TOP HONOUR: Lt Gen Jerry Mateparae and University of Waikato Chancellor Jim Bolger share a moment at the Distinguished Alumni Awards. Photo: Barker Photography.
Story courtesy: The University of Waikato
New Zealand’s Chief of Defence Force, Lt Gen Jerry Mateparae has been awarded a top honour from Waikato University. Lt Gen Mateparae graduated from the University of Waikato in 1996 with a Master of Arts in International Relations and Strategic Studies.
A University of Waikato 2008 Distinguished Alumni Award was presented to Lt Gen Mateparae on July 18 at a black tie ceremony at the university – in recognition of his exemplary career and contribution to the military and New Zealand community.
The university’s distinguished alumni awards are made each year to no more than three people. They recognise and celebrate Waikato University alumni who have made an outstanding contribution to their profession, to the community, to the arts or sport, or to more than one of these areas since graduation from Waikato University.
The awards were hosted by University Chancellor the Rt Hon Jim Bolger. The other two recipients were Solomon Islands Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua and businessman Peter Vela and all three recipients were presented with a limited edition cast-glass figure created exclusively for the award.
Lt Gen Mateparae holds the highest military rank in New Zealand. He is also both the youngest person and first Maori – of Ngati Tuwharetoa descent – to be appointed Chief of the New Zealand Defence Force.
He has commanded two multi-national peace support operations as Chief Observer with the United Nations Truce Supervisory Organisation in Southern Lebanon, and Commander of the Combined Force Truce Monitoring Group in Bougainville. It was for this latter role that he was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 1999 New Year’s Honours.
He served as the Joint Commander for New Zealand Forces in East Timor before becoming Chief of Army in 2002. In 2006 he was promoted to Lieutenant General and took up his current appointment as Chief of Defence Force, New Zealand’s most senior uniformed military appointment.
University Vice-Chancellor Professor Roy Crawford said the university was proud to count the Chief of the Defence Force among its graduates. Professor Crawford said Lt Gen Mateparae’s commitment, persistence and pursuit of excellence have made him a leader in this country and internationally. His decision-making was backed up with both academic and military knowledge, along with strong personal values, Professor Crawford said.
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