Wendy Larner

Only the second female president in the Royal Society Te Apārangi’s 150 year history, Wendy Larner completed undergraduate and graduate degrees in New Zealand, then her PhD as a Canadian Commonwealth Scholar. She worked at the Universities of Waikato, Auckland and Bristol, before becoming Provost at Victoria University of Wellington in 2015.  In addition to being a Fellow of the Royal Society Apārangi, she is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences (UK).

A feminist geographer, Larner’s research has transformed understandings of neoliberalism and globalisation by melding feminist and post-structuralist theories with those of political economy. She is also known for her active support of early career colleagues and commitment to enhancing diversity in her discipline and institutions.  In 2018, Larner was awarded the UK Royal Geographical Society’s Victoria Medal, becoming the sixth woman (and second New Zealander) to receive this prestigious award in its 106 year history.

Reference:

1. “Royal Society Te Apārangi - Next President of Society to Receive Prestigious Research Medal,” accessed May 17, 2018, https://royalsociety.org.nz/news/next-president-of-society-to-receive-prestigious-research-medal/.

This profile is part of the series 150 Women in 150 Words that celebrates women’s contributions to expanding knowledge in New Zealand, running as part of our 150th Anniversary.