MEDIA RELEASE
15 November 2011
_____________________________________________________
New Hunter Fellows announced
Victoria University has announced its two latest Hunter Fellows, who will be recognised in a ceremony in Victoria’s
iconic Hunter Building this month.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Pat Walsh says he is delighted that the University has the opportunity to recognise the
valuable contributions made by John Greenwood and Pae Ruha.
“Hunter Fellows are people who have made a substantial contribution to advancing Victoria University’s strategic
directions and interests,” says Professor Walsh.
The Hunter Fellowships will be presented at a ceremony in the Hunter Council Chamber at Victoria on 21 November.
The Hunter Fellowship Award was instituted by the Victoria University Council in 2003.
The 2011 Hunter Fellows
John Greenwood
John Greenwood is regarded as one of New Zealand’s leading property lawyers. He is an honorary member of the New Zealand
Property Institute, and a moderator of Property Law and Succession exam papers for all New Zealand universities. He is
also a well respected public commentator on emerging property industry legal issues.
John Greenwood’s contribution to Victoria University has included providing extensive professional and financial support
to significant projects such as the Solar Decathlon and the Boyd-Wilson Field upgrade. From 2006 to 2011, John was a
member of the Victoria University Foundation Board of Trustees and worked tirelessly during this period to aid the
success of the activities of the Foundation.
John continues to offer his support by widely promoting Victoria University and by offering his legal and insurance
services to the Foundation.
Pae Ruha
Te Paekiomeka Ruha, ONZM, QSM, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui and Ngāti Porou, is a prominent kaumatua who has been instrumental in
supporting Māori language and cultural development in the Wellington region for the past 60 years. Her association with
Victoria University has been through her longstanding and continued support of the University’s Te Herenga Waka Marae
since its inception in 1986.
As an educator, Pae Ruha has freely and generously shared her profound knowledge and life experience with staff and
students of the University. Her role as kaumatua of Te Herenga Waka Marae has taken many forms such as judging the
annual Māori Language Week debates, assessing students on marae practicum as part of the Te Kawa o te Marae/Marae
Etiquette and Protocols course, supporting numerous hui and upholding the academic success of Victoria University Māori
Graduands through her ongoing support for Hui Whakapūmau.