The University of Waikato acknowledges with deep respect the passing of former Chancellor, the Rt Hon. Jim Bolger ONZ.
The 90-year-old passed on Wednesday, having been the University’s longest-serving Chancellor to date. He held the position from 2007 – 2019 and was an Honorary Doctorate recipient in October 2019.
Mr Bolger is best known for serving three consecutive terms as Prime Minister of New Zealand, from October 1990 to December 1997.
Sir Anand Satyanand, Jim Bolger, Professor Neil Quigley.
During his time in government, he formed strong ties with Waikato-Tainui and the Kīngitanga, signing the Waikato-Tainui Raupatu Settlement Deed with Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu at Tūrangawaewae in 1995.
The University recently acknowledged the 30th anniversary of this landmark occasion, which brought about the return of the land the Hamilton campus sits on and is now held in the name of Pootatau Te Wherowhero, on Kīngitanga Day.
Under Mr Bolger’s steadfast leadership, the University delivered many significant projects to support the development of the campus on this land, including the refurbishment of the Library (now Te Manawa – Student Centre), and the completion of the dedicated Law building in 2016.
Jim Bolger was a passionate campaigner for equity of access and ensured the University remained accountable to its community.
As Chancellor, he also saw the design process of The Pā begin in December 2017 and returned to the campus for the opening celebration of this landmark building in 2023.
The construction of the Tauranga Moana CBD campus was another significant milestone led by Mr Bolger, as the University strengthened its connection to the Bay of Plenty and introduced its offerings in the region.
The University’s relationship with the Kīngitanga remained a priority for Mr Bolger, with the delivery of quality education for Māori students a primary goal in the University’s strategic planning throughout his tenure as Chancellor.
In 2016 he oversaw the introduction of Te Ara ki Angitū: Pathways to Excellence programme, making tertiary education more accessible to students in the South Waikato area by removing obstacles to study such as transport, access to learning devices and financial barriers.
Prior to joining the University Council, and following his 25-year career in politics, Mr Bolger held the position of New Zealand ambassador to the United States for four years, from 1998 to 2002.
The worldwide connections he developed during that time helped to open many global opportunities for the University and its researchers and academics.
Jim Bolger at the Pā opening.
As Chancellor Mr Bolger also presided over the process of Vice-Chancellor Professor Neil Quigley’s appointment in 2014.
“Jim had great aspiration for and pride in the University of Waikato, was a passionate campaigner for equity of access and ensured the University remained accountable to its community,” Professor Quigley says.
“He led the Council with authority and unerring political instincts and valued the contribution of all of the members of Council that served alongside him.”
Professor Quigley also notes that Mr Bolger always had a good story about who he had sat next to on the flight up from Wellington.
“Those stories frequently provided core of his eloquent and amusing addresses to our graduation ceremonies.”
The University extends its deepest sympathies to Mr Bolger’s wife Joan, his son, former Pro Vice-Chancellor Management Matt Bolger, and the rest of the Bolger family, as well as his friends and former colleagues at this difficult time.
