Frequently Asked Questions

• What if my results are not through and the closing date is close?
  
• My degree is from an overseas university, what hood do I wear?
  
• I have equivalent graduate status (AES), what do I wear?
• What if I already have a higher degree than the one being awarded now?
  
• Can I have my hire period extended?
  
• I am receiving two awards at different ceremonies. Do I pay double fees?
  
• Can I take my hired robes overseas?
  
• Can I rehire my robes at some other time, and how much would it cost?
  
• How long will it take to collect my robes?
  
• Can someone else collect my robes for me? or return them?
  
• Can my robes be sent to me by courier if I pay the fee?
  
• Can you supply the robes of other universities?
  
• Can I buy my own robes to keep?
  
• What is the difference between a graduand and a graduate?
  
• Why do the Bachelor hoods have the expensive fur trim?
  
• Which side should the trencher tassel fall?
  

Q: What if my results are not through and the closing date is close?

A: Put in your application so we can be sure of having enough stock for you. If you need to cancel we will refund your payment in full, provided we are notified before the ceremony commences. "Return to top"

Q: My degree is from an overseas university, what hood do I wear?

A: Assuming you are unable to obtain your own robes from overseas, you should wear the Diploma Stole, with the addition of a trencher to signal your graduate status. You cannot wear a Massey hood as that would signal that you hold that degree, which is not true. "Return to top"

Q: I have equivalent graduate status (AES), what do I wear?

A: If you have an overseas degree refer to the previous question.
If you do not have any degree you wear a gown and a stole but no trencher.
AES status does not entitle you to wear the equivalent Massey hood. "Return to top"

Q: What if I already have a higher degree than the one being awarded now?

A: You may wear the robes of the higher degree if you prefer, or you may wear the robes of the award being made now. "Return to top"

Q: Can I have my hire period extended?

A: Anyone needing an extension should phone 06-351-3488 in advance to arrange it. There is no bond penalty providing we have been notified. "Return to top"

Q: I am receiving two awards at different ceremonies. Do I pay double fees?

A: No. Be sure to click both ceremonies on your application form and we will extend your hire period to cover both. In most cases you will wear the robes of the higher qualification to both ceremonies. Click "Robe Descriptions" for more information. "Return to top"

Q: Can I take my hired robes overseas?

A: Normally the answer is, No. However we are able to make special arrangements in special circumstances. Please come in, or phone to discuss it with us. "Return to top"

Q: Can I rehire my robes at some other time, and how much would it cost?

A: For three months after graduation you can reclaim your robes without additional cost. This is our way of thanking you for returning them promptly so that they can be recycled through the ceremonies. After the three months you pay the full graduation fee. "Return to top"

Q: How long will it take to collect my robes?

A: You should not need more than ten minutes, and it would often be quicker. "Return to top"

Q: Can someone else collect my robes for me? or return them?

A: Anyone can perform these services for you, but if you come in person we can ensure that your hat fits correctly. Your friend does not need to bring a receipt, but make sure they know what name and qualification you are registered under. Your bond refund will be given to whoever hands in your robes, unless you give us other instructions (for example to post the cheque). "Return to top"

Q: Can my robes be sent to me by courier if I pay the fee?

A: We regret that we are unable to offer this service at graduation times as we are too busy. We would only consider it in very exceptional circumstances. During the rest of the year we often send out courier parcels and charge a standard $10 fee for packing and sending. "Return to top"

Q: Can you supply the robes of other universities?

A: We have limited stock from other NZ universities but will hire in what you need if given two weeks' notice. We are unable to assist with robes from overseas universities. "Return to top"

Q: Can I buy my own robes to keep?

A: Yes, for assistance please click the "Robe Purchase" button to the left above. "Return to top"

Q: What is the difference between a graduand and a graduate?

A: A graduand is in the process of becoming a graduate. They have passed their final examinations, but until the Chancellor waves that ceremonial trencher over their head they are not fully fledged graduates entitled to wear the trencher themselves, hence the need for a special term. "Return to top"

Q: Why do the Bachelor hoods have the expensive fur trim?

A: The probable answer comes from monastic times and involves what you might think of as inverted snobbery. It is said that the senior monks (the Masters) could claim the best seats near the fire, so they cast off their fur, which was unnecessary to their comfort once they had the better seats. The absence of fur signalled to all the world that their status alone would keep them warm. "Return to top"

Q: Which side should the trencher tassel fall?

A: In the US much significance attaches to moving the tassel from one side to the other as the qualification is conferred. This is not a NZ tradition, so it does not matter which side it falls, just try to keep the top of the trencher horizontal. The drunken angle is not a good look! "Return to top"