Covid-19 vaccination requirements at the University of Waikato
On this page
- Covid-19 vaccination requirements at the University of Waikato
- What it means for students
- Information about our venues
- Information for visitors
- Student FAQs
A vaccine pass is no longer required for most campus users.
The University reviewed its vaccination requirement by carrying out a process similar to that taken before we introduced it, that is, conducting an updated risk assessment, and seeking feedback from students and staff.
The vaccination requirement at the University ended on 30 June 2022.
This is subject to the University continuing with other health and safety measures. A vaccination requirement remains for some groups of campus users.
Groups still required to be vaccinated
A University vaccination requirement remains in place until 31 October 2022 for the following groups:
- Staff and students in University accommodation
- Staff and contractors in catering or food and beverage service roles
Staff and students working or studying in any Government-mandated areas will also still require a valid My Vaccine Pass.
When students provide verification of their vaccination status to us, this information is held in MyWaikato in accordance with privacy legislation.
If you are a student in any of the above groups and choose not to be vaccinated or not to share your vaccination status, you will be supported to choose online study options. Student support services will still be available to you online.
How long will the vaccination requirement last?
The requirement is currently in place until 30 June 2022. From 1 July 2022, most campus users will not require a vaccine pass. The requirement for vaccination will continue across some select groups at the University, including those in Halls of Residence, those studying/working in Government-mandated areas, and staff and contractors in catering/food and beverage service roles.
Will the University accept a negative test result instead of My Vaccine Pass?
The University does not have the capacity to establish and monitor a testing and test result verification process as a basis for use of our campuses and sites.
As part of your enrolment to study at the University of Waikato, we need you to provide your current Covid-19 vaccination status.
Even if you are only enrolling in NET coded (online) papers, if you intend to visit campus at any time or for any reason (for example, to use facilities such as computer labs, or to meet classmates), we need to know you have a Ministry of Health-issued Vaccine Pass.
Doesn’t requiring students to receive a vaccine in order to access their tertiary education go against the Code of Pastoral Care/individual rights etc?
No, this decision does not infringe on the rights of individuals. The University will continue to offer a range of programmes and papers online for students who choose not to be vaccinated or provide evidence of their vaccination status.
The University has an obligation under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 to provide a safe environment for students, staff, contractors and visitors, and we must show we have taken steps to reduce the overall risk of contracting or spreading Covid-19.
Further Information and Documents
- Health and Safety Risk Assessment
- Unite against Covid-19
- Staff Covid-19 form
- Students who have tested positive or are isolating need to fill in the Covid-19 form on MyWaikato