Victoria University of Wellington Alumni

Vic alum Charkrienorrathip shares a glimpse of his experience studying in New Zealand and at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. What important lessons learnt! 💡🎓🍦🤝

“New Zealand taught me the value of diversity, friendship, and respecting each other’s differences.” More than 30 years ago, Charkrienorrathip from Thailand studied at Nelson College and Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington . His time in Aotearoa showed him that no matter where we come from, we can thrive together, be ourselves, and fulfil our potential. Those lessons — and even a love for hokey pokey ice cream — continue to shape who he is today. 👉 Discover what New Zealand could teach you https://bit.ly/4iQ2f5X

From Wellington to the world!

When Swee Chen Goh left Malaysia to study at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, she never expected her degree in Information Science to lead to leadership roles at Shell, Singapore Airlines, and beyond.

Now a respected board chair and global business leader, she says:
“Always be curious. Learning never stops.”

Read her story—link in the comments:

Last week, alumni in the Cook Islands came together for our first-ever alumni event there! 🌴

Huge thanks to alumna and volunteer Louise Yarrall, who brought everyone together to “connect people back to the University, a sort of connection back to New Zealand as well, and to make some like-minded connections, meet some new people.”

As Cook Islands News shared (link in the comments below), graduates from 1991 to 2024 enjoyed a relaxed evening of food, laughter, and reconnecting with fellow Te Herenga Waka whānau.

Want to help organise a meet-up in your city in 2026? Get in touch: [email protected]

Wellington-based pest control company Goodnature, founded by two Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington alumni, has been named the “best small and mighty company” by US business media brand Fast Company.

Goodnature was founded in Pōneke in 2005 by Design and Architecture grads Robbie Van Dam and Craig Bond. It's now known for manufacturing a unique, sustainable rodent trap.

Read how they are helping to preserve native species across the world, here:

Small and mighty: Wellington trap-maker goes global Goodnature is scaling up its toxin-free traps as Saudi Arabia’s $3 trillion conservation drive opens doors for sustainable pest control exports.

Over 100 years later, Sarah’s gift is still changing lives.

When Sarah Anne Rhodes left a gift in her will to Victoria University in 1914, she likely had no idea how far her generosity would go.

Her scholarship has supported countless postgraduate women over the past century — and today, it continues to fund two to three women researchers every year. Thanks to the growth of her original bequest, Sarah’s legacy has reached far beyond what she could have imagined.

As Wills Month comes to an end, we’re celebrating the power of legacy giving — and the people like Sarah who help shape the future through their generosity.

🔗 Learn more about Sarah’s inspiring story:
https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/news/2022/10/sarah-anne-rhodes-scholarship

🔗 Thinking about leaving a gift in your will?
https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/engage/giving/legacy-gifts

Pictured is The Grange in Wadestown, where Sarah lived

Did you graduate between July 2024 and June 2025?

We’d love to hear what you’ve been up to since completing your studies. By sharing your experiences in the Graduate Destinations Survey, you’ll help current students make informed choices about their futures.

As a thank you, you’ll be entered into a draw to win up to $500 in cash!

Check your email inbox now to take part. If you didn't receive the survey, email [email protected]

The legacy of trailblazing scientist and alumna Dr Aola Richards, who was known for her love of wētā, is living on through a thriving community of entomology researchers at Te Herenga Waka.

Dr Richards’ transformational $13.5 million bequest to the School of Biological Sciences is supporting a dedicated group of postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers—and will continue to do so into the future.

We’re reflecting on Dr Richards’ legacy as part of Wills Month, as her gift is an incredible example of the power of legacy giving to support research for generations to come.

You can read more about Dr Richards’ legacy here: https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/news/2024/02/gift-of-$13-5-million-will-benefit-future-generations-of-science-students

And find out more about leaving a legacy gift: https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/engage/giving/legacy-gifts

What an incredible night at our 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards! ✨

We celebrated the achievements of five outstanding alumni—Dai Henwood, David Harland, Tanea Heke, Vincent O’Malley, and Ratu Mataira—together with past recipients, University supporters, whānau and friends in our beautiful marae, Ngā Mokopuna and Te Tumu Herenga Waka.

Hosted by Carol Hirschfeld, the evening was full of laughter, inspiration, and heartfelt stories about how their studies at Te Herenga Waka shaped their lives and careers.

We are honoured to celebrate Dai Henwood with a Distinguished Alumni Award!

Dai Henwood ONZM has been making us laugh for more than two decades—but his story starts right here at Te Herenga Waka.

In the 1990s, Dai studied theatre, film, and religion while soaking up Wellington’s “electric” student scene. It was there he discovered comedy, leading to a career that’s taken him from 7Days to Just for Laughs Montreal and the Edinburgh Festival.

In recent years, he’s shared his cancer journey with honesty and courage through his book The Life of Dai and documentary Live and Let Die.

We’re proud to honour Dai as one of our 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award winners. He says his time at Vic gave him lifelong friends and set the foundations for everything he’s achieved.

Read more below.

September is Wills Month, and we’re reflecting on the power of legacy giving to transform lives for generations to come.

The Frank Healy Scholarship in Law, established in 2020 through a generous bequest from alumnus Frank Healy, has already supported three talented students to thrive in their studies—and will continue to do so well into the future.

Frank’s nephew, Des Healy, says his uncle would be delighted to see the impact of his gift: “I feel good that his contribution is having a positive impact on people. I think he’d be quite chuffed about it!”

You can read more about Frank’s enduring legacy here: https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/law/about/valum/valum-2025/your-legacy-can-last-another-lifetime

And find out more about leaving a legacy gift: https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/engage/giving/legacy-gifts