Te Herenga Waka graduates light up Wellington

The group of over 1,100 graduates, which includes over 540 students who have achieved postgraduate qualifications, will be supported by friends, whānau and Te Herenga Waka staff as they parade through Wellington—from Government Buildings to Queens Wharf—on Thursday 11 December.

Among those crossing the stage will be two honorary doctorate recipients: business leader Dame Theresa Gattung, who will be presented with a Doctor of Commerce, and legal luminary Sir David Carruthers KNZM, who will receive a Doctor of Laws.

This graduation period includes the first Doctor of Nursing to be conferred by the University Council which was awarded to James Rice-Davies for his research on the need for increased access to HIV testing programmes.

“This is a time to recognise academic achievement, but also to acknowledge the perseverance and resilience it has taken our graduates to achieve their goals,” says Chancellor Alan Judge.

“We are in a time of global change, but our graduates have developed values and relationships that will sustain them throughout their lives.

“To our graduates—our future leaders and innovators, I look forward to walking alongside as you lead us into the future with integrity, perseverance, and empathy.”

December graduation will be a time of celebration for the 99 students who will receive their Doctorates, with their significant bodies of work adding to Te Herenga Waka's rich research output.

Vice-Chancellor Nic Smith says this cohort of graduates should be extremely proud of their achievements as they move to the next phase of their lives.

“Graduation always reminds me of the extraordinary potential our students bring to society, whether they joined us straight from school or decided to study later in life. As they move into the world as ambassadors of our university, we are grateful for the energy, creativity, and perspective they contributed to our community. We are immensely proud to see them carry their skills, connections, and commitment to service into the public, creative, and commercial sectors.”

“I look forward to witnessing the contributions they will make as they join our global network of over 150,000 alumni.

“Congratulations to all our graduates—we celebrate your achievements and look forward to your future successes."

Read stories about several of our graduates.

About Graduation

Monday 8 December