14 Jul 2009

Vice-chancellor wins Blake medal

The New Zealand-born vice-chancellor of Oxford University has won the Blake medal, one of New Zealand's top leadership honours.

John Hood received the accolade at the Sir Peter Blake Leadership Awards aboard the HMNZS Canterbury in Auckland last night. It was presented by Sir Peter's widow, Pippa, Lady Blake. Dr Hood was the fifth recipient of the award, with previous winners being Sir Murray Halberg (2008), Professor Paul Callaghan (2007), Stephen Tindall (2006) and Sir John Anderson (2005).

Employed by Oxford since 2004, Dr Hood will finish at the university  this September. The Rhodes scholar had previously spent 18 years working in senior positions at Fletcher Challenge, ASB Bank, Fonterra and Auckland University.

Selection panel chairman Sir Ron Carter said Dr Hood's successful leadership at  one of the world's leading universities capped his significant contribution to New Zealand in the realms of academia, industry and to the architecture of the country's high performance sports. "In his tenure at The University of Auckland, John demonstrated outstanding leadership through his ability to clearly articulate a vision, build a successful team to implement that vision and keep the focus on people.

"His ability to motivate people and make them feel part of the bigger picture is a lasting legacy that is reflected in the continuing respect and admiration many of the university staff have for him."

Also recognised at the awards were six emerging leaders. They were Icehouse chief executive Andrew Hamilton, Air Force Wing Commander Russell Mardon, Auckland-based Inspiring Communities co-ordinator Alfred Ngaro, Bell Gully partner Rachel Paris, Synlait chief executive John Penno and Auckland's One Tree Hill College principal Iva Ropati.

- Gisborne Herald, 27 June 2009