Eva Perese Wood receives Lopdell Prize
Eva Perese Wood receives Lopdell Prize
Colin McKay with Eva Perese Wood, 2026 Geraldine Lopdell Prize recipient, and selection panel members at the AUT School of Communication Studies Awards
A legacy of creativity and community continues through a new generation of storytellers.
AUT celebrated the 2026 recipient of the Geraldine Lopdell Prize at its School of Communication Studies awards ceremony in May, awarding Eva Perese Wood, a Bachelor of Communication Studies student majoring in Journalism.
The prize recognises top-performing Pacific undergraduate journalism students. Eva stood out for her academic achievement, storytelling ability and commitment to community, qualities that reflect the spirit of the award.
The evening also welcomed Colin McKay, Geraldine’s husband, whose presence connected the origins of the prize with the students it continues to support.
The Geraldine Lopdell Prize honours the life and work of Geraldine Lopdell, an educator and artist whose impact spanned teaching, creative practice and community initiatives across the Pacific. From her early years in Tonga and Samoa to her award-winning kite design and humanitarian work in Fiji and the Philippines, her legacy is grounded in curiosity, creativity and care for others.
The 2026 ceremony also marked the reinstatement of the prize after a period of pause following COVID-19 and programme changes. Its return reinforces AUT’s commitment to recognising Pacific student success and supporting emerging voices in journalism.
Through the continued support of Geraldine’s family, including her granddaughter Alex Woodley, the prize celebrates students who reflect Geraldine’s passions for art, education and the Pacific.
Eva’s achievement continues that legacy, connecting past and present and supporting the future of storytelling in Aotearoa.