Prof Squire is the university's pro-vice-chancellor, division of sciences, and is an applied mathematician leading a group renowned for research on ocean-wave and sea-ice interactions and hydroelasticity subjects that are particularly relevant because of global climate change.
His work has a particular emphasis on polar marine science and sea ice.
He has participated in, and often led, more than 25 field expeditions to Arctic and Antarctic regions to collect data to validate theoretical results.
He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand and has received many other distinctions, including the Polar Medal.
Prof Squire will become deputy vice-chancellor in February next year, taking over from Prof Jones, who has held the post for the past five years.