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Graduation
Registration for the 2027 graduation ceremonies is not yet available. Please check back later in the year for ceremony details and registration information.
EIT 2027 Graduation Ceremony Information
Hawke’s Bay
Dates: Monday 5 April and Tuesday 6 April 2027
Location: Toitoi: Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre, 109 Hastings Street South, Eastbourne Corner, Hastings 4122
Tairāwhiti
Date: Friday 12 March 2027
Location: War Memorial Theatre, 159 Bright Street, Gisborne 4010
Auckland
Date: Tuesday 18 May 2027
Location: To be confirmed
Ceremonial Robes
The official academic dress for graduands attending a graduation ceremony for the conferment of a degree is a black gown, coloured hood and cap. The cap has been defined as a black trencher with a tassel for every bachelor’s degree.
The colours of the graduates’ hoods denote the degree programme being conferred and are special to EIT. The master’s hood is satin both inside and out whereas the bachelor’s hood is satin inside and black outside.
Those receiving a postgraduate diploma or postgraduate certificate wear a black gown and a gold stole with black braid. The undergraduate diploma stole is blue with blue braid. EIT stoles are the same for each faculty.
Students may embellish their graduation regalia with garments of honour from their cultural traditions.
Graduands attending the graduation ceremony will enter the theatre carrying their caps, and will put them on once they are capped.

Graduation FAQs
Will there be a photographer at graduation?
You may be required (Hawke’s Bay only) before your ceremony to assemble for a class photo. The exact time will be available when you collect your academic regalia.
Please note: if you do not turn up at the allocated time you will not be in your class photo.
Professional photographers will be available on the day to take your individual and family photos after your ceremony. These can be purchased online.
How do I wear my academic regalia?
Graduate like a boss, looking and feeling great.
This short video will help you get your regalia sorted on your graduation day.
What if I already have a degree?
You should wear the graduation regalia of your highest qualification ie. If you are being awarded a Postgraduate or Masters you should wear the regalia for that qualification.
If you have an existing degree and have completed a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma you should wear the appropriate sash and a trencher.
What if my guests have accessibility issues or need help?
Theatre staff will be available to assist your guests if they have mobility issues.
Can my guests or I take a baby to graduation?
Yes you can. If the child is to sit on a knee of a guest you will not need a ticket for them. If a child or baby gets upset please respect those attending the ceremony and feel free to pop out into the foyer where you can continue to watch the ceremony on the livestream.
I have family overseas or out of town that cannot attend graduation.
Each year EIT live streams their major graduation ceremonies so that your friends and family from out of town can watch you cross the stage.
Simply like and follow our Facebook pages and you will receive a notification whenever we livestream an event. There is a page for each campus, Hawke’s Bay, Tairāwhiti and Auckland.
Where do I park?
Please ensure that you park in public parking areas and pay for parking, if its required. Please allow yourself plenty of time to get a park and to get to the theatre in time for proceedings.
What do I wear under my graduation gown?
Formal attire is appropriate to wear under your gown. You may like to consider sensible shoes for walking across the stage and if you are in Hawke’s Bay or Tairāwhiti for walking in the parade.
Traditional head dress or cloak are welcome.
How long is each ceremony?
Each graduation ceremony is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours long.
What happens on stage?
Degrees
When your name is called, walk to the centre, holding your trencher in your left hand. In conferring the degree, the capping trencher will be momentarily held over your head and you will then be congratulated with a hand shake. Now as a graduate, you will put on your trencher and continue across the stage and descend side steps and return to your seat.
Diplomas
If you are receiving a diploma you will walk across the stage to receive your handshake .
Please be respectful of others when it is their moment.
You will have received your certificate in the mail. If you have not received your certificate please contact your programme administrator.
How many guest tickets am I allowed?
Each graduand in Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti will receive a maximum of four tickets which will be in the bag with your regalia.
Auckland graduands will receive two guest tickets.
These tickets are for your guests and are free, graduands do not need a ticket to attend.
Guests will not be admitted to the theatre unless they present a ticket.
After registration has closed any additional tickets will be available when you collect your academic regalia.
What if I need more guest tickets?
After registration has closed any additional tickets will be available when you collect your academic regalia.
You may also like to chat with your class members as not all Graduands will need all four guest tickets.
Can I take my handbag?
Do not take your regalia bag and/or handbags to the ceremony.
Leave these with family members as you may not be seated in your original seat after you have crossed the stage.
Are photos taken throughout the day? Where can I buy them?
Professional photos are taken during all our graduation ceremonies and the parade
When and where do I collect my graduation regalia?
Keep an eye on our Facebook page leading up to graduation for more details about when and where to collect your regalia. Traditionally in Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti regalia is collected in a room on campus a few days before graduation.
Auckland graduands can collect their regalia prior to graduation (date to be confirmed) from the campus and returned to the campus on the same day.
Can I take my own photos during the ceremony?
Yes you can however please be respectful of other graduands and their guests.
Do I need to RSVP for my guests?
No you do not.
When and where do I return my regalia?
Your academic regalia needs to be returned after your ceremony at the following venues:
Hawke’s Bay
- At the theatre directly after your ceremony.
Auckland
- At the EIT Auckland Campus following your ceremony.
Tairāwhiti
- At the theatre directly after your ceremony.
Keep up to date with what’s happening at EIT and keep in touch with your friends and classmates on EIT’s Facebook page. There are also various specific groups available to join to keep in touch with specific tutors and keep in touch with what’s happening in your industry.
EIT Graduation Stories
During graduation many stories about EIT grads were published in the local papers. To read more check out our news and events.

