, Sir Joe is an alumnus of the University’s Faculty of Law and an ambassador for the Living Pā.
There will be two formal processions of staff and students through Wellington, from noon on Tuesday 18 May and Thursday 20 May (weather dependent). This is an opportunity for Wellingtonians to recognise the students’ positive impact on the city, as well as being a fabulously colourful occasion.
“The shared acknowledgement of the graduates’ success is a highlight for students and their families. We encourage the public to join University staff and students’ friends and whānau at the parade to enjoy this celebration of their efforts,” says Mr Paviour-Smith.
Each of the graduation ceremonies will be live-streamed on the front page of the University website.
About Graduation
Parades
From noon on Tuesday 18 May, and again on Thursday 20 May, staff and students will parade in full academic dress through Wellington, proceeding from the Faculty of Law at the Old Government Buildings on Lambton Quay through to Te Ngākau Civic Square.
If either graduation parade is cancelled due to wet weather, notification will be given on Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s website and the Te Herenga Waka—Wellington Uni Facebook page.
Graduation ceremonies
Tuesday 18 May
Ceremony One, 1.30 pm, Michael Fowler Centre
Wellington School of Business and Government
Ceremony Two, 6 pm, Michael Fowler CentreWellington School of Business and Government and Faculty of Law
Wednesday 19 May
Ceremony Three, 1.30 pm, Michael Fowler Centre
Wellington Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation, Wellington Faculty of Engineering, including science qualifications with an engineering major
Ceremony Four, 6 pm, Michael Fowler CentreWellington Faculty of Health, Wellington Faculty of Science
Thursday 20 May
Ceremony Five, 1.30 pm, Michael Fowler Centre
Wellington Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Ceremony Six, 6 pm, Michael Fowler Centre Wellington Faculty of Education and Wellington Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Friday 21 May
Ceremony Seven, Te Hui Whakapumau, The Hub, Kelburn campus
For those who choose to graduate at Te Hui Whakapumau