Mr Hughes, an alumnus of the University, has dedicated over 40 years of his life to public service and has made significant contributions to upholding and enhancing Aotearoa New Zealand’s democracy.
Chancellor John Allen is delighted that the University is recognising Mr Hughes with this honour.
“Peter Hughes is a highly respected public servant, who has always approached his work with tireless professionalism, commitment, and political neutrality. He has led with integrity and compassion and has sought out continuous improvement in all areas of the public service.”
Mr Hughes launched his public service career at the Department of Social Welfare in the early 1980s. His journey led him to the health sector, where he held positions including deputy director-general of health and chief executive of the Health Funding Authority. He went on to lead the Department of Internal Affairs.
In 2001, recognised for his expertise in social welfare, he assumed leadership of the government’s largest department, the Ministry of Social Development. During his decade-long tenure he initiated a series of changes, met high performance targets, and enacted policy that impacted many everyday New Zealanders.
“It has been the privilege of my life to serve as a public servant including as Public Service Commissioner. Our public servants do the work they do because they care and want to make a difference. They have my total respect and admiration,” Mr Hughes says.
Mr Hughes has maintained a strong connection with the University since graduating in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. He served as the Chair of the Advisory Board of the University’s School of Government and was a member of the Faculty of Commerce and Administration’s MBA Advisory Board. His contributions were recognised in 2010 when he was awarded a Hunter Fellowship, which acknowledges outstanding contribution to the advancement of the University.
After 30 years in the New Zealand state sector, Mr Hughes transitioned to the education sector as Professor of Public Management and Head of School of Government at Victoria University. During his tenure, he established the research fund supporting governance, social, and environmental policies. He also served as Board Chair for the Australia and New Zealand School of Government. Later, he became Secretary for Education, leading sector reforms, and then served as State Services Commissioner until his retirement in February 2024.
Mr Hughes has been involved in various boards and received numerous accolades, including the Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his state service, and was named Wellingtonian of the Year in the Government category in 2013.
"I am humbled and moved to receive this award from the University I graduated from right at the very beginning of my public service career. By honouring me with this award the University honours all public servants and the spirit of service to the community they bring to their work. I thank the University for that.”