Despite the cancellation of Saturday’s public graduation ceremony at the Dunedin Town Hall, families of many of the 370 students who were due to graduate in person were undeterred.
Revelling in eventually sunny weather, and generally observing Covid-19 social distancing guidelines, many scores of families and soon-to-be graduates swarmed on to the University of Otago campus.
While some had had to cancel bookings and flights, many out-of-town families who could do so had headed south despite the public ceremony being cancelled.
Graduands picked up and wore capping regalia, and family members took happy photographs of them.
Otago Chamber of Commerce chief executive Dougal McGowan welcomed the arrival of many out-of-town people and the vibrant spirit of do-it-yourself celebration on campus, which would also have a positive impact on restaurants and the hospitality sector, despite some accommodation cancellations.
It was "positive" that many people had still come south, which would "absolutely" boost the city economy.
"It’s great to have these people.
"They’re trying to make the most of it," he said.
"It’s all these little bits that make a massive difference," he added.
Otago University Students Association president Jack Manning said students and their families had shown a welcome spirit of "resilience" by continuing their celebrations on campus, and Dunedin would benefit economically from many families arriving in the city.
"I think it’s showing a level of confidence."
Students who had stayed in Dunedin during the earlier pandemic lockdown had developed "a new relationship with the city" and were happy to share that feeling with visiting family members.
"This makes complete sense— people wanting to get out there," Mr Manning said of Saturday’s celebrations.
The overall response showed "a general sense of optimism".
"Graduation is still a very special time for people."
Capping was "part of the Dunedin culture".
"Even in a Covid environment, it’s still a city celebration when the people’s families come down."