School celebrates first graduation ceremony

25 May 2007

School celebrates first graduation ceremony

The New Zealand School of Music—a centre of musical excellence established by Victoria and Massey universities—celebrates a special occasion next week with a reception for its 17 first graduates to be held at Parliament.

The reception, hosted by Wellington MP, the Hon Marian Hobbs, in Parliament's Banquet Hall, on May 28 will be attended by Minister for Tertiary Education and Finance Minister, the Hon Dr Michael Cullen, as well as a range of staff of the School, associates of Massey and Victoria universities, prominent Wellington-based people, and Members of Parliament.

Both universities, in partnership with Wellington City Council are seeking funding from many sources, including the Government, to construct a purpose-built facility in Wellington's Civic Square.

Director of the School, Professor Elizabeth Hudson, says the event is a milestone.

"The ceremonies honouring the New Zealand School of Music’s very first graduates are the culmination of years of work that have gone into establishing a tertiary institution of the highest quality. This is a wonderful time for all of us to come together to celebrate our students’ achievements—the true hallmark of the School’s success.

"We look forward to the future, particularly as the School goes from strength to strength, and hope that we can continue to produce graduates of the same standing in years to come."

The ceremony is being held on Monday 28 May from 5-7pm in the Banquet Hall, Parliament Buildings. Media are welcome to attend.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Hudson on 04 801 5799 extn 6105 or email elizabeth.hudson@nzsm.ac.nz

Since 2005, Victoria University and Massey University have been operating a joint New Zealand School of Music (NZSM), a centre of musical excellence. The NZSM website is www.nzsm.ac.nz.

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