What to expect at the ceremony -

All graduands and their guests must be seated in the Regent Theatre 30 minutes before the start of each ceremony. Please allow yourself plenty of time to get to the venue and find your seat.

Graduands will be seated in a reserved section of the auditorium according to the order in which you will go on stage to receive your award. Our staff helpers will direct you to your seat, where you will find a complimentary copy of the Graduation programme. Guests may sit in any area that has not been reserved. Your guests will only be admitted to the theatre if they hold a ticket.

If you have guest tickets you will not use, please contact the Events Office at nationalevents@massey.ac.nz so we can reallocate them to those on the guest seating waitlist.

Special seating requirements

Guest seating is unreserved. If your guests require an aisle seat, we recommend they arrive early for the best chance at their preferred seat.

For any other seating requirements (e.g. wheelchairs), please contact the Events Office at nationalevents@massey.ac.nz.

Lost tickets

If you or your guests lose their seat tickets or have ticket problems, report to the graduation helpdesk in the main foyer of the Regent Theatre at least 1 hour before the ceremony.

A parking permit will be available for you to collect from Academic Dress Hire when you collect your gown. This all-day permit will provide free parking on the day of the ceremony. It can be used in any metered space in Palmerston North central business district.

Display your parking permit clearly on your vehicle's windscreen. Presentation of your parking permit will also entitle you to park at Downtown Carpark for a maximum charge of $5.

Please make sure all mobile phones are turned off or on silent before entering the Regent Theatre.

The audience is requested to rise as the academic and official procession enters the theatre at the commencement of the ceremony.

This is followed by a karanga (welcome), the University waiata (song) and Chancellor's address.

At the appropriate time, the various qualifications will be announced. Graduands will be guided by an usher to the stage before your qualification is announced.

Those graduating for the first time will carry their trencher (graduation hat) in their left hand, with the tassel placed on the left side of the trencher.

Previously capped students may wear their trencher during the procession and into the venue. However, as you leave your seat and approach the stage to have your award presented you must then remove your trencher.

When your name is announced, approach the stage and stand directly before the Chancellor.

For certificate and diploma recipients the Chancellor will shake your hand. If you have been previously capped you may now put on your trencher.

For degrees and other qualifications, the Chancellor will ceremoniously cap (or doff) you by holding a ceremonial trencher over your head and shaking your hand. You should then put on your trencher or bonnet.

All recipients then cross the stage to receive their graduation certificate, taking it in their right hand. You will then be guided by an usher back to your seat. You have now officially graduated and you can now wear your trencher or bonnet for the remainder of the ceremony.

Graduates receiving 2 awards

If you are receiving 2 awards at the same ceremony, you will be allocated 1 seat and walk the stage once for your highest qualification. You will graduate in absentia for the other qualification. The awards will be presented together.

The official photographer for the Palmerston North graduation ceremonies is Shot360.

Capping photographs

All graduands will be photographed at the moment of capping during the ceremony. You can order your capping photo online after the ceremony or on the day at the portrait studios.

Portrait sittings

There will be 2 portrait photo studios set up in The Square. You can book a portrait sitting online or by phone to 0800 746 836.

Contact photographer

To arrange a portrait booking, order a capping photo or framing, contact the photographer: shot360.co.nz

On graduation day, a helpdesk is located in the Regent Theatre foyer 1 hour prior to each ceremony to assist with graduation enquiries and seating requests. You can also contact us for assistance.