Paying tribute to Jock Davies at graduation

The late Otago Polytechnic graduate Jock Davies has been honoured and celebrated by former classmates and kaimahi at a pre-graduation ceremony at the Sargood Centre.

In tribute, many attending the Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health (ISEH) pre-graduation wore Birkenstock sandals or gumboots with their graduation robes – a nod to Jock’s favourite footwear.

His parents Peter and Sarah, and older brothers George and Tom, were presented with Jock’s Bachelor of Applied Science degree at the ceremony.

Jock was just 21 years old when he was tragically killed in a hunting accident on Rakiura Stewart Island in July 2025.

Head of School Brendon Timmins said Jock’s loss created a massive void for everyone at ISEH, especially his classmates.

I'm very proud of how you [ākonga] gathered around each other and kept going. But all this pales in comparison to what you, Jock's family, have been through since the accident.

Brendon Timmins

Brendon said everyone at ISEH thought the world of Jock, who studied with quiet determination and was known for his lightning-fast quips.

“You could never get one over Jock; he was the master of comebacks.”

Peter Davies said his son found his pathway in life at ISEH. He described graduation day as very emotional for the family, but also a time of celebration because Jock had worked so hard to achieve his degree.

The Davies family also attended the official Graduation Ceremony at the Dunedin Town Hall later in the day, where they received a kōha from Otago Polytechnic.

Jock was one of three graduates to be awarded qualifications posthumously at Graduation this year. Michael Sherry had achieved a Bachelor of Engineering Technology, and Kees Payne had attained his New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 3).

For Otago Polytechnic, it has been a privilege to honour the memories and accomplishments of these much-missed ākonga at our 2026 Graduation.

>> The Otago Daily Times published an article and video about Jock's graduation here (Subscriber link).