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
You must have a Ministry of Health-issued My Vaccine Pass to visit the University campuses and sites.
The University of Waikato vaccination requirement reflects our assessment of the health and safety risk in the University environment, the views of the University community, and the information about the likely course of the pandemic available at the time the requirement was put in place.
With recent Government changes to vaccine mandates and the use of vaccine passes, the University has 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.
Although the current setting of the Covid-19 Protection Framework (traffic light system) does not require vaccine passes in tertiary education settings, our vaccine requirement remains in place for all settings of the traffic light system until 30 June 2022. From 1 July 2022, vaccine passes will not be required for most campus users.
While still in place, the requirement applies to all staff, students and contractors who are working or studying on campus.
A valid Ministry of Health-issued My Vaccine Pass is accepted as evidence of your current vaccination or exemption status. This provides certainty for everyone that the University can remain open as a safe place of study and work no matter what traffic light setting we are at.
Students
When you provide verification of your vaccination status to us, this information is held in MyWaikato in accordance with privacy legislation.
If you 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.
Some programmes require students to be fully vaccinated in order to undertake internships, placements and practicums in sectors covered by Ministry of Health vaccination orders.
If you have any questions, contact the Student Services team.
Venues
My Vaccine Pass is required for anyone entering the following University venues:
- Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts
- UniRec gym
- University swimming pools
- Kaimai Shuttle
Visitors
Our vaccination requirement applies to visitors to our campuses and sites as follows:
- All visitors on University business.
- All visitors as part of external bookings. The person making the booking must confirm with their University contact that all those attending the booked event have provided evidence of vaccination.
- Your University contact or our front desk staff may request to verify your vaccine pass.
Our vaccination requirement does not apply as follows:
- Visitors to our campuses and sites for public events that are not organised by the University, for example Balloons Over Waikato. If you visit the University for public events you will need to comply with any vaccination requirements put in place by the organisers of the event.
- Visitors to our campuses and sites for recreational purposes, such as outdoor exercise.
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
- Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement
- Hazard and Risk Assessment
- Staff Covid-19 form
- Students who have tested positive or are self-isolating need to fill in the Covid-19 form on MyWaikato