Pearl and Paulina Barry, from the United States Pacific Northwest, said they had not graduated together since they were in secondary school.
Both were graduating from the University of Otago with their master’s, Pearl with a master’s of science majoring in ecology and Paulina in science communications.
The ceremony for the twins was their first New Zealand graduation, and they were excited to experience a more ceremonial ceremony than they ever had back in the United States.
"So it's cool to do that now."
She said they had come across the world together, and to also be able to bask in the success of their tertiary efforts together was a very special thing.
Paulina said they had now grown up and were very fortunate to have the opportunity to mark this special milestone together in adulthood.
The pair would not be crossing the stage one after another, but were happy with being close in the crowd.
While their family did not make the very long trip from the US to come to their graduation ceremony, they did have the support of "friends that are more like family", Pearl said.
