News
Southlanders are preparing for a major city-wide celebration this graduation season, as Kelvin Street transforms into ‘Graduation Lane’ to honour students, the community, and the return of the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) to local control.
The Graduation Walk procession, set for 12 December at 4pm, will close part of Kelvin Street and turn it into a vibrant public display. The area will be lined with large images and personal stories of SIT graduates. Colourful banners and window displays will fill the street, symbolising both student achievements and the pride Southlanders take in SIT’s renewed autonomy.
Graduation Lane is more than a ceremony – it’s a symbol of what SIT means to the region. The activation showcases SIT’s deep local roots, celebrating the people who have contributed to its success over the years and the many who benefit from it today.
SIT Interim Chief Executive Amanda Whitaker called the event “a proud moment” and said the street activation represented a major milestone for SIT’s future. “Closing Kelvin Street for the procession is more than a moment on a calendar. It is a statement that SIT is here for our community and here because of our community. Our graduates are part of our workforce and part of our future, and this is a chance for Southland to stand with them.”
Mayor Tom Campbell said, “This is who we are as Southlanders. We back our people and proudly stand behind their achievements. Graduation Lane tells the region that SIT is back where it belongs.”
The event has also drawn strong support from local leaders and businesses. Hon Penny Simmonds, Member of Parliament for Invercargill and Minister for Education, said the celebration shows everything that makes SIT exceptional. “Graduation Walk is a powerful acknowledgement of their success and of the renewed local leadership that ensures SIT remains deeply connected to Southland.”
Building owner Jason Smith immediately offered the historic H&J Smith site to display graduate stories. “Southland's success is built on generations of people who have contributed to our region. Using the building to showcase our graduates felt like the perfect way to recognise that shared history,” he said.
Cyclone Computer Company Ltd, a long-term partner of SIT, is supporting the event with custom-designed street decals. National Sales Manager Dan Norton said, “Celebrating SIT and its graduates' success is something we’re delighted to be part of.”
The Graduation Walk and week-long celebration are open to the public and promise to be a joyful expression of regional pride and student success.
The procession will follow the same route as previous years. At approximately 3:50pm today (Friday 12 December), we will depart from the Civic driveway and make our way down Esk Street toward the city centre. From there, we will turn left into ‘Graduation Lane’ (Kelvin Street) before continuing left again onto Tay Street and heading back toward SIT’s Main Campus.
As in past years, the procession will cross at the Devon Street intersection (in front of Pak’nSave and Flooring Xtra). We expect to arrive back at the Main Campus at approximately 4:40pm.