Students, ex-pupils, staff, politicians and entertainers mingled but Dame June told the Herald she was struggling to keep mum about being made a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Saying what needs to be said comes more naturally to the cheerful Te Whanau a Apanui and Ngati Porou grandmother who has worked tirelessly for women and youth.
Dame June established an alternative education programme at Te Kotuku Marae in Te Atatu, is the current national co-ordinator of Aotearoa Netball, and is a former Maori Women's Welfare League president.
She said young people were close to her heart and she hoped to continue working with them for many years.
Former Cabinet minister John Tamihere, who sweetened his speech by singing Prince Tui Teka's ode Mum, told the crowd she had tough love down to an art.
"Even though she's called me a little mongrel, she's been able to get the best out of me and look sideways at the worst of me."
Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples said she was a woman of purpose who knew how to make community things happen.
