Samoa’s Dame Winnie Laban will be awarded an honorary doctorate by Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington at the graduation ceremonies in May. 

Dame Winnie is seen as a groundbreaking leader who has significantly impacted New Zealand’s political, social, and educational sectors, particularly for the Pasifika community.

As New Zealand’s first Pacific Island woman MP and the first Assistant Vice-Chancellor Pasifika at Victoria University, she has been a strong advocate for Pasifika representation. Her parents, who emigrated from Samoa in 1954, raised her in Wainuiomata, where she still lives. She grew up with a deep sense of service, inspired by her family’s values.

Dame Winnie completed a Diploma in Social Work at Victoria University and worked in various roles, including as a family therapist and social worker. The closure of a local factory in Wainuiomata motivated her to enter politics, where she served as an MP from 2002 to 2010, focusing on issues affecting Māori, Pasifika, and working-class communities. One of her key achievements was leading the push to replace the Employment Contracts Act with the Employment Relations Act.

Her work continued at Victoria University, where, as Assistant Vice-Chancellor Pasifika (2010–2024), she increased Pasifika student enrolment and developed initiatives like the Pasifika Roadshow to help students connect with higher education.

Dame Winnie’s commitment to education as a tool for social justice is reflected in her efforts to make it more accessible. She also created scholarships and other programs to support Pacific student success.

Chancellor Alan Judge praised her immense contributions, saying her work has uplifted Pasifika communities across New Zealand. Dame Winnie is also a founding member of The Fale Malae Trust, which aims to celebrate Pasifika culture through a major landmark project.

Dame Winnie, who has received several honours including a Damehood and a Lifetime Achievement Award, says she is deeply humbled to receive the honourary doctorate.

The honourary Doctor of Literature will be awarded at the second graduation ceremony on 13 May.