Information for Graduands
Congratulations on your graduation!
Your graduation marks the culmination of your hard work, determination, and commitment. It is a time to celebrate your achievements alongside your whānau, friends, fellow graduates, and the wider community.
As we gather to celebrate in New Plymouth, we acknowledge Taranaki Maunga, whose enduring presence has watched over this region for generations.
We also respectfully acknowledge the mana whenua of this place, Te Ātiawa iwi, along with all iwi of Taranaki, whose history, culture, and connection to the whenua continue to enrich our community.
The whenua that WITT sits on is Parehamore Pā of Ngāti Te Whiti, a hapū of Te Ātiawa.
Graduation is more than receiving a qualification; it is the beginning of new era of opportunities. We are honoured to celebrate this important milestone with you and wish you every success as you take the next step in your journey.
On these graduation pages, you'll find everything you need to prepare for your graduation, including:
On this page you will find further details on
- Ceremony dates and times
- Street parade from Huatoki Plaza
- Venue and parking details
- Frequently Asked Questions
Ceremony dates and times
Friday 12 February 2027
Morning Ceremony - Diploma, Degree
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Afternoon Ceremony - Certificates
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Venue and Parking details
TSB showplace: 92-100 Devon Street West
WITT's Graduation ceremony on Friday 12 February 2027 will be held at TSB showplace.
We will be using the TSB Theatre for the ceremony. Theatre Royal will be used for graduate check-in upon arrival and for regalia returns.
Parking
As per TSB showplace website:
Parking can get very busy, particularly in evenings and weekends. The nearest car park is Central Car Park (between Devon Street and Powderham Street, opposite the venue). There's one mobility park in Central Car Park. There is also a drop off/collection park outside the front of the venue. More information on car parking in the local area can be found on the NPDC website.
Street Parade
Street Parade starting from Huatoki Plaza
After the morning ceremony for diplomas and degrees, we gather at Huatoki Plaza, Devon Street, for our iconic street parade. The parade is for WITT's diploma and degree graduates. Whānau and friends are invited to celebrate and cheer on the newly graduated students. The street parade starts at 12.30pm and the route is as follows:
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I wear?
Graduation is a formal occasion, so we ask you to dress smart casual and be comfortable. Be mindful of your footwear; you will be walking up steps and across the stage. As this is held in February, the warmest month of the year, we often experience hot conditions.
Who wears regalia?
All graduands being awarded a Bachelor's Degree, Graduate Diploma and Diploma attending the morning ceremony are required to wear academic regalia.
All graduands receiving a certificate level qualification attending the afternoon ceremony are not required to wear regalia.
How do I wear my regalia?
This is a special occasion and likely the first time in your life that you will be wearing academic regalia! WITT's Graduation team will be there to assist you on the day to make sure your outfit looks splendid.
Graduation terminology
Graduand: A student who has finished all their classes and coursework and is eligible to graduate but has not yet officially received their certificate.
Graduate: Someone who has officially been awarded their qualification. This means you will be a graduand before your ceremony and a graduate afterwards.
How many guests can I bring?
We understand that you would like to celebrate this milestone with your friends and family. We can guarantee 2 tickets for your guests, and you can note on the registration form whether you'd like any additional tickets. Once registration closes, we will evenly divide additional tickets when/if these are available.
In the ceremony, how do I know when I go on stage?
When you arrive, you must sign in as this helps to ensure the ceremony runs smoothly. Once you are signed in, we will provide you with a number and allocate you a seat. You will be grouped with fellow graduands from your study programme to cross the stage in alphabetical order one by one. When your name is called out, it's your moment! You will walk onto stage, shake hands with the presenter, a photo will be taken and off you go to receive your certificate on the other side of the stage. Then you return to your seat (as quietly as you can lol) until the ceremony is over.
What if I am sick on the day?
If you happen to be sick, we'd be very sorry for you! We ask that you email [email protected] as soon as you know you are unable to attend. You can pick up your certificate from our WITT campus after graduation from Monday, 15th of February.