Vice-Chancellor takes centre Stage as families flock to Otago Uni welcome

Otago University’s Vice-Chancellor has personally welcomed hundreds of families to campus, fronting a new initiative aimed at reassuring parents of first-year students.

Grant Robertson hosted an afternoon tea on the Clocktower Lawn at the University of Otago campus, drawing a strong turnout of parents and caregivers eager to hear directly from the institution’s most senior leader.

Advertisement
    
    This ad is not available right now due to a network issue or pending review with the Google Advertisement Network. Please check back later.
  
    Advertisement
    Why this ad?
      
        Advertising revenue keeps articles from thisquality free to read. Ads are personalised by Google, not us. Thank you for your support! 🎉

Image: University of Otago Vice-Chancellor Grant Robertson greeted parents and caregivers during the welcome event in Dunedin. (Supplied / University of Otago)

The event placed Robertson at the heart of the warm welcome to first-year students, signalling a hands-on approach as a new intake begins its studies in Dunedin.

Addressing the crowd, Robertson acknowledged the weight of the moment for both students and their whānau.

“Starting University is a major step for our first-year tauira, whom have never lived away from home before. It’s also a big step for their whanaunga, who may have questions or concerns about what happens next,” he said.

Advertisement
    
    This ad is not available right now due to a network issue or pending review with the Google Advertisement Network. Please check back later.
  
    Advertisement
    Why this ad?
      
        Advertising revenue keeps articles from thisquality free to read. Ads are personalised by Google, not us. Thank you for your support! 🎉

Many first-years are living away from home for the first time. And for some families, it marks the first university enrolment in their history.

The gathering was mostly about connection and reassurance.

Robertson emphasised the University’s responsibility to educate and provide wraparound support.

“This event gave us a chance to extend manaakitanga, talk about the supports Otago offers, and reassure people that their tamariki are in good hands,” he said.

Image: Hundreds of parents and caregivers gather on the Clocktower Lawn for the University of Otago’s inaugural afternoon tea welcome. (Supplied / Courtesy of University of Otago)

After speaking, he moved through the crowd, greeting families and answering questions face-to-face.

Seventeen student support services were also represented across the lawn. Information and guidance were offered.

Advertisement
    
    This ad is not available right now due to a network issue or pending review with the Google Advertisement Network. Please check back later.
  
    Advertisement
    Why this ad?
      
        Advertising revenue keeps articles from thisquality free to read. Ads are personalised by Google, not us. Thank you for your support! 🎉

Image: Parents and caregivers listened during a guided tour inside the University of Otago’s Clocktower building, learning about student support services and campus facilities. (Supplied / University of Otago)

Families took part in tours of the historic Clocktower building and spoke directly with staff about the resources available on campus.

But the focus remained squarely on the Vice-Chancellor’s message.

Otago’s leadership, he signalled, is visible and accessible.

Image: The University of Otago’s iconic Clocktower building stands beside the Water of Leith in Dunedin. Opened in 1879 and designed by architect Maxwell Bury in Gothic Revival style, the structure remains the symbolic heart of New Zealand’s oldest university. (Supplied / Samuel Hudson / Courtesy of Quiet Pact Network)

For many gathered beneath the Clocktower, that presence was the strongest reassurance of all.

Advertisement
    
    This ad is not available right now due to a network issue or pending review with the Google Advertisement Network. Please check back later.
  
    Advertisement
    Why this ad?
      
        Advertising revenue keeps articles from thisquality free to read. Ads are personalised by Google, not us. Thank you for your support! 🎉

Support Brief Banner

Keep independent journalism going.

We are independent and committed to bringing authentic reporting to the people.

thisquality is built for the people and powered by their support. People like you reading this free article help us remain a strong and independent platform within New Zealand's media landscape.

I'd like to donate

About thisquality

Advertisement

Advertisement Why this ad? Advertising revenue keeps articles from thisquality free to read. Ads are personalised by Google, not us. Thank you for your support! 🎉