Dame Winnie has held the role of Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Pasifika) at Victoria University of Wellington since 2010, where she provides strategic direction and support to Pasifika students and staff and promotes Pasifika student enrolment, welfare and achievement.
Alongside her role as Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Pasifika), Dame Winnie actively builds strong relationships across the University and in the wider education sector, and has been involved in initiatives such as the Pacific Climate Change Conference and the Relay for Life, a community event that raises awareness and funds to support the work of the Cancer Society.
Prior to working at Victoria University of Wellington Dame Winnie was a Member of Parliament, holding the position of Minister of Pacific Island Affairs in Helen Clark’s Labour Government. She was also the first female Pacific Island Member of Parliament in New Zealand.
Dame Winnie says she feels honoured to receive this recognition of her career and achievements.
“My parents came from Samoa to New Zealand in the 1950s to give their children better education and greater opportunities. My work has been to build on their legacy, encouraging the next generation to work hard and to reach their potential at Victoria University of Wellington, in New Zealand, and in Pacific Island countries,” she says.
Victoria University of Wellington congratulates Dame Winnie on this recognition of her outstanding contribution, as well as all staff, alumni and friends of the University who were acknowledged in the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours List:
The New Zealand Order of Merit
To be Dames Companion of the said Order (DNZM):
The Honourable Luamanuvao Winifred Alexandra Laban, QSO
DSOCWK 1991, Victoria staff member, Donor
For services to education and the Pacific community
Ms Catherine Alice Healy
BA 1993
For services to the rights of sex workers
To be Knights Companion of the said Order (KNZM):
The Right Honourable Simon William English
BAHons 1988
For services to the State
To be Officers of the said Order (ONZM):
Ms Briar Grace-Smith
MA 2010
For services to theatre, film and television
To be Members of the said Order (MNZM):
Ms Jacqueline Emma Clarke
BA 1992
For services to the entertainment industry
Ms Dianne Eileen Daniels
MED 2007
For services to digital literacy education
Dr Judith Anne Davey
Institute for Governance and Policy Studies Senior Associate
For services to seniors
Dr Sharon Ellen Barcello Gemmell
PGDEDP 2010, MED 2013
For services to Māori and education
Mrs Ethelwyn Lloyd
PGDEDP 2005, MED 2010
For services to administrative professional development
Professor Elisabeth McDonald
BA 1982, LLB 1998, former Victoria staff member
For services to the law and education
Mr Steven Sedley
BA 1959, MA 1964
For services to the Jewish community and music
Mrs Lesley Stanley
BA 1975
For services to education and the support of children
The Very Reverend Pamela Jean Tankersley
BSc 1969
For services to the Presbyterian Church and the community
The Queen’s Service Medal (QSM):
Ms Virginia Chong, JP
Donor (as Trustee, Chinese Poll Tax Heritage Trust)
For services to the Chinese community
Ms Linda Dorothy Conning
BA 1975
For services to conservation.