• 2018 Professor Gail Pacheco
• 2017 Dame Paula Rebstock
• 2016 Professor John Creedy
• 2015 Dr Alan Bollard
• 2014 Professor Marilyn Waring
• 2013 Professor Jacques Poot
• 2012 Norman Gemmell
• 2011 The Awarding Panel elected not to present an award in 2011
• 2010 Dr Suzi Kerr
• 2009 Dr Brian Easton
• 2008 Professor John Gibson
• 2007 Dr Caroline Saunders
• 2006 The Awarding Panel elected not to present an award in 2006
• 2005 Dr Arthur Grimes
• 2004 Dr Grant Scobie
• 2003 Robert Buckle
• 2002 Professor Peter Lloyd
• 2001 Roger Kerr
• 2000 Professor Peter Phillips
• 1999 Dr Donald Brash
• 1998 Professor Gary Hawke
• 1997 Dr Graham Scott
• 1996 Professor Lewis Evans
• 1995 Sir Frank Holmes
• 1994 Dr Roderick Deane