A total of 1,441 qualifications will be awarded to 1,349 students over four ceremonies. Across the ceremonies, 76 students will graduate with a PhD and two will graduate with a DGov (Doctor of Governance)—the first time this qualification has been awarded.
2,459 students attended ceremonies in May this year, while a further 1,673 students opted to receive their qualifications without attending a ceremony.
On Friday, a ceremony will be held at the University’s Te Herenga Waka marae where 57 students will graduate, making it the University’s largest-ever marae graduation ceremony.
86-year-old graduate Dr Kura Taylor, who completed a PhD in New Zealand Studies, will be gathering with family and friends at her rest home in New Plymouth on 15 December to celebrate.
Victoria University of Wellington alumnus and former Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Right Honourable Sir Bill English, will receive an Honorary Doctorate at one of Thursday’s graduation ceremonies, acknowledging his outstanding leadership and distinguished record of public service.
The University’s Chancellor Neil Paviour-Smith extends his congratulations to all graduands for successfully completing their studies.
“A degree from Victoria University of Wellington is the culmination of years of hard work, and students should take great pride in their achievement. This week’s ceremonies are an opportunity for students to celebrate their success alongside their family, friends and University staff.
“Our University has a proud tradition of academic excellence, which is continuously demonstrated through the outstanding successes of our alumni. I know that this week’s cohort of graduates—the newest members of our alumni community—will go on to make an important contribution to New Zealand and the world, and I wish each of them every success in their future endeavours.”
He says the formal procession of staff and students through the streets of Wellington, which will be held from 12 noon on Thursday, is a chance for the wider Wellington community to celebrate with the graduands.
“The shared acknowledgement of the graduands’ success is a highlight for our students. We encourage the public to come to the parade and enjoy the celebration.”
The formal parade of staff and graduands will run from the Old Government Building along Lambton Quay to Te Ngākau Civic Square, where they will be formally greeted by His Worship the Mayor of Wellington City Justin Lester.
About Graduation
Parade
From 12 noon on Thursday 13 December, staff and students will parade in full academic dress through Wellington, proceeding from the Law School at the Old Government Building on Lambton Quay through to Te Ngākau Civic Square.
If the graduation parade is cancelled due to wet weather, notification will be given on Victoria University of Wellington’s website and the Victoria University of Wellington Facebook page.
Graduation ceremonies
Wednesday 12 December
Ceremony One, 6 pm, Michael Fowler Centre
Faculties of Architecture and Design, Law, Engineering, and Science
Thursday 13 December
Ceremony Two, 1.30 pm, Michael Fowler Centre
Victoria Business School
Thursday 13 December
Ceremony Three, 6 pm, Michael Fowler CentreFaculties of Health, Education, and Humanities and Social Sciences
Friday 14 December
Ceremony Four, 9.30 am, Te Herenga Waka maraeGraduands from all faculties who choose to graduate at the marae