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Governor-General Anand Satyanand has joined the likes of Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and the late Queen Mother in receiving an honorary doctorate from Auckland University, his alma mater.
Mr Satyanand said he was honoured to receive the honorary doctor of laws degree in a ceremony last night.
"I am conscious of many of the distinguished previous recipients whose ranks I now join."
Businessman and benefactor Paul Kelly was also made an honorary doctor of laws and the president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Professor Lu Yongxiang, was made an honorary doctor of engineering.
Mr Satyanand, who has worked as a lawyer, judge and Ombudsman, graduated from Auckland University in 1970 with a law degree.
University chancellor Hugh Fletcher said Mr Satyanand had the ability to relate to people from all walks of life.
Professor Vivienne Gray spoke of Mr Satyanand's illustrious career. She said he had "worked to create the harmony to which we aspire. Yet he did not forget his university, and we do not forget him."
