Celebrating Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s graduates

More than 2000 Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington students will gather today to celebrate graduation.

The 2022 graduation celebration will begin at 12.30pm with a parade through Wellington city centre, followed by an outdoor celebration in Te Ngākau Civic Square with speeches from Manukura—Chancellor John Allen, Kaiwhakakapi Tumu Whakarae—Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Jennifer Windsor, and Mayor Andy Foster.

Graduates will be welcomed into the square by te tangi puoro and haka pōhiri.

“A degree from Te Herenga Waka is the culmination of many years and many thousands of hours of work from our students, and from their communities, their friends and whānau, and their lecturers and the University staff who support each student on their journey. We are delighted to formally mark the significant milestone that is graduating from University through our celebrations this week,” says Chancellor John Allen.

“We very much look forward to celebrating in-person with our graduates and wider University community today after two years of disruption. It’s important to acknowledge the hard work and achievements of our students who have studied during this time,” says Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Windsor. “With it being the University’s 125th anniversary year, it’s particularly good to be able to celebrate again in person and acknowledge all the students, staff, alumni and the wider community who have contributed to the University.

Graduates and their whānau are also invited to meet with the Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor, Acting Vice-Chancellor, and Provost and have graduation photos taken in academic dress at Rutherford House, Pipitea Campus, or the Hunter Council Chamber on Kelburn Campus on Tuesday 17 May, Wednesday 18 May, and Thursday 19 May.

Some Faculties and other areas of the University will hold smaller celebrations this week. Students are also invited to cross the stage at the December 2022 ceremonies.

This graduation sees one of the largest cohorts of Pasifika PhD students celebrate the completion of their studies, with seven graduates in fields ranging from health to special education to investment philosophies. 117 students are graduating with a PhD in May.

“Te Herenga Waka prides itself in creating critically informed, globally confident, civic-minded graduates. We are already proud of what these graduates have achieved, and we look forward to seeing them contribute to their communities, and to Aotearoa New Zealand and the world, as the newest members of our alumni community,” Chancellor Allen says.

About graduation

All graduates are invited to take part in the graduation parade, which leaves from Old Government Buildings at 12.30pm on Tuesday 17 May 2022. The parade will end at a celebration in Te Ngākau Civic Square.

If the event is cancelled due to wet weather, information about the cancellation will be posted on the University’s website and Facebook page.