Jose Manuel Barroso receives a Doctorate of Laws Honoris Causa from the University of Auckland

In September New Zealand welcomed the President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, for a busy visit covering both the NZ-EU relationship and the annual summit of the Pacific Islands Forum (which New Zealand is chairing in 2011-2012).

One highlight of the visit was President Barroso’s receipt of a Doctorate of Laws Honoris Causa from the University of Auckland, in a ceremony held in the university’s Fale Pasifika.

President Barroso met with Mr Roger France, Chancellor of the University of Auckland, Professor Stuart McCutcheon, Vice Chancellor of the University of Auckland, and a wide range of other senior University staff and invited guests.

President Barroso also delivered the Europa Lecture: "The European Union – A Committed Partner for the Pacific", followed by a Question and Answer session with the audience. The President also met with European Studies Professors and students from all seven New Zealand universities.