From services to wildlife conservation to structural engineering, the contributions of these outstanding UC graduates have made a world of difference within their communities, and UC is proud to recognise the distinctions bestowed.
Companions of the New سԹOrder of Merit:
, for services to Māori, governance and the community.
Arahia (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Porou, Ngāpuhi) was the longest serving Chief Executive Officer of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, from 2012 to 2024, and the first woman to hold the position. Under her leadership, Ngāi Tahu worked with the government and Christchurch City Council to assist with the 2011 Canterbury earthquakes and the 2019 Christchurch terrorist attack.
Officer of the New سԹOrder of Merit:
for services to structural engineering and design. Robert is a world-leading earthquake engineer with more than 45 years of experience in the assessment and design of buildings and infrastructure projects nationally and internationally.
, for services to music direction. Gemma has held high positions with orchestras across North America and Aotearoa New سԹand is regarded as a rising star in the classical world.
for services to wildlife conservation. Dr O’Donnell has been a scientist with the New سԹWildlife Service and the Department of Conservation (DOC) since the 1980s, carrying out many studies of the distribution, habitat use and populations of aquatic birds, and is recognised as the country’s leading expert in New سԹlong-tailed and short-tailed bats.
for services to medical physics and biomedical engineering. Dr Round is internationally respected in the fields of medical physics and biomedical engineering over four decades.
Member of the New سԹOrder of Merit:
for services to volleyball. Grant has contributed to the development of regional and national volleyball in New سԹfor more than 40 years.
for services to the community and rugby. Rex’s contribution to education and the community spanned 60 years until his retirement in 2023.
King’s Service Medal:
for services to the community. Trish has been recognised for an outstanding contribution to the Southland community through various community initiatives, particularly through Rotary.
