Dr Sidney (Hirini) Moko Mead - BA, MA

Dr Sidney (Hirini) Moko Mead, of Ngati Awa, Tuwharetoa and Tuhourangi tribal descent, is an international leader in Oceanic art, with many other distinctions including his specialisation in Maori language and culture studies. He is consultant to a number of the world's leading art galleries and museums, including the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Smithsonian, the Field and the British Museums.

During his tenure as Professor in Maori at Victoria University, Te Herenga Waka, the University Marae was developed, a Kohanga Reo was established and Maori Studies became a department in its own right producing quality speakers of the Maori language.

During this period Sidney was co-curator of the Te Maori exhibition that travelled to the Metropolitan Museum of New York, a pivotal exhibition that accorded Maori 'artefacts' the recognition that they are pieces of art connected to the people who produced them.

As well as a prolific writer with many published articles, short stories and more recently a novel, Sidney is a composer of both poetry and music. He strongly advocates for Maori language both within and outside educational institutions, and champions many issues that Maori face today.

Sidney received a Distinguished Alumni Award in 1999.