MEDIA RELEASE
1 December 2008
Newest Victoria graduates celebrate success
More than 1,000 students will celebrate successfully completing their studies during next week’s graduation procession
and ceremonies. Victoria’s endofyear graduation celebrations begin with a street parade at 12 noon on Tuesday 9 December
from Government Buildings along Lambton Quay to Civic Square. The first of three ceremonies will commence at the Michael
Fowler Centre at 1:30pm for students graduating from the Faculties of Architecture & Design, Law, Science and Toihuarewa. Twentynine PhDs will be conferred, along with many degrees, diplomas and
certificates. Two Honorary Doctorates will be conferred to musician Richard Nunns and distinguished lawyer Emeritus
Professor David Mullan. Richard Nunns, a leading performer and teacher in the revitalisation of traditional Māori
musical instruments, will receive a Doctorate of Music and David Mullan will receive a Doctorate of Law. Graduation
highlights include:
A first for digital media major
Signý Björg Guðlaugsdóttir, from Iceland, is Victoria University’s first student to graduate with the new Digital Media
Design major in the Bachelor of Design. The first of a group of 12 students, Signý says the new major covers everything
to do with design in computers, including; electronics, dynamic web design, graphic design, cinematics, programming,
communications theory and culture, augmented reality and real timesocial networks. Her final year project, an
interactive installation using electronic equipment and a square of carpet titled Moments from an invisible realm, will
go on display with her graduating peers in the May graduation exhibition. Contact Signý on (021) 069 0719.
Family trio
It will be a family affair for Jeff, William and Henrietta Hunkin who graduate together, all with Bachelor of Arts
degrees, on 10 December 2008. The trio, who also share a talent for barbershop singing, will be watched by proud parents
Ane Hunkin and senior lecturer in Victoria University’s Va’aomanu Pasifika Galumalemana Hunkin.
Husband and wife team
Mariana and Atene (Anthony) Andrews graduate this December with a BA in Criminology and Psychology and MBA
respectively. Mariana (Ngati Whatua/Nga Puhi) and Atene (Ngati Porou) are both keen to contribute to the development of
Māori in New Zealand—Mariana through Honours study and then community work and Atene in the Department of Labour. Atene
also says Mariana’s graduation is far more special than his as it was her time to advance her own academic and career
interests after a raising a family of three and a marriage of 25 years. “She represents that significant gender and
generation who have often foregone their own careers for the benefit of their partner in life.”
MBA mum
Mother and soontobe MBA graduate Amy Allison was warned an MBA would change your life, but hers changed more than most.
She graduates on Tuesday 9 December five and a half years on and three children later, after also working fulltime
during most of her studies. She says spending 24 months pregnant with all day morning sickness honed her ability to
write assignments and study while lying down. She’s looking forward to her children Munro (5), Fergus (4) and Maisie (2)
seeing her graduate next week.
. Media releases on a selection of PhD thesis topics will be issued this week. If the graduation parade is cancelled due
to wet weather, notification will be given on Newstalk ZB from 11am on the morning of the parade.
ENDS