Six Waikato alumni have been acknowledged for their achievements and community contributions in this year’s 2024 King’s Birthday Honours, including University of Waikato Distinguished Alumni Award recipients, Theresa Gattung and Karen Morrison-Hume.
University of Waikato Distinguished Alumni, Dame Theresa Gattung, CNZM, and Karen Morrison-Hume, are two of the six alumni in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours list.
Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit
Theresa Gattung, CNZM, was named Dame Companion, one of the highest honours in the awards, for her services to women, governance and philanthropy.
Dame Theresa graduated with a Bachelor of Management Studies from the University of Waikato in 1984 and was named a Distinguished Alumna in 2007.
An award-winning business leader, Dame Theresa supports women in leadership and holds various commercial and charitable governance roles.
Companion of the King’s Service Order
Karen Morrison-Hume, a 1997 Bachelor of Social Sciences graduate and Distinguished Alumna, has been recognised for her services to the community.
She has been CEO and Missioner of Mahi Mihinare Anglican Action in Hamilton since 1996 and was key in establishing Te Ara Hou Social Services Village.
Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit
Former staff member and alumnus of the University, Dr William Round graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Technology) in 1976 and was recognised for his services to medical physics and biomedical engineering.
While chair of the University’s Department of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Dr Round established and led an innovative, internationally respected team.
His research at Waikato spanned medical ultrasonics, radiation therapy, exercise science, and EEG analysis, and he represented the University on national committees.
Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit
Tere Gilbert, (Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Hauiti), was recognised for services to early childhood and Māori language education.
She graduated from the University with a Bachelor of Teaching and Higher Diploma of Teaching in 2002, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education in 2009 and a Master of Business Administration in 2013.
She served as kaiako and tumuaki/manager of Te Kōhanga Reo o Ngā Kuaka, an on-campus ECE centre, fostering Māori language immersion and cultural engagement.
Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit
Andrea Blair graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Technology) in 1999 and has been recognised for services to geothermal industry and women.
Andrea co-founded Upflow in 2017, a geothermal consultancy, research and innovation company which provides expert knowledge and solutions to the global industry.
Honorary Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit
Allyn (Aliya) Danzeisen, graduated with a Master of Laws from the University in 2009 and has been recognised for services to the Muslim community and women.
Aliya has been National Coordinator of the Islamic Women’s Council of New Zealand since 2020, having been an active member for more than 10 years and Assistant National Coordinator for five of those years.
