Graduation

Information for guests

Ceremony details (Friday 10 March 2023 )

We'll publish information about the ceremony closer to the date, please check back later. 

Attending guests

Guests don’t need tickets to attend a graduation ceremony.

Due to the capacity of the Town Hall, we ask graduates the total number of guest seats they require when they register. If a graduate wants to increase the total number of guests coming along, they can update their registration via the Student Hub or, once registration closes, let us know by email at graduation@op.ac.nz

All guests can sit in any unreserved seating in the Town Hall. Reserved seating will be marked with a sign so it'll be clear where guests can sit. 

Please let us know if any guests need assistance on graduation day. e.g. an elderly guest with limited mobility or anyone specifically requiring ground floor seating. Email graduation@op.ac.nz

Professional ceremony photography

McRobie Studios take a photograph of everyone who crosses the stage at the Graduation Ceremony. Photographs will be taken as degrees are conferred and awards are presented.

These photographs, along with frames and mattes with the Otago Polytechnic and Te Pūkenga logos, are available to view and order online at McRobies. There are alternate ways to order, please enquire about this directly with McRobie Studios (details on their website).

View at mcrobie.co.nz

Getting here 

If you're planning to travel to Dunedin on the day of graduation, please make sure you leave plenty of time. Town will be busy as the University also has three graduation ceremonies in mid-December and parking in the city centre can be difficult. 

Check out the Otago Polytechnic exhibition

If you're making a long weekend of it in Dunedin, head to the Otago Museum and check out our Otago Polytechnic exhibition (for free). 

Ka Mua Ka Muri: Walking Backwards into the Future explores the people, the place, the history and the future of our institution. From beekeeping to beauty, photography to food, and art to architectural studies, Otago Polytechnic has taught generations of New Zealanders, providing a launch pad for careers, skills, and hobbies. 

This exhibition is full of hands-on interactive experiences, including a pop-up arcade, a sculpture station, and a selfie station where visitors can use props to create Instagramable backgrounds. 

Check out more info here >