Country and university honour Clark

Chancellor Roger France (left) confers the doctorate on Helen Clark, assisted by registrar Timothy Greville. Photo / Natalie Slade

Helen Clark smiled and bowed to an applauding audience after receiving an honorary doctorate last night - capping a day of recognition.

The former Labour Prime Minister was made an honorary doctor of laws at an intimate ceremony at the University of Auckland's Fale Pasifika.

She paid tribute to her parents, Margaret and George, her husband Peter and the university for helping her achieve so much in her life.

"I look back on those years, studying and their teaching, as certainly among the happiest in my life."

The hours spent researching in the university library - both as a student and then as a lecturer - helped her later in what she described as "a very tough political career which required tremendous self-discipline".

Described by chancellor Roger France as one of the most "illustrious graduates" the university had seen, Helen Clark said one of her major motivations while in politics was to strive so that all people had the same opportunities she had been given.

"A university education was for me a transformational experience, and a major motivation for me in public life was to strive to make that experience available to everyone with the potential to benefit from it," she said.

"Opportunity denied because of costs of access is a tragedy for the individual and for the country."

Earlier in the day, Helen Clark was invested with New Zealand's highest honour, membership of the Order of New Zealand, at Government House in Epsom. The ceremony was attended by family, friends and former colleagues.

Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand said prime ministership was an inherently lonely role.

"For almost nine years Helen Clark shouldered both the powers and the responsibilities of being Prime Minister confidently and adeptly."

Sir Anand said the fact that only four other New Zealanders had held the position for longer spoke hugely of her abilities and judgments.

Helen Clark received the insignia formerly worn by unionist and Labour MP Sonja Davies, who died in 2005.

"Sonja was an inspiration to me as a young woman as someone who battled for women's rights all her life, so it's really a privilege to have her badge," she said.

Helen Clark's husband, Professor Peter Davis, said he was "a bit overwhelmed" by her achievement.

"I'm just happy that when you look at the ups and downs of public life it's nice to see a recognition of this kind," he said.

Her father, George Clark, said it was awesome to see his daughter received the honour.

"She seems to be able to achieve anything. She just goes from strength to strength."

Her mother, Margaret, said that she was very proud of their daughter.