On the Day: What to Expect at Graduation

Graduands

Please ensure that you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your graduation start time to register your attendance on the day. 

Make sure you bring a form of photo ID with you and check in at the REGISTRATION table as soon as you arrive. This table will be set up in the foyer. You will be marked off as ‘in attendance’ and given a wristband which will ensure you are seated and called on stage in the correct order.

If you are graduating with a diploma or above qualification (levels 5-9) you will be directed to the REGALIA room to collect your academic regalia.

All regalia information

Fifteen minutes prior to the ceremony start time, graduands will need to meet outside the auditorium and follow the directions of Event Staff, who will order you according to the row and number on your wristband. Please remain in the same order you’re placed in, to ensure you’ll receive the correct qualification when you’re on stage.

Graduands will be seated together in a particular order near the front of the venue, and will not be seated with guests. Please stay in your correct seats at all times so that you receive the correct award when you cross the stage. Handbags, cameras and other personal items may be carried into the auditorium; however, you won’t be able to take them on stage, so they’ll have to remain under your chair.

When it is time to collect your parchment on stage, Event Staff will call up your row. Your name will be checked side of stage and your wristband removed. When you hear your name called you will walk to the far side of the stage to shake hands with Academic staff member/s and receive your parchment. A professional photographer will capture this moment, so make sure you smile!

If you’re receiving a degree for the first time, you will hold your trencher in your left hand (don’t wear it just yet!) as you enter the stage. A member of the Toi Ohomai executive team will ‘cap’ you halfway across the stage, after this happens you may place your trencher on your head and continue walking to receive your parchment. If you already have a degree then you may wear your trencher before crossing the stage.

After you’ve exited the stage, follow the directions of the Event Staff who will guide you back to your seat.

At the end of each ceremony, Toi Ohomai staff will leave the stage and form a guard of honour for all of the graduates.

Ceremonies will last approximately two hours.

Want to see our graduation ceremonies in action? Check out our past graduation ceremonies below.

Previous graduation ceremony live streams and photos

Tangatarua Marae Graduation Ceremony

The Tangatarua Marae graduation ceremony is open to all graduands and is based on tikanga Māori. We are pleased to offer this kaupapa Māori, culturally unique way, to celebrate success with your whānau, friends and kaimahi.

Guests

We encourage guests to arrive early. Guests will be seated no later than 15 minutes prior to the commencement of the ceremony. Guest seating is by general admission (you can sit where you like), and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Tautoko (support) in the form of waiata or haka from whānau and friends is warmly welcomed at all ceremonies.