Orewa College alumna Dr Fiona Pardington receives national honour for photography, featured in The Press and celebrated worldwide.

Orewa College alumn Dr Fiona Pardington honoured

Dr Fiona Pardington, Kāi Tahu, Kāti Mamoe, Ngāti Kahungunu, has been appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours for her outstanding contribution to photography.

An alum of Orewa College, Fiona has spent decades capturing powerful images that explore whakapapa, memory, and cultural identity. Her work is now part of the permanent collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and she continues to exhibit worldwide.

She was the first New Zealander knighted by the French Government for her service to the arts, and in 2026 will represent Aotearoa at the Venice Biennale, one of the world’s most prestigious international art exhibitions.

Fiona’s story, recently featured in The Press by journalist Rachael Comer, traces her creative path from early drawings at the kitchen table to a globally celebrated career grounded in resilience and aroha.

Her journey reminds us that our kura continues to nurture exceptional talent. Fiona is one of many former ākonga whose creativity and commitment have made a lasting mark on the world.

✍️ Story adapted from The Press by Rachael Comer

📷 Photography by Meek Zuiderwyk