WelTec awards honorary degrees to Ruth Pretty and Peter Bush

Wellington Institute of Technology (WelTec) awards honorary degrees to Ruth Pretty and Peter Bush

Renowned Wellington caterer, Ruth Pretty and legendary photographer Peter Bush are this year’s recipients of WelTec’s prestigious honorary degrees presented by Hon Fran Wilde, Chair of the Greater Wellington Regional Council at WelTec’s Wellington graduation ceremony on Thursday 3 February.

Ruth Pretty was awarded an Honorary Bachelor in Hospitality Management for her significant contribution to the Wellington region and the wider New Zealand food and hospitality sectors. Ruth Pretty, with husband Paul, has been at the forefront of the New Zealand catering industry for many years, handling many of the capital’s prestigious events from Lord of Rings to King Kong and the World of Wearable Arts. Ruth Pretty Catering has looked after VIP guests in Germany, France, Japan, Spain and Chaina. Additionally, Ruth has written five cookbooks with the sixth available at the end of 2011. She writes a weekly column in the Dominion Post and runs the Ruth Pretty Cooking School. In 2010 Ruth became a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for Services to the Food Industry.

Ms Pretty said that she was very honoured to receive the degree. “The food and hospitality industry has provided me with a very rewarding career and one that I continue to feel passionate about,” says Ruth Pretty.

“Training and qualifications are vital to the hospitality industry in New Zealand and it is refreshing to see that hospitality is now seen and recognised as a career, as opposed to a job in waiting. I have found it an incredibly vibrant, interesting and involving industry to work in.”

Peter Bush was presented with an Honorary Bachelor in Creative Technologies for his significant contribution to photojournalism and the wider New Zealand photographic community. Peter is a living legend in New Zealand photojournalism and world-renowned for his specialist field of rugby photography. Peter’s work has covered more than rugby and has seen him capture many famous people such as Pope Jean-Paul and Nelson Mandela, as well as covering Royal tours. Peter recently became a Member of the Companion of the New Zealand Order for services to photography.

“This is the first time I’ve received an academic award in my field and I am deeply honoured It is a tribute to our craft and to those of us who operate behind cameras recording the social history, as well as the sporting history of New Zealand,” says Peter Bush.

Roger Sowry, WelTec Council Chairperson, said the awards not only reflect the outstanding contribution Ms Pretty and Mr Bush have made in their respective professions and industries but also provide aspiration for WelTec graduates about to embark on their careers.

“Ruth Pretty and Peter Bush are wonderful role models for our students, highlighting the opportunities available to them in their working lives, and how a lifelong passion and pride in their work can lead to very fulfilling and rewarding careers,” says Mr Sowry.

ENDS

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