Distinguished Alumni
Every two years we acknowledge a number of our top-achieving alumni. Congratulations to our 2021 Distinguished Alumni Awards recipients.
Lisa McLaren—BA 2010, BSc 2010, MEnvStud 2014
Lisa McLaren was National Convenor of the Zero Carbon Act campaign for Generation Zero and is one of New Zealand’s leading advocates for a carbon-zero Aotearoa.
Chris Parkin—BSc 1972, BCA 1974, MSc(Hons) 1976
Chris Parkin is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, collector, patron of the arts, former hotelier, and three term Wellington city councillor.
Stacey Shortall—BCA 1994, LLB 1995
Stacey Shortall is an internationally recognised litigation lawyer and a strong advocate for a more equitable Aotearoa New Zealand.
Rachel Taulelei, Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga, Ngāti Rārua—LLB 1998
Rachel Taulelei is a prominent business leader, particularly in the food and beverage sector, and a strong advocate for the Māori economy and sustainability.
Judge Heemi Taumaunu, Ngāti Pōrou, Ngāti Konohi and Ngāi Tahu—LLB 1993
Judge Heemi Taumaunu was appointed chief district court judge in September 2019 and is the first Māori to be appointed chief judge.
Sir Maarten Wevers, KNZM—BSc 1973, BA(Hons) 1976
Sir Maarten Wevers has had a distinguished career as a public servant and New Zealand diplomat, building a reputation for thoroughness and efficiency.
Previous recipients
Victoria University of Wellington graduates have gone on to do incredible things. See who has won a Distinguished Alumni Award in recent years.