Among a number of members of the Victoria University of Wellington community who were recognised in the 2017 New Year Honours, is current student Paralympian Liam Malone.
Described as "one of the breakout stars of the 2016 Paralympic games" in Rio de Janeiro, Liam—who is studying towards a Bachelor of Commerce at Victoria—was made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM).
He won gold medals in the men’s 200 metre T44 and men’s 400 metre T44 events and set Paralympic records in both events. He also won silver in the men’s 100 metre T44.
Liam had previously competed at the 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships in the 100 and 200 metre T44 events.
He received a Victoria University Blues Award for athletics in 2015. A Blues Award is the highest sporting accolade the University can give to students who have brought credit to the institution through their sporting achievements or contribution to sport.
Alumna The Honourable Fran Wilde, CNZM, QSO, was made a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (DNZM) for services to the State and the community.
Dame Fran has held leadership roles in central and local government since the early 1980s.
During her career Dame Fran has been a Member of Parliament, a Minister of the Crown, Mayor of Wellington, and Chair of the Greater Wellington Regional Council.
As an MP she successfully sponsored the Homosexual Law Reform Bill in 1986.
In the 30 years since then she has contributed significantly to a wide range of community groups and issues in a variety of roles. Early in 2016 she retired from the Wellington Regional Council, but still holds governance positions in several national and regional entities.
Dame Fran’s current community roles include Chair of Wellington on a Plate and of The Great War Exhibition, board member of Business Mentors NZ Ltd and a trustee or patron of several other organisations.
The University congratulates all students, staff, alumni and friends who were recognised in the 2016 New Year Honours.
The New Zealand Order of Merit
Dames Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (DNZM)
The Honourable Fran Wilde, CNZM, QSO (alumna) for services to the State and the community.
Knights Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (KNZM)
Brian Roche (alumnus) for services to the State and business.
To be Companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM)
The Honourable Marion Anne Frater (alumna) for services to the judiciary.
David Howman (alumnus) for services to sport.
The Honourable Patrick Keane (alumnus) for services to the judiciary.
Iain Rennie (alumnus) for services to the State.
To be Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM)
Peter Diessl (alumnus) for services to music and philanthropy.
Beverley Duff (former staff member) for services to women and education.
John Fiso (alumnus) for services to sport, education and the Pacific community.
Jennifer Gill (alumna) for services to philanthropy.
Keith Taylor (alumnus) for services to the State.
To be Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM)
Liam Malone (current student) for services to athletics.
Phillip Mann (former staff member) for services to literature and drama.
John Takarangi (alumnus) for services to Māori.
To be Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit (QSO)
Alastair Bisley (alumnus) for services to the State.
The Queen’s Service Medal (QSM)
Kerri Graham (alumna) for services to youth.
Helen Willberg (alumna) for services to music.