Former Chancellor of the University of Waikato Sir Anand Satyanand was awarded the University’s highest honour today in recognition of a legacy of service.
Sir Anand has received an Honorary Doctorate for his significant contributions to the University and to the people of New Zealand.
Serving as Chancellor from 2019 to June this year, Sir Anand has helped set the University’s direction with strong leadership, commitment and courage.
Chancellor Susan Hassall, Sir Anand Satyanand, Vice-Chancellor Professor Neil Quigley.
He has been a strong champion of the University, promoting major developments such as the advocacy for, and eventual approval of, the New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine, and the creation of the Division of Health and its academic programmes.
Throughout his term, he oversaw the completion of The Pā, the largest capital project in the University’s history. In 2023, alongside the late Kīngi Tuheitia, he opened the social and cultural heart of the Hamilton campus.
Officiating at graduation ceremonies held at The Pā, and previously at Claudelands Arena and Te Kohinga Mārama Marae, as well as on the Tauranga campus, Sir Anand conferred qualifications on thousands of Waikato students.
Beyond his contributions to the University of Waikato, Sir Anand is widely respected for his distinguished public service career. He has served as Governor-General of New Zealand, Parliamentary Ombudsman, lawyer, judge, chair and patron.
Sir Anand Satyanand's Honorary Doctorate ceremony.
His legal background led to his appointment as Parliamentary Ombudsman in 1995, and later as Governor-General, becoming the first person of Indian and Pacific heritage to hold the role.
Before joining the University of Waikato, Sir Anand chaired the Royal Commission into Historical Abuse in State Care and the Care of Faith-Based Institutions – the largest inquiry in New Zealand’s history. His leadership in establishing and guiding such a significant commission reflects his deep commitment to justice, ethical governance and advocacy for vulnerable communities.
Sir Anand says that he’s proud to have helped to steer the University during a turbulent period, and to see it emerge strongly.
“During this time, I’ve particularly enjoyed the University’s special connections with te ao Māori and with Pasifika peoples. Receiving an honorary doctorate after my six-year term is the best possible book-end I could have wished for. It cements my association with the University whānau in a public way.”
Sir Anand has received an Honorary Doctorate for his significant contributions to the University and to the people of New Zealand.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Waikato Professor Neil Quigley says he is pleased to see Sir Anand awarded the honorary degree.
“It is my pleasure to present Sir Anand with his Honorary Doctorate and to recognise his contributions, particularly to the University of Waikato. He has always been willing to back University endeavours and we’ve benefited significantly from his support.”
Sir Anand received his Honorary Doctorate in a graduation ceremony in The Pā on campus at Waikato.
Awarded throughout the University of Waikato’s 60-year history, the Honorary Doctorate is the most prestigious award that the University can bestow.
