Passing of former Chancellor, the Rt Hon. Jim Bolger :: University of Waikato

The University of Waikato acknowledges with deep respect the passing of former Chancellor, the Rt Hon. Jim Bolger ONZ.  

The 90-year-old handed on Wednesday, having been the University’s longest-serving Chancellor to this point. He held the place from 2007 – 2019 and was an Honorary Doctorate recipient in October 2019.  

Mr Bolger is greatest recognized for serving three consecutive phrases as Prime Minister of New Zealand, from October 1990 to December 1997. 

During his time in authorities, he shaped sturdy ties with Waikato-Tainui and the Kīngitanga, signing the Waikato-Tainui Raupatu Settlement Deed with Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu at Tūrangawaewae in 1995.  

The University just lately acknowledged the thirtieth anniversary of this landmark event, which introduced in regards to the return of the land the Hamilton campus sits on and is now held within the title of Pootatau Te Wherowhero, on Kīngitanga Day.  

Under Mr Bolger’s steadfast management, the University delivered many vital tasks to help the event of the campus on this land, together with the refurbishment of the Library (now Te Manawa – Student Centre), and the completion of the devoted Law constructing in 2016.  

 As Chancellor, he additionally noticed the design means of The Pā start in December 2017 and returned to the campus for the opening celebration of this landmark constructing in 2023.  

The development of the Tauranga Moana CBD campus was one other vital milestone led by Mr Bolger, because the University strengthened its connection to the Bay of Plenty and launched its choices within the area.  

The University’s relationship with the Kīngitanga remained a precedence for Mr Bolger, with the supply of high quality training for Māori college students a main objective within the University’s strategic planning all through his tenure as Chancellor. 

In 2016 he oversaw the introduction of Te Ara ki Angitū: Pathways to Excellence programme, making tertiary training extra accessible to college students within the South Waikato space by eradicating obstacles to check corresponding to transport, entry to studying units and monetary boundaries. 

Prior to becoming a member of the University Council, and following his 25-year profession in politics, Mr Bolger held the place of New Zealand ambassador to the United States for 4 years, from 1998 to 2002. 

The worldwide connections he developed throughout that point helped to open many international alternatives for the University and its researchers and lecturers. 

As Chancellor Mr Bolger additionally presided over the method of Vice-Chancellor Professor Neil Quigley’s appointment in 2014.  

“Jim had great aspiration for and pride in the University of Waikato, was a passionate campaigner for equity of access and ensured the University remained accountable to its community,” Professor Quigley says.  

“He led the Council with authority and unerring political instincts and valued the contribution of all of the members of Council that served alongside him.” 

Professor Quigley additionally notes that Mr Bolger all the time had a very good story about who he had sat subsequent to on the flight up from Wellington. 

“Those stories frequently provided core of his eloquent and amusing addresses to our graduation ceremonies.” 

The University extends its deepest sympathies to Mr Bolger’s spouse Joan, his son, former Pro Vice-Chancellor Management Matt Bolger, and the remainder of the Bolger household, in addition to his buddies and former colleagues at this tough time.