30 January 2015
Honorary degree for lifetime dedicated to preventing child abuse
A lifetime dedicated to preventing child abuse in New Zealand sees Anthea Simcock, the founder and chief executive of
child protection trust, Child Matters, receiving an honorary Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Social Work) from the
Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec).
Simcock, previously a child therapist at Parentline in Hamilton, established Child Matters 20 years ago in response to
the need for a consistent approach to recognising and responding to child abuse.
Since then, more than 20,000 people have been trained through Child Matters and 45 organisations now have compulsory
child protection training as part of their organisational policy.
On accepting the honour, Simcock says:
“I’m completely overwhelmed. While unexpected, I’m absolutely delighted not only that I’m being honoured by Wintec, but
that the subject of child protection is being given prominence.
“It gives recognition to the work I’ve spent a lifetime doing.
“Child Matters and Wintec already have a close working relationship through our strategic alliance. Receiving this
honorary degree from Wintec has another level of meaning that is special to our respective organisations.”
Wintec's Chair of Council, Mary Cave-Palmer says Simcock's achievements over the years have been remarkable.
“Thanks to her passion and drive, she has made significant steps towards raising awareness of child protection issues
while building a culture where prevention of child abuse is seen as everyone’s responsibility.
“She truly is a champion for children.”
The honorary degree will be conferred upon Simcock during Wintec’s Centre for Health and Social Practice and School of
Education graduation ceremony on Wednesday 25 March.
Wintec awards fellowships, degrees and medals to people who have made a significant contribution to Wintec, the region
or the nation through innovation in industry or business, scholarship and research or enhancing New Zealand society.
Honorary awards are approved by the Wintec Council following recommendations made by the Honorary Degree Nominations
Committee which annually reviews honorary nominations from Wintec staff and council members
For a full list of Wintec honorary recipients click here.
ENDS