The University of Waikato is proud to have seen alumni and a current student recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday honours.
Among those acknowledged is a four-time Olympic medallist, and people who have contributed to education, Māori, science and community.
Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit
Dr Lesley Rameka is recognised for her services to Māori and early childhood education.
Dr Rameka (Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Tukorehe) graduated from Waikato University in 1990 with Certificate in Māori Studies. She also obtained a Diploma in Teaching in 1994, a Master of Education in 2002 and a Doctor of Philosophy in 2012.
Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit
Current student and four-time Olympic medallist Ellesse Andrews is one of four from the University community to have received the honour of Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Ms Andrews (Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe, Kāi Tahu) is currently studying a Bachelor of Communication Studies. Not only an Olympian but also a world champion cyclist, she has driven the application of tikanga Māori to Cycling New Zealand’s programme as well as advocating for mental health awareness, leading to her recognition for services to cycling.
World Champion and Olympic medallist Ellesse Andrews is a recipient of the King's Birthday honours.
Welmoed (Chris) Duggan was acknowledged for her services to science education, after founding House of Science in 2014, which has delivered more than 200,000 bilingual science kits to primary schools across New Zealand. She graduated from the University in 2021 with a Graduate Certificate in Strategic Management.
Diane Turner, JP was recognised for services to governance, seniors and Māori.
Her experience in Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) in local government and as a CDEM controller led her to develop frameworks to increase community resilience. She has also contributed to the development of age-friendly initiatives to support quality of life for kaumātua. She graduated from Waikato University with a Bachelor of Social Sciences in 1976.
Marilyn Yeoman was recognised for her teaching career and work in the community.
Ms Yeoman’s teaching career spanned more than 40 years, after graduating with a Bachelor of Education in 1993.
She continued to work with children with special needs following her retirement. Among other community activities, she also established the Friends of the Hamilton Gardens Group.
Companion of the King’s Service Order
Peter (Pita) Tipene was acknowledged for his service to Māori, having contributed to multiple groups, including trusts and marae, and having presented to the Waitangi Tribunal since 2010 on behalf of Ngāti Hine and Ngāpuhi, and at many international Indigenous forums as a Māori leader.
Mr Tipene (Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Te Tārawa) graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1986 and remained a member of Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato Kapa Haka alumni group until it was retired in 2008.
