Te Hui Whakapūmau
You can choose to attend Te Hui Whakapūmau instead of a Michael Fowler Centre ceremony.
Te Hui Whakapūmau is an official university graduation ceremony based on tikanga Māori (Māori cultural practices). Usually, this event is held at our university marae, however, redevelopment work being undertaken in that area means that for May 2023 the ceremony will be held in the Hub at Kelburn Campus.
It will not lose any of its essence, and will continue to be a Māori celebration of success for graduates and their whānau and friends.
Guests
Seating is general admission and your whānau and friends do not require guest tickets. The Marae will contact you separately to ask for your whānau and guest numbers for catering purposes.
Guests or graduates requiring easy access
Any graduate requiring specific assistance for themselves or a guest should email the Graduation Office as soon as possible or phone +64 463 6390.
Live streaming
Whānau and friends unable to attend your graduation can watch the ceremony via live stream. Details will be available on the graduation homepage on the day of the ceremony.
The ceremony
- Pōhiri / Formal welcome
- Te kupu a te Manukura / Chancellor’s address
- Te kupu o te rā / Guest speaker
- Te karanga i ngā tauira / Presentation of graduates to the Chancellor
- Ngā taonga a Ngāi Tauira / Presentation of gifts to the graduates by Ngāi Tauira
- Te tuku i ngā tohu / Presentation of commemorative certificates
- Ngā taonga a MAI ki Pōneke / MAI ki Pōneke PhD gift presentation
- Ngā taonga a Ngāi Tauira / Presentation of gifts to the graduates by Ngāi Tauira
- Te kupu a te Tauira / Graduate speaker’s address
- Karakia whakapūmau / Ritual of affirmation
- Karanga whakaū / Call of affirmation
The pōhiri and ceremony last approximately two and a half hours. Kai hākari will be served immediately afterwards in the Hub.
Waiata
Kāore Taku Raru is the official waiata of Te Herenga Waka Marae. It will be sung during the pōwhiri onto the marae.
Planning your travel
The Hub is located at the Kelburn Campus. Parking is limited on Kelburn Parade and surrounding area. Please leave yourself plenty of time to get to the venue.
Names and iwi affiliation
You will be announced by your first and last name as they appear on official university documents.
Your iwi affiliation will be read out as you collect your certificate.
Pronunciation
If you wish to change the name that is read out when you graduate or you have a name that is likely to be mispronounced, you need to let us know. You’ll be emailed with details of how to submit your request.
It’s important that you help us with the pronunciation of your name as we want to ensure it is correct and that you have a positive graduation experience.
Previous ceremonies
You can watch videos of the live streams from previous graduation ceremonies held at Te Herenga Waka marae.