Professor Graham Le Gros has been made a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in recognition for his services to medical science. Professor Le Gros was director of the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research from 1994 to 2024, with his leadership driving immense growth of the institute. He secured significant funding and partnerships, enabling the Institute to undertake world-leading research to improve human health—including programmes in cancer immunotherapy, vaccine development, inflammatory disease and RNA technologies.
Professor Le Gros is an internationally recognised researcher who has dedicated his career to public health and innovation. Career-defining achievements include his leadership in bringing CAR T-cell therapy to New Zealand and playing a key role in driving the development of domestic vaccine capability during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Professor Bev Lawton (Ngāti Porou) from the University’s Tātai Hauora o Hine National Centre for Women's Health Research Aotearoa is also being honoured, with a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to women’s health. Her significant work and research in the area, notably spearheading the move towards HPV (human papilloma virus) self-testing, is improving health outcomes for women and children in Aotearoa. Professor Lawton was celebrated in 2025 as Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year.
Two alumni, entrepreneur Rod Drury and philanthropist and patron of the arts Chris Parkin, have been recognised with knighthoods.
Rod Drury (Ngāi Tahu) has been recognised for his services to business, the technology industry and philanthropy. He is the founder of accounting company Xero, which since its beginnings in 2006 has grown to become New Zealand’s second largest tech exporter, generating thousands of jobs across more than 25 locations. More recently he has been focused on philanthropy projects, with notable initiatives including environmental restoration through Mana Tāhuna and Project Tohu, funding equipment and facilities for Surf Lifesaving New Zealand, and support for Ngāi Tahu students and artists.
Chris Parkin has been recognised for his services to philanthropy and the arts. He is a tireless supporter of the arts, playing a significant role in developing Wellington’s vibrant creative and culture scene. He has consistently served the arts community through sponsorship of multiple visual arts, film, theatre, music, and dance organisations, as well as generously supporting a number of charities. In 2013 he founded New Zealand’s premier award for drawing, the Parkin Drawing Prize, which has since awarded more than $300,000 in prize money.
Both Rod Drury and Chris Parkin are recipients of the University’s Distinguished Alumni Awards.
Other alumni on the honours list have been recognised for a wide range of disciplines including law, sports, Māori development, debating, transport, and journalism.
We acknowledge and congratulate all our alumni and staff of the University who have been recognised in the 2025 New Year Honours:
Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (KNZM):
Rod Drury (Ngāi Tahu)—for services to business, the technology industry and philanthropy.
Bachelor of Commerce and Administration, 1998.
2011 Distinguished Alumni Award
Professor Graham Le Gros—for services to medical science.
University staff.
Christopher Parkin—for services to philanthropy and the arts.
Bachelor of Science, 1972.
Bachelor of Commerce and Administration, 1974.
Master of Science, 1976.
2021 Distinguished Alumni Award
Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM):
Professor Bev Lawton (Ngāti Porou)—for services to women's health.
University staff.
Professor Thomas Charles Roa, JP (Ngāti Maniapoto, Waikato, Ngāti Apakura)—for services to Māori language and education.
Bachelor of Arts, 1974.
Diploma in Teaching English as Second Language, 1983.
Rachel Taulelei (Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga, Ngāti Huia ki Katihiku, Ngāti Rārua)—for services to business, Māori and governance.
Bachelor of Laws, 1998.
2021 Distinguished Alumni Award
Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM):
Chrissie Cowan (Ngāti Kahungunu, Rangitāne, Ngāti Porou)—for services to Māori, particularly blind and low vision people.
Certificate in Maori Business, 2003.
Tony Egan—for services to the agricultural industry and the community.
Bachelor of Arts, 1990.
Richard Harman—for services to journalism and broadcasting.
Master of International Relations, 1998.
Jack Hodder—for services to the law.
Bachelor of Arts,1975.
Bachelor of Laws with Honours, 1976.
Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM):
Peter Cullen—for services to law, governance and youth.
Bachelor of Laws, 1975.
Rosemary Dixon—for services to schools debating.
Bachelor of Arts with Honours, 1977.
Bachelor of Laws with Honours, 1995.
Roger Drummond—for services to rugby and Māori.
Bachelor of Laws, 1976.
Bachelor of Arts and Administration, 1976.
Diploma in Accounting, 1981.
Kāren Johansen (Rongowhakaata, Te Aitanga a Mahāki, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri)— for services to education and human rights.
Bachelor of Arts, 1966.
Dr Murray King—for services to transport, logistics and railway heritage.
Bachelor of Arts with Honours, 1969.
PhD, 1972.
Bachelor of Laws, 2005.
Master of Laws, 2016.
Professor Andrew Stockley—for services to schools debating.
Bachelor of Arts, 1988.
Bachelor of Laws, 1989.
Senior Constable Grant Watts—for services to the New Zealand Police and youth.
Certificate in Contemporary Policing, 2009.