Recognised for the highest honours, Supreme Court Judge Honourable Justice Stephen Kós has been made Knight Companion of New Zealand Order of Merit, and Helene Quilter was made Dame Companion of New Zealand Order of Merit.
Sir Stephen graduated from Te Kauhanganui Tatai Ture—Faculty of Law in 1981, winning the Chapman Tripp Centenary Prize for his graduating year. He was a junior lecturer at the Faculty for three years, and continues to teach restitution, evidence, and civil procedure part-time.
Dame Helene was recognised for her significant contribution to the public sector and the arts. Noted in her citation was her advocacy for diversity and inclusion. Dame Helene completed a Master of Strategic Studies at the University in 2005.
Among the recipients of other honours were expert Māori arts conservationist James Schuster, Pacific health advocate Tofilau Talalelei Senetenari Taufale, human rights advocate Joy Dunsheath, and investigative journalist Nicholas Hager.
All alumni who were honoured are listed below. Congratulations to them all.
Dame Companion of New Zealand Order of Merit (DNZM)
Ms Helene Elizabeth Quilter, QSO—for services to the public service and the arts.
Master of Strategic Studies, 2005.
Knight Companion of New Zealand Order of Merit (KNZM)
The Honourable John Stephen Kós—for services to the judiciary and legal education.
Bachelor of Laws with Honours, 1981.
Companions of New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM)
Mr Rodney Keith Bracefield—for services to Search and Rescue and aviation.
Diploma is Business Administration, 1981.
Mr Colin Charles James—for services to journalism and public policy.
Honorary Doctorate in Literature, 2008.
Officers of New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM):
Mr Rodney David Baxter—for services to youth.
Bachelor of Arts, 2003.
Mr Nicholas Robert Billowes—for services to education.
Bachelor of Science, 1974.
Mr Philip Maurice Clarke—for services to arts governance.
Bachelor of Arts, 1977.
Master of Arts, 1979.
Diploma in Library and Information Studies, 1981
Ms Ria Lorraine Earp—for services to health.
Bachelor of Arts, 1982.
Master of Business Administration, 1991.
Mr Nicolas Alfred Hager—for services to investigative journalism.
Bachelor of Science, 1980.
Bachelor of Arts with Honours, 1982.
Mrs Sunita Devi Narayan—for services to language education and the Indian community.
Postgraduate Certificate of Intercultural Communication and Applied Translation, 2022.
Mr James Schuster—for services to Māori arts and heritage preservation.
Bachelor of Arts, 1979.
Bachelor of Science, 1980.
Mr John Frederic Taylor—for services to disabled people.
Bachelor of Science, 1980.
Members of New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM):
Ms Joy Dunsheath, JP—for services to human rights, women and education.
Bachelor of Arts with Honours, 1983.
Superintendent Rakesh Sharanund Naidoo—for services to the New Zealand Police and ethnic communities.
Certificate in Contemporary Policing, 2004.
Mr Barry Thomas Pickering—for services to football.
Bachelor of Commerce and Administration, 1991.
Ms Nicola Ann Saker (Lady O’Regan)—for services to heritage preservation and the arts.
Bachelor of Arts, 1978.
Master of Arts, 2018.
Tofilau Talalelei Senetenari Taufale—for services to Pacific health.
Bachelor of Arts, 1989.
Dr Rangituatahi Te Kanawa—for services to Māori art and heritage preservation.
Master of Science, 2006.
Doctor of Philosophy, 2021.
Queen's Service Medal (QSM):
Ms Dianne Joy Buchan, JP—For services to the community and environment.
Master of Public Policy, 2005.
Ms Lynne Cousins—for services to social welfare.
Master of Public Policy, 2002.
Mr Rodney James Graham—for services to the community.
Graduate Diploma Special Needs Res Teaching, 2001.
Reverend Alofa Ta'ase Lale—for services to the community
Bachelor of Arts, 1992.
Diploma Teaching English/Speakers of Other Languages, 2000
Mrs Teremoana Maua-Hodges—for services to sport and culture.
Post Graduate Diploma in Education & Professional Development, 2008
The New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration (DSD):
Lieutenant Colonel Vanessa Maria Ropitini—for services to the New Zealand Defence Force.
Master of Strategic Studies, 2018