Obituary, Sir Colin Maiden

Sir Colin graduated with a Master of Engineering in 1955 from the then Auckland University College. A Rhodes Scholarship took him to the University of Oxford where he completed his doctorate in 1957. He then took up research posts, first in Canada and then in California at General Motors, broken by a brief period lecturing at the Engineering School. His area of research was hyper-velocity in flight. 

Sir Colin was only the second to serve in the new role of Vice-Chancellor of the University of Auckland when he was appointed in 1971, and the youngest vice-chancellor in the Commonwealth. By the time he retired in 1994, he was the longest serving.

In more than 20 years, he drove major changes at the University. A massive building programme transformed the campus and facilities. He strongly believed that good sporting and recreational amenities are integral to a complete education. (He had played in the first XV at Auckland Grammar School and was awarded a tennis Blue at Oxford, a sport he played with a passion long into his later years.) The Maidment Theatre, the original recreation centre and the sports fields at Tamaki that carry his name, all owe their existence to his desire for better facilities for an ever-increasing student roll. 

Under his watch, the entire University’s administrative organisation, from faculties and committees to deputy vice-chancellors, was reformed. New buildings, such as Human Sciences, were constructed, student accommodation substantially increased, and subjects such as Management Studies and Computer Science introduced. The first two women professors were appointed, Marie Clay and Patricia Bergquist.

During his time as Vice-Chancellor Sir Colin also served on several government committees and after stepping down from the role held directorships in a wide range of leading New Zealand companies. He also maintained contact with the University. A regular visitor to Engineering, he could be found surrounded by students eagerly listening to stories from his remarkable career.

He received his knighthood for services to education and business management in 1994 and was an Honorary Fellow of Exeter College at Oxford University where he studied as a Rhodes Scholar. In later years, he became a generous donor to the University of Auckland, and many hundreds of Engineering students have benefited from the Dean’s Leadership Programme which he helped to found. 

The University community sends his family its deepest condolences. 

Sir Colin Maiden (5 May 1933 – 31 July 2024)

Read the Legacy of former vice-chancellor Sir Colin Maiden news article.