UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO

The University of Otago, known as Te Whare Wānanga o Ōtākou in Māori, is a renowned public research collegiate institution nestled in Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. With its origins dating back to 1869, Otago proudly holds the distinction of being New Zealand’s oldest university and one of the venerable institutions in Oceania. The university’s establishment was spearheaded by a committee led by Thomas Burns and officially sanctioned by an ordinance of the Otago Provincial Council. From 1874 to 1961, the University of Otago was an integral part of the federal University of New Zealand, conferring degrees under its aegis.

Otago is celebrated for its vibrant student culture, notably characterized by the unique tradition of “flatting” in old houses, where students often name their flats. The affectionate moniker for Otago students, “Scarfie,” arises from the practice of donning scarves to combat the chilly southern winters. The university’s graduation anthem, “Gaudeamus igitur, iuvenes dum sumus” (“Let us rejoice, while we are young”), pays tribute to the enduring spirit of students. Additionally, Otago is home to Critic, New Zealand’s longest-running student magazine, which enriches the campus experience.