Seventy-six students are graduating, including 40 Maori doctors, 13 Maori physiotherapists and five Maori pharmacists - as well as seven dentists, five oral health graduates and two doctors of clinical dentistry.
Graduating in absentia is Dr Rob Mane, who is continuing his training towards becoming the University of Otago's and New Zealand's first Maori maxillofacial surgeon.
The university's Maori Health Workforce Development Unit (MHWU) programme manager Zoe Bristowe said the cohort would have a widespread, positive impact on New Zealand's health workforce and communities.
''It's inspiring to know that many of these graduates will make a significant difference to Maori health,'' she said.
Dr Mane, of Ngapuhi descent, said it was a good time to reflect on those people who had supported him in achieving such academic success.
''I am grateful for the opportunities I received while doing my qualification at Otago,'' Dr Mane said.
''I also want to thank everyone including my family and friends who helped me succeed in gaining my qualification.'
The milestone will be celebrated at Te Heika Pounamu, the University of Otago's pre-graduation ceremony for Maori students, tomorrow, at the Otago Business School.
Dignitaries expected to attend the ceremony include iwi and University Council representatives as well as Minister of Health and Dunedin North MP Dr David Clark.
