New Year Honour for SOM academic
Congratulations to Professor Sally Davenport, who was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2018 New Year Honours.
Professor Sally Davenport from the School of Management has been recognised with a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to science. She has more than 25 years' experience as a researcher, manager and educator in science, technology, management and innovation.
Professor Davenport’s research interests cover the growth of innovative firms, the commercialisation of science and collaboration between researchers and business, and high-tech entrepreneurship and incubators.
In 2011, she was appointed the inaugural commissioner of the Productivity Commission and is currently the director of the Science for Technological Innovation National Science Challenge. The aim of this challenge is to take a more strategic approach to the government's science investment by targeting goals which, if achieved, will have major and enduring benefits for New Zealand.
NZBusiness recently interviewed Professor Davenport on her work and the achievements of Science for Technological Innovation, and what it all means for New Zealand small and medium enterprises.
Celebrating Victoria's New Year Honours
Two other academic staff, a former Chancellor and a Distinguished Alumni Award winner from Victoria University were also among those recognised in the 2018 New Year Honours.
Law lecturer Professor Richard Boast QC was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his contribution to history, Māori land law and property law over the last four decades.
Associate Professor in Education Kabini Sanga was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education and the Pacific community.
Former Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor and long-serving Council member, The Honourable Douglas White QC, was knighted for services to the judiciary.
Distinguished Alumni Award winner in 2013, The Honourable Georgina te Heuheu QSO was made a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (DNZM) for services to the State and Māori.
Other Victoria alumni recognised in the 2018 New Year Honours include:
Companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM)
Graeme Wheeler for services to the State
Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM)
Donald Best for services to music
Helene Wong for services to the arts and the Chinese community
Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM)
Virginia Goldblatt for services to arbitration and mediation
Dr Debbie Ryan for services to the Pacific community and health
Sarah Reo for services to Māori and education
Honorary Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM)
Valeti Finau for services to education and the Pacific community
Companions of the Queen’s Service Order (QSO)
The Honourable Chester Borrows for services as a Member of Parliament
Queen’s Service medal (QSM)
Cynthia Ward for services to nursing and children’s health
Dick Williams for services to the State