An honorary Doctor of Laws degree will be presented to former prime minister Helen Clark at Auckland University next Wednesday.Announcing the award of the honorary degree last year the Chancellor Roger France said it recognised Miss Clark's enormous contr
An honorary Doctor of Laws degree will be presented to former prime minister Helen Clark at Auckland University next Wednesday.
Announcing the award of the honorary degree last year the Chancellor Roger France said it recognised Miss Clark's enormous contribution to New Zealand and on the international stage.
"As an MP since 1981 and prime minister for nine years, Helen Clark had made a mark nationally and internationally in a way that few leaders can aspire to," Mr France said.
Miss Clark is based in New York, where she heads the United Nations Development Programme.
"As well as being a distinguished graduate and former academic staff member of the university she has shown a consistent interest in her alma mater.
"She attended many university functions, encouraged the teaching and research activities of the university, and supported the two Knowledge Wave conferences."
Miss Clark gained an MA degree in Political Studies with first class honours from the university, with a thesis on rural political behaviour and representation.
She was a junior lecturer in political studies from 1973 to 1975 and a lecturer from 1977 to 1981, when she was elected to Parliament.
