The University of Otago is postponing all of this week's graduation ceremonies and parades following a security threat last week.
Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
The university's ceremonies last week were postponed and the Otago Polytechnic graduation was also postponed after a threat made against attendees.
RNZ reported that neither the university nor police confirmed the nature of the threat, but it had been widely reported it involved a shooting.
More than 2500 university students were expecting to graduate over two weeks, instead there will be no graduations to end the year.
The last in-person graduations were held last December.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne said police were investigating the security threat.
"Police continue to take this threat very seriously and we are grateful for their support and expert guidance."
She said the decision was made this afternoon to postpone four graduation ceremonies planned for 16 December and 19 December.
"I know this is a further disappointment at the end of a year that has been more difficult than most." Prof Hayne said.
"In the wake of Covid-19, our students have overcome huge obstacles to stay on track and complete their degrees this year. Moreover, many of our students and their whānau have made significant sacrifices to travel to Dunedin so they could be a part of these very special celebrations.
"I share in the disappointment that everyone is feeling. However, I have every confidence that our graduands will find ways to celebrate."
Prof Hayne said despite the incidents, graduates continued to celebrate their achievements with large numbers on campus last week and on Saturday.
"I have seen many, many examples of the true Otago spirit as people took the opportunity to celebrate, marking their achievements in their own very personal ways. They have demonstrated these characteristics throughout this year and their response to the graduation postponements is just another example of how truly remarkable they are."
As with the previous incidents, all associated graduation events will still to take place on campus and details on where graduands will be able to pick up their certificates will be sent directly to them.
A replacement graduation event is being considered for next year for those who choose not to travel to Dunedin following the threat or wanted to take part in a full ceremony.