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Graduation

Information for graduands

Congratulations on completing your qualification and preparing for your graduation! It's an honour to hold these special ceremonies for our graduands. Here you'll find everything you need to know, including our karakia and a mihi maiōhā.

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Karakia and Mihi Maiōhā

Since March 2007, as an acknowledgement of this important relationship, Otago Polytechnic Graduation Ceremonies commence with karakia and a mihi maiōhā.

The purpose of the mihi maiōhā is to greet, in Māori, all visitors and all graduands to this place, while also acknowledging Kai Tahu’s place in the Otago Polytechnic Graduation Ceremony. A mihi maiōhā is not surrounded by the formality of powhiri and differs from mihi whakatau in that this ceremonial begins and ends with the woman’s or women’s voice through karaka (or karanga in Northern dialect).

The mihi maiōhīa will contain an element of the recitation of the landscape and our tūpuna (ancestral names within it). It will briefly welcome all those attending the graduation to the place of those ancestors and will acknowledge that it is an honour for Kai Tahu to have been invited to participate in the graduation ceremony.

Following the maiōhā there will be a waiata kī naki (song of support for the maiōhā), E tu Kahikatea sung by staff and it will end with the karaka once more to signal its closure.

Frequently asked questions

How will you send me graduation updates?
I think I’m eligible but I haven't received an invitation
I don’t know my results yet - should I register for graduation?
How do I cancel my registration?
What if my details about mobility or accessibility change before the day?
When do I get my certificate and transcript?
Why does the tracking link for my certificate say 'No information available'?
Can I get a replacement certificate?
Do I need to bring my certificate with me to graduation?
How do I find out about pre-grad events?
Can I bring extra guests?
How much does regalia hire cost?
Can I get a different sized trencher?
What are the pick up and drop off times for gown hire?
What can I wear with my regalia (gown)?
Where is the Gown Room?
What regalia do I wear if I'm getting multiple qualifications?
What time do I need to arrive on the day?
Can someone else pick up/drop off my academic regalia?

Contact us

If you need some guidance, we’re here to help. Feel free to chat to us directly about any questions you may have.