Stephen Levine

Professor Stephen Levine, Wellington, received the Insignia of an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education and the Jewish community.  He has contributed to the knowledge of New Zealand's government, elections and the political process for more than 30 years.  In 2000, he established the parliamentary internship programme for honours students at Victoria University; allowing students to undertake part of their studies at Parliament.  He has carried out survey research into New Zealanders' voting behaviour since 1975 and has written and edited a substantial number of publications. He is the founding co-editor of the Royal Society of New Zealand's online social science journal, Kotuitui, and was the co-editor of Political Science.  He was a co-founder of two professional associations: the New Zealand Political Studies Association and the Pacific Islands Political Studies Association.  Professor Levine has also contributed to developing a greater understanding of the Jewish community within New Zealand and overseas.  He published A Standard for the People and the The New Zealand Jewish Community.