Victoria University Of Wellington

Discover the notable alumni of Victoria University Of Wellington. The list includes people like Karl Urban, Fred Hollows, Michael King, Fleur Adcock & Sam Neill. This list of notable alumni is loosely sorted by popularity and has people from different domains of life, such as film & theater personalities, writers, intellectuals & academics, physicians and musicians etc.
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 1 
Taika Waititi
(Filmmaker Best Known for His Films: 'Boy', 'Hunt for the Wilderpeople' and 'What We Do in the Shadows')
Taika Waititi
54
Birthdate: August 16, 1975
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Raukokore, Waihau Bay, New Zealand

Taika Waititi is an actor, filmmaker, and comedian. One of the most popular New Zealand film personalities of all time, Waititi is renowned for directing films like Thor: Ragnarok and Boy. He has won prestigious awards including a BAFTA Award, an Academy Award, and a Grammy Award. In 2022, Waititi was included in Time magazine's 100 most influential people list.

 2 
Karl Urban
(New Zealand Actor Known for His TV Series ‘Xena: Warrior Princess’)
Karl Urban
48
Birthdate: June 7, 1972
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Wellington, New Zealand

Karl Urban is one of the most popular actors from New Zealand. He established himself in the American film industry by playing the role of Éomer in two of the three Lord of the Rings film series. Apart from acting, he plays a key role in supporting The KidsCan Charitable Trust, which provides essentials to over 16,000 disadvantaged children.

 3 
Sam Neill
(Actor, Director and Producer Known for His Role as ‘Dr. Alan Grant’ in ‘Jurassic Park’ Film Series)
Sam Neill
26
Birthdate: September 14, 1947
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Omagh, Northern Ireland

Sam Neill is a New Zealand actor, screenwriter, film director, and producer. He is best known for his portrayal of Dr. Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park film series. Sam Neill is also known for his work in TV series like The Simpsons and Peaky Blinders. He is the recipient of several prestigious awards including the New Zealand Film Award.

 4 
Melanie Lynskey
(New Zealand Actress Known for Playing Quirky, Soft-Spoken but Headstrong Characters)
Melanie Lynskey
21
Birthdate: May 16, 1977
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: New Plymouth, New Zealand

Melanie Lynskey is a New Zealand actress best known for her portrayal of Rose in the popular American sitcom Two and a Half Men. Over the years, she has won several prestigious awards such as a Critics' Choice Award, Hollywood Film Award, and Gracie Award.

 5 
Michelle Ang
(Actress known for her work on Fear the Walking Dead: Flight 462)
Michelle Ang
3
Birthdate: October 17, 1983
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Christchurch, New Zealand
Height: 5'3" (160 cm)
 6 
Conrad Smith
(New Zealand Rugby Union Coach and Former Rugby Union Player)
Conrad Smith
0
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: October 12, 1981
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Hāwera, New Zealand
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 7 
Patsy Reddy
(21st Governor-General of New Zealand)
Patsy Reddy
2
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: May 17, 1954
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Matamata, New Zealand
A qualified lawyer, Patsy Reddy has also been the governor-general of New Zealand. A patron of the arts, she has chaired the Film Commission and been the Deputy Chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency, too. She being a vegan, her swearing-in ceremony for the post of governor-general was completely vegan.
 8 
Jerry Collins
(New Zealand Rugby Union Player)
Jerry Collins
3
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: November 4, 1980
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Apia, Samoa
Died: June 5, 2015
Height: 6'4" (193 cm)
 9 
Jane Campion
(Screenwriter, Film director, Actor)
Jane Campion
12
Birthdate: April 30, 1954
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Wellington, New Zealand

In 1993, Jane Campion became the first female filmmaker to be honored with the Palme d'Or for her film The Piano, which also earned her an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. In 2022, Campion became the first woman to win Oscars for both screenwriting and directing when her film The Power of the Dog earned her the Best Director award.

 10 
Fred Hollows
(New Zealand-Australian Ophthalmologist and Philanthropist)
Fred Hollows
29
Listed In: Scientists
Birthdate: April 9, 1929
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Dunedin, New Zealand
Died: February 10, 1993

Fred Hollows became a renowned name in the field of ophthalmology after helping thousands of people see by restoring their sight. Born in New Zealand, Hollows later became an Australian citizen. He had initially aspired to join the clergy but had decided against it after visiting a mental institution.

 11 
Costa Ronin
(Best Known for His Roles in the TV Series: ' East West 101', 'The Americans' and 'Homeland')
Costa Ronin
3
Birthdate: February 3, 1979
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Kaliningrad, Russia

Costa Ronin is a Russian-born New Zealand cinematographer and actor. He is best known for his appearances in international projects like Red Dog, East West 101, The Americans, and Homeland. In addition to being a cinematographer and actor, Costa Ronin is also a passionate motorcyclist.

 12 
Antonia Prebble
(Best known for her role as Loretta West in the series Outrageous Fortune)
Antonia Prebble
2
Birthdate: June 6, 1984
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Wellington, New Zealand
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
 13 
John Money
(Psychologist Known for His Research into Sexual Identity and Biology of Gender)
John Money
12
Birthdate: July 8, 1921
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Morrinsville, New Zealand
Died: July 7, 2006

John Money was a New Zealand sexologist, psychologist, and author. He is best remembered for his research into biology of gender and sexual identity. He is credited with coining the terms sexual orientation, gender role, and gender identity. John Money was also criticized for endorsing conversion therapy among other unethical practices. His books have been translated into numerous languages.

 14 
Eleanor Catton
(New Zealand Novelist and the Youngest Winner of the Booker Prize)
Eleanor Catton
1
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: September 24, 1985
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: London, Canada

Canadian-born New Zealand author Eleanor Catton soared to fame with her debut award-winning novel The Rehearsal. She has also been a scriptwriter, adapting one of her books into a series and writing for films such as Emma. She also offers a grant to budding authors with great talent.

 15 
Fran Walsh
(New Zealand Screenwriter and Film Producer)
Fran Walsh
6
Birthdate: January 10, 1959
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Wellington, New Zealand

Fran Walsh is a New Zealand film producer and screenwriter. Along with her partner Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh has produced films like The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, which earned her three Academy Awards in 2004.

 16 
Ian Ferguson
(Canoeist)
Ian Ferguson
0
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: July 20, 1952
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Taumarunui, New Zealand
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
 17 
Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa
(7th Prime Minister of Samoa)
Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa
0
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: April 29, 1957
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Apia, Samoa
 18 
Priyanca Radhakrishnan
(New Zealand's 10th Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector)
Priyanca Radhakrishnan
0
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: 1979 AD
Birthplace: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Indian-born New Zealand politician Priyanca Radhakrishnan grew up in a family that had roots in left-wing Indian politics. After moving to New Zealand, she worked as a social worker till she joined the New Zealand Labour Party. She later scripted history by becoming the first Indian-origin minister of New Zealand.

 19 
Christine Leunens
(Known for Bestselling Novels Such as 'Primordial Soup' and 'Caging Skies')
Christine Leunens
4
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: December 29, 1964
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Hartford, Connecticut, United States

American-born New Zealand-Belgian author Christine Leunens is best known for her bestselling novels such as Primordial Soup and Caging Skies, with the latter inspiring the critically acclaimed movie Jojo Rabbit. Interestingly, she had initially worked as a print model to fund her first book. She has also been a screenwriter.

 20 
John Clarke
(Former New Zealand Comedian Known for His Long-Running Collaboration With Fellow Satirist, Bryan Dawe)
John Clarke
2
Birthdate: July 29, 1948
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Palmerston North, New Zealand
Died: April 9, 2017

John Clarke was a New Zealand writer, comedian, and satirist. A highly regarded writer, Clarke's work appeared on ABC in both television and radio. The recipient of three ARIA Music Awards, Clarke is best remembered for his collaboration with Bryan Dawe; the two released several comedy albums. In 2008, Clarke was made an inductee of the Logies Hall of Fame.     

 21 
Ibrahim Omer
(Member of the New Zealand Parliament for Labour party list)
Ibrahim Omer
0
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: 1980 AD
Birthplace: Eritrea
 22 
Michael King
(Historian & Biographer)
Michael King
1
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: December 15, 1945
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Wellington
Died: March 30, 2004

Michael King was a New Zealand biographer, historian, and author. He is remembered for writing a book titled Penguin History of New Zealand, which became a best-seller and the most famous New Zealand book in the year 2004. A much-respected writer, King won several literary awards, such as the Feltex television writers' award and Prime Minister's Award for Literary Achievement.

 23 
Patricia Grace
(New Zealand Writer)
Patricia Grace
0
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: August 17, 1937
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Wellington, New Zealand

New Zealand author Patricia Grace is regarded as one of the most significant figures in Maori literature. Though half-Maori and half-European, she identified as a Maori. Initially a teacher, she later turned to full-time writing. She soared to fame as a children’s author and is also known for her novels and short stories.

 24 
Alan MacDiarmid
(Nobel Prize-Winning New Zealand-Born American Chemist )
Alan MacDiarmid
0
Listed In: Scientists
Birthdate: April 14, 1927
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Masterson, New Zealand
Died: February 7, 2007
 25 
Witi Ihimaera
(New Zealand Novelist)
Witi Ihimaera
1
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: February 7, 1944
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Gisborne, New Zealand

New Zealand author Witi Ihimaera started his career as a newspaper writer and then worked as a postal worker, before scripting history as the first Maori to publish a novel and a collection of short stories. His novel The Whale Rider was later made into an award-winning film.

 26 
Ronald Syme
(Historian)
Ronald Syme
0
Birthdate: March 11, 1903
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Eltham, New Zealand
Died: September 4, 1989

Ronald Syme was a New Zealand-born classicist and historian. Considered the greatest exponent of Roman Empire's history since Edward Gibbon, Syme is also regarded as the most brilliant historian of ancient Rome since 19th century. Syme is best remembered for his 1939 work The Roman Revolution, a controversial analysis of political life in Rome after the assassination of Julius Caesar.

 27 
Geoffrey Palmer
(Former 33rd Prime Minister of New Zealand)
Geoffrey Palmer
1
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: April 21, 1942
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Nelson, New Zealand

Geoffrey Palmer is a New Zealand legal academic, lawyer, and former politician. He is best known for his service as the Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1989 to 1990. Geoffrey Palmer also served as the Minister of Justice from 1984 to 1989, during which he introduced many reforms in the country's constitutional and legal framework.

 28 
Fleur Adcock
(New Zealand Poet and Editor)
Fleur Adcock
2
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: February 10, 1934
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Papakura, New Zealand

Fleur Adcock is a New Zealand poet and editor. She is of English and Northern Irish ancestry and has lived much of her life in England. She studied Classics at Victoria University of Wellington and began her career as an assistant lecturer at the University of Otago. She has worked as a freelance writer since 1980.

 29 
Claire Szabó
(Chief executive officer and has been President of the New Zealand Labour Party since 2019)
Claire Szabó
0
Listed In: Business People
Birthdate: 1979 AD
Birthplace: New Zealand
 30 
Jack Marshall
(28th Prime Minister of New Zealand)
Jack Marshall
0
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: March 5, 1912
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Wellington, New Zealand
Died: August 30, 1988

Known as Gentleman Jack for his politeness, New Zealand National Party politician Jack Marshall served as his country’s prime minister and had also been its minister of overseas trade. Initially a qualified lawyer, too, he devoted himself to writing books and actively engaged in cultural and charitable activities.

 31 
Nicky Hager
(Investigative Journalist and Author)
Nicky Hager
0
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: 1958 AD
Birthplace: Levin, New Zealand

Nicky Hager is a New Zealand investigative journalist best known for his highly influential books like Secret Power and Dirty Politics. His investigative work has earned him a place in the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists; Nicky Hager is one of only two members from New Zealand.

 32 
Jonathan Sarfati
(Australian Chess Player and Writer)
Jonathan Sarfati
0
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: October 1, 1964
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Ararat, Australia
 33 
Paul Callaghan
(New Zealand Physicist)
Paul Callaghan
0
Listed In: Scientists
Birthdate: August 19, 1947
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Whanganui, New Zealand
Died: March 24, 2012
 34 
Tim Groser
(politician, diplomat)
Tim Groser
0
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: 1950 AD
Birthplace: Perth
 35 
Robin Cooke, Baron Cooke of Thorndon
(Former Judge widely considered one of New Zealand's most influential jurists, and is the only New Zealand judge to have sat in the House of Lords)
Robin Cooke, Baron Cooke of Thorndon
0
Listed In: Lawyers & Judges
Birthdate: May 9, 1926
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Wellington, New Zealand
Died: August 30, 2006
 36 
John Psathas
(Classical composer who has work in the repertoire of such high-profile musicians)
John Psathas
0
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: 1966 AD
Birthplace: Wellington, New Zealand

John Psathas is a New Zealand composer whose works have been performed and popularized by well-known artistes like Evelyn Glennie, Michael Brecker, Michael Houstoun, and Joshua Redman. One of New Zealand's best known composers, John Psathas has received several prestigious awards, including New Zealand Music Awards.

 37 
Emelihter Kihleng
(First Micronesian To Publish a Collection of Poetry in the English Language)
Emelihter Kihleng
0
Listed In: Writers
Birthplace: Guam
 38 
Albert Wendt
(Poet)
Albert Wendt
1
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: October 27, 1939
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Apia, Samoa
 39 
Jehan Casinader
(New Zealand Journalist and Television Presenter)
Jehan Casinader
0
Birthplace: Sri Lankan
 40 
Nicholas Agar
(New Zealand Professor)
Nicholas Agar
0
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: 1965 AD
Birthplace: New Zealand

Nicholas Agar is a New Zealand professor who has been teaching ethics at the prestigious Victoria University of Wellington since 1996. Over the years, Nicholas Agar has also written several books on human enhancement and technological change.

 41 
Adaljiza Magno
(Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of East Timor since 2020)
Adaljiza Magno
0
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: January 7, 1975
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Baguia, Timor-Leste
 42 
Teima Onorio
(5th Vice President of Kiribati)
Teima Onorio
0
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: 1963 AD
Birthplace: Kiribati
 43 
David Carruthers
(Long-serving member of the New Zealand legal community.)
David Carruthers
0
Listed In: Lawyers & Judges
Birthdate: 1940 AD
Birthplace: Pahiatua, New Zealand
 44 
Ieremia Tabai
(1st President of Kiribati)
Ieremia Tabai
1
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: December 16, 1949
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Nonouti Island, Kiribati
 45 
Lydia Wevers
(Literary historian whose research focussed on New Zealand literature and print culture, as well as Australian literature)
Lydia Wevers
1
Birthdate: March 19, 1950
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Hengelo, Netherlands
Died: September 4, 2021

Lydia Wevers was a New Zealand literary critic, literary historian, book reviewer, and editor. Apart from reviewing books, Wevers also reviewed a number of newspapers, magazines, and literary journals. For her services to literature, Lydia Wevers was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit during the 2006 Queen's Birthday Honours.