Students stuck queuing for hours to pick up graduation regalia

Students were left waiting for hours to pick up regalia for graduation, some even in the cold and dark. The line, at its largest, spanned from the Flax and Fern Room to outside the Pyramid.  

A spokesperson for Massey said, “The 2021 Wellington graduation ceremonies are exceptionally large, in part due to the number of students who deferred their graduation. Regrettably, this may have caused delays for students picking up their gowns ahead of graduation.” They also noted, “Wellington graduation is the only ceremony held over one day, which may have also contributed to peak demand when collecting academic regalia.”  

Regalia collection was available from 1pm to 6:30pm on Monday 19 April, and of the day of graduation, Tuesday 20 April, from 9am onwards. Understandably, students flocked to the Monday collection, anxious to get everything in order.  

“I thought I was being organised,” said one student. “But instead, I got stuck waiting for nearly two hours. It just seems so dumb that Massey didn’t let students go from 9am onwards, and instead caused a frenzy all afternoon.” By 5pm, the line had grown out the door of the Pyramid, with students and their families waiting outside in the cold and dark.  

Another student said, “My parents have come down all the way from Auckland, and I can’t even spend time with them since I’m stuck in this queue. Like sort your shit out Massey. I gave you three years, stop wasting more of my time.”  

Wellington graduation is the first for 2021, with Auckland and Palmerston North to follow in May. You’ve heard it here folks, bring snacks and warm clothes to the regalia line.  

The Massey spokesperson said, “Massey University and Graduate Women Manawatū Charitable Trust Inc. who provide the academic dress hire for all three campus graduation ceremonies will review the situation following the event.” Here’s hoping they take student experience into account, for once.