Daniel Vettori was awarded an honorary Master of Science (Sport and Exercise Science) by Wintec – Waikato Institute of Technology – in Hamilton last week.
The honorary Masters from Wintec recognises the contribution Vettori has made to the Waikato region and New Zealand through his illustrious sporting career.
“Daniel is extremely deserving of this honorary Master of Science,” says Wintec chief executive Mark Flowers.
“Since becoming New Zealand’s youngest Test representative at just 18, Daniel has taken more than 300 test wickets and 3000 test runs. As BLACKCAPS captain, he is known as an exceptional leader and one of the most considered and intelligent readers of the game.
“Also of immense importance is Daniel’s dedication to being a role model for our young people and his commitment in giving back to the community. This is our way of giving something back to him.”
An official ceremony and celebratory dinner was held on September 16 in Wintec’s newly renovated historical building – Wintec House – and attended by Vettori’s family, New Zealand and Northern Districts cricket representatives, Waikato mayors, Hamilton city councillors, representatives from local sporting organisation and Wintec staff.
Wintec’s honorary degrees or fellowships are usually conferred during Wintec’s graduation week earlier in the year, but due to Vettori’s cricket commitments, his ceremony was postponed until now.
Vettori joins Wintec’s elite group of honoraries which includes Sir Edmund Hillary, Dame Te Atairangikaahu, Colin Meads and the Topp Twins.
Honorary recipients must have made a significant contribution to Wintec, the region or the nation over a number of years through scholarship and research, innovation in industry or business or enhancing New Zealand society. They are nominated by Wintec staff and Council members and recipients each year are chosen through a robust nomination and approval process.
