AUT Excellence Awards 2017

AUT EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2017

Sir Paul Reeves Building AUT City Campus Thursday 19 October 2017

INTRODUCTION BY THE VICE-CHANCELLOR Tonight we celebrate excellence across our university.

We recognise and acknowledge the outstanding teachers and researchers who inspire our students, promote curiosity and discovery, and deliver knowledge, expertise and creativity to the communities we serve.

In essence, a university is its teaching and research. Everything and everyone at AUT contribute to these core activities in many and various ways, and it is through the efforts of all of our staff that the university’s reputation continues to grow.

So tonight we also celebrate our professional staff. Introduced in 2015, the Awards for Professional Excellence recognise exceptional staff members who have played a significant and sustained part in the direction and effectiveness of AUT. This year I have also decided to award a Special Commendation for Excellence, which will be presented to an AUT staff member for outstanding strategic contribution.

To complete this evening of celebration, 2017 will be the fifth year we award the

University Medal, presented last year to Professor Patria Hume. This medal is awarded to a member of the AUT community in recognition of enduring and extraordinary contributions to AUT that reflect and enhance the academic development and reputation of our university.

Our growing reputation both in New Zealand and overseas is evident from our ranking in the top 450, or two percent, of the world’s universities in the QS World University Rankings. This year we also ranked in the top 500 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings – a significant increase on last year’s rankings.

Times Higher Education recognised our international engagement and connectivity, ranking us 15th in the world and first in Australasia for international outlook.

All staff at AUT contribute to our success and reputation. Tonight we celebrate, acknowledge, and thank those who have excelled.

This evening belongs to them.

Derek McCormack Vice-Chancellor

1

PROGRAMME THURSDAY 19 OCTOBER 2017 FROM 6.00PM IN THE SIR PAUL REEVES BUILDING

6.00pm

Refreshments

6.30pm

Finalists and guests seated Ceremony commences • • • • • • •

Vice-Chancellor’s welcome Awards for Research Excellence Awards for Teaching Excellence Special Commendation for Excellence Awards for Professional Excellence Address by Geraint Martin Presentation of the University Medal

Ceremony concludes

8.00pm

2

Refreshments

VICE-CHANCELLOR’S AWARDS FOR RESEARCH EXCELLENCE

The Research Excellence Awards recognise excellent researchers who seek to advance knowledge, stimulate learning, address issues that face the economy, environment and society, and promote debate, discovery and change.

A combination of individuals and teams are recognised with the five Research Excellence Awards: research team, emerging researcher, postgraduate research supervision, research impact and individual research excellence.

3

RESEARCH TEAM This is the university’s premier award for a research team, and recognises excellence in team research, demonstrated by a wellestablished track record of published research and international recognition for their work.

FINALISTS Pacific Islands Families Study Podiatry Team

4

PACIFIC ISLANDS FAMILIES STUDY Led by Dr El-Shadan Tautolo; Amor Hirao, Leon Iusitini, Professor Janis Paterson, Natasha Pati, David Qaranivalu, Des Ryan, Faasisila Savila, Kathleen Taliauli

The Pacific Islands Families Study team has a well-established reputation for addressing the social disparities that Pacific children and their parents face in New Zealand.

Extensive consultation within Pacific communities has contributed to the development of this multidisciplinary project and the inclusion of psychosocial and health concepts that are relevant to these communities.

Currently in its seventeenth year of data collection, the longitudinal study is a world-recognised and unique tracking of a birth cohort of Pacific children born in South Auckland in the year 2000. The team’s members have collectively produced more than 100 journal articles, book chapters and reports in various health and social disciplines.

The study has recently secured three Health Research Council projects, each worth $1.2 million. A colleague notes this is a record of achievement considering the Health Research Council rarely fund three projects

from the same team in the same annual round. Last year, the study also received $940k from the Ageing Well National Science Challenge.

The team’s expertise and collaborations range across AUT and other institutions. Researchers consult with non-for-profit organisations such as Plunket and the Pasifika Medical Association, and government agencies and crown institutes such as the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, Counties Manukau DHB and NIWA. The study has helped successfully develop research capacity for Pacific staff and students. The research team currently has three staff who have completed, submitted and enrolled in their PhDs, and includes six past and current PhD students, nine master’s and honours students, and seven summer studentships. Many earlymid researchers have gained valuable experience from their involvement with the research team, including Pacific and non-Pacific researchers.

5

PODIATRY TEAM Led by Professor Keith Rome; Angela Brenton-Rule, Matthew Carroll, Mike Frecklington, Belinda Ihaka, Sarah Stewart

The members of the Podiatry Team have established themselves as international experts in their field and have made a significant contribution to podiatry in New Zealand and overseas.

Supporting early-to-mid career researchers is an important part of the team’s work, which is demonstrated by the majority of staff within podiatry having completed, or completing, doctoral qualifications.

Over the last 10 years, the team has increased their peer-reviewed publications from zero in 2007 to more than 80 publications. In 2016, they published 23 peer-reviewed publications with keynote and invited presentations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Singapore.

AUT’s undergraduate and postgraduate students are benefiting from the team’s work as they learn about current and practical research. They have implemented an honours programme encouraging top achieving undergraduates to undertake research, and to date three students have obtained PhDs, with a further three pending. Sixteen honours students have had their work published in prestigious peerreviewed journals.

The team has received more than $1 million in external funding from organisations such as the Health Research Council, Arthritis New Zealand, New Zealand Diabetes, Podiatry New Zealand and the New Zealand Wound Society.

The team implemented the first podiatry rheumatology service in New Zealand, which has attracted international researchers.

6

The Podiatry Team’s vision is to become New Zealand’s leading research group for podiatric rheumatology development, as well as key international research. Their research focus over the next five years is long-term chronic conditions, specifically relating to arthritis.

EMERGING RESEARCHER Awarded to an early career researcher who is demonstrating outstanding potential as a researcher.

FINALISTS Dr Leon Benade School of Education Christina Milligan School of Communication Studies Dr Peer Skov School of Economics Dr El-Shadan Tautolo School of Public Health and Psychosocial Studies

7

DR LEON BENADE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

Dr Leon Benade’s research focus is on 21st century learning and its impact on the work of teachers and students, particularly in relation to modern learning environments and digital pedagogies.

Leon aims to build his profile researching flexible learning environments in schools, recognising this as an underdeveloped field of study in New Zealand. He says critical thinking of the New Zealand curriculum and policy analysis lies at the heart of his research activities, with an emphasis on teachers’ work as he believes their role is marginalised universally.

His research portfolio is supported by an extensive list of publications, including 12 international and three local journal articles, five book chapters, two sole-authored books and one co-edited book. He is the co-editor of the New Zealand Journal of Teachers’ Work and works as a consulting reviewer for the Australian Journal of Teachers’ Work and Educational Philosophy and Theory.

8

Leon has been successful in securing $25k in local and international conference funding and more than $80k of research project funding.

As Co-ordinator of Research in AUT’s School of Education, Leon sees his responsibility as keeping colleagues abreast of relevant research developments in the school, faculty and beyond. He has supervised four master’s and two doctoral candidates, one doctoral completion and two master’s completions.

In 2016, he led a team of colleagues who won the Faculty of Culture and Society Innovation in Learning and Teaching Award. His colleagues describes Leon as an invaluable leader to the School of Education, faculty research committees and doctoral board.

CHRISTINA MILLIGAN SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION STUDIES

In her six years at AUT, Christina Milligan’s research has made a valuable contribution to screen production in New Zealand and advancing public consciousness of intercultural issues pertinent to Māori.

Currently pursuing her doctoral studies, Christina’s research interests are in the areas of fostering a robust Māori creative sector, which tells indigenous stories to both indigenous and non-indigenous audiences. She has produced and executive produced three films, Nights in the Gardens of Spain (2011), Mt Zion (2013) and The Price of Peace (2015), which have all had a strong impact on the New Zealand film industry.

Her most recent documentary, The Price of Peace, tells the story of activist Tame Iti and the 2007 police raids on the Tūhoe people. The film won the New Zealand Peace Foundation Award and was acknowledged at international indigenous film festivals in New Caledonia, Canada and Tahiti.

In 2016, it was screened worldwide on Al Jazeera.

Christina has published articles featured in the International Journal of Media and Cultural Studies and Pacific Journalism Review. Her recent paper Examining the dialogue: The producer as part of the creative triangle is published in the current edition of the Journal of Screenwriting and has led to her being appointed to the Executive Council of the Screenwriting Research Network, based at the University of Leeds.

Christina has received grants from Te Kotangi a Tuhoe, Te Paepae Ataata Māori Film Development Trust, the New Zealand Film Commission, Māori Television, and NZ On Air. She is highly regarded by her colleagues who see her “thinking, enthusiasm and rigour” as the cornerstone of AUT’s screen production programme.

9

DR PEER SKOV SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS

Since the completion of his PhD three years ago, Dr Peer Skov has been committed to the growth of research at AUT in the area of taxpayer responses to public policy.

Peer is a keen collaborator, both in New Zealand and internationally. He understands the value of interrelated data sources and communicating his research findings, not only to the academic community within and outside AUT, but to policy makers and government officials. His working papers evaluating Denmark’s Home Work Scheme – a tax deduction targeted at households – was referenced as the key reason behind the government abandoning the policy.

Having completed his PhD in Denmark, Peer has strong research networks overseas. He has worked on research projects with partners in Copenhagen and Michigan, and is currently collaborating with researchers from London and Zurich on the employment consequences of youth specific minimum wages.

10

Peer has published in four A and A*-rated journals, most notably in the American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, co-authored one book, and had eight invited presentations. He has served as a referee for a number of academic journals, including A and A*-rated publications.

Colleagues note Peer’s “first-rate and remarkable” research trajectory. He has presented papers at conferences in England, Denmark and Germany, and chaired sessions at the Australian Economic Theory Workshop in 2017.

In 2014, he won the Jan Whitwell Prize for best doctoral presentation at the New Zealand Association of Economists Conference.

Peer says he plans to cement his research platform in public economics and is working towards that through his involvement with four research projects on the topic of charity donations and deductions.

DR EL-SHADAN TAUTOLO SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND PSYCHOSOCIAL STUDIES A colleague describes Dr El-Shadan (Dan) Tautolo as a “highly competent, humble and diligent champion of Pacific health.” Since graduating with his PhD in 2012, he has consistently produced a large volume of quality journal articles primarily disseminating the innovative work of the Pacific Islands Families Study, a team he has grown to lead.

Dan has been lead or co-author of 33 peer-reviewed journal publications with six currently under review, written two book chapters and presented at 30 academic conferences. His work has been published in top international journals such as Tobacco Control, Preventive Medicine and Respiratory Medicine.

Since 2008, he has been the recipient and co-recipient of over $7 million of research funding, primarily from external funding organisations such as the Health Research Council, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, and the Ageing Well National Science Challenge.

In his current research focused primarily on Pacific health, he is lead investigator or co-investigator on seven different research projects, including the Pacific Islands Families Study, the New Zealand International Tobacco Control Project and the Global Healthy Families Project.

As part of his contribution to AUT’s research culture and the development of Pacific research at the South Campus, he has helped to embed and develop collaborations across a range of disciplines, both at AUT and with government agencies and non-forprofit organisations.

Dan’s ability to communicate research to different audiences has led to numerous invitations to present for the New Zealand Heart Foundation, Diabetes New Zealand and the National Pacific Wellchild Service.

11

POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH SUPERVISION Winners of this award have provided outstanding support and guidance to research degree students, contributing over a number of years to the development of research skills and scholarship.

FINALISTS Professor Chris Braddock School of Art and Design Professor Nesta Devine School of Education Professor Elaine Rush School of Sport and Recreation Dr Crystal Yap Business School

12

PROFESSOR CHRIS BRADDOCK SCHOOL OF ART AND DESIGN Students and staff say they benefit from Professor Chris Braddock’s experience and enthusiasm to share knowledge to develop a new pipeline of researchers.

During his 22 years at AUT Chris has supervised 60 higher degree completions. This includes 40 master’s, 14 honours and six PhD completions, with a further three pending. He currently supervises 11 PhD candidates and two master’s candidates. Additionally, Chris has mentored five staff in PhD supervision in the last five years.

Chris has a strong research record, with 28 publications, including seven journal articles, seven books, book chapters and books edited, and 14 conference proceedings.

He works collaboratively and strategically within supervision teams to co-publish. Chris’ latest book Animism in Art and Performance includes book chapters by three of his co-supervisors at AUT.

In 2012, Chris founded the Art and Performance Research Group, which aims to support group research initiatives by increasing their supervision and quality assured publication outcomes for staff and candidates.

Through his extensive networks, Chris fosters connections between his students and industry partners.

This has helped many of his students present their work at national and international festivals and exhibitions, including the Edinburgh Art Festival, Oceanic Performance Biennial and Headland Sculpture on the Gulf.

Chris’ students have appreciated his advocacy and guidance which inspires them to take risks, helping them engage in innovative and deep philosophical enquiry.

13

PROFESSOR NESTA DEVINE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

Colleagues describe Professor Nesta Devine as representing a high-quality research ethos around postgraduate learning while providing outstanding pastoral care, with a particular focus on MÄ ori, Pacific and mature students.

Nesta sees her purpose as engaging students in research that is meaningful, personally relevant and of importance to them. She is galvanised by a particular sense of social justice and this shows in her attempts to ensure her students’ research is published during and after their thesis work.

A colleague notes that Nesta works tirelessly at school, faculty and university levels to ensure the highest quality of supervisory practice.

To date, Nesta has completed 12 postgraduate supervisions and currently has 15 doctoral students.

In the School of Education, she has mentored junior colleagues both in supervision and in faculty doctoral board representation.

14

Nesta allows herself to be called upon for all kinds of advice on academic careers and personal trajectories. On such occasions, colleagues describe her as generous, non-judgemental and invariably helping them to see the bigger picture and stretch towards the best outcomes.

She says she expects her students to be at the cutting edge of their speciality theoretically, and therefore endeavours to keep up-to-date with the social theories that might form the background for thesis work.

A student notes that under Nesta’s supervision she has learned to develop and express a far more critical form of thinking. Nesta is described as both insightful and forthright, a source of encouragement and critique, with unwavering support for her students.

PROFESSOR ELAINE RUSH SCHOOL OF SPORT AND RECREATION

In her 25 years at AUT, Professor Elaine Rush has led, modelled and mentored a culture of care and support inclusive of all students and staff.

Colleagues value Elaine’s willingness to “go the extra mile” to ensure students receive a postgraduate experience that is more than just research and publication, but also informs how their work can make a meaningful contribution to society.

Extensive and ongoing experience and training, both as a trainer and as a trainee, in postgraduate supervision has led to Elaine overseeing 26 postgraduate theses to completion.

She is currently supervising seven PhD students and mentoring five students, including four PhDs and one master’s.

Her supervisory work has contributed to the advancement of AUT’s Māori and Pacific postgraduate students, and her skills in supervising students with variable English language ability, professional experience and levels of academic confidence ensure that her contribution is wide-reaching.

Elaine says she does her best to encourage and mentor student interaction outside the research community. Twice a year she holds writing retreats for students and supervisors at her family holiday home on Waiheke Island. She has been known to help her international candidates when they first arrive in the country, and even invite them to family events.

Elaine’s experience and contribution to health research in New Zealand has been recognised by invitations for, and examination of, master’s and PhD theses for universities in India, South Africa and Australia.

15

DR CRYSTAL YAP BUSINESS SCHOOL

Dr Crystal Yap was nominated by a group of senior colleagues and postgraduate students who have progressed from honours level to master’s and PhD research under her supervision.

A+. She is currently supervising six PhD students, five of whom she has supervised through honours/master’s level. Prior to AUT, Crystal completed 17 postgraduate supervisions for Monash University in Australia.

Crystal is highly regarded for her selfless dedication and wholehearted approach to supervision.

She says that, for her, supervision is about developing students to become independent thinkers while supporting them into further research. She characterises this developmental approach as empathetic, genuine and positive.

Colleagues highlight Crystal’s ability to build rapport with, and relate to the diverse cultural backgrounds of, her students. She helps develop their skills and capabilities by involving them in her research programme. She has co-authored seven conference papers and one book chapter with her research students while at AUT.

Her breadth of knowledge across the areas of consumer behaviour and its application to wellbeing, health marketing and online social networking, has led to a significant number of invitations to supervise postgraduate research at AUT. Since 2014, Crystal has supervised to completion 10 master’s and two honours students, of which nine have achieved grade A and two scored

16

Students value Crystal’s enthusiasm to build cohesion amongst researchers within the Business School. On a fortnightly basis she facilitates postgraduate student meet-ups to build relationships between researchers and to prompt deeper knowledge and understanding of research concepts.

RESEARCH IMPACT This is the university’s premier award for excellence in research that has led to significant knowledge transfer and impact in business, industry or the wider community.

FINALISTS Professor Valery Feigin School of Public Health and Psychosocial Studies Professor Judy McGregor School of Social Sciences and Public Policy Associate Professor Fleur Palmer School of Art and Design

17

PROFESSOR VALERY FEIGIN SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND PSYCHOSOCIAL STUDIES By identifying stroke as the second leading cause of death and disability in the world, Professor Valery Feigin has been instrumental in changing stroke healthcare policy and education worldwide. This includes a historical change in the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases in which stroke was, for the first time, placed under diseases of the nervous system.

The impact of Valery’s research is highlighted through more than 33,000 citations of his work.

Valery is in the top 1% of most cited researchers internationally and during his career he has authored or co-authored more than 500 academic publications.

Valery leads the AUT team in the development and testing of the Stroke Riskometer™ app – a unique, widely available and affordable mobile tool to reduce stroke burden around the world long-term. The app has more than 100,000 downloads, is being

18

used in 70 countries, and is endorsed by the World Stroke Organization, the World Heart Federation, the World Federation of Neurology, and the European Stroke Organization.

In recognition of Valery’s outstanding contribution to stroke research, he has received a number of prestigious awards, including the 2014 World Stroke Organization’s Presidents Award and the 2015 Royal Society of New Zealand MacDiarmid Medal.

Over the last five years, Valery has helped to secure over $100 million of external research funding in New Zealand and overseas, and has facilitated national and international networking and research collaboration.

PROFESSOR JUDY MCGREGOR SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND PUBLIC POLICY Colleagues say there are few researchers whose work has had the profound and practical impact on the lives of thousands of people in New Zealand, or built such foundations for continuing activism and advocacy, as Professor Judy McGregor.

Her work on employment conditions of aged care workers and the absence of female representation on corporate boards has been a catalyst for change in New Zealand. Judy’s academic analyses of the marginalisation of aged care workers looking after vulnerable elderly people were critical to the 2017 campaign undertaken by the union movement, human rights groups and civil society advocates to achieve equal pay for work of equal value for those workers.

for ongoing education and advocacy for the equal representation of women at the highest levels of corporate governance.

Judy says research has no public good if it does not engage everyone in debate. As the media’s “go to” person on women’s issues, she is committed to making her research accessible for different groups and individuals to use as leverage for rights-based change and public debate.

Her collaboration goes beyond local communities, as she continues to grow her extensive international research networks and links with groups based in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States.

Similarly, her academic exposure of the lack of women on corporate boards influenced the announcement of a programme of shareholder activism by a major KiwiSaver investor. This has provided a platform

19

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR FLEUR PALMER SCHOOL OF ART AND DESIGN As an architect and spatial activist, Associate Professor Fleur Palmer has a strong and proven commitment to Māori housing, social justice and community facilitation. Her research interests are the impacts of discriminatory legislative policies that limit the ability of Māori to develop sustainable communities. In striving for social justice, her work challenges restrictions imposed by current legislation, which adversely affect Māori communities and their access to affordable housing.

In collaboration with He Korowai Trust, Fleur supported the creation of an affordable housing project in Kaitaia. She also worked to generate visualisations of future development to reflect the values of the North Hokianga and Te Karaka communities.

In 2016, Fleur’s PhD won a Gold Medal Best Award in recognition of the significance of her research and its contribution to Māori communities. Her thesis has been instrumental in influencing policy change to local government acts,

20

evidenced in the recent plan change from Whangarei District Council to support Māori wanting to build on ancestral land.

To activate better support for Māori communities and assert their aspirations for housing development, her research relies on extensive consultations and professional advisory work with government organisations, the Productivity Commission, the Auditor-General, the Environment Court, district councils, Te Rarawa Rununga and Ngāti Whātua.

Fleur is currently lead researcher in the Māori team of the National Science Challenge: Building Better Homes, Towns and Cities, where she is researching affordable housing and the ‘architecture’ of decision making that facilitates or limits access.

INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH EXCELLENCE This is the university’s highest award to an academic staff member for excellent research achievement over a number of years.

FINALISTS Professor John Bitchener School of Language and Culture Professor Jarrod Haar Business School Professor Peter McNair School of Clinical Sciences Natalie Robertson School of Art and Design

21

PROFESSOR JOHN BITCHENER SCHOOL OF LANGUAGE AND CULTURE Professor John Bitchener has been instrumental in establishing second language learning as an internationally recognised field of study. His long-term research has focused on the potential of written corrective feedback for supervisors to provide to their doctoral students.

John has authored five books, of which his latest, A guide to supervising non-native English writers of theses and dissertations: Focusing on the writing process, was published in August. He has authored 43 journal articles and book chapters, given close to 400 invited seminars and workshops, more than 40 plenary addresses during invited professorial and scholar visits, and 187 international conference presentations.

Having established himself as an international leader in applied linguistics, John has been invited to present his work at universities in Australia, the United States, the

22

United Kingdom and Singapore. He has recently received invitations to present both keynote and plenary addresses in Spain next year and Chile in 2019.

John is currently the associate editor of two international journals, Journal of Second Language Writing and Response to Writing, and has been the editor of two national journals, New Zealand Studies in Applied Linguistics for eight years and the TESOLANZ Journal for six years.

Working at AUT since 2000, John says he enjoys presenting to students on the types of thesis/dissertation writing issues that they frequently face, according to their supervisors.

His seminars have inspired a number of PhD students to undertake research in his field of work.

PROFESSOR JARROD HAAR BUSINESS SCHOOL A colleague says Professor Jarrod Haar epitomises the combination of academic research and industry engagement. Ranked amongst the top 5% of human resource management scholars worldwide, his research focuses on the intersection between organisational behaviour and cultural factors in the workplace, with a particular interest in Māori employees.

As Deputy Director of the New Zealand Work Research Institute at AUT, Jarrod has played a vital role in guiding the development of Māori and Pacific research. This year he has led his own large research project ‘Wellbeing@Work’, which aligns with his passion for telling positive workplace stories about Māori, highlighting the challenges they face living in Auckland.

Jarrod says he enjoys publishing his work in high-ranking international journals, and to date has published 70 journal articles, of which 18 are A and A*-rated.

Mentoring early career researchers is an important part of Jarrod’s work. He is respected amongst his colleagues for his willingness and time spent mentoring junior researchers. To date he has supervised to completion eight PhD students and 53 master’s theses, and is currently supervising a further seven PhD students and four master’s students.

Jarrod’s extensive networks have led to him being commissioned by organisations and government departments to undertake research.

He has been the principal investigator of a Marsden Grant and has current research contracts with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Science for Technological Innovation National Science Challenge.

23

PROFESSOR PETER MCNAIR SCHOOL OF CLINICAL SCIENCES

During his 25 years at AUT, Professor Peter McNair has made a significant contribution to the university’s research environment and reputation.

He has held roles as Faculty Research Co-ordinator, Head of Research for the School of Rehabilitation and Occupation Studies and Acting Head of School for the Department of Physiotherapy.

In 2001, he was one of the first full professors to be appointed by AUT and the first ever Professor of Physiotherapy in New Zealand. In 1998, Peter established the Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute and grew it from a team of two researchers to one of the university’s highest performing institutes.

Peter’s work has been recognised with 26 national and international research awards. He has received more than $5.7 million in research grants, including $4 million of external funding from international organisations such as the National Institute of Health (USA) and the Japanese Science and Technology Agency.

24

Peter has generated more than 500 scholarly publications that include 10 books or book chapters, 175 journal articles, 71 keynote or invited presentations and 282 conference papers. He has been an associate editor or board member for eight international journals and has held a number of directorships on national and international bodies. He is the current Chair of Research for the International Federation of Sports Physical Therapists and has been the Chair of the Academic Board of the New Zealand College of Physiotherapists.

More recently, Peter has been integral in setting up new research collaborations with the Department of Anaesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Waitemata DHB, leading to two joint appointments and new research facilities for AUT at North Shore Hospital.

NATALIE ROBERTSON SCHOOL OF ART AND DESIGN

In her study on Ngāti Porou carving and Iwirakau-tradition meeting houses, Natalie Robertson sought to fill the void of Māori photographers responsibly documenting their own places and ways of being.

In 2016, Natalie co-authored a book A Whakapapa of Tradition: One Hundred Years of Ngāti Porou Carving, 1830 – 1930 for which she contributed more than 100 photographs of carvings, meeting houses and East Coast locations, and developed working methods determining appropriate tikanga for photographing tipuna whare on location and tipuna pou in museums.

In May, she was a recipient of the national Ockham Book Awards for her work.

As a senior lecturer of communication design and visual arts, Natalie says the inspiration for her research comes from struggling to find Māori photographers or research on Māori perspectives of photography to share with her students.

Natalie has presented papers on the dynamics of photographing on a marae at national and international conferences in Paris, Munich, Hawaii and California. She has been invited to write a paper for a 2018 special edition of the History of Photography journal on indigenous photography.

A colleague says Natalie’s photographs resonate with people and have a global impact, having featured in over 20 exhibitions at venues in Germany, China, the United States, Taiwan and Korea.

Natalie has initiated Māori research communities across AUT and engages with international indigenous research networks. She believes in using any funding they receive to fulfil tribal obligations and responsibilities to identify and run research projects that give back.

25

VICE-CHANCELLOR’S AWARDS FOR TEACHING EXCELLENCE

The Teaching Excellence Awards recognise excellent teachers who are inspiring, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and innovative, with a commitment to their subject and an ability to stimulate learners’ thought and interest.

A combination of individuals and teams are recognised with the three Teaching Excellence Awards: teaching team, teaching innovation and individual teaching excellence.

26

TEACHING TEAM This is the university’s premier award for a teaching team (two or more academic staff working as a team), and recognises excellence in collaborative teaching and/or programme development.

FINALISTS Leadership in Sport and the Outdoors Market Insights Level 7 Cross Paper Teaching Team Paramedicine Interdisciplinary Teaching Team

27

LEADERSHIP IN SPORT AND THE OUTDOORS Led by Gaye Bryham; Katie Dee, Ray Hollingsworth, Jennifer Nikolai

The School of Sport and Recreation’s core paper Leadership in Sport and the Outdoors offers 250 first year students an authentic introduction to belonging to a student community through shared experiential learning.

Over the last five years, the school has worked through a substantial curriculum refresh prompted by feedback from focus group and questionnaire data from third year Bachelor of Sport and Recreation students and lecturing staff. This has informed discussion, development and delivery of the programme’s revised teaching philosophy, underpinned by Mātauranga Māori.

Developments of the new programme include the introduction of student outdoor journeys as key learning events for both the students and staff. Participants choose from small yacht sailing, sea kayaking, hiking and camping, and maxi-yacht sailing for their voyage. Embedded within

28

this experience are lessons of selfdiscovery, leadership, team building and learning about New Zealand’s outdoors.

The collaborative teaching team is comprised of four lecturers from diverse backgrounds and teaching expertise, each contributing to the philosophy of the team where practice and reflection are in constant dialogue.

A student notes the paper has tested their character, emotions and fears.

A range of colleagues in the school have observed a strong first year culture, and believe the unity amongst these students is largely attributed to the community of learning this paper has created.

MARKET INSIGHTS LEVEL 7 CROSS PAPER TEACHING TEAM Led by Dr Crystal Yap; Associate Professor Mark Glynn, Dr Sommer Kapitan, Dr Jessica Vredenburg

The Market Insights Teaching Team brings together the disciplines of marketing, advertising, retail and sales, preparing students in their final year with skills essential for all areas of marketing practice.

Reflection on student feedback has led to changes to paper developments, such as the integration of more textbook chapters and fundamentals in background materials.

Grounded in both industry and academic connection, the programme delivers a team-based learning experience, which encourages students to become effective, resourceful problem-solvers for the rapid-paced business workforce.

A colleague notes the team, and its model of learning, embodies the very best of the Business School, and AUT. Team members are valued for showcasing learning and assessment that is authentic and directly aligned to practice, and of the ways in which the university can work with business and industry.

The team’s teaching model includes large-format lectures given by expert researchers coupled with hands-on activities in smaller groups in a studio led by teaching assistants. Students are expected to emerge ready and able to communicate with comfort and clarity, to grapple with different personalities on the team, and to gather, use and understand data to test concepts and build clear market insights.

29

PARAMEDICINE INTERDISCIPLINARY TEACHING TEAM Led by Hugo Goodson; Norm Wilkinson, Celeita Williams

Interdisciplinary education is pivotal to the paramedicine team’s teaching model, which combines didactic presentations and simulation, enabling students from medicine, paramedicine and pharmacy disciplines to learn together.

In 2016, AUT’s paramedicine department and the University of Auckland’s medical school formed a new initiative to break down education silos and bring different clinical disciplines together during the early learning phase of their career.

The teaching strategy is aimed at better equipping students for clinical practice by adding an interdisciplinary component to their learning. The team aligns this practice with the Māori concept of ‘ako’, where the student and teacher learn from each other.

30

In 2017, the team and their University of Auckland partners organised a series of two-day sessions on community and palliative care. This included faculty presentations, activities that reinforced and embedded concepts from the presentations, and simulation exercises giving students the chance to apply those concepts in a controlled environment.

The team describes the programme as an opportunity to add credence to academic theories and knowledge by relating them to real-life experiences in their own clinical practice.

Likewise, students also come to class with a multitude of experiences that can be used to promote discussion and reinforce the learning of key concepts.

TEACHING INNOVATION Awarded to an academic staff member for the effective application of transformative innovations in teaching, application of new technology, or authentic assessment strategies.

FINALISTS Professor Paul Moon Te Ara Poutama Paramedicine Immersive Simulation Team

31

PROFESSOR PAUL MOON TE ARA POUTAMA

In his role as Professor of History in Te Ara Poutama, Professor Paul Moon takes an innovative and studentcentric approach in his full digital delivery of AUT’s history minor.

Eight years ago Paul developed two history papers, Introduction to New Zealand History and Te Tiriti O Waitangi: The Treaty of Waitangi delivered by Te Ara Poutama, entirely online. He added Our People, Our Stories: Contemporary New Zealand Oral Histories and Nostalgia and Utopianism in New Zealand History in 2015 and 2016. These four papers continue to receive student feedback that places them above the university average in teaching evaluations.

When creating these programmes, Paul focused on how to deliver the best possible experience for every student enrolled in them. He actively seeks student feedback to refine strategies for teaching and engaging students beyond those enrolled in Te Ara Poutama.

32

Paul emphasises the importance of regularity of assignments, keeping the online papers straightforward and easily navigable, and using technology as a tool to achieve effective student learning rather than being an end in itself.

Paul says a key element to the success of these online papers is not only that students have access to lecturers, but that this is actively encouraged.

He describes this as a “paternal approach”, where students are regularly emailed to encourage them to maintain contact with their lecturer and to develop the notion that they are just another form of academic resource available for them.

PARAMEDICINE IMMERSIVE SIMULATION TEAM Led by Stephen Aiello; Thom Cochrane, Stuart Cook

AUT’s paramedicine department is leading the way in paramedic education, aided by the Immersive Simulation Team’s development of a virtual reality simulation that provides students an authentic critical care experience.

Transferring knowledge is an important part of the team’s work.

They have communicated their research at international paramedic and technology forums, leading to collaboration overseas within the interdisciplinary simulation space.

Part of the team’s work is the Multiple Environment Simulation Hub – a facility aimed at undergraduate and postgraduate paramedic students who can apply theory to practice in complex situations, without real life consequences. The project uses 360-degree virtual reality for students to experience aspects of pre-hospital care in ‘real life’, but in a secure and safe environment.

The team envisages that the facility will further support student paramedic education through collaboration with agencies such as the fire and rescue service, the police and specialist hazardous area response teams. In addition, they aim to utilise the facility as an inter-school training hub for all health disciplines within the university.

The combination of using students’ smartphones and free or low cost mobile virtual reality apps has opened new possibilities for assessment activities by enabling students to work together and interconnect easily.

33

INDIVIDUAL TEACHING EXCELLENCE This is the university’s premier award for an academic staff member for excellent teaching achievement over a number of years.

FINALISTS Logan Austin School of Art and Design Dr Kevin Byard School of Economics Amanda B Lees School of Public Health and Psychosocial Studies Dr Kate Nicholls School of Social Sciences and Public Policy

34

LOGAN AUSTIN SCHOOL OF ART AND DESIGN

During his 16 years at AUT, Logan Austin’s colleagues say he has distinguished himself as an excellent teacher who is valued by his peers and students. He has been recognised for his invaluable contribution to the School of Art and Design’s worldleading status and for continuous positive feedback from students.

Currently a Senior Lecturer in Communication Design, Logan is the sole permanent staff member in this area, and has single-handedly designed, and now leads, two of the largest papers in the school. In 2016, students in his two papers outperformed the average of all other level 5 papers in the school, faculty and across AUT.

His engaging and student-centric teaching methods are shared with colleagues through mentoring, where he works closely with part-time staff to ensure a smooth transition into teaching and marking papers.

A fellow lecturer speaks highly of his teaching approach, saying, “most noticeable is his ability to engage students in graduated learning that greatly expands their knowledge, while also stimulating their curiosity and interest.”

Logan is currently developing a new minor ‘Creative Experience Design’ proposed for implementation in 2019.

Strong retention and completion rates confirm the impact of his teaching, averaging 95% and 98%.

Upon adopting two first-year classes at the South Campus for the first time this year, Logan’s innovative teaching methods resulted in a 100% student pass rate, achieving the best results since the programme started.

35

DR KEVIN BYARD SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS

In recognition of his leadership within the School of Economics and quality learning outcomes, Dr Kevin Byard was promoted to Senior Lecturer earlier this year, and received a faculty teaching award in 2016.

Kevin is the co-ordinator and principal lecturer for Quantitative Methods in Business. When creating the paper, Kevin focused on how to deliver the best possible experience for every student enrolled. His course design shows definitive links between mathematical techniques and their specific relevance to the business world.

Along with curriculum development and teaching, Kevin works to assist fellow lecturers in understanding the student journey, enabling them to tailor their approaches to the needs of students. As noted by a senior colleague, “Kevin’s classes increase the immediacy of the learning experience way beyond what students might get from textbook slides or readings.”

36

Of his teaching philosophy, Kevin describes education as a two-way process, with his most powerful tool being the ability to question students and invoke active engagement. As noted by Kevin, “no teaching space is too large for interaction.”

Kevin says he commands high standards of his students and communicates this from the out-set.

“I let students know from day one that we are all going to do well in this course and I keep the message going throughout.” He puts this into practice with a distraction-free policy, ensuring that any device is strictly limited to class-based tasks only.

AMANDA B LEES SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND PSYCHOSOCIAL STUDIES

Empowering students to embrace their roles as the critic and conscience of society is the focus of Amanda B Lees, who has taught healthcare ethics at AUT for almost a decade.

In her role as Lecturer in the School of Public Health and Psychosocial Studies, Amanda’s teaching practice enables students to think deeply and give structured reason, rather than just opinion, on what makes something ‘ethical.’ Her philosophy favours cultural relativism and builds on opportunities for students to deconstruct dominant paradigms.

However, as Amanda notes, this is not without challenges in an online space. She actively seeks out student feedback from regular online surveys and continually explores digital tools for student engagement that they can access and utilise beyond graduation. These strategies have contributed to higher pass rates for online occurrences than face-to-face, coupled with student satisfaction rates consistently above university averages.

Amanda’s leadership role within the faculty allows her to share her enthusiasm, knowledge and experience with others. She is the Postgraduate Programme Leader for Public Health, the Co-Head of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Development, and is an active member of the Teaching and Learning Network.

Colleagues applaud Amanda for her positive impact on the professional development of colleagues, consistently providing advice and support on the development of their papers and employing new teaching strategies. Her academic peer esteem in teaching practices extends beyond AUT, with online networks established with international academics from the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia.

Amanda seeks to advance her subject knowledge through research and participation in conferences and in 2011, she received two awards at an international conference in the United Kingdom for her master’s research.

37

DR KATE NICHOLLS SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND PUBLIC POLICY In her role as Senior Lecturer in the School of Social Sciences and Public Policy, Dr Kate Nicholls motivates her students to engage in the democratic process far beyond the electoral arena.

Of her teaching philosophy, Kate says she aims to challenge students’ disconnect with politics by communicating that “it is much more than a clash of interests between society’s elites, but about how resources are distributed in our society and what can be done in terms of reforming political structures and institutions to make the world a fairer place.”

Kate puts that into practice by relating her students’ existing experiences of democratic participation and social engagement to democratic theory, while embracing multicultural and bi-cultural frameworks.

38

She is the driving force behind the new curriculum design of AUT’s Social Sciences programme, introducing strategies such as compulsory attendance and online participation, which have contributed to an increase in the pass rates of her undergraduate students from 50% in 2014 to 78% in 2017.

Kate embraces new technologies, especially online discussion platforms for assessment. She does this to promote inclusivity by incorporating the needs of her particular student demographic, many of whom come from new migrant families or may be the first in their family to go to university.

Kate says one of the best parts of her job is working closely with research students, and she has led four Master of Philosophy and Master of Arts theses to completion. Kate’s colleague describes her as having a “firm but fair approach”, balanced by a heightened sense of pastoral care.

VICE-CHANCELLOR’S SPECIAL COMMENDATION FOR EXCELLENCE

Awarded by the Vice-Chancellor for outstanding contributions to the strategic development of AUT. This year there is one award:

SPECIAL COMMENDATION FOR OUTSTANDING STRATEGIC CONTRIBUTION

39

VICE-CHANCELLOR’S AWARDS FOR PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE The Professional Excellence Awards recognise and reward teams and individual staff who have demonstrated a highly significant and sustained contribution to the development of the university.

FINALISTS Jason Ashton Library Julie Balloch School of Clinical Sciences Liz Bishara Student Services and Administration Lian-Hong Brebner Student Services and Administration Employability Team Graduation Team Veronica Ng Lam Office of Pacific Advancement Ankur Panesar ICT Services Recruitment on Campus Team Research and Innovation Advisory Team

40

JASON ASHTON Team Leader, Lending Services

LIBRARY Leading the Lending Services team, Jason Ashton has been responsible for many significant advances in AUT’s City Campus library. His application of technology and dedication to a responsive service aims to ensure every student’s library experience is a positive one.

Since 2012, Jason and his team have delivered numerous noteworthy projects, including a new userfriendly self-service kiosk, an open help desk and the expansion of a live chat enquiry service to include weekends, resulting in more service hours and availability for students.

Another significant project delivered by Jason and his team was the implementation of a new library management system, where his leadership was instrumental in establishing new workflows, customising the system settings, training library staff to a high level of proficiency and confidence, and working closely with technical support to find and implement solutions.

As a team leader, staff morale is a priority for Jason. His effective leadership skills instil a strong sense of loyalty within his team, as shown by their dedicated work ethic and commitment to AUT. Colleagues have commended Jason’s work for its ability to build rapport with managers in ICT Services, Estates and Security to ensure library spaces at the City Campus are collaborative, inspiring, social and safe.

In addition to coaching staff in the areas of research and ICT, Jason led AUT’s 2016 University Challenge Team which made the semi-finals.

41

JULIE BALLOCH Research/Postgraduate Administrator

SCHOOL OF CLINICAL SCIENCES As the Research/Postgraduate Administrator in the School of Clinical Sciences, Julie Balloch is an integral part of the school’s research team and a key contributor to its thriving postgraduate environment. Her knowledge of university systems and processes, and her willingness to help anyone, has been widely acknowledged and appreciated by staff and students.

Julie says in 2015 she was presented an opportunity to establish new and innovative digital strategies when the seven health disciplines merged to form the current School of Clinical Sciences. This transition required a change in thinking to support the school’s and university’s research goals, so Julie implemented improved administration procedures and processes, which have been hugely beneficial to the school.

One of Julie’s key achievements has been developing the school’s AUTi research site which has been fundamental during PBRF contestable

42

funding rounds, allowing staff to store, review and edit applications and portfolios. The success of this platform was evident in Julie’s management of 130 PBRF portfolios, which were all submitted and assessed via AUTi. Julie says she has a customercentric approach to her work and prides herself on being empathetic, compassionate and supportive, particularly when helping postgraduate students navigate university systems. She has streamlined processes and developed guides to help students and supervisors through the postgraduate study experience.

International PhD student Stenly Sajow says it was a pleasure to have Julie as his research administrator, describing her as professional, competent, and extremely welcoming and helpful during his arrival to AUT and New Zealand.

LIZ BISHARA Director, Student Hub

STUDENT SERVICES AND ADMINISTRATION In her 23 years at AUT, Liz Bishara has made significant contributions to the strategic goals of AUT in both her current role as Student Hub Director and previous role as Group Administrator and Faculty Manager for Business, Economics and Law. Liz has managed an extensive range of university activities, including piloting the first implementation of SharePoint, being programme lead for a university-wide deployment of the Student Digital Workspace and currently, CRM. Liz’s leadership of the Student Hub has led to increased staff engagement and a much improved service to students. This is evident in the Student Hub satisfaction rating of 87% and ranking first amongst Australasian universities for quality and responsiveness to student enquiries via email.

Colleagues commend Liz for her enthusiasm in leading, contributing to initiatives beyond her area of responsibility and her willingness to

share her experience and knowledge with them.

She is a leader for the university’s Women in Leadership programme where she encourages woman’s advancement in their careers and provides mentoring. She is the AUT Institutional Co-ordinator for the Association for Tertiary Education Management, and is a regular presenter for both programmes, inspiring others to consider the way they operate, lead and implement change in the areas of student experience, agile workforce and authentic leadership.

Liz is passionate about the success of professional staff and working collectively to contribute to the university’s internal effectiveness, and says “who I am today is largely attributable to all that AUT has provided for myself and my family.

It is the alignment of core values that motivates me and makes me confident that I can make a difference.”

43

LIAN-HONG BREBNER Diversity Manager

STUDENT SERVICES AND ADMINISTRATION Since starting as Diversity Manager in November 2013, Lian-Hong Brebner has exceeded the expectations of the new role created to deliver benefits to AUT students from diverse backgrounds. She has built collaborative relationships across the university with students and staff, and with community organisations and government agencies in order to promote opportunities for students, particularly new migrants and refugees, who make up 19% of AUT students.

Lian-Hong has developed a number of initiatives that contribute to the university’s goals of providing an enriched and rewarding student experience, and advancing educational opportunities and success in diverse communities.

Key initiatives include the AUT-RASNZ Robert Jones Scholars Network, which provides support to women from refugee backgrounds to succeed at university, AUT-Asia Connect, aimed at enhancing students’ knowledge of Asia through exchanges, and Diversity Peer Programmes, which connect

44

AUT Edge Award students with volunteering opportunities in diverse communities.

Lian-Hong has also established Diversity Week, Islam Awareness Week, and the Refugee Education, Aspiration and Participation (REAP) Pilot Mentoring Programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. The REAP programme pairs AUT students with refugee background students from eight secondary schools across Auckland to promote pathways to university education.

Her work has been critical to the social and cultural integration, engagement and enhanced experiences for students, and has resulted in the exponential increase in the number of new migrants and refugee students participating in campus activities and volunteering in the community.

In 2016, Lian-Hong received the AuSM Student Engagement Award for her outstanding contribution and impact she has had on university student life through her engagement with ethnic and cultural student clubs.

EMPLOYABILITY TEAM Led by Anna Williams; Lusi Atiga, Mandy Bunce, Rebecca Du, Vanessa Freeman, Shaun Pulman, Angela McCarthy, Annabel Reyes, Kylie Robinson, Emma Spires, Serena Tiaiti, Louix Waru

In the two years since it was established, the Employability Team has been instrumental in improving the employability and work readiness of AUT students. A key initiative developed by the team to support this work, and the university’s mission of great graduates, is the AUT Edge Award.

Launched in May 2016, the AUT Edge Award aims to develop and enhance participants’ co-curricular skills and leadership capabilities.

It was developed in response to feedback from students and employers who wanted graduates that could demonstrate skills such as collaboration, co-operation, communication, creativity and curiosity. The award formally recognises extracurricular work undertaken by students during their studies, which complements their academic transcript.

The Employability Team supports students through the award process which requires them to complete 50 hours of volunteering work, participate in 10 employability workshops or events, attend a leadership presentation and complete 18 hours in a role of responsibility, and articulate the learning experience of the award through an assessed reflection presentation.

The award is open to all AUT students, with more than 1000 students currently enrolled, and 34 completing the award in the first year. Participants have described greater self-awareness, improved communication and leadership skills, and better job searching and interviewing techniques as a result of the Edge Award.

In the development and delivery of the award, the Employability Team has demonstrated exceptional commitment, energy and enthusiasm in a very short period of time.

45

GRADUATION TEAM Led by Richard Stewart; Avan Bam, Ann Thornton, Craig Whitehead, Lisa Wilson

The Graduation Team manages the university’s graduation process, which culminates in a procession and up to eight ceremonies over two or three days, twice a year. This requires significant effort in the months leading up to the event, and extraordinary management, co-ordination and problem-solving on ceremony days, to ensure thousands of students, families and guests experience a well-organised, impressive and enjoyable graduation.

Over the past decade, as the university has grown, so too has graduation and the task of managing the size and complexity of ceremonies. Not only has each graduation cohort increased, so too has the percentage of students choosing to graduate in person and experience the ceremony.

The impressive ceremonies we see today are a result of years of improving and fine-tuning systems and processes driven by the small, dedicated team.

46

AUT is one of the few universities at which students can graduate directly after their final semester.

This brings additional challenges for university staff and the Graduation Team to meet tight deadlines, however students have expressed their appreciation as it allows them to quickly enter the job market or travel.

Students have provided consistently positive feedback on their graduation experience, with 90% of graduates over the last two years rating their experience as excellent or good.

Graduation is also an event that brings university staff together, and the team plays an important role in encouraging staff to step away from their day-to-day job to help at a ceremony, where they get to experience a vivid and tangible reminder of the university’s mission.

VERONICA NG LAM Project Manager

OFFICE OF PACIFIC ADVANCEMENT As part of the Office of Pacific Advancement, Veronica Ng Lam has led a number of successful projects and initiatives aimed at helping young people succeed. Veronica says she is passionate not only about cultivating academic success, but in raising aspirations of individuals, families and communities.

Since its establishment in 2015, Veronica has led AUT’s UniPrep programme which has helped hundreds of year 13 students prepare for university life through the course which is run at the South Campus during the summer break. More than 300 UniPrep participants have gone on to study at AUT. Veronica has been an integral part of Project Pipeline, which aims to stimulate year 8 students’ interest in STEM subjects, Project Parity, which is designed to help AUT students increase their pass rates, and leadership programmes AspireUp and the Oceanian Leadership Network.

She also manages the AUT choir, Oceania Voices.

Veronica is an active member of her community, and places great importance on establishing and maintaining strong connections in South Auckland where relationships are so important, and where the majority of her work is. She has been a member of various boards, including Save the Children, and is a past president of AuSM Colleagues say Veronica is an inspiration not only to the students she engages with, but to fellow staff and the wider community.

Veronica says the thing she loves most about her role is seeing the moment someone realises they have a contribution to make, and taking the steps to see that come to fruition.

47

ANKUR PANESAR Senior Enterprise Applications Consultant

ICT SERVICES Ankur Panesar’s skillset is described as a combination of technical skills and superb customer service, which he used to navigate the transition from project mode to business as usual for the ReMAP project - the integration of the university’s HR, payroll and finance systems.

Ankur is as an integral part of the ReMAP post go-live team, which helped bridge business users with AUTOne. He delivered the strategy to effectively manage software releases and has transformed the upgrade process from something that was chaotic to a system that is widely visible, effective and well-managed.

Through his ability to work through solutions that would ordinarily require an external consultant, Ankur has created considerable savings to the university, while growing AUT’s internal capability. His attention to detail has seen him identify software concerns in test environments that

48

would have compromised the system if migrated. As such, he has supported a culture change in the robust testing of all processes.

His ability to think outside the box and see the big picture has seen Ankur become a valued and integral member of ICT Services. He uses his natural curiosity and problem-solving to enhance end-user experiences.

Colleagues say Ankur is a delight to work with and confidently works in cross-functional teams to ensure the best outcomes. His skills and exceptional level of service have helped enhance the reputation of ICT Services with internal customers.

RECRUITMENT ON CAMPUS TEAM Led by Mike Wood; Julie Galang, Alycia Hurley

Since its establishment in 2014, the Recruitment on Campus Team has provided a high quality and effective in-house recruitment service to the university.

The team provides hiring managers with specialised recruitment support for vacancies across schools and departments, using its knowledge of the university to find the right candidate for a role. The team pride themselves on providing a professional and supportive service to hiring managers and candidates from initial contact through to on boarding.

The team has full recruitment responsibility for the promotion, coordination and hiring of 10 new Māori and Pacific early career academics, and the AUT graduate programme, which has placed 22 graduates in roles across ICT Services, Estates, Finance, Communications, Strategy and Planning and the ViceChancellor’s Office.

New and innovative ways to promote the AUT employee experience are used by the team, including short videos, social media and attendance at careers events. Team leader Mike Wood says they never miss an opportunity to tell the AUT story and promote the university as a great place to work.

Hiring managers and candidates have described the team as dedicated, and willing to go above and beyond, assisting with relocations, visas and securing accommodation.

The team’s work has led to impressive year on year growth in placements, filling more than 165 vacancies since 2014 and creating substantial savings to the university in recruitment agency fees.

49

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION ADVISORY TEAM Led by Dr Rosanne Ellis; John Bancroft, Liana De Jong, Serena Gent, Bernadette Gleeson, Rimmi Kothari, Yun Jae Lee, Julia McPhee, John Perrot, Danu Poyner, Gary Putt, Catherine Redmond, Amber Taylor, Liz Turle-Smith

The Research and Innovation Advisory Team has been a significant contributor to building research capability and performance across the university over the last two years.

The team has transformed the levels of support researchers at AUT receive. It has established and strengthened relationships with researchers, and provided comprehensive support, especially to emerging researchers, by identifying strategic partnerships and funding opportunities, and assisting in the development of successful funding proposals.

Team leader Dr Rosanne Ellis says the team works towards the university’s aim of creating a vibrant academic learning community and growing national and international research impact. She says the enhanced support it has provided has been a result of a number of initiatives, including reorganising the office around three key sectors (government, industry and

50

community), and providing sector expertise; developing and maintaining relationships with key research partners, particularly at universities, in industry and with iwi; and improving office systems, policies and processes to more simply facilitate funding applications and contracts.

The team’s contribution over the last two years has led to a significant increase in research funding, with 2017 year-to-date grants exceeding 2015 by 73%, equating to $2.8 million.

Their support of researchers in developing quality applications has resulted in an increase in submitted proposals of 66% since 2015. The team has been instrumental in staff receiving National Science Challenge and SUPERU funding, and Health Research Council grants.

Researchers from across the university describe team members as dedicated, kind and supportive, and instrumental in increasing the capability and impact of AUT research.

GUEST ADDRESS 2017 GERAINT MARTIN

Geraint Martin took up the role of Chief Executive of Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum, in May 2017. The role combines his significant experience in leading crown entities with his personal passion for arts and culture and the positive social impact of institutions in shaping society.

Before taking up the position at Te Papa, Geraint led Counties Manukau DHB from 2006 to 2017. Under his leadership, the DHB was recognised as one of the highest performing health systems in Australasia.

Serving one of New Zealand’s most diverse communities, it delivers health services to half a million people in the community.

His postgraduate work has focused on economics and corporate strategy, and he holds a master’s degree in policy and management.

Geraint is an adjunct professor at AUT and Victoria University of Wellington and became a member of the AUT Council in February 2017.

He is the Chair of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, a member of the Institute of Directors and previously the board of the Health Quality and Safety Commission New Zealand.

Originally from Wales, Geraint earned an honours degree in history before beginning his career in the health sector. He has held senior leadership roles in the sector throughout the United Kingdom, including Chief Executive of the Kettering General Hospital NHS Trust, and Director of Health and Social Care Strategy for Wales.

51

UNIVERSITY MEDAL

This year marks the fifth occasion on which AUT will award the University Medal.

The University Medal is the pre-eminent academic award of AUT. It is presented to a member of the AUT community in recognition of a sustained and outstanding contribution that reflects and enhances the academic development and reputation of the university.

The 2017 University Medal will be presented by the Vice-Chancellor Derek McCormack.

52

PREVIOUS AWARD RECIPIENTS UNIVERSITY MEDAL Year

Recipient

2016

Professor Patria Hume

2015

Professor Nikola Kasabov

2014

Professor Marilyn Waring

2013

Professor Welby Ings

VICE-CHANCELLOR’S SPECIAL COMMENDATIONS FOR EXCELLENCE Year

Recipient

Category

2016

John Carlson

Special Commendation for Exceptional Contributions to the University’s Student Relations

2015

Professor Steve Pointing

Special Commendation for Communicating Science and Scholarship in the Public Arena

2015

Professor Paul Moon

Special Commendation for Advancing Discussion of Current Public Issues

VICE-CHANCELLOR’S AWARDS FOR RESEARCH EXCELLENCE Year

Recipient

Category

2016

Associate Professor Gail Pacheco

Individual Research Excellence

2016

Dr David Rice

Emerging Researcher

2016

Associate Professor Candice Harris

Postgraduate Research Supervision

2016

Ergonomics and Human Factors Group

Research Team

2015

Professor Valery Feigin

Individual Research Excellence

2015

Dr Matt Brughelli

Emerging Researcher

2015

Jim Marbrook

Emerging Researcher

2015

Dr Barbara Breen

Postgraduate Research Supervision

53

54

Year

Recipient

Category

2015

New Zealand Tourism Research Institute

Knowledge Transfer and/or Commercialisation of Research

2014

Professor Max Abbott

Individual Research Excellence

2014

Dr Sebastian Leuzinger

Emerging Researcher

2014

Tagaloatele Professor Peggy Fairbairn-Dunlop

Postgraduate Research Supervision

2014

Professor Liz Smythe

Postgraduate Research Supervision – Highly Commended

2014

Food Studies Research Team

Early-to-Mid Career Research Team

2014

Professor Steve Henry

Knowledge Transfer and/or Commercialisation of Research

2014

New Zealand Tourism Research Institute

Knowledge Transfer and/or Commercialisation of Research – Highly Commended

2013

Professor Stephen Teo

Individual Research Excellence

2013

Dr Alice Theadom

Emerging Researcher

2013

Professor Judith Pringle

Postgraduate Research Supervision

2013

Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Research

Research Team (Established)

2013

Pain Research Team

Research Team (Emerging)

2012

Professor Alvis Fong

Individual Research Excellence

2012

Dr Jun Lu

Emerging Researcher

2012

Professor Ahmed Al-Jumaily

Postgraduate Research Supervision

2012

Tania Ka’ai

Postgraduate Research Supervision

2012

Person Centred Research Centre

Research Team (Established)

2012

Auckland Centre for Financial Research

Research Team (Emerging)

2011

Professor Elaine Rush

Individual Research Excellence

2011

Nicola Kayes

Emerging Researcher

2011

Dr Peter Kim

Emerging Researcher

2011

Dr Jiamou Liu

Emerging Researcher

Year

Recipient

Category

2011

Professor John Bitchener

Postgraduate Research Supervision

2011

Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition

Research Team (Established)

2011

Institute of Biomedical Technologies

Research Team (Established)

2011

The Gender and Diversity Group Research Team (Emerging)

2010

Professor Nikola Kasabov

Individual Research Excellence

2010

Dr Melody Oliver

Emerging Researcher

2010

Professor Marilyn Waring

Postgraduate Research Supervision

2010

Language Teacher Education Research Group

Research Team (Established)

2010

National Institute for Stroke and Applied Neurosciences

Research Team (Emerging)

2009

Professor Kathryn McPherson

Individual Research Excellence

2009

Dr Yun Sing Koh

New and Emerging Researcher

2009

Dr Helen Tregidga

New and Emerging Researcher

2009

Professor Simon Milne

Postgraduate Research Supervision

2009

Radio Astronomy and Space Research Institute

Research Team

2008

Professor Ahmed Al-Jumaily

Individual Research Excellence

2008

Pacific Islands Families Study

Special Award for Research Excellence

2008

Dr Scott Duncan

Emerging Researcher

2008

Professor Kate Kearins

Postgraduate Research Supervision

2008

Centre for Advanced Manufacturing Technology

Research Team

2007

Professor Grant Schofield

Individual Research Excellence

2007

Dr Hannah Badland

Emerging Researcher

2007

Professor Nikola Kasabov

Postgraduate Research Supervision

2007

Person Centred Rehabilitation Team

Research Team

55

VICE-CHANCELLOR’S AWARDS FOR TEACHING EXCELLENCE

56

Year

Recipient

Category

2016

Irshad Ali

Excellence in Teaching

2016

Dr Denise Atkins

Excellence in Teaching

2016

Patsi Davies

Excellence in Teaching

2016

Dr Jane Verbitsky

Excellence in Teaching

2016

Doctor of Health Science Teaching Team

Excellence in Teaching

2016

Centre for Refugee Education Teaching Team

Special Recognition

2015

Dr Katharine Jones

Excellence in Teaching

2015

Knowledge, Enquiry and Communication Paper Team

Excellence in Teaching

2015

David Sinfield

Excellence in Teaching

2015

Chris Whittington

Excellence in Teaching

2015

Culture and Society Paper Team

Highly Commended

2014

Associate Professor Simon Mowatt

Excellence in Teaching

2014

Associate Professor Dave Parry

Excellence in Teaching

2014

Dr Tomas Pernecky

Excellence in Teaching

2014

Dr Angsana Techatassanasoontorn

Excellence in Teaching

2014

Dr Jiamou Liu

Highly Commended

2014

James Nicholson

Highly Commended

2013

Andy Ballard

Excellence in Teaching

2013

Alan Brown

Excellence in Teaching

2013

Dr Colleen Higgins

Excellence in Teaching

2013

Lesley Kaiser

Excellence in Teaching

2012

Dr Ineke Crezee

Excellence in Teaching

2012

Associate Professor Sergiy Klymchuk

Excellence in Teaching

2012

Associate Professor Camille Nakhid

Special Vice-Chancellor’s Award

Year

Recipient

Category

2012

Sheree O’Neill

Excellence in Teaching

2012

Helene Wilkinson

Special Vice-Chancellor’s Award

2010

Rouxelle de Villiers

Excellence in Teaching

2010

Lexie Matheson

Excellence in Teaching

2010

Dr Roy Nates

Excellence in Teaching

2010

Professor David Robie

Excellence in Teaching

2010

Jeanie Benson

Highly Commended

2010

Dr Andy Connor

Highly Commended

2010

Associate Professor Sharyn Graham Davies

Highly Commended

2010

Associate Professor Monique Redmond

Special Recognition

2009

Sue Raleigh

Excellence in Teaching

2009

Greg Treadwell

Excellence in Teaching

2009

Jane Berney, Dave Brown, Paul White

Excellence in Teaching (Team Award)

2009

Te Ara Poutama

Special Vice-Chancellor’s Award

2008

Dr Peter McGhee

Excellence in Teaching

2008

Ben Nemeschansky

Excellence in Teaching

2008

Jennifer Nikolai, Linda Ashley

Joint Award for Excellence in Teaching (Dance Education)

2007

Gaye Greenwood

Excellence in Teaching – Award for Distinguished Teaching

2006

Dr Paul Mountfort

Excellence in Teaching – Award for Distinguished Teaching

2006

Dr Sue Yong

Highly Commended

2006

Dr Jane Morgan

Highly Commended

2006

Andy Ballard

Highly Commended

57

VICE-CHANCELLOR’S AWARDS FOR PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE

58

Year

Recipient

Category

2016

Deborah Blake

Professional Excellence – Individual

2016

Lynne Flynn

Professional Excellence – Individual

2016

Marybeth Takeda

Professional Excellence – Individual

2016

NZAID Scholarships Team

Professional Excellence – Team

2016

Space Planning and Timetabling Team

Professional Excellence – Team

2015

Tim Davison

Professional Excellence – Individual

2015

Sophie Hayman

Professional Excellence – Individual

2015

Agnes Naera

Professional Excellence – Individual

2015

AUTonline/Blackboard Team

Professional Excellence – Team

2015

External and Industry Relations Team

Professional Excellence – Team

2015

Hospitality Services Team

Highly Commended