More than 1,750 qualifications will be awarded to 1,640 graduates across four ceremonies. 240 of these qualifications will be commemorative certificates, awarded to those who have already received a qualification certificate, but who have been unable to attend earlier graduation ceremonies due to COVID-19 cancellations.
The traditional highlight of the University’s graduation celebrations, a parade through Wellington city centre, will take place from 12 noon on Wednesday 7 December.
The four formal graduation ceremonies, which will be held at the Michael Fowler Centre, include Te Hui Whakapūmau, the tikanga Māori graduation ceremony. 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. This ceremony will see particularly high numbers this year, with 76 Māori students crossing the stage.
The University will also be celebrating 102 PhD graduates, as well as two Honorary Doctorates (Professor Paul Healy and Chief Judge Christina Inglis) and a Higher Doctorate (Professor Mike Berridge). In addition, we are delighted to see our first Doctor of Education graduates this December.
“It’s fantastic to be able to conclude Victoria University of Wellington’s 125th anniversary year with our graduation ceremonies. The rich history of graduation at the University is built around the celebration of student achievement following years of hard work; our return to indoor ceremonies this December is another noteworthy moment in this history,” says Manukura—Chancellor John Allen.
“We are delighted to welcome our graduates, their friends and whānau, and our University staff back to the Michael Fowler Centre to formally mark and celebrate this important milestone. We are grateful for the efforts of our academic and professional staff in supporting our students during a challenging time.”
Find out more about the history of graduation at the University.
Kaiwhakakapi Tumu Whakarae—Acting Vice-Chancellor Jennifer Windsor added. “We’re very proud of how our students have approached the last few difficult years of COVID-19. Their resilience has been extraordinary and we know they will bring that same commitment and innovation to their careers and communities.”
About graduation
Parade
From 12 noon on Wednesday 7 December, staff and students will parade in full academic dress through Wellington, proceeding from Old Government Buildings on Lambton Quay through to 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.
Graduation ceremonies
Monday 5 December
Pasifika Celebration, 5.30 pm, The Hub, Kelburn campus, Victoria University of Wellington
Wednesday 7 December
Ceremony One, 2 pm, Michael Fowler Centre
Wellington Faculties of Science, Health, Engineering, and Architecture and Design Innovation
Ceremony Two, 6.30 pm, Michael Fowler Centre
Te Hui Whakapūmau
Thursday 8 December
Ceremony Three, 2 pm, Michael Fowler Centre
Wellington School of Business and Government, Faculty of Law
Ceremony Four, 6.30 pm, Michael Fowler Centre
Wellington Faculties of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Education