Award of the 2021 John Dunmore Medal

Through her research and teaching, Dr Leurquin has made a distinguished contribution to knowledge of French language and culture in the Pacific, especially New Caledonia. Her teaching and research interests reflect her deep sense of identity and loyalty to her Kanak and French heritage. Besides her university teaching, Dr Leurquin contributes significantly to the extension in New Zealand of French language learning at all levels. She has been President of the Alliance Française Dunedin (1998-2001), President of the Fédération des Alliances Françaises de Nouvelle-Zélande (2000-2005), and since 2007 is Honorary French Consul for Otago and Southland. In these roles, as in her academic position, she has been actively involved in cooperation between France and New Zealand and has promoted awareness of the Francophone Pacific.

The John Dunmore Medal is awarded annually in recognition of a major contribution to knowledge and understanding of the part played by the French people or the French language in the development of historical, intellectual, scientific, economic or other aspects of world culture, preference being given, although not exclusively, to the Pacific region.