Public health concerns have prompted Otago Polytechnic to cancel its March graduation ceremonies.
Polytechnic learner journey deputy chief executive Jason Tibble said the Covid-19 Omicron variant was set to peak in the coming weeks, and in light of the present Red setting, the polytechnic had decided to ensure the health and safety of its graduates, their whanau, and the wider community.
"This relates to the graduation ceremonies on Thursday, March 10 and Friday, March 11, at the Dunedin Town Hall."
Despite the cancellation of the ceremonies, he said the polytechnic was planning related social media activities on those days.
Details were still to be confirmed.
Mr Tibble said all students would still graduate in absentia and all awards would be conferred by the polytechnic board on February 17.
"This means graduates can use their awarded titles from that date."
He said the institution would also send registered graduates a survey, asking for their ideas or suggestions for an alternative way to celebrate.
This would only be possible when New Zealand moved into the Orange setting and would need to be a small-scale event.
