Sir Tīpene O’Regan has been honoured as a University of Auckland Fellow in recognition of his contribution to The University, particularly for his work as Chair of the Board of Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga.
Sir Tīpene joined the Board of Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga as Chair in May 2006. He was ideally suited to this role given his previous experience as Chair of the Ngāi Tahu Māori Trust Board, Ngāi Tahu Holdings Corporation, Mawhera Incorporation, Te Ohu Kaimoana, the Sealord Group Ltd and Deputy Chair of Transit New Zealand. He is also a previous Director of Television New Zealand, Meridian Energy, the founding Chair of Te Tapuae o Rehua Ltd. Sir Tipene is a former Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Māori) at the University of Canterbury where he holds an Honorary Doctorate in Literature. He also holds Honorary Doctorates of Commerce from Lincoln University and Victoria University of Wellington. He is a Distinguished Fellow of the Institute of Directors.
Sir Tipene’s term as Chair of the Board of Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga has recently been renewed, reflecting not only the high value of Sir Tipene to the Centre, but also his contribution to Māori and indigenous development generally.
In presenting the award, University of Auckland Vice-Chancellor Professor Stuart McCutcheon said Sir Tīpene is widely respected by both the academic and lay members of the Board. As Chair of the Board, adviser and ambassador for Nga Pae o te Māramatanga, he said Sir Tipene has clearly demonstrated a “unique and valuable contribution” – the criteria for the award of a University Fellowship.
“Sir Tīpene O’Regan has a commitment, and has made significant contribution to, the success and development of Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga. His expertise and the contribution he makes is recognised and valued, particularly in providing positive relations and connections for Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga and the University with Māori communities, business and Government. He is an outstanding ambassador for the vision and mission of Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga and of the Centres of Research Excellence as a funding model,” said Professor McCutcheon.
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