Dame Susan Hassall, JP, of Cambridge, DNZM for services to education
Dame Susan Hassall was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2021 for her services to education, and has since expanded her contributions to the wider sector. Dame Susan was Headmaster of Hamilton Boys’ High School from 1999 until 2024, overseeing many significant academic and sporting successes and growth of the school. Her contributions to education and the wider community were recognised with the Hamilton Kirikiriroa Medal by Hamilton City Council in 2024. Having been on the University of Waikato Council from 2016 and Pro-Chancellor since 2017, she was appointed Chancellor in 2025 and is a member of the University of Waikato Foundation. She contributed to the signing of a kawenata between Waikato-Tainui and the University of Waikato in 2025, setting a foundation for how they will work together on programmes supporting their strategic objectives. Dame Susan is Chair of Hospice Waikato Trust and was Acting CEO for 10 months from 2024 to 2025, having been on the Board since 2018. She became Deputy Chair of Momentum Waikato in 2026, supporting community development projects and charities, having joined the Board in 2025. She was a founding member of the Association of Boys’ Schools of New Zealand in 2001 and has held several executive offices since 2008. Dame Susan has contributed to gifted education through giftEDnz and many years with the Minister’s Advisory Group.