Honorary Doctorate for Helen Clark

The Council of The University of Auckland will confer an honorary degree on former Prime Minister Helen Clark, one of its most illustrious graduates.

She will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) at a ceremony to be held at the university later this year.

 The degree recognises Ms Clark’s enormous contribution to NZ and on the international stage, the Chancellor, Roger France said.

As a Member of Parliament since 1981 and Prime Minister for nine years, Ms 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 NZ, 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 NZer,” said Mr France.

Note: 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, 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.