Lincoln University Honorary Degrees

 

The Lincoln University Council has established an Awards Committee to consider nominations for the conferral of higher doctorates honoris causa and to establish guidelines for honorary degrees. The Committee considers nominations and recommends recipients to the Council.

The available honorary degrees are:

  • D.Com – Doctor in Commerce
  • D.Nat.Res – Doctor of Natural Resources
  • D.Sc – Doctor of Science
  • D.SocSci – Doctor of Social Science honoris causa


Nomination Forms


Nominations for the 2026 awards are open and close on 13 September 2025.

Complete an online nomination form here.


Recipients

2025: Andrew Macfarlane (DCom)
2024:  Stephen Smith (Dcom) and Deborah Gilbertson (DSc)
2023: David Shearer (DCom)
2022: Anake Goodall (DNatRes)
2021:  Andy Borland (DCom)
2020: James Douglas (DSc)
2019:  Dr John Penno (DCom), Hugh Wilson (DNatRes) and John Tavendale (DCom) 
2018:  Dame Margaret Bazley ONZ, DNZM, Hon DLit, Thomas Lambie ONZM and Geoff Ross

View a list of previous recipients.


Award Nomination Criteria

Nominees are assessed on the following criteria:

1. The nominee has achieved very high distinction in his/her field, whether or not that field relates to Lincoln University specialisations. The achievement is considered under the following categories:

  • Agriculture and Natural Resources;
  • Arts, Culture and Sport;
  • Commerce;
  • Environment;
  • Māori;
  • Politics;
  • Recreation and Tourism;
  • Science and Research. 

2. The nominee has established connections with Lincoln University due to one of the following:

  • Being a graduate or diplomat;
  • Being a former member of the Lincoln University Council; 
  • Being a former staff member; or
  • Other connections with Lincoln University.

3. The candidate has the potential to enhance the public profile of Lincoln University or its areas of specialisation or to inspire the students of Lincoln University by being a role model.