The University is proud to have seen its Chancellor and two staff members recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours.
University Chancellor Susan Hassall was named a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to education, and two University academics were acknowledged for contributions in their specific fields.
Senior Lecturer in Music Dr Rachael Griffiths-Hughes was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to music, while Dr Mary Low, Associate Professor in Accounting, was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to accountancy education.
Chancellor Dame Susan Hassall
Dame Susan has dedicated her life to educational leadership, positively influencing generations of young New Zealanders throughout a career spanning almost five decades.
A throwaway comment from her high school English teacher set her on a path that would ultimately lead to one of New Zealand's highest honours.
“Receiving this honour was very, very surprising. I got an ONZM a few years ago, so I thought that was the absolute height of my ambition to ever be recognised nationally.
“My daughter said that I've been upgraded to first class.”
Dame Susan acknowledges her late husband James as her driving force and significant to this most recent recognition.
“He passed away two years ago. So, the family's first reaction was, ‘Dad would have loved this, and he'll be looking down at us from heaven.’ So, all the cliches, but it would have meant so much to James, which makes it even more special for us all.”
Dame Susan’s appointment as Chancellor of the University of Waikato in 2025 followed nine years of service on the University Council, including eight years as Pro-Chancellor. Prior to this, she retired from Hamilton Boys’ High School after nearly 50 years of service to the school and its community.
Dr Mary Low
“The only reason I went into teaching was because my sixth-form English teacher said, 'I think you'd be a really good English teacher.' I thought, 'Oh, okay,' and became a teacher. It's amazing how much influence one person's throwaway comment can have. Once I started, though, I loved it, and I've absolutely loved it ever since.”
In 2000, Dame Susan made history when she became the first woman appointed as Headmaster of a boys’ secondary school in New Zealand.
During her 25 years in the role, she led a period of remarkable growth and achievement, transforming the school into one of the country’s leading secondary schools.
Under her leadership, the school roll grew from approximately 1200 students to more than 2300, while maintaining a strong reputation for academic excellence, sporting success, cultural achievement, and student wellbeing.
Dame Susan's service reaches well beyond the classroom. She has held leadership roles with numerous organisations, including Hospice Waikato – of which she was interim CEO for 10 months – the University of Waikato Foundation, the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand, Momentum Waikato and The Aotearoa New Zealand Opera Studio (TANZOS), while also serving her community as a Justice of the Peace for more than 20 years, often on the volunteer desk at Chartwell Square.
"I think in a selfish way, it brings so much joy to feel as though you're making a difference. It's something I've preached to the students at Hamilton Boys' High School for years and years: giving to something outside of yourself brings genuine happiness and reward.
"I also think Hamilton, as a city, needs people who care about it and want to make it better. This is the way I can contribute, and I do that through serving on boards.”
Dr Rachael Griffiths-Hughes
For Dame Susan being part of the University brings her great joy. While graduations hold a special place for her, she says it is an exciting time for the University more broadly.
"It feels like a huge privilege to be Chancellor right now. When I drive onto campus, I can see the crane and the medical school being built. But that's really just a symbol of something much bigger; this University is on the move.
“The growth is incredibly exciting. The University is becoming bigger, better and stronger, and it's already an institution that I'm enormously proud of because of the way it looks after its students.”
University of Waikato Vice-Chancellor Professor Neil Quigley acknowledges the honour awarded to Dame Susan.
“We are very fortunate to have someone of Dame Susan’s extraordinary experience and unfaltering confidence in what we do at the University of Waikato as our Chancellor.
“I have had the pleasure of working alongside her for many years through her service on the Council. It is wonderful to see Dame Susan’s dedication, hard work and contributions recognised through this well-deserved award.
Also recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday honours list are a number of other people associated with the University.
Dr Rachael Griffiths-Hughes
Dr Griffiths-Hughes, a Senior Lecturer in music, has been named a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to music. As well as lecturing she also directs the University’s Chamber Choir and has a long involvement in the region’s choral activities.
Dr Mary Low
Dr Low, an Associate Professor in accounting, has also been named a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to accountancy education. She has been recognised for her teaching and research endeavours, including being distinguished by her accounting peers in Australia and New Zealand.
Ken Williamson
Mr Williamson was a long-standing trustee of the University of Waikato Foundation, and has been named an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to governance and the community. He was involved in fundraising to build the Gallagher Performing Arts Centre, as well as being known for his contribution to the Order of St John, and now holds a number of high-profile governance roles.
Dr Reuben Collier
Dr Collier (Horouta, Mātaatua, Te Arawa, Tainui) is an alumnus of the University (Bachelor of Arts with Honours, 1995) and has been named a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) for services to the television industry and Māori.
Terese Marr
Mrs Marr is an alumna of the University (Bachelor of Education, Diploma of Teaching, 1996) and has been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to ADHD support and philanthropy.
Alan McIntyre
Mr McIntyre earned his teaching degree (Bachelor of Education, 1984) from the University. He has been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education.
Barbara Astill
Mrs Astill is another graduate of the University (Graduate Diploma in Personal Financial Planning, 1998), awarded a King’s Service Medal for services to women, the community and governance.
Sandy Thompson
Ms Thompson is a former staff member of the University and has been recognised as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to governance, education and children.
