About Graduation
Do I have to attend the Pōwhiri?
The pōwhiri is an important part of graduation and marae tikanga and marks the beginning of the celebrations for all graduands to take part.
Do I have to participate in the hīkoi?
This is not compulsory however the hīkoi is a meaningful part of the graduation experience and a shared celebration of your achievement alongside fellow graduates, whānau and the community. If you cannot participate then you will be able to view the hīkoi on the large screens available at the marae.
Where is Graduation?
Graduation is held in Whakatāne, at Te Mānuka Tūtahi Marae (105 Muriwai Drive)
How many people can I bring?
Attendance is not restricted, and graduands may be accompanied by their whānau and support. However, catering and seating allocations are limited to two tickets per graduand, in addition to the graduand’s own allocation. As graduation is a formal ceremony of significance and can extend over several hours with limited seating, we kindly encourage whānau to consider the comfort and wellbeing of tamariki and kaumātua when planning their attendance.
How will I receive important graduation updates?
By email, text pānui, and through the Awanuiārangi website. So, make sure your contact details are correct!
What time does it finish?
Finish times may vary. Graduation is a full day event, and final timings will be shared closer to the day. We encourage whānau to plan with flexibility and come prepared for a long ceremony.
Can I just show up to graduate on the day?
No, unfortunately your name will not be on the call list and your tohu will not be available.
Is there food?
Kai is available for those with kai tickets only. Kai is provided later in the graduation programme, following the ceremony, so there may be a long wait. We strongly encourage graduands and whānau to bring snacks and water.
Do we have to wear academic regalia?
Academic regalia is required as part of the formal graduation ceremony and must be worn to take part in the proceedings, including crossing the marae ātea.
Applying to Graduate
Do I need to apply to graduate if I am eligible?
Yes. All eligible graduands must apply to graduate, whether attending in person or in absentia.
What do I do if I miss the application deadline but still wish to attend?
Contact the graduation team immediately. Late applications are not guaranteed.
What is a person code?
A person code is a unique identifier required for your graduation application. Contact Graduation Support to request your Person Code.
What does ‘graduating in absentia’ mean?
You are graduating without attending the ceremony in person, and your name will not be announced during the ceremony. You must do this to receive your tohu via courier.
Can I update my postal address after applying?
Yes. You must provide your full name, person code, current address, and new address.
Registration
What happens during in-person registration?
You will confirm attendance, collect and fitting for regalia (gown/cape), and receive 2x kai tickets. Check out the timeline tab for registration dates and times.
How do I collect my gown and graduation tickets? What if I can't make it?
Gowns and tickets are collected during Registration days on campus. If you can’t attend or have further queries, check out the Gown and Regalia Tab or the Graduation Checklist and Timeline Tab for registration opening information.
What are kai tickets for?
Kai tickets are for collecting kai packs only, not for seated dining. This can be collected at the end of the full graduation ceremony.
Academic Record and Transcripts
What are academic records?
Awanuiārangi issues official documents regarding the academic study and achievement of tauira.
There are three official documents:
• A Qualification Certificate (the Tohu).
• An Academic Transcript, which is a certified, official version of the tauira academic record.
• Statement of Completed Qualifications, which lists each qualification completed at Awanuiārangi, along with the date/s those qualifications were completed or conferred.
Receiving your certificate (Tohu)
If you graduate at a graduation ceremony:
• in person, you'll be presented with your graduation certificate and academic transcript during the ceremony.
• in absentia, your certificate and academic transcript will be posted to you after the graduation ceremony.
Academic Regulations
• Parchments can be written in both Te Reo Māori and/or English.
• The graduands legally documented name, as recorded in Awanuiārangi official records, appears on their parchment.
• Variations of the name may be approved. You must provide evidence of a legal name change, such as a marriage certificate or deed poll.
Request a replacement
If you require a replacement certificate you will need to contact graduation@wananga.ac.nz.
Fees apply: $125.68 for a tohu reprint and $50.63 for an Academic Transcript reprint.