Business leader Theresa Gattung has been recognised with the highest honour, being made a Dame Companion of New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to women, governance, and philanthropy. She is commended for her focus of supporting women to lead and achieve, while holding a range of both commercial and charitable governance roles. Theresa graduated Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington with a Bachelor of Laws in 1988, and received a Distinguished Alumni Award in 2007.

Fellow alumna Katie Sadleir, has been made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to sports governance and women. Katie has held influential roles in sports administration and governance since the 1990s and was appointed as the first woman CEO of the Commonwealth Games Federation in 2021. Katie completed a Master in Sport and Leisure Studies in 1991, which included a thesis on the growth in Masters Swimming—competitive swimming competitions for those aged 20 and above.

Among the other honours, our alumni have been recognised for a wide range of disciplines including sports, literature, wildlife conservation, engineering, and education.

All alumni who were honoured are listed below. Congratulations to them all.

Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (DNZM):

Ms Theresa Elizabeth Gattung, CNZM—for services to women, governance and philanthropy.
Bachelor of Laws, 1988.

Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM):

Ms Katie Sadleir—for services to sports governance and women.
Master of Arts (Applied), 1991.

Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM):

Mr Ian Grant—for services to literature and historical preservation.
Bachelor of Arts, 1987.

Dr Murray Williams—for services to literature and historical preservation.
Bachelor of Science with Honours, 1968.

Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM):

Mrs Karen Bartlett—for services to the community and social services.
Master of Public Administration (Executive), 2013.

Mr Barry Brown—for services to structural engineering.
Bachelor of Science, 1969.

Mr Grant Arthur Harrison—for services to volleyball.
Bachelor of Science, 1984.

Mrs Ally Todd—for services to equestrian coaching and water safety.
Master of Arts (Applied), 1997.

Ms Lisa Whittle—for services to wildlife conservation.
Master of Education, 2006.

Companion of the King’s Service Order (KSO):

Mr Michael Hollings—for services to education and Māori.
Master of Arts, 2000.

The New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration (DSD):

Wing Commander Mark Whiteside—for services to the New Zealand Defence Force.
Master of Strategic Studies, 2018.