Distinguished Alumni
These awards celebrate and honour graduates of the University of Waikato who have made outstanding contributions in their careers and communities. They are graduates who have achieved at all heights of their careers, and have achieved excellence in the professional, cultural, creative and voluntary sectors.
Past awardees highlight the diversity and excellence of Waikato's alumni, and you can read more about them below.
All graduates with a degree or diploma are eligible for nomination. Nominations from students, alumni, current and former staff of the University of Waikato and members of the community are welcome.
If you would like to nominate someone for this award, please complete the official Distinguished Alumni Awards nomination form and forward to the Alumni Office.
For more information, please contact the Alumni Office:
07 838 4348
alumni@waikato.ac.nz
2017 Awardees | |
 | Mark WilsonCEO, Aviva Bachelor of Management Studies, 1989 |
 | Professor Fui Le'apai Tu'ua 'Īlaoa Asofou So’oVice-Chancellor and President of the National University of Samoa Bachelor of Education, 1981; Bachelor of Arts, 1982; Master of Arts, 1988 |
 | Deborah ChallinorHistorian, writer Bachelor of Arts, 1981; Master of Arts (Honours), 1994; Doctor of Philosophy, 1999 |
No award ceremony was held in 2016 | |
2015 Awardees | |
 | Peter ChurchouseFinancial analyst, publisher and investor Bachelor of Arts, 1970; Master of Social Sciences, 1971 |
 | Hinewehi Mohi MNZMManaging Director, Raukatauri Productions Ltd, singer and songwriter, co-founder and trustee of the Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre Bachelor of Arts, 1985 |
 | Rob Waddell ONZMChef de Mission, New Zealand Olympic Committee Bachelor of Management Studies (Honours), 1998 |
2014 Awardees | |
 | Jamie FitzgeraldManagement consultant, adventurer and motivational speaker Bachelor of Communication Studies, 2005 |
 | Dr Arthur GrimesEconomist Bachelor of Social Sciences, 1979 |
 | Le Mamea Taulapapa Sefulu Ioane QSOAuthor; Inaugural Director, Pacific Island Education Resource Centre Bachelor of Arts, 1974 and Master of Arts, 1976 |
 | Parekawhia McLeanCEO, Waikato-Tainui Te Kauhanganui Inc Bachelor of Social Sciences, 1986 and Master of Social Sciences, 1992 |
2013 Awardees | |
 | Professor Marston ConderDistinguished Professor of Mathematics, University of Auckland Bachelor of Social Sciences, 1976 and Master of Social Sciences, 1978 |
 | Judge Stephanie MilroyMaori Land Court Judge and former Deputy Chair, Waitangi Tribunal Master of Laws, 1997 |
 | Edmund WeeManaging and Creative Director, Epigram (Design) and Publisher and CEO, Epigram Books Bachelor of Social Sciences, 1974 and Master of Social Sciences, 1976 |
2012 Awardees | |
 | Warren Gatland OBEHead Coach, Welsh Rugby Union Diploma of Teaching, 1986 |
 | Karen Morrison-HumeAnglican Missioner, Anglican Action Bachelor of Social Sciences, 1997 |
 | Murray Sherwin CNZMChairman, New Zealand Productivity Commission Bachelor of Social Sciences, 1974 and Master of Social Sciences, 1976 |
2011 Awardees | |
 | Paul BowkerOwner, Hotel on Devonport, H & H Construction Ltd Post Graduate Diploma in Management Studies, 2007 and Master of Business Administration, 2008 |
| John ErkkilaFounder and Executive Director, New Zealand Home Loans |
| Hon Hekia Parata, MPMinister of Education Bachelor of Arts, 1980 and Master of Arts, 1984 |
| Lt Col Dr Christopher Pugsley ONZM, FRHistSMilitary historian and Former Senior Lecturer War Studies, Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Doctor of Philosophy, 1992 |
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| Sam KnowlesKiwibank Founding Chief Executive Bachelor of Sciences, 1975 |
| Dr Craig Nevill-ManningDirector, New York Engineering, Google Doctor of Philosophy, 1996 |
| Lt Col Tenby PowellLeading Businessman, Director and Chairman Bachelor of Sciences, 1987 |
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| Dr Judy McGregor CNZMHead of School/Associate Dean, School of Social Sciences, AUT Bachelor of Arts, 1970 |
| Alyn WarePeace Activist Master of Education, 1989 |
| Annabelle WhiteCelebrity Chef and Cookbook Author Master of Arts, 1982 |
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| HE Lt Gen Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae GNZM QSOGovernor General and former NZ Defence Force chief Master of Arts, 1996 |
| Dr David Derek SikuaFormer Prime Minister, Solomon Islands Doctor of Philosophy, 2003 |
| Sir Peter Vela ONZMBusiness founder and owner Master of Social Sciences, 1973 |
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| Theresa Gattung CNZMLeading New Zealand business personality Bachelor of Management Studies, 1984 |
| Clare McTamneyManager - Remuneration and Benefits, ANZ Bachelor of Management Studies (Hons) and Bachelor of Laws, 1999 |
| Deryck Shaw MNZMDirector, APR Consultants Ltd Bachelor of Science, 1978 |
