As former head coach of the All Blacks from 2004 to 2011 Sir Graham Henry is well known internationally and nationally, and has been described as one of the most successful coaches ever to have coached an All Black side.
As one of the College of Education’s most distinguished graduates, Sir Graham will be awarded an honorary Doctorof Education degree, the first to be presented by the University, in recognition of his contribution to education in his roles as coach, mentor and team leader.
Sir Graham attended Christchurch Boys High School and gained a diploma in physical education from the University of Otago in 1969 before returning to Christchurch to enter secondary teaching at the former Christchurch College of Education – now the University of Canterbury’s College of Education.
He was awarded a teacher’s college diploma in secondary teaching in physical education and science in 1970. He went on to teach at Christchurch Boys’ High School, Auckland Grammar School and Kelston Boys’ High School. He coached Auckland Grammar School’s first XV.
He completed a Bachelor of Education at Massey University in 1979 and in 1987 was appointed headmaster of Kelston Boy’s High after holding the position of deputy headmaster. He was headmaster until 1996 when he took up rugby coaching full-time.
Sir Graham coached the Auckland provincial rugby team from 1992 to 1997, followed by the Auckland Blues from 1996 to 1998. He was appointed the coach of the Welsh rugby team in 1998 and coached the British and Irish Lions on their 2001 tour of Australia.
He was named the All Blacks coach in 2004, a position he held until announcing his retirement after the All Blacks won the 2011 World Cup. He was made a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2012 New Year Honours, for services to rugby.
Citation authorised as true and correct at December 2012.
