Law lecturer Professor Richard Boast QC was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for his contribution to history, Māori land law and property law over the last four decades.
Professor Boast has written five books and dozens of chapters and journal articles, as well as more than 30 research reports for Waitangi Tribunal inquiries. He has been counsel for a number of iwi in Waitangi Tribunal inquiries and has helped groups negotiate Treaty settlements with the Crown. He was appointed a Queen’s Counsel in 2015 in recognition of his contributions to New Zealand legal-historical scholarship.
Professor of Management Sally Davenport was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to science. She has more than 25 years’ experience as a researcher, manager and educator in science, technology, management and innovation.
Professor Davenport’s research interests cover the growth of innovative firms, the commercialisation of science and collaboration between researchers and business, and high-tech entrepreneurship and incubators. In 2011, she was appointed the inaugural commissioner of the Productivity Commission and is the director of the Science for Technological Innovation National Science Challenge.
Associate Professor in Education Kabini Sanga was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to education and the Pacific community.
A respected researcher of Pacific leadership, education and indigenous issues, Associate Professor Sanga was director and chief executive officer of the Solomon Islands’ premier state tertiary institution before joining Victoria in 2000. He has been a driving force of various educational initiatives, including being convenor and mentor of the Pacific Leadership Cluster at the University—through which more than 1,500 students have been mentored.
Former Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor and long-serving Council member, The Honourable Douglas White QC, was knighted for services to the judiciary.
Sir Douglas was appointed a Queen’s Counsel in 1988 and spent 20 years at the senior bar, had wide-ranging civil practice and conducted inquiries for the Prime Minister, the State Services Commissioner and numerous others.
He was later appointed Judge of the High Court, Judge of the Court of Appeal and Judge of the Cook Islands’ Court of Appeal. He is currently President of the Law Commission.
Distinguished Alumni Award winner in 2013, The Honourable Georgina te Heuheu QSO was made a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (DNZM) for services to the State and Māori.
Dame Georgina was the first Māori woman in New Zealand to graduate in Law and gain admission to the High Court as a barrister and solicitor in 1972. She was a Member of Parliament serving five terms until retiring in 2011.
Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Rawinia Higgins congratulates Victoria’s winners and all alumni also recognised for achievements in their fields.
“The honours list recognises the achievements of our Victoria University community and our associations across the nation. Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa.”
Victoria alumni recognised in the 2018 New Year Honours include:
The New Zealand Order of Merit
Dame Companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit (DNZM)
The Honourable Georgina te Heuheu QSO for services to the State and Māori
Knight Companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit (KNZM)
The Honourable Douglas White QC for services to the judiciary
Companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM)
Graeme Wheeler for services to the State
Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM)
Donald Best for services to music
Professor Richard Boast for services to law and Māori
Helene Wong for services to the arts and the Chinese community
Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM)
Professor Sally Davenport for services to science
Virginia Goldblatt for services to arbitration and mediation
Dr Debbie Ryan for services to the Pacific community and health
Sarah Reo for services to Māori and education
Honorary Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM)
Valeti Finau for services to education and the Pacific community
Companions of the Queen’s Service Order (QSO)
The Honourable Chester Borrows for services as a Member of Parliament
Queen’s Service medal (QSM)
Cynthia Ward for services to nursing and children’s health
Dick Williams for services to the State