New Zealand’s most decorated Olympian, world champion kayaker, and advocate of te reo Māori and indigenous culture, Dame Lisa Carrington has been recognised by Auckland University of Technology as an Honorary Doctor of the University.

At the conferral ceremony this week, Dame Lisa emphasised the importance of encouraging rangatahi in both their education and sporting endeavours.

“I’ve spent most of my life chasing milliseconds on the water, so to be recognised in this way, in the world of learning and academia, is deeply moving,” she said.

“This journey is about so much more than medals and records, it’s about purpose. My purpose has been to represent not just myself, but my people – my whānau, my iwi, my country. To show young girls, especially Māori girls, that they can dream big, work hard, and stand tall in any space they choose. That they belong.”

AUT Chancellor Rob Campbell noted their shared values of excellence and opportunity.

“AUT is proud to confer this honour upon Dame Lisa, and to welcome her to our alma mater as a distinguished graduate. Her achievements exemplify the values and aspirations of our university community, and we are delighted to recognise her contributions,” he said.

Dame Lisa’s athletic career includes various international competitions where she has broken numerous records and secured a plethora of international titles and won nine Olympic medals (eight gold, one bronze).

She became a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2022, Halberg Awards Sportswoman of the Decade in 2021, and has been recognised eight times as the Māori Sports Awards Sportswoman of the Year.

She has also made significant contributions to society through promoting education and the preservation of Māoritanga and te Reo, including authoring a children’s book in both English and te Reo: Lisa Carrington Chases a Champion and Ko Lisa Carrington me te Toa Whakaihuwaka

Vice-Chancellor Professor Damon Salesa said Dame Lisa joined a distinguished lineage of honorary doctorate recipients at AUT – a legacy that began in the year 2000 with the conferral of the first honorary doctorate to Sir Peter Blake.

“Now, 25 years later, another sporting great is welcomed into this prestigious circle. This moment is not only a celebration of individual excellence but a reflection of the values we hold as a university. At AUT we are committed to excellence, service, and impact,” he said.