Dame Winnie Laban Receives Honorary Doctorate from Victoria University
Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban has once again made history.
Already celebrated as the first Pacific woman ever elected to New Zealand’s Parliament, Dame Winnie has nowbeen awarded an honorary doctorate from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
The honorary Doctor of Literature, to be conferred at the University’s graduation ceremony this May, recognises a lifetime spent breaking new ground for Pasifika communities in politics, education, and public life.
Born in Wellington to Sāmoan parents who migrated to New Zealand in 1954, Dame Winnie grew up in Wainuiomata, a place she continues to call home. Raised in a family committed to service, she carried these values into her professional life, beginning as a social worker and community development advocate before stepping into the political arena.
It was witnessing the closure of Wainuiomata’s Kenson Industries factory — and the devastating impact on Pacific families — that pushed her to stand for Parliament. Elected in 1999, Dame Winnie served until 2010, tirelessly championing the rights of Māori, Pasifika, working-class communities, and the elderly. Among her many achievements, she helped drive the repeal of the Employment Contracts Act and the creation of new workplace laws grounded in good-faith negotiation.
After leaving Parliament, Dame Winnie turned her focus to higher education. As New Zealand’s first Assistant Vice-Chancellor Pasifika at Victoria University, she played a pivotal role in lifting Pasifika enrolments and strengthening pathways for Pacific student success. Over her decade-long leadership, the number of Pasifika students at the University grew from 4.7 percent to over 6.6 percent of the student population.
“Education has always been a passion of mine because it's very consistent with my commitment to social justice," Luamanuvao Dame Winnie stated "If you have an education, you have more choice, and more doors open to you."
True to her word, Luamanuvao Dame Winnie spearheaded initiatives like the Pasifika Roadshow, taking the university experience directly to Pacific communities, and helped establish scholarships for Pasifika students.
Her leadership extends beyond education. As a founding member of the Fale Malae Trust, she is helping to create a cultural space in Wellington that will celebrate Pacific arts, heritage, and knowledge for future generations.
In addition to her work in education and community development, Dame Winnie has been a steadfast advocate for Pacific peoples’ dignity and wellbeing. Speaking on the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care, she said:
“I acknowledge the pain and the courage of our Pacific people who have come forward to share their experiences.”
She highlighted the strength that Pacific survivors carry, saying:
“As Pacific people, we stand on the shoulders of our ancestors. Their wisdom and resilience guide us forward.”
Dame Winnie also emphasised the importance of Pacific values of service, love, and respect — values she has upheld throughout her life:
“We are a collective culture, and we are relational. We operate through service, humility, reciprocity, respect, love and dignity.”
The University’s Chancellor, Alan Judge, says the honorary doctorate is a fitting tribute to Dame Winnie’s profound contributions: "Throughout her career, Dame Winnie has worked to uplift Pacific peoples and open doors for others. We are proud to acknowledge her lifelong dedication with this award."
This latest honour joins a long list of accolades Dame Winnie has received, including a Damehood in 2018, a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Women of Influence Awards in 2020, and an honorary doctorate from the National University of Samoa in 2023.
Despite these recognitions, Dame Winnie remains deeply grounded.
"I am humbled and honoured to receive an honorary doctorate," Dame Winnie stated.
Her journey — from a young girl growing up in a service-minded Sāmoan family to a national trailblazer — continues to inspire generations of Pasifika across Aotearoa and the Pacific.
On 13 May, when Dame Winnie steps onto the stage to accept her honorary Doctor of Literature, she will not only be accepting it for herself but for all those whose dreams she helped make possible.