Graduation

More than 270 graduands, mainly in commerce, will graduate from the University of Otago at a single ceremony, at the Regent Theatre, Dunedin, at 3pm today.

More than 260 graduands will graduate in person from the University of Otago, with qualifications in applied science, consumer and applied sciences, physical education and surveying, in a ceremony at the Regent Theatre, Dunedin, at 1pm today. About 50 other people will also graduate in absentia.

More than 320 graduands will graduate from the University of Otago in person, mainly with qualifications in science and biomedical sciences, in a second ceremony, at the Regent Theatre, today at 4pm. About 160 graduands will also graduate in absentia.

New Zealand needs more scientists and engineers and a ''stronger science voice'' to deal with the complexities of global climate change and other challenges, former Dunedin North MP Pete Hodgson says.

Prof Robin Taylor, of the University of Otago Medical School, has spoken out against voluntary euthanasia, telling university graduates that arguments for this were ''fundamentally flawed'', though they might be ''subtly tempting''.

After rousing Scottish spirits for decades, the anthem Scotland the Brave inspired Kaho Sakakura to delve into a foreign culture while living on foreign soil.

After graduating from the University of Otago at the weekend, Ravensbourne resident Casey Davies is continuing his twin passions of studying chemistry and volunteer firefighting.

University of Otago chemistry head Prof Lyall Hanton has spoken out over New Zealand's continuing science brain drain, warning that scientists are still "among our country's greatest exports".

The influence of popular television dramas such as Grey's Anatomy in launching medical careers and the need to avoid perfectionism were highlighted at University of Otago graduation ceremonies at the weekend.

You can almost hear city retailers singing Gaudeamus igitur ("Let us rejoice").