Graduation Procession to Te Rauparaha Arena | 9am

We welcome our Graduands to hikoi (walk) in a procession to Te Rauparaha Arena the morning of Graduation, Wednesday 5 April 2023. Graduands must be wearing regalia to process and we recommend sensible footwear.

Timing:

8:45am Meeting Point Location:

The hikoi travels along Wi Neera Drive to Te Rauparaha Arena. Traffic Management will be stopping traffic at the Parumoana St round-about, so we need to process efficiently through this high traffic area.  

The hikoi route is 700-metres and will take 15 minutes to walk. We expect to arrive at Te Rauparaha Arena by 9:45am. 

Further Information

Who can join the procession: 

Graduands of both ceremonies (11am and 3pm) on 5 April are invited to the morning hikoi at 9am. Whānau and friends, along with Whitireia and WelTec kaimahi are welcome to join in support of our graduands.  

Late arriving graduands will be unable to join the procession. If you need assistance along the hikoi route, please speak to a marshal.  

Blessing: 

Our procession will start with a Karakia at the meeting point on campus. We acknowledge Ngāti Toa Rangatira for leading our graduands as they prepare for the day’s celebrations by;

1. Gathering at our campus to prepare for their Hikoi (to walk)
2. Having a final opportunity to share korero and memories (whanaungatanga)
3. Putting on their robes and regalia (Kakahu whakarāwai)
4. Waiata/Karakia
5. Being ready together as graduands proudly walk to Te Rauparaha Arena(Hikoi Haere)

Regalia:

Graduands must be in their regalia to Hikoi Haere. Regalia must be collected by Monday, 3 April 2023. Contact Graduationinfo@wandw.ac.nz if you need to arrange this.

Footwear: 

Please wear sensible footwear during the hikoi. You will be able to change shoes at the arena if desired. 

Banners and Flags: 

Graduands are welcome to bring a celebratory banner or flag with you, but you will be responsible for carrying and appropriately storing it before entering the arena. 

Health and Safety during the hikoi

Please respect each other and our environment during the hikoi. This means:

1. Do not carry or consume beverages or food items during the hikoi
2. Do not smoke or vape along the procession route
3. Do not litter
4. Do not bring cycles, skateboards or scooters. If you need a mobility aid, please speak to the marshals at the meeting point before the start of the hikoi.

Carparking:

Car parking is available on campus at Porirua accessed via Gate 1.

Follow the primary access points to these carparking areas as roads will be closed ahead of the start of the hikoi by traffic management.  

Please respect the speed limits when driving around campus and be mindful of additional pedestrians on-site on the day.  

Road closures:

There will be road closures in place to keep our graduands safe during the hikoi. Traffic Management will be in place at the Tuturia and Parumoana St Intersections with Wi Neera Drive from 8am. Please respect our team and follow their instructions when navigating around campus.  

Cancellation: 

The hikoi will be cancelled in the event of adverse weather. Graduands will be advised via email on Tuesday 4 April by 4pm if the hikoi is unable to go ahead. 

In the event of cancellation of the hikoi, please arrive at the arena in time for your ceremony. 

Note:

We do not have an afternoon procession. We request graduands do not parade from campus to the arena at any time, other than for the 9am hikoi, as there will be no traffic management in place. 

Graduands do not have to join the procession. If you choose not to hikoi, head straight to the Arena for your ceremony time. 

For more information about Graduation, click here.