26 April 2006 Honorary doctorates from Lincoln for Austin and Hubbard, Whineray honoured too

 

 

Mrs Austin receives an honorary Doctor of Science degree in recognition of her lifetime of dedication to education and commitment to science. A former Head of Science at Christchurch Girls' High School and Assistant Principal at Riccarton High School, Mrs Austin also spent 12 years in Parliament from 1984, for most of that time holding the Yaldhurst seat for Labour. She was appointed Minister of Research, Science and Technology in 1990. In 1995 helped found the United New Zealand Party.

 

She was Chancellor of Lincoln University from 2000 until the end of 2004, and in total served 10 years on the Lincoln University Council, spread over two periods.

 

Mrs Austin is also prominent in UNESCO, Osteoporosis New Zealand.

 

Mr Hubbard, who receives an honorary Doctor of Commerce degree, has practised as a chartered accountant in Timaru for over 50 years. Leaving school in Dunedin at 15 and starting work as an office boy, he went on to pay his own way through university after encouragement from his employer to return to night school and obtain school certificate.

 

He is a firm supporter of New Zealand's rural economy and a prudent investor in activities that support this sector – everything from farming, horticulture and irrigation to engineering, building and aviation.

 

Through hard work, determination, perseverance and vision he has built a substantial capital base that has allowed him to invest significantly in a wide range of ventures and provide financial support to numerous individuals, agencies and enterprises. He has more than 200 company directorships including a major shareholding in Dairy Holdings, the third largest shareholder in Fonterra. Avoidance of the limelight and a preference for quiet anonymity have always characterised his way of working.

 

Lincoln University's prestigious Bledisloe Medal, awarded since 1930 for outstanding services by Lincoln alumni who have advanced New Zealand's interests, is being presented to rugby legend and prominent New Zealand businessman Sir Wilson Whineray, who holds a Diploma in Valuation and Farm Management from Lincoln and was first selected for the All Blacks while a student at the University. He captained the All Blacks from 1958 to 1965.

 

The International Alumni Medal for outstanding services by a Lincoln University alumnus outside New Zealand is being awarded to Dr Murray Dawson, Emeritus Professor of Soil Science of Oregon University. Professor Dawson's career has included extensive work on contract to international aid and development agencies in countries such as Thailand, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia and the Philippines. A past pupil of Christchurch Boys' High School, he graduated Bachelor of Agricultural Science from Lincoln in 1949.