Auckland campus graduation week underway despite elements

Torrential rain forced the cancellation of the first graduation processions in Auckland today but did not dampen the excitement of more than 300 graduates at the Bruce Mason Centre in Takapuna. 

 The ceremonies, both of which started on time despite flooded roads, carparks and footpaths, were for graduates from the Colleges of Creative Arts, Sciences, and Education, along with their friends, families and University staff.

University Chancellor Nigel Gould welcomed a large crowd to both ceremonies and noted the presence of the founding principal of the campus, Professor Ian Watson and the former Vice-Chancellor, Sir Neil Waters, who spearheaded the development of the campus at Albany.

Former Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright, guest speaker at the College of Education ceremony, said education was a lifelong pursuit that would continue well beyond graduation day. She told graduates that as educators they were a particularly important group in society, especially in light of critical teacher shortages worldwide. “You are joining a noble profession, one that will have an enormous influence on so many of our population," Dame Silvia told them. "My hope is that all of you will become distinguished members of your profession.”

Tomorrow (Wednesday) there will be ceremonies for College of Business graduates ast 10.30am and 2.30pm, both preceded by parades on Hurstmere Rd, weather permitting.

On Thursday there will be a third College of Business ceremony at 10.30am and a ceremony for College of Humanities and Social Sciences graduates at 2.30pm.

On Friday a special ceremony to honour Maori graduates will be held at 10.30am.