Graduation will begin at 8am with a powhiri at the marae, followed at 10am by the annual Gown and Town Hikoi from Mitchell Park Reserve through the centre of Whakatane to Te Manuka Tutahi.
The now traditional procession along The Strand has become a highlight of the day's events with hundreds of well wishers lining the street to perform haka and cheer on the formal parade of students, academic staff and Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi council members in academic regalia.
The formal capping ceremony begins at 11am.
A number of special awards will be made, including the presentation of an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) in Maori Development to master navigator and waka builder Hekenukumai Puhipi (Hector Busby) of Te Rarawa, Ngati Kuri and Ngati Kahu.
The honorary doctorate acknowledges outstanding academic achievement and endeavour over a lifetime.
Hekenukumai Busby is recognised internationally as a leading figure in the revival of ancient Polynesian navigation and ocean voyaging techniques using the movement of the elements, stars, moon and birds as navigational tools.
He has built more than 30 vessels and continues to make a significant contribution to waka construction, voyaging and navigation throughout the Pacific.