Graduation 2026
13 February 2026, 12:30pm
City West Church, 62c Poplar Grove, Whalers Gate, New Plymouth
Congratulations!
You're almost there and we can't wait to celebrate at next year's Graduation with you, your whānau and your friends.
On Graduation Day
There are two ceremonies on Friday, 13 February 2026
- Morning ceremony - Students graduating with a Certificate
- Afternoon ceremony - Diploma, Graduate Certificate/Diploma or Degrees students
Morning Ceremony
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Afternoon Ceremony
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1. Compulsory Student Sign-In.
This is compulsory.
Only students who have signed in on time will walk across the stage to their names read aloud. Also during the sign-in period:
- You will be sorted into your seating order, by programme and then by last name.
- You must stay in the sign-in area
- WITT kaimahi will check that your academic regalia is worn correctly (afternoon ceremony only)
2. Seating for Whānau and Guests
- Upon arrival, whānau and guests show their Graduation Tickets to the Ushers. They can sit where they choose, except the allocated areas
- Graduation Tickets help us to manage the number attending and the capacity of the venue
- All guests must have their own Graduation Ticket and be seated before the ceremony begins.
3. Ceremony Proceedings
- Academic Procession. WITT Kaimahi and their guests, then students enter the theatre
- Official welcome
- Guest Speaker
- Presentation of Certificates
- Student Speaker
- Ceremony concludes with final words
4. Returning Graduation Regalia (afternoon only)
Please return your regalia before leaving the venue and WITT will organise its return to Academic Dress Hire. If you accidently take the regalia home, you are responsible for its return.
Collecting and wearing your regalia
Your regalia will be sent directly to WITT.
When you pick it up at WITT you will also receive the WITT stole or hood for your qualification. These are specific to WITT and are provided at no cost.
Collection Information:
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Wednesday, 11 February
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Thursday, 12 February
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If these times don’t suit, arrange for someone to collect your regalia for you.
How to wear your regalia?
On the day, we'll check that everything is in the right place before you go on stage. (You’re welcome to do a quick Google search for guidance).
If you have any questions, email us at graduation@witt.ac.nz
Graduation Parade - 12:30pm
There is one parade for both ceremonies at the Huatoki Plaza opposite Centre City.
The parade is your moment to be seen and acknowledged by whānau, friends and the wider Taranaki community. It says, 'you did it' and is a chance to walk proudly and reflect on your journey. The parade marks this milestone in an unforgettable way.
- 11.00am WITT Media Wall set up for own photos
- 12.20pm Health and Safety briefing for everyone
- 12.30pm Parade starts
- 2.00pm WITT Media Wall packed down
Safety First
- Whānau and Guests are invited to watch the parade from the safety of the pavement.
- The parade takes place on an active road and WITT staff will ensure everyone stays on the left side of the road.
- Please be mindful of the traffic and tamariki (children) if they rush to join you in the parade.
Parade Route
After the health and safety briefing, the parade starts and finishes at the Huatoki Plaza. Traveling from the Plaza onto Ariki Street towards Egmont Street, Devon Street West, Currie Street, Ariki Street to return to the Plaza.
The parade signals the completion of the Graduation Ceremony for students who attended the morning ceremony and the start, for students graduating in the afternoon.
Additional information
Important email addresses
- Graduation Questions - Graduation@witt.ac.nz
- Outstanding Fees - Finance@witt.ac.nz