Maori, Pacific graduands' right to cloaks at ceremony recognised

Graduands of Maori and Pacific Island descent will have their customary right to wear korowai and ceremonial cloaks at graduation formally recognised by the University of Otago.

University council members voted for a provision to be included in an academic dress statute yesterday to officially enshrine the customary practice after it was overlooked as part of a formal review of the statute.

The amendment has been welcomed by Te Roopu Maori tumuaki Ariana Te Wake and Pacific Islands Centre manager Tofilau Nina Kirifi-Alai.

Ms Te Wake said it was a "nice move" by university council members to formally recognise the tradition, while Mrs Kirifi-Alai said the change was "awesome".

The wearing of ceremonial cloaks by Maori and Pacific Island students was one way of recognising their whakapapa and lineage, and the importance of whanau and family support, the pair said.

Graduation was a time when families and communities celebrated an individual's achievement and ceremonial cloaks recognised the cultural importance of the occasion, Ms Te Wake said.

Dr Craig Marshall was the university council member who asked if a review of the academic dress statute could expressly provide for traditional cloaks to be worn at graduation.

"If we had a specific clause, then it would make it clear," he said, after it was noted the practice already took place.

Dr Judy Bennett backed the call for cloaks to become an official part of the academic dress regulations.

"It would be a very warm gesture to demonstrate their value and how they are part of New Zealand culture," she said.

Last year, the university had about 1683 Maori students, 8.5% of the domestic roll - a higher proportion than the University of Auckland.

Pacific Island student numbers continue to grow, increasing by 6.5%, last year, the Otago University annual report states.