Distinguished Alumni Awards

Every two years the University acknowledges a selection of top-achieving alumni who have made a major contribution in their field.

Recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Awards 2021
L-R: Professor Wendy Larner, Professor Rawinia Higgins, Stacey Shortall, Lisa McLaren, Sir Maarten Wevers, Rachel Taulelei, Chris Parkin, Judge Heemi Taumaunu and John Allen.

Our Distinguished Alumni are leaders, game changers, and innovators who have made a significant impact in their field.

Check out some of our previous Distinguished Alumni Awards winners and listen to podcasts recorded with these alumni.

Nomination process

Nominations for our 2023 awards are now closed. We will be welcoming nominations again in the second half of 2024 for the 2025 awards.

Alumni, current staff, and friends of Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington are invited to submit nominations for the Distinguished Alumni Awards. 

The nomination process is confidential and it is requested that nominations are made without the nominee's knowledge.
A nomination can be made by an individual or a group. If more than one nomination is submitted by the same person or group, each submission must be made separately.

A nomination form needs to be completed. This will include:

  • name and contact information for nominator/nominee
  • nominee’s academic achievements and awards or honours received
  • nominee’s current occupation
  • statement of support – why does this nominee deserve to be selected
  • names and contact details for at least two referees.

Eligibility

Nominees must have a fully completed degree or diploma from Victoria University of Wellington.

A Distinguished Alumni Award will not be awarded to:

  • a current employee of the University
  • a current member of the University Council
  • a member of the selection panel
  • a recipient of an Honorary Doctorate from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University
  • a serving Member of Parliament.

Criteria

Distinguished Alumni Awards are awarded based on one or more of the following criteria:

  • outstanding contributions to their professions, their communities, and to New Zealand
  • outstanding professional or voluntary service
  • sustained contributions to the social, cultural, environmental, or economic wellbeing of the community
  • outstanding achievements in team or individual sport to national representative level.

Selection

Recipients are selected by Victoria University of Wellington Honours committee.

Nominations that were shortlisted from previous years may be put forward for subsequent years.

Awards ceremony

Recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Awards will be celebrated at an event later in 2023.

Contact

For any enquiries please contact the Alumni and Engagement Office
Email: alumni@vuw.ac.nz