Celebrating our distinguished alumni

The achievements of six of Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s most distinguished alumni will be presented and celebrated at a special event in 2022.

The recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Awards 2021 are climate change advocate Lisa McLaren; entrepreneur and arts supporter Chris Parkin; lawyer and champion for social change Stacey Shortall; prominent business leader Rachel Taulelei; Chief District Court Judge Heemi Taumaunu, and former diplomat and public servant Sir Maarten Wevers.

Portrait of Lisa McLaren wearing a pink jacket in front of a teal chevron patterned wall.

Lisa McLaren

Lisa McLaren is one of the leading advocates for a carbon-zero Aotearoa.

Image of Chris Parkin wearing a bright blue shirt with lampshades in the background.

Chris Parkin

Chris Parkin is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and prominent supporter of the arts.

Portrait of Stacey Shortall in front of windows looking out on Wellington harbour.

Stacey Shortall

Stacey Shortall is a highly regarded lawyer and a strong advocate for a more equitable Aotearoa New Zealand.

Side on portrait of Judge Heemi Taumaunu in korowai with a dark background.

Judge Heemi Taumaunu

Judge Heemi Taumaunu was appointed chief district court judge in September 2019 after 15 years on the bench. He is the first Māori to be appointed chief judge and is a fluent te reo Māori speaker.

Portrait of Sir Maarten Wevers in front a glass door.

Sir Maarten Wevers

Sir Maarten Wevers is a former diplomat with a distinguished career as a public servant.