Graduation
Gowns & academic regalia hire
You can hire your academic regalia through the Graduation Registration Form when the form is open.
Gown room location
The Graduation Gown Room is located in B Block, accessible from St David Street.
What to wear with your gown
There is no prescribed dress code, but your graduation ceremony is a formal celebration of your achievement, and we encourage you to dress appropriately.
How to look after your academic regalia
You are responsible for each piece of academic dress you hire, we recommend you hang out regalia as soon as possible to ensure it remains crease free. Please do not pin anything to your regalia.
If you need to press any pieces, please note that always use a dry iron on low heat (i.e. no steam), with a cloth to protect the fabric.
Please note that the following can cause severe damage to regalia:
- throwing trenchers into the air, and careless use of trenchers. Please ensure that the mortar board of your trencher is flat when stored.
- makeup, tanning products, food and drink mark the regalia easily. Please be aware of this and be careful when using any products.
- cigarette burns, car door marks and foot prints are often found on returned regalia. Please be careful to avoid these.
If any damage occurs to the regalia while in your hire you are likely to incur repair, cleaning and/or replacement costs.
The Gown Room Opening Hours
For pick up of regalia
Gown Room - located in B Block which is accessible from St David Street
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| Tuesday 13 December | 4.00pm – 7.00pm |
| Wednesday 14th & Thursday 15th December | 9.30am – 7.00pm |
| Friday 16 December | 8.00am – 11.00am |
For returns of regalia
Town Hall Foyer located directly across from exiting door of Town Hall
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| Friday 16 December | 1.30pm – 3.30pm & 4.30pm – 6.30pm |
Gown Room - located in B Block which is accessible from St David Street
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| Saturday 17th December | 11.00am – 2.00pm |
| Monday 19th & Tuesday 20th December | 10.00am – 4.00pm |
Customers Services, Forth St Campus
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| Wednesday 21 to Friday 23 December 2022 | Late drop offs - 8.00am – 5.00pm |
PLEASE NOTE:
If your regalia is not returned by 5.00pm 23 December 2022, you will be invoiced the cost of a replacement.
If there is a collection bucket outside the Gown Room, please leave your gown there, otherwise drop off to Customer Services on Forth St.
Contact graduation@op.ac.nz for any assistance or enquiries.
Academic Regalia Guide
| Qualification | Blue Gown | Facing | Hood | Trencher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Certificate | X | |||
| Undergraduate Diploma | X | X | ||
| Undergraduate Degree | X | X | X | X |
| Undergraduate Honours Degree | X | X | X Edged with Dark Blue |
X |
| Masters | X | X Single Colour Hood (Silk) |
X Gold Tassel |
|
| Postgraduate Diploma or Degree | X | X | X | X |
| Doctor of Professional Practice | X Mid Blue Gown |
X Doctor of Professional Practice |
X Doctor of Professional Practice |
X Soft bonnet |
Wearing your academic dress
Buttoned onto the gown by shoulder buttons and lies flat down either side of opening of gown.
Buttoned onto the gown by shoulder buttons over the top of a facing.
Worn with the shorter peak to the front, the longer to the back, top parallel to the ground and the tassel over the left eye.
Hood and sash colours
| Architecture | Arts | Business, Tourism |
| Construction | Design | Engineering |
| Enrolled Nursing | Hospitality | Information Technology |
| Professional Practice | Midwifery | Nat Resources |
| Nursing | Occupational Therapy | Social Services, Beauty, Hairdressing |
| Sport, Massage Therapy | Tertiary Education | Veterinary Nursing |
Regalia Hire Fees
| Type of gown | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certificate,New Zealand Certificate | $30 |
| Diploma, New Zealand Diploma | $50 |
| Bachelor | $70 |
| Graduate Certificate, Diploma | $70 |
| Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma | $70 |
| Master, Doctor | $70 |
Payment for Regalia
You must pay for your academic regalia before you can collect it from the gown room.
You can pay by any of the below methods:
- Pay online via Eventbrite
- Pay with cash or EFTPOS at Customer Services
- Pay with credit or debit card over the phone by ringing 0800 762 786
If your regalia is not returned at the times as stated above, you will be invoiced up to $1000 for the cost to replace the regalia.
Academic dress can be collected and returned on your behalf by friends or family members. However, it is your responsibility for the safe return of your own academic regalia.
Cancellations
You must notify the Graduation Team (graduation@op.ac.nz) at least five days prior to graduation if you are cancelling your order. Cancelled orders will be fully refunded into your bank account (please provide proof of account details). The processing of refunds takes up to 10 working days.
Contact us
If you’re not sure what to study and would like some guidance, we’re here to help. Feel free to chat to us directly about any questions you may have.
Multiple Qualifications