Since Greek and Roman classical times cities have been centres of ideas and debate, and the first universities were founded in cities. This was also true of New Zealand, where the University of Otago in Dunedin led the way in 1871. More than any other city, Dunedin came to be viewed as a university town, especially following 20th-century industrial decline. In 2009 the university was the city’s economic and cultural life-blood.

This is the university’s capping parade – held before annual graduation ceremonies – passing through the Octagon in 1955. The huge turnout highlights the strong link between ‘town and gown’.