Helen Clark Receiving Honorary Doctorate

Helen Clark Receiving Honorary Doctorate

An honorary Doctor of Laws degree will be conferred on the former Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Helen Clark, at The University of Auckland next Wednesday 17 February.

The ceremony at the University’s Fale Pasifika in Wynyard Street starts at 6pm and is expected to last nearly an hour.

Around 240 will be attending including family, friends and political colleagues of Helen Clark. A eulogy for her will be read by the University’s Public Orator, Professor Vivienne Gray, and musical items will be performed.

Announcing the award of the honorary degree last year the Chancellor, Roger France, said it recognises Helen Clark’s enormous contribution to New Zealand and on the international stage.

As a Member of Parliament since 1981 and Prime Minister for nine years, Helen Clark had made a mark nationally and internationally in a way that few leaders can aspire to, said Mr France.

“She became highly respected at home and abroad for strong, principled and intelligent leadership. The experience, knowledge and networks built up in this role will enable her to make a powerful contribution in her new position as Head of the United Nations Development Programme.

“As well as being a distinguished graduate and former academic staff member of the University she has shown a consistent interest in her alma mater. She attended many University functions, encouraged the teaching and research activities of the University, and supported the two Knowledge Wave conferences.”

Ms Clark had been a strong advocate for the arts and culture in New Zealand, promoting a confident national identity.

“The University is proud to be able to acknowledge Ms Clark’s achievements as a graduate, as a politician, a stateswoman of international stature and a great New Zealander,” said Mr France.

Helen Clark gained an MA degree in Political Studies with first class honours from The University of Auckland with a thesis on rural political behaviour and representation. She was a junior lecturer in the Department of Political Studies from 1973 to 1975 and a lecturer from 1977 to 1981 when she was elected to Parliament.

Currently the University has 50 living honorary graduates, among them Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Dame Catherine Tizard, the Rt Hon Dame Sian Elias, Tom Schnackenberg, Maurice Gee, Elizabeth Smither and Sir Miles Warren. Most have been made Doctors of Engineering, Laws, Literature, Music or Science; five received masters degrees.

ENDS

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