Former Prime Minister and Director General of the World Trade Organisation the Right Honourable Mike Moore accepts his honorary doctorate.

Academy Award winner Grant Major, one of Auckland University of Technology’s most outstanding alumni, was recognised for his achievement in the film industry recently at AUT’s autumn graduation ceremony.
Fresh from receiving the Art Direction Oscar for his work on Lord of the Rings – the Return of the King, Major was made Doctor of the Auckland University of Technology during the Faculty of Arts ceremony on Friday 19 March at the Auckland Town Hall.

Grant Major graduated with a Diploma of Graphic Design with distinction in 1976 from the then Auckland Technological Institute.
He proved to be an excellent student, standing out in several areas of Graphic Design.
Grant says that being recognised by the University means a lot to him.
“While it was great to be recognised by the Academy, I am truly honoured to be made an Honorary Doctor of Auckland University of Technology. It was there that I learned many of the skills that have helped me throughout my career.”

Grant Major’s work has been recognised internationally for production design. For his work on the Lord of the Rings trilogy he has received three Academy Award nominations for Art Direction and he was recognised by the American Film Institute as Production Designer of the Year in 2003.
AUT Vice-Chancellor Dr John Hinchcliff says Grant’s achievements had a huge part to play in the success of the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
“As production designer for the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Grant’s vision and skill have been integral elements to the breathtaking look of the three films.”
Grant Major’s collaborations with Peter Jackson stretch back to 1993’s Heavenly Creatures and 1995’s The Frighteners.
“In between the rigorous demands of Lord of the Rings he also worked as Production Designer for the acclaimed Whale Rider. His visually rich design and conceptualisation of these powerful narratives have captivated the world,” says Dr Hinchcliff.

Another outstanding achiever on the international scene, Mike Moore, also received an honorary doctorate. Ex-prime Minister and Director General of the World Trade Organisation, Mike Moore received his award at the Faculty of Business ceremony on, Thursday 18 March.
Mike Moore has had a long and distinguished career in politics and international trade. He started his political career when he became the youngest Member of Parliament ever elected in New Zealand in 1972. He has held numerous trade-related portfolios and served in several senior political positions including Minister of Overseas Trades and Marketing, and Chairman of Cabinet Economic Development and Employment Committee.
He became Prime Minister in 1990 and also held the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs. In 1999, he was elected Director-General of the World Trade Organisation and served in this capacity to 2002.
In total, 2600 graduands processed during six ceremonies, over the two days of Autumn Graduation. Students from all of AUT’s Faculties (Health, Arts, Business, Science and Engineering and Te Ara Poutama) processed.

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