Otago Polytechnic postpones graduation ceremonies due to threat

The Polytechnic of Otago has postponed its graduation ceremony scheduled for tomorrow after a threat that led the University of Otago to abandon its ceremony yesterday.

The polytechnic said this morning that on the advice of the police it had made the “devastating” decision to postpone graduation ceremonies scheduled for tomorrow and undergraduate ceremonies today and tomorrow.

Otago Polytechnic Executive Director Dr. Megan Gibbons said they were closely monitoring the situation and were in regular dialogue with police.

“We know how much work, passion, heart and soul goes into studying, as well as the academic provision and all the various student support services.

“Many, many people are affected, including those who work so hard to organize graduation ceremonies. However, the safety of students and staff is Otago Polytechnic’s number one priority,” Gibbons said.

The Polytechnic of Otago also wishes to convey its condolences to the students and staff of the University of Otago, whose ceremonies were also affected.

Otago Polytechnic Student Association President Nathan Laurie said the postponement did not lower student achievement in what was a truly challenging year.

A spokeswoman for the University of Otago said it had not made a decision on whether to postpone her graduation ceremony scheduled for Saturday, although that position could change later today.

As of last night, the police had not arrested the person or persons who made the threat and this morning they told the Otago Daily Times that there were no updates.

Police maintained a presence in Dunedin’s central business district and university campus yesterday and the southern district commander, Superintendent Paul Basham, said officers would continue to work with the university in the coming days.

“We take threats of this nature seriously and recognize that they are disruptive to those directly affected and to our community at large.”

Police began the investigation Tuesday afternoon, Basham said.

The university indicated that the threat was received electronically.

Police and the university did not say why there appeared to be a delay before the final call was made.

University of Otago Vice Chancellor Harlene Hayne said the situation was harrowing for anyone who had planned to participate in the ceremonies.

“For many, this was the replacement ceremony due to previous cancellations due to Covid-19,” he said.