Honouring former St Cuthbert’s College Old Girl Ann Trotter

ONZM 23 January 1932 – 14 July 2022

I extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of former St Cuthbert’s College Head Girl, Ann Trotter ONZM. Ann was a distinguished historian, a much-admired teacher, and the first woman Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of Otago. She was also a life member of the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs and a senior fellow at the Centre for Strategic Studies. She lived her life abiding by the College motto, By Love Serve.

Ann was born in Hawera. She attended Hawera Main Primary School, and in 1945 she went to St Cuthbert’s College for her secondary education. She did well academically, and in sporting and cultural pursuits. She was appointed Head Girl in 1949. She completed a

Master of Arts with honours Otago University in 1953, followed by a graduate teaching qualification at Auckland Training College.

In 1955 Ann left for London, where she taught for 2 years before taking up a post lecturing for the International Wool Secretariat. She returned to New Zealand to teach at Epsom Girls Grammar in 1959. Curiosity about the world led Ann to take time out from teaching. She was aware of the growing importance of New Zealand’s connections with Asia as the country’s ties with the United Kingdom weakened. She decided to study Asian history at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, taking an MA with papers on China and Japan. This led to a PhD in international history, on British relations with China and Japan in the 1930s.

At the end of 1973, Ann joined Otago University. Her research flourished and resulted in numerous publications. From 1993-97 Ann was the first women Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of Otago, and Head of the Division of Humanities. In 1997, Ann was named an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for service to historical research.

‘Ann was a role model to many young women who saw in her what they might become: leaders in their field and a commitment to excellence.’