The University of Waikato’s Pro-Chancellor and five alumni have been recognised for their achievements and community contributions in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit
Distinguished Alumni Dame Hinewehi Mohi and the University's Pro-Chancellor Susan Hassall ONZM
Hinewehi Mohi MNZM (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāi Tūhoe), who received a Distinguished Alumni Award from the University in 2015, was named a Dame Companion in recognition of her contribution to music, television production, charity work, and advocacy for te reo and tikanga Māori.
In 1999 Ms Mohi released the first Māori language album to be released internationally. That same year she sang New Zealand’s national anthem in te reo Māori at Twickenham Stadium in the UK, which was the first time this had been done at an international rugby match. This led to the now customary practice of singing the anthem both in te reo Māori and English at events of national significance. Ms Mohi graduated from the University of Waikato in 1985 with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Māori.
Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit
Former Professor of Māori Research at the University of Canterbury, Angus Hikairo Macfarlane (Ngāti Whakaue), was named a Companion for his services to education, psychology, and Māori. Professor Macfarlane studied at the University of Waikato from 1994 to 2003, completing a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Social Sciences, and his PhD. He was also a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Education.
Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit
Politician and union rights advocate Carol Beaumont was named an Officer for her services to the union movement and women’s rights. Ms Beaumont graduated with a Bachelor of Social Sciences from the University of Waikato in 1982.
The University’s Pro-Chancellor and Hamilton Boys’ High Headmaster Susan Hassall was named an Officer for her services to education. In 2017 she was appointed Pro-Chancellor at the University of Waikato, where she is the Chancellor’s representative on the University Council and the Foundation board of trustees.
Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit
Educator Dorothy Burt was named a Member for her services to digital learning. Ms Burt graduated from the University of Waikato with a Bachelor of Education in 1978.
Mount Maunganui-based psychologist Janet Peters was named a Member for her services to mental health. She graduated from the University of Waikato in 1988 with a Master of Social Sciences and a Bachelor of Social Sciences in 1984.
