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.


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 Whanau-a-Apanui and Ngati Porou, is a prominent kaumatua who has been instrumental in supporting Maori 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 Maori 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 Maori Graduands through her ongoing support for Hui Whakapumau.