[ad_1]
The University of Otago has halted more graduation ceremonies and parades, after a shooting threat was received earlier this week.
The threat prompted police to recommend halting two University of Otago graduation ceremonies on Wednesday and the postponement of the Otago Polytechnic ceremonies on Friday.
The threat was received on Tuesday, the same day that the royal commission of inquiry released its findings on the terrorist attack of March 15, 2019.
On Friday morning, the tertiary institution confirmed that Saturday’s events would not proceed, following the advice of the police.
READ MORE:
* The threat directed at graduation ceremonies included the warning of a shooting
* From Guam to Managed Isolation: The Epic Graduation Trip That Ends at Castle St
* The postponement of the graduation ceremony of 553 students is ‘incredibly distressing’
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Harlene Hayne, said the postponement would be incredibly disappointing for all who have made plans and for some this is their third attempt to graduate.
hamish mcneilly / Things
Graduates on the University of Otago campus, hours after a graduation ceremony was canceled due to an online threat.
“My heart goes out to all of you. This has been a difficult decision and I hope you find ways to celebrate.
“The depth of the sentiment has been too real over the last few days. Nobody deserved it, especially the young people from the university and the polytechnic who hoped to celebrate their graduations at City Hall this week ”.
Hamish McNeilly / Stuff
Southern District Commandant Superintendent Paul Basham and Professor Harlene Hayne, Vice Chancellor of the University of Otago, at a press conference Wednesday.
Other graduation events on campus may continue, even like the Maori pre-graduation.
The university is making contingency plans for replacement ceremonies.
For now, next week’s graduation ceremonies on Wednesday and Saturday will go as planned.
