Massey graduation ceremonies go global for first time

Some 450 Massey graduates paraded across the stage today in Palmerston North - and across the globe, as the ceremonies were beamed live around the world.

For the first time at a New Zealand university, the two ceremonies were broadcast live via Facebook and YouTube, so family and friends of the graduands could celebrate the success of their loved ones from anywhere in the world.

Those being capped came from all three campuses – Albany, Manawatu and Wellington – and include many international students.

"Graduation is a time of celebration and many of those attending have travelled considerable distances either to be capped or to support those who do," University Vice-Chancellor Steve Maharey says. "We know how important this is particularly to those who have worked hard to achieved their qualification but also to those who have supported them through that journey. By recording the event and streaming it live on the internet we are enabling everyone to share in the proud moment – and re-live it later.

“Massey University prides itself on being the engine of the new New Zealand, putting this country on the global map for its innovation, creativity, agrifood research and teaching and it connectedness. Enabling friends and family to see their loved ones graduate and to share in the success and achievement is a logical extension of that."

Taking the ceremonies live will use technology usually reserved to beam lectures from the classroom to homes across the country - and the world, as part of its distance learning programme. The ceremonies will also be available on demand on Massey’s YouTube channel soon after the ceremonies, and students will be able to send links to their families that will start the video when they are walking across the stage.

The Vice-Chancellor says the breadth of the qualifications awarded and the variety of the research topics covered by the PhD candidates underpins that global perspective.

Thirty PhDs were awarded – in clinical psychology, education, philosophy and business administration.

The Venerable Te Waaka Melbourne, Anglican Archdeacon of Waiwhakaari, Rotorua, received a Doctorate of Philosophy for his examination of Maori spirituality. Other PhD topics ranged from an investigation into whether consuming a combination of protein and carbohydrates following exercise is beneficial to future performance; the effectiveness of various practices in mitigating methane emissions in livestock; to how satellite tracking of wildlife can help conservation agencies gain a better understanding of animal behaviour.

Amongst the graduates were 15 postgraduate Pasifika students, including two PhD recipients. Winifereti Nainoca investigated how the Fijian way of life impacts on marine conservation, while Alisi Vudiniabola studied why an Australian aid-funded Diploma of Nursing curriculum, introduced to Fiji in 2004, failed. Dr Vudiniabola also made the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Dean’s List – the first Pasifika student to achieve this honour.

Palmerston North entrepreneur Simon Barnett, owner of internationally successful sports gear company Obo, spoke at both ceremonies. His message to graduands was to find something they really wanted to do. “Find something…anything… that spins your wheels, puts a bounce your step, lights the fire in your gut.

“No matter what you do find something that you can love doing and be forever curious because you can be sure that your first idea of first execution won’t be your best and there are always ways to improve.”

Former Palmerston North Boys' High School pupil Jesse Stratford, who is currently studying at the New Zealand School of Music in Wellington, a joint venture between Massey and Victoria universities, provided musical entertainment.