Campus Memorial and Commemorative Register Policy

To manage: 

• The design and placement of memorial plaques. 

• Entries in the Otago Polytechnic Memorial and Commemorative Register. 

All Otago Polytechnic owned, and managed property located in Dunedin, Cromwell, and Auckland concerning memorial services, the placement of physical memorials and the compilation of entries for the Otago Polytechnic Memorial and Commemorative Register. 

Memorial – a service or plaque that commemorates a person, group, or a significant commemorative event such as an anniversary of the campus opening. 

Dedicated Tree – a tree that has previously been donated as a memorial will be protected, however, this is no longer offered, effective as of 1st January 2024). 

Otago Polytechnic Memorial and Commemorative Register – an online compilation of epitaphs and information on the location of physical memorials to a person, group, or event* located on the Otago Polytechnic Dunedin campus.  *Event e.g. Otago Polytechnic 50-year 2016 plaque dedication in The Hub, and time capsule in the courtyard. 

https://www.op.ac.nz/about-us/memorial-site-homepage/ 

1. Memorial Services 

1.1. Memorial services to commemorate a significant campus event or the life of ākonga or kaimahi who have died while studying or working at Otago Polytechnic may be held on the Polytechnic campuses. Such services are to be conducted by the Otago Polytechnic Chaplain, local kaumatua or other persons approved by the Executive Director, or equivalent. 

1.2. This extends to include former long-serving kaimahi and others closely connected to the Polytechnic as approved by the Executive Director, or equivalent. 

1.3. Requests for memorial services should be submitted to the appropriate Executive Director or equivalent. 

1.4. No human remains (including ashes) are allowed on Campus as part of a memorial service or related event. For cultural reasons, the burial or scattering of ashes is also not allowed. 

2. Memorial Plaques 

2.1. The design, format and placement of plaques will be managed by the Campus Services Team Leader. Plaques will not include photographs. 

2.2. Only one plaque per individual will be permitted and the cost of the plaque will be borne by the requester. 

2.3. All requests for placement of a plaque should be submitted to the Campus Services Team Leader. 

4. Memorial and Commemorative Register 

4.1. Campus Services Team Leader shall ensure that the online Otago Polytechnic Memorial and Commemorative Register is updated as required with new entries and shall be accessible on the Otago Polytechnic website. 

4.2. Entries for the Otago Polytechnic Memorial and Commemorative Register should be submitted to the Campus Services Team Leader using the Otago Polytechnic Memorial/Commemoration Request Form in Appendix 1. 

4.3. The word limit for the request shall be approximately one hundred and fifty (150) words. 

4.4. Submissions may be edited for format, length, duplication of information and typographical errors before inclusion in the Otago Polytechnic Memorial and Commemorative Register. 

5. Other Memorials/Commemorations 

5.1. Requests for memorials other than as described in Clauses 1 to 4 above will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Executive Director or equivalent 

5.2. Existing Memorials 

5.2.1. All existing memorials on campus shall remain in situ or, with appropriate consultation appropriate consultation, be accommodated or relocated in any redevelopment or landscaping of the campus. 

5.2.2. The Otago Polytechnic Campus Development and Living Campus Plan will, wherever possible, work around the designated memorial area(s) to minimise future relocation issues. 

Campus Memorial/Commemoration Request Form 

Otago Polytechnic Memorial and Commemorative Register  https://www.op.ac.nz/about-us/memorial-site-homepage/ 

Otago Polytechnic Campus Memorial/Commemoration Request Form (click to download).

Approved by:
Te Kāhui Manukura

13/8/24