UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO MAGAZINE 29JUNE 2011

INSIDE: Family friend Dame Alison Holst

PLUS:

Professor Sir David Skegg reflects Obesity: the “new norm” Ancient DNA reveals Pacific histories Right whale resurgence University of Otago Magazine A magazine for alumni and friends of the University of Otago Issue 29 June 2011 ISSN - 1175-8147

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ISSUE NUMBER

4 Vice-Chancellor’s comment 29 5 40 years up The University of Otago, Christchurch, is soon to celebrate 40 years of research and teaching

9 Friend of the family “Discovered” while teaching Home Science at Otago, Dame Alison Holst has touched almost every New Zealand kitchen

13 Leaving legend Professor Sir David Skegg reflects on his term as Vice-Chancellor

17 Pacific histories Professor Lisa Matisoo-Smith is tracking ancient DNA

20 One man’s mission Dr Derek Allen, TroppoDoc’s only full-time volunteer

23 A heavy burden Professor Jim Mann claims obesity has become a “new norm”

26 Right way forward The growing right whale population is exciting Dr Will Rayment

34 Gel coup Otago commercialises a revolutionary surgical “squidgel”

36 Opinion Getting the politics right

30 InBrief 42 Hocken Legacy Research highlights 43 Alumni news 38 UniNews 50 Whatever happened to ... 40 Books … the Hector Map?

3 VICE-CHANCELLOR’S COMMENT

After the Canterbury earthquake last The greatest impact has been on research September, most of us breathed a sigh programmes, since many senior researchers of relief that there were no fatalities and and postgraduate students have been unable that the damage to property had not been to use their laboratories. Staff in some even greater. We had all heard about departments are working mainly from aftershocks, but I doubt whether many home. people anticipated their frequency and There is still some uncertainty about the severity. The magnitude–6.3 earthquake on immediate future, with further aftershocks 22 February killed nearly 200 people and expected, but I am confident that caused massive damage. everything will be back on track when the Two University of Otago postgraduate University of Otago, Christchurch celebrates students (both from the Dunedin campus) its 40th anniversary next year. lost their lives in the February earthquake, and at least three of our staff are mourning the deaths of their children. Many hundreds Time passes and this is the 21st foreword of alumni, parents and friends in the I have written for the Magazine. Over the Canterbury region will have experienced last seven years, I have been surprised how grievous loss. many alumni have read these random Naturally there has been a major impact emissions – and I thank you for your on our Christchurch campus, which has feedback. One of the most enjoyable aspects been a jewel in the crown of the University of my time as Vice-Chancellor has been of Otago for nearly 40 years (see next page). contact with graduates of the University Our main building in Christchurch was at alumni functions and elsewhere. I have damaged and will not be reopened before met many old friends and made new ones, August. Some other buildings used by and I hope that our paths will cross again. departments in Christchurch have been In the meantime, I have no doubt that cordoned off or condemned. the University of Otago will continue to I must salute and thank all the staff at flourish after Professor Harlene Hayne takes the University of Otago, Christchurch, for over as Vice-Chancellor in August. their response to this tragic event. Under the irrepressible leadership of their Dean, Professor Peter Joyce, they have taken extraordinary measures to ensure that all undergraduate and postgraduate teaching Professor David Skegg programmes are being delivered. This is in Vice-Chancellor, University of Otago spite of the fact that many have suffered personal loss at home. Staff in our Property Services Division have also played a key role.

4 FEATURE

40 years up

In 2012 the University of Otago, Christchurch Carrell says Christchurch researchers and doctors had to lobby vigorously to marks its 40th anniversary. Kim Thomas ensure the city was initially chosen ahead canvasses its past and looks to the future. of Wellington as the site of a new clinical school. “We had to make a real case for the It is often said that necessity is the unit within the hospital system, charged clinical school. There was an element of mother of invention. This is particularly with teaching sixth-year students and reluctance, completely understandable true of the University of Otago, instituting medical research. This unit on the part of [the University of] Otago. Christchurch (UOC) as, from a pressing would evolve into the Christchurch There was also a sense of disbelief in need in the early 1970s to train more Cardioendocrine Research Group, one the North Island that anything could be doctors, a world-class centre of medical of the most productive and prestigious happening down south that was vaguely and health science training and inventive contemporary groups. exciting or enterprising.” research has developed. Another doctor involved in early In the 1970s there were two places research in Christchurch was Robin Christchurch clinical school opens in New Zealand a doctor could train – Carrell. In the early 1970s he recruited In February 1973, the first intake of Auckland University or the University of young science graduates to work in the 43 fourth-year medical students enrolled Otago in Dunedin. The government of hospital diagnostic laboratories. A spin-off at the then Christchurch Clinical School, the time wanted more doctor’s but, as an from this was the development of research with Professor George Rolleston as the essential part of a doctors’ education was into haemoglobin, resulting in papers inaugural Dean. time spent on hospital wards, the recently- being published in prestigious journals One of the first researchers and opened Auckland school and Dunedin such as Nature. This work formed the lecturers was the now Emeritus Professor hospitals were not able to cope with the embryo of what would become the UOC’s Eric Espiner, who had worked in greater student numbers required. Free Radical Research Group. Beaven’s medical unit. He says that once So, by necessity, the University of a decision was made to site the clinical Otago looked north to Christchurch and school in Christchurch, development Wellington as potential hospital sites happened at break-neck speed. for teaching students in their final three “Suddenly there were calls for a years of clinical training. new building, plans for new research labs, lecture halls, student facilities Establishing the UOC and accommodation. New medical It was not only Christchurch’s staff appointments were required and, proximity to Dunedin that made it a equally important, new policies were candidate for a new clinical school. implemented for appointing current Up-and-coming research groups, hospital and visiting staff specialists to attracting international acclaim, gave teaching roles.” Christchurch early academic credibility. It was a hectic, but heady, time for The late Donald Beaven had been those involved, he says. But the effort appointed to a University of Otago was quickly rewarded as places at the position in 1960. He established a medical Professor Robin Carrell new Christchurch Clinical School were

5 waiting for patients to come to them. Current Dean Professor Peter Joyce Instead, education needs to occur in the says the UOC has increased its courses to community, in general practices and in mirror the changing needs of the health- outpatient clinics.’’ care sector over the past 40 years. Wilkinson believes a major challenge “We were solely a medical campus, today is ensuring medical practice but along the way realised that health remains underpinned by strong science. care requires a multidisciplinary group of “Having a strong base of scientists professionals and, slowly, a broader range and research-active clinical staff in of courses has evolved. Now postgraduate Christchurch has meant there is never students are the largest numbers of a shortage of world-class experts ready students on campus.’’ to help reinforce the latest scientific Joyce says the school has changed its breakthroughs that are relevant to future name four times in the past 40 years, medical practice. reflecting its growing courses and Emeritus Professor Eric Espiner “Christchurch’s combination of a purpose. large population base, excellent health “First it was called a ‘clinical school’, oversubscribed in its first year. service, accessibility and history of to reflect its primary function of teaching The curriculum in those days was scientific innovation makes it a great medical students. Then it changed to focused on small-group bedside teaching place for students to learn to become the Christchurch School of Medicine, in the mornings, and comprehensive doctors.’’ to show it was a medical school in its lectures and clinical demonstrations en The UOC also offers a staggering own right, not just a subset of the Otago masse in the afternoons, Espiner says. array of postgraduate programmes, with Medical School. The third change to However, some years later Dean Professor more than 500 postgraduate students Christchurch School of Medicine and Alan Clarke changed the curriculum enrolled in 2011. The largest numbers are Health Sciences reflected the growth in favour of student self-learning and studying in the areas of nursing, mental in postgraduate courses. Finally it more apprentice-style attachments with health, public health and musculoskeletal has become the University of Otago, clinical teams. medicine with almost 100 undertaking Christchurch, as it is a full campus of the Educational excellence theses, the majority of whom are PhD University of Otago.’’ In 2011, the University of Otago, students. Christchurch, has more than 250 medical students in their fourth, fifth and sixth years of training. The Associate Dean, Medical Education, Professor Tim Wilkinson says the old model of medical education was to provide a base of science in the first three years then focus the remaining three years on clinical experiences. “This separation of theory and practice was not only inefficient, but undesirable,’’ he says. By comparison, today’s medical education is increasingly focused on learning at the “coal face”. “This means students need to go to where the patients are. It is no longer sufficient for our students to Staff from the University of Otago, Christchurch (the then Christchurch School of be based primarily in hospital wards Medicine) photographed after a tennis competition in the early 1980s.

6 Research distinction “There has always been a strong sense Alongside the impressive growth in of collegiality and pride in Christchurch, medical and health science education, which no doubt contributed to the rapid the school has built on its proud history development of the School there. While of research. the Medical School derives much from The Distinguished Research Medal is its close relationship with the Canterbury the University of Otago’s highest research District Health Board, the benefits honour and has been awarded to three are mutual. The University of Otago, Christchurch researchers in the past five Christchurch plays a key role in the years: Professor Christine Winterbourn provision of first class health services to in 2006 for her work on free radicals; people living in the region.” Professor Mark Richards, director of the Christchurch Cardioendocrine A bright future Research Group, in 2008 for his work on While the 22 February earthquake has cardiac health and disease; and Professor greatly affected many UOC buildings, UOC Dean Professor Peter Joyce: David Fergusson in 2010 for more staff and students [see page 8], Joyce is “A measure of an organisation’s than 30-years’ work in developing and confident of a bright future for the UOC. success is its people. We have some very good young staff and that will building the Christchurch Health and “A measure of an organisation’s make us strong in the future.” Development Study. success is its people. We have some very In the latest Performance-Based good young staff and that will make us Research Fund assessment, the UOC strong in the future. Celebrating was judged to have the highest quality “We have an excellent research legacy achievements from people such as Eric Espiner and score for research of the four schools of In 2012, the educational and Robin Carrell. It is now up to the new medicine in New Zealand. In addition to scientific achievements of the generation of researchers to build and Winterbourn, Richards and Fergusson, University of Otago, Christchurch, grow it. the UOC boasts many other highly-rated over the past 40 years will be “Our staff in medical education, research staff, including Professor Peter celebrated. Joyce (mental health), Professor Brian led by our Associate Dean of Medical Darlow (neonatal paediatrics), Professor Education, Professor Tim Wilkinson, are Celebrations will include: David Murdoch and Professor Stephen also creating a very innovative future. * A series of social functions Chambers (infectious diseases), Professor “We are also fortunate in having a (originally planned for next Evan Begg (clinical pharmacology), strong association with the Canterbury February, but postponed until Professor Tony Kettle (free-radical District Health Board, with growing the spring as Christchurch research) and Associate Professor Miriam evidence it is one of the most effective continues to recover from this Rademaker (cardioendocrine research). health boards in the country. year’s earthquake) The Vice-Chancellor Professor David “All of these factors mean that as we * Publication of a book covering Skegg says the University of Otago, rebuild after the earthquake, our future the school’s highlights and its Christchurch is a vital component will be bright.’’ future direction not only of the Faculty of Medicine, but also of the University as a whole. * The establishment of a “The establishment of campuses in fund to support fellowships Christchurch and Wellington in the and scholarships on the 1970s transformed the University of Christchurch campus Otago. Both campuses are highly * A public lecture by an research-intensive, with many international keynote speaker. postgraduate students.

7 Christchurch Cathedral: For many, an iconic symbol of Christchurch, now devastated by earthquake. Photo: NZPA

A shaken city to the main UOC building which has for Postgraduate Nursing Studies has been repaired. Stairwells are being relocated to a suburban cricket club. For people outside Christchurch, strengthened and the majority of staff Professor David Murdoch, head of the it may be difficult to comprehend the are hoped to be back in the building by UOC Deaprtment of Pathology, says the physical and psychological impact of the August. ongoing disruption from the February February 22 earthquake. Joyce says staff have had to be ’quake is “huge”. Science provides some understanding. resourceful and adapt to the new, trying “I worry about the lab-based Geologists say that during the 6.3 circumstances. researchers who have been unable to magnitude ’quake, Christchurch “A lot of current focus is on getting use their equipment for a long time or residents – and buildings – experienced back to a ‘new normal’ because their equipment doesn’t work. They may the world’s strongest recorded up-and- the earthquake has greatly affected struggle to meet the expectations of their down shaking. buildings, staff and students. It has not grants. A lot of them have decided this Buildings were left behind, in the air, been easy, but people are making the best is the time to write up research or apply as the ground accelerated downwards of the situation.’’ for grants, but they have been unable beneath them, then fell under their own He and his departmental staff are to access the main UOC building for weight until they impacted on the ground. working from an old wooden two-storey months.’’ It was this force that resulted in the building on Cashel Street. Medical Murdoch says the psychological collapse of multi-storey buildings, such students are primarily on clinical effects of the ’quake are apparent. as the CTV and Pyne Gould Corporation placements, but some lectures are being “You see people jump when there are (PGC) buildings, and the deaths of held in sports clubrooms. sudden noises. It is a natural reaction many within. The bill for rebuilding The Department of Public Health to what they have been through, but it Christchurch is estimated to reach about and General Practice was forced to move is worrying and will probably go on for $15 billion. from its St Elmo’s Court building after some time.’’ Personal accounts also help explain the September 2010 earthquake. That But resilience and ingenuity are also the significance of the event. building was demolished in March and apparent. “For a few seconds I really thought I new premises, which were to be available “Everyone is doing fantastically well,” was going to die. I was thinking about in April, are in the inner city’s “red zone” Murdoch says. “They are coping as well my partner and our daughter and how which is inaccessible. Many of these staff as they can under trying circumstances they would cope without me,’’ says one are working from home and holding and working together well.’’ usually staunch anonymous Cantabrian. lectures in a suburban bowling club. The Dean agrees staff and students “It felt like the end of the world. Other departments with offices have coped extremely well. He has much Everything was crashing down around in the hospital, such as Medicine and praise for those who helped get teaching us and the rumbling noise was so Paediatrics, are sharing space with and research activities quickly back into frightening,’’ says another. their colleagues. Some laboratory-based action in the weeks following the ’quake. The ’quakes that have rocked groups, such as the Free Radical Research “I am very aware, though, that this Cantebrury since September have created Group, have secured space at other sites, is going to be a long-term challenge to arguably the most trying circumstances in but the relocation is still having a major staff and students, and the re-build of the history of the city and the University impact on their work. the campus, like the city, may take years of Otago, Christchurch (UOC). Most of the IT team are based at rather than weeks.’’ Dean Professor Peter Joyce says the Lincoln University and the Centre February 22 ’quake did some damage KIM THOMAS

8 ALUMNI PROFILE

Friend of the family

“Discovered” while teaching Home Science at the University of Otago, Dame Alison Holst has become New Zealand’s favourite cook and is about to publish her 100th book.

Alison Holst’s kitchen is a lot like first in the living room, and then the Her investiture as a Dame she is: welcoming, unpretentious and heart, of nearly every New Zealander. Companion earlier this year for services packed with practical recipes. At 9am Indeed, her remarkable mastery of to the food industry preceded the on a Saturday morning there’s already this emerging medium, coupled with her publication of her 99th cookbook, a chicken browning in the oven and engaging, accessible style, assured her co-written with her son, Simon. Fittingly freshly-baked cake awaiting “consumer” of an impact on New Zealand kitchens her memoir, due out later this year, will feedback. She appears to have been up which remains unparalleled even today, be her 100th book. Alison has sold more for hours. in the era of ubiquitous celebrity chefs than 4 million books – at least one for Alison, as she explains, is revisiting and competitive cooking shows. every New Zealander – which surely adds wartime recipes in preparation for an Books, radio, newspaper columns and “New Zealand’s highest-selling author” to Anzac Day television special, so we public cooking demonstrations, both her list of achievements. discuss the cake’s taste, texture, flavour here and overseas, soon followed Alison’s Alison Margaret Payne was born in and keeping qualities. I declare it rise to stardom, but she never traded up Dunedin in 1938, the eldest in a family of surprisingly delicious – after all, it’s been her practical, no-fuss approach. three high-achieving girls. (Sister Patricia made with no butter, eggs or milk, even Throughout her career she has would later enjoy an international opera if it was made by New Zealand’s best- steadfastly focused on nutritious, tasty career, while Clare forged a career in known, best-selling culinary personality. meals that can be prepared in the average food styling and writing in London.) But it’s not quite right yet according to kitchen, by an average cook, using Thanks to their mother, a nurse, they the woman who is never happier than ingredients that aren’t overly exotic. It each received a young lady’s education when formulating recipes that even has remained a recipe of enduring appeal in fine art, music and the domestic arts. the most humble of cooks and pantries to those preparing meals for families up From their father, Alison, in particular, could, between them, muster. and down the country. inherited a love of walking, reading If it wasn’t so hackneyed the word “iconic” would most aptly describe the culinary tour de force which is Alison Holst, DNZM, CBE, QSM and Hon DSc. “I didn’t know what I was doing and no one A graduate of the School of could help me because they didn’t know Home Science, she is among Otago’s either. The only thing any book said on the most illustrious alumni, her return subject was ‘don’t wear a patterned apron’, as a lecturer in 1961 having led serendipitously to a starring role on so I decided I wouldn’t wear an apron at all.” television that would seal her a place,

9 and an appreciation for landscape. recipes per class; 16 by three classes Alison tested and cooked the recipes Her passion for family life and the each week; multiplied by 40 for the year. at home where the photographer set up a preservation of domestic skills can be That’s 1,920 recipes per year.” studio in the living room. She claims that traced to her happy childhood in Opoho. At the same time, Alison taught in if you look closely at the photographs After secondary schooling at Otago Home Science’s community extension you can see bite marks where Alison and Girls’ High School, Alison was keen to unit, where “if you weren’t interesting Peter’s daughter, Kirsten, had nibbled at study architecture or fine arts, but the the poor women who were on their way the dishes when the photographer wasn’t family couldn’t afford it. Home Science home after work would fall asleep”. She looking. The book sold out straight away at Otago, because it was considered a was discovered here by an NZBC scout and reprinted. pathway to teaching, offered a bursary. on the hunt for a cooking show host who, A second book, Meals for the Family, So, in 1956, she enrolled in the four- unlike Galloping Gourmet Graham Kerr, was prepared, with Alison and Peter year degree course, little suspecting how would appeal to the home cook. and their two young children enduring the science-based understanding of the His enquiries at both the University a three-hour photo shoot to make the properties and nutritional values of and the extension unit led him to the cover photo. It, too, sold out, but when ingredients that it gave her would form the same person. Alison Holst was about to it came time for reprinting the publisher foundation of a hugely successful career. become a star. found the photographs had been thrown While at university Alison met Cooking shows may look easy, but out, so a new selection was made. medical student Peter Holst, whom they’re not, especially when there are no “If you look outside the window on she would later marry. She attended role models or formula to follow. the cover on the second edition you’ll see Auckland College of Education in “I was so nervous!” she recalls. “I there’s a bird cage,” says Alison. 1960, where she found the lectures didn’t know what I was doing and no one “Kirsten had found a sick bird the night uninspiring, but enjoyed the challenge could help me because they didn’t know before. I had wrapped it up and said to of holding a class of school students’ either. The only thing any book said on her ‘we’ll put it in the cage and maybe attention – another skill that would the subject was ‘don’t wear a patterned its mother will come and find it’. Then prove useful during her broadcasting and apron’, so I decided I wouldn’t wear an I forgot about it because I was so busy demonstrating days. apron at all.” getting ready. So, on the cover of the During that year she was offered a History would be made without an second edition, you can see the birdcage position as a lecturer in Home Science apron, in 15-minute instalments. Alison with the little lump in the bottom, while back at Otago. It was in this role that she survived a “test” shoot and began work on the first edition you can’t. developed the in-depth knowledge of on the series Here’s How in 1965. “Later on I told a group of women recipes that would form the third plank With no brief or instructions, other at a fundraiser this story, and I had in a unique skill set that would soon than where to put items on the bench, booksellers ringing me up saying ‘we’ve make her a household name. she had to work out what to cook and got people in here asking for your She explains the maths behind this how to compress the recipes into the cookbook with the dead bird on the accumulation of knowledge with typical time slot. A pumpkin pie required five cover?’ It was so funny.” pragmatism: “I had 16 people in a class different, pre-prepared versions to be Alison’s popularity was such that and there were three classes a week. Let’s brought out to progress the recipe from she sold the country out of fish after say it was a class about cooking eggs. First, start to finish inside a quarter hour. demonstrating the filleting and cooking I’d cook an omelette at the front of the Similarly, pioneering planning went of a sole on one show – an achievement class, and then the students would have into Alison’s first book, published the she and son Simon recently repeated to go back to their desks and make an following year. with humble sausage meat. omelette and bring it up for me to mark. “I wondered how many pages are in a Food producer boards quickly realised “Then I’d give everyone a different recipe book? There weren’t many around her potential to promote their product, at egg recipe which they had to make and in those days. I had a Sunset book called first up and down the country and then bring up to the front, where it would be Food with a Foreign Flavour, so I looked further afield. tasted and discussed. So I got to know at it and thought, ‘what a lot of pages to Alison undertook many promotional 16 recipes intimately; and that was 16 fill!’” tours for the New Zealand Meat Board,

10 Dame Alison Holst: She has steadfastly focused on nutritious, tasty meals that can be prepared in the average kitchen, by an average cook, using ingredients that aren’t overly exotic. Photo: Ken Downie

11 “It really upsets me to think someone just throws out a dress because a button’s come off it, or when a hem comes undone and someone staples it up. People talk about not knowing how to boil something, but I think in some cases it’s true . . .”

demonstrating recipes with New Zealand – you can find them at the $2 shops – and Crosbie says her own fridge has beef and lamb on television and in slip them in. Then make them with the presented her friend with challenges over public from Singapore and Hong Kong to child and see if he or she can make them the years, but that “Alison is the greatest Toronto and New York. for themselves. friend anyone can have”. It seems that Nearly 100 books, numerous “If you’ve chosen the right recipe – like Alison Holst has been a great friend to all television shows, radio spots and muffins or an omelette – they’ll probably New Zealanders and will continue to be newspaper columns later, Alison remains make those recipes for the rest of their so for many years to come. just as down-to-earth as she was during lives. It doesn’t have to be complicated.” the early days of her career. She is also Crosbie reminds New Zealanders REBECCA TANSLEY strongly committed to the importance of what she calls “the unsung things” of family. Alison has done which reflect her family- Friend, journalist and broadcaster oriented principles, including raising Sharon Crosbie recounts how Alison once more than $4 million for Plunket, responded that if she was given kindergartens and schools by providing $1 million she would use it to put an oven fundraising demonstrations over the in every classroom. It’s an indication of years. her passion for the need to provide all “If anyone deserves [DNZM] children with basic housekeeping skills. recognition it’s Alison. For years she “This is what I always talk about when would go out in the dead of winter to I’m asked to speak,” says Alison. “I give do demonstrations in cold little halls ‘the talk’, but then I say now let’s talk to raise money. No one realises she has about this, because it’s really important. done so much of that as well as the much “It really upsets me to think someone higher profile stuff.” just throws out a dress because a Crosbie has many amusing anecdotes button’s come off it, or when a hem of time spent both in New Zealand and comes undone and someone staples it up. overseas with her friend – Alison is a People talk about not knowing how to great traveller – but perhaps most apt is boil something, but I think in some cases Alison’s definition of friendship, which it’s true –they don’t even know what she recounts with warmth. boiling is! “Alison’s definition of friendship is “We need to teach children some that you can go into a friend’s house basic skills. If you’ve got grandchildren and open the fridge to see what’s in or nieces or nephews or whatever, write there, and that it doesn’t matter what’s in down some of your favourite recipes, the fridge, whether it has fur on it or is take one of those books with clear pages growing a colony of fungus.”

12 FEATURE

Leaving legend

Professor Sir David Skegg steps aside next month As an undergraduate student in the early 1970s, Otago had 4,000 students; when as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Otago. he joined the teaching staff in 1980, this He and his colleagues reflect on his tenure. had risen to 6,000. On taking up the position of Vice-Chancellor in 2004, there were around 17,000 students; now Professor Sir David Skegg may years, he would have you believe, are not there are more than 20,000. have led the University of Otago from about him: they’re about the University. He believes it says something about strength to strength for nearly eight It’s a reminder that, following Otago that, despite its growth, the years, but waxing triumphantly of his something of the tradition of the late University has retained its character and accomplishments is not his style. Sir Robin Irvine (who held the role for still registers so acutely in people’s hearts. How would he like to be remembered? 20 years until 1993), Skegg’s rise to the “Our alumni and visitors love to tell you He would prefer others to answer that. position of Vice-Chancellor was the about their time here.” Of his achievements, he is careful culmination of a life-long relationship Professor Alan Musgrave – whose to share credit. He compiles a list of with the University. This is where he lifespan at the University virtually highlights of his time as Vice-Chancellor, gained his undergraduate degree and matches Skegg’s, having joined the but acknowledges that he barely has time met his wife, before taking up a Rhodes Department of Philosophy in 1970 – has to think about them. Scholarship in Oxford. no doubt the University has flourished But talk in terms of how the Otago is also where he has spent the under his leadership. University has moved forward over great majority of his professional career, “He came to the position with these years and his eyes light up with being appointed Chair of Preventive impeccable academic credentials and he enthusiasm. He is clearly proud of Medicine aged just 32, before becoming put academic considerations where they Otago’s rise to the top of the country’s richly lettered and honoured as a world belong at a university – at the forefront research rankings and, that in 2010, it authority in his branch of medical of everything we do. He embodied secured the largest share of Marsden science. He was awarded an OBE in 1990 a Vice-Chancellor who is its most funding of all New Zealand universities and was knighted in 2009. senior academic leader, not simply an for the sixth consecutive year. He reports He has repeated often that applying administrative and financial CEO.” on new initiatives – programmes for to lead Otago was never part of some Nevertheless, there is no escaping Mäori students wishing to enter health overarching career plan. “I would never that a large university with nearly 4,000 sciences or supporting science students have wanted to be the Vice-Chancellor employees and an annual turnover of in rural and low-decile schools – for of any other university,” he comments. more than $500 million a year takes a example. He speaks with passion on the It had not even particularly occurred fair bit of organisational management. architectural vision for the campuses in to him to apply for this role until his Skegg admits that the sheer volume Dunedin, Christchurch and Wellington. friends and colleagues started putting of issues one needs to keep abreast of “I particularly like the idea of building ideas into his head. can be dizzying – from professorial along the Leith towards the new stadium, So Skegg has been, above all else, appointments (he makes a point of with the Leith itself being developed as a Otago’s Vice-Chancellor. Indeed, convening all such selection panels), natural feature and providing a riverside something of Otago’s development as to advising government, to speaking walk from the Botanic Garden to the sea.” a university can be mapped against engagements, to attending to local The achievements of the past seven milestones in Skegg’s own career history.

13 Professor Sir David Skegg: “I would never have wanted to be the Vice-Chancellor of any other university.” Photo: Alan Dove

14 residents’ concerns about traffic. And message to Musgrave: “He was one of us.” Or, as his close colleague Professor then there are the issues that arise from This sense of solidarity became a Geoff White, who for five years worked left field: Clayton Weatherston; the critical step in achieving what Skegg alongside him as the Deputy Vice- Christchurch earthquakes. describes as his first aim – “to build a Chancellor (Research), puts it: “David There’s a pithy saying one sometimes spirit of collegiality in the University. understood that the loose collective of sees blu-tacked on office walls: “When The success of a university depends on academics can be a powerful force, when you alone are an island of calm while its faculty, more than anything else. I morale is high.” all those around you are losing their have a conviction that academics won’t Musgrave also recalls Skegg as heads, then chances are you haven’t fully be creative in their research and teaching “unfailingly supportive” and reflects on grasped the gravity of the situation.” It’s if they are constantly worrying about his “immense personal charisma”. a sentiment that rings true for Skegg. restructuring or weighed down by “He has an uncanny knack of saying “If you think you’re on top of all the excessive bureaucracy. the right thing to the right people. He issues facing you, it’s a good sign you’re “I am still a great believer in academic listens, takes concerns seriously, is firm probably not! When I was appointed in departments as the building blocks when he needs to be. No one ever leaves a November 2003, the University Council of a university,” he continues. “There meeting with David feeling put down or said they wanted me to be ready to ‘hit are some universities who have tried demeaned.” the ground running’. I think I will still to do away with them, believing they “In a way,” says Marshall, “he was a be running when I hand the baton on to become ‘silos’ – a horribly overused problem for the union in that it became Harlene Hayne in August!” term. I prefer to think of them as being less obvious why you would need to be a Given this, has Skegg’s determination like families and, while it’s certainly member: University staff could take for to also remain active in teaching and possible to have dysfunctional families, granted that they would be treated fairly research not been an exercise in self- mostly they provide a very supportive and respectfully.” flagellation? Skegg is proud that Otago is environment which does not exclude His communication style – considered, unique among New Zealand universities strong relationships with members of attentive, articulate – is born of genuine in that all its academic leaders are now other families.” humanity, agree Musgrave, Marshall and involved in research; three even have Dr Craig Marshall – biochemist, White. It was also an effective strategy. Marsden grants in their names. union representative and Council “Make no mistake,” says Marshall, “if Skegg admits “it’s been tough to keep member – says he noticed immediately David wanted to achieve a result, he up” and suspects it may not have been the benefits of being led by someone was quite capable of driving strongly possible without his “extremely tolerant who’d served time behind a head of towards his outcome. He just did it and supportive” colleagues whom he department’s desk. “Very quickly, a lot in a way where no one felt bulldozed knew well before he took up the role. But of unnecessary paperwork disappeared. in the process. He would do a lot it’s obvious that he loves the spirit of Basically, we could do more of what we of groundwork and build up the enquiry and camaraderie in the academic wanted to do and less of what we didn’t.” relationship and confidence he needed.” world, and that he finds getting back to the department powerfully grounding. “I remember once – it was around the time of the Undie 500 and all the criticisms we were facing for trying to “He came to the position with impeccable deal with disruptive students – I went to academic credentials and he put teach a class of students. I recall looking academic considerations where they around and thinking, ‘You know, these belong at a University – at the forefront are a really nice bunch of kids’. It was of everything we do.” good for my sense of perspective.” It’s useful too, he says, in helping Professor Alan Musgrave ensure he never loses touch with “life in the trenches”. It certainly sent the right

15 Like taking a rock out of a river, it seems any void created by removing the Vice-Chancellor’s position from Skegg’s life will be quickly replaced by a rush of the rest of his life. His diary is already filling with research commitments, a role chairing a new government- established science board and leading a World Health Organization advisory committee in Geneva on improving reproductive health in developing countries. “I read a retirement address from a medical professor at Oxford University,” says Skegg. “He talked about all his ‘buried selves’, all those elements of one’s personality and interests that you need to suppress because you are too busy to nourish them. After a while, these potential selves become more and more impatient to get out. “While this has been a fascinating job, it is all- consuming. One just has to curb other interests. I want to read some of those books that I’ve been buying over the years!” But much as he may be looking forward to a well- deserved lie-in, Skegg says he looks back warmly At May graduation Moana McNeil (Ngat- i Kahungunu/Ngat- i Porou), a on the years he has spent leading the University member of the the kapahaka group Te Kahui Toroa, presents Professor he loves. He talks of his particular enjoyment - David Skegg with a Kuru Pounamu on behalf of Maori staff and students. developing relationships with Maori- and Pacific Photo: Ian Thomson Islands communities, and is proud to surprise people by pointing out that Otago has a higher proportion of Marshall adds that “if David articulated a vision, you knew he Maori- students than the University of Auckland. already had a strong sense of how he was going to get there.” On one And he has found affirming “the exceptional hand, this may have geared him towards making “safe” decisions, loyalty the University enjoys from its staff and rather than pushing towards dramatic innovation, thinks Marshall. alumni – and even goodwill from New Zealanders But it also meant he was regarded as utterly credible. in general. At one of our graduations, Professor Indeed, White regards Skegg’s legacy as arising from his ability Malcolm Grant, who is one of the most successful to take the long view. “Universities are long-lived institutions – they university heads in the UK, made the comment that last much longer than governments – and the ideas, networks and ‘few universities today command the loyalty of staff infrastructure that have built up over many decades all require in the way that Otago does’. I don’t know what led ongoing investment. Whether it’s the campus plan or the personal him to this conclusion, but I’ve become convinced efforts he put into hand-selecting only the best professorial candidates, that it is an understatement.” David’s approach was not about achieving short-term results. Finally, he says, he is delighted to contradict those Everything was done from the perspective of ensuring the University who warned him when he began his role. “There were would be able to sustain itself for generations. For this, I believe the people who told me this job would be all about the University community owes David a huge debt of gratitude.” finances,” recalls Skegg. “It’s not. Juggling money NICOLA MUTCH has been one aspect of the role, but by no means the greatest. It’s about people.”

16 STAFF PROFILE

Pacific histories

Professor Lisa Matisoo-Smith is studying ancient but she faced issues with Pacific communities about studying human DNA to track Polynesian origins and migrations remains. across the Pacific. “I thought we had to figure out a more culturally acceptable way of trying to get at this question of understanding When Professor Lisa Matisoo-Smith complex, Matisoo-Smith says. There is human prehistory and human settlement (Anatomy and Structural Biology) rarely a simple explanation. of the Pacific. That was when I came up needs to explain the complexities of “The Pacific is an area where there with the idea of studying the DNA of the understanding people’s origins she can is incredible history going back animals that Pacific people carried with turn to her own story as an example. 50,000 years to when some of the first them, as an alternative means of tracking “My accent is American, but I was migrations out of Africa arrived in human migration.” born in Hawaii and grew up in Japan. I Australia and New Guinea. Polynesian Matisoo-Smith’s PhD looked at have this funny family name, Matisoo, origins, to some degree, involve the Rattus exulans or kiore, using genetic which is Estonian, but I live in New descendants of these earliest migrants. variations to track their movement across Zealand. Despite my blond hair and blue “But the migration of peoples towards the Pacific. eyes, my DNA includes a northern Asian Polynesia is the last great human Mäori colleagues explained to her marker as a result of Mongol influences migration. It happened in the last 3,000 that the kiore was intentionally carried across Northern Europe. So, where am I years and may have involved more recent in colonising canoes as food and was from?” she asks. migrants into the Pacific from Asia. something of a taonga. “Humans are complex and, if you are Polynesian ancestors didn’t reach New “I used the same mitochondrial DNA going to understand human history, you Zealand until only 700 years ago.” approach that is used to look at human need to constantly remind yourself of that Matisoo-Smith has always been movement to look at the movement of complexity. The language that someone fascinated with the Pacific and its culture. the rat. By proxy, it was telling us about speaks, their name, the particular Her mother studied social anthropology the movement of the people.” genetic marker they carry, where they so it was something she learned about Kiore offered important advantages. are born, where they live, where they while growing up. Being a different species from the identify ethnically could be telling you However, at UC Berkeley she became European rat meant there was no very different stories, but combined it is, immersed in physical anthropology interbreeding, so populations living on indeed, the history of the person. and evolution. At that time a lot of the islands today are direct descendants “That’s what I love about biological fascinating work was being done on of the initial introduced rats. anthropology – it’s looking at all these mitochondrial DNA and molecular Matisoo-Smith says that in the factors about history, about cultural evolution. process of working with Pacific Island diversity, about linguistic diversity and After graduating, Matisoo-Smith communities she was able to cultivate how they influence patterns of biological wanted to go to Africa to study human relationships. diversity to try to understand human evolution, but the political situation meant “Slowly attitudes changed, history and how we got to where we are the doors were firmly closed. Instead, she relationships developed, trust developed today.” headed for archaeological sites in Europe and pretty soon those communities were Sifting through those layers of where she met the New Zealand man saying ‘you’re using these animals as complexity is helping unravel the story whom she would eventually marry. markers, what about us and looking at of Polynesian origins and migration. That twist of fate led her to undertake our DNA?’” But identifying population origins is postgraduate study in New Zealand,

17 It was about that time that she was “What we’re realising now is that it Pacific people made it to South America. approached by the Genographic Project, is not that simple and that populations Her research is focused on Isla Mocha, an international project backed by don’t move like that. Polynesians became an island located just 30km off the coast National Geographic to follow genetic Polynesian in Polynesia and that the of Chile, where human remains with lines to understand how humans Lapita package didn’t move as this neat distinctly Polynesian characteristics have dispersed across the globe. little pod. Instead, what we call Pacific been found in the past. Someone was needed to head research biology, culture and language all came The Marsden grant allowed her team amongst Pacific communities and, together at different points in time and to return to the island late last year although the five-year project is due to in different places.” to excavate for further archaeological wind up at the end of this year, Matisoo- There is no doubt that the Lapita evidence which produced animal bones Smith is hoping for additional funding to peoples are ancestral to Polynesians, but and further artefacts. They are now continue that work. the idea that that was the only influence awaiting permission from Chilean Much of this work now involves is rather simplistic, she says. People move authorities to carry out DNA analysis in ancient DNA which, she says, is like all of the time and there were likely to be the hope that it will give them another having a time machine – a way of other, perhaps less obvious, migrations. look through the time machine. looking into the past. They are working “The aim is to study samples through “If we find Polynesian DNA markers in on ancient DNA of the Lapita people, time. We have archaeological remains of 1,300-year-old remains from Mocha then named after the distinctively patterned the Lapita people arriving in the Pacific there is no question that Polynesians pottery and other artefacts, to get a 3,000 years ago and we hope to see what were there, and that it wasn’t South snapshot of which genes were present at their DNA was like – and then what was Americans coming out the other way, a particular point in time in a particular it like in their descendants 2,000 years or it wasn’t Chinese voyagers picking population and how this relates to what ago, and 1,000 years ago, and 500 years something up along the way and they see today. ago, and what is it like today.” dropping it off in the Americas.” When archaeologists first began to They will now be able to compare the Matisoo-Smith says it is most likely uncover these artefacts 50 years ago Lapita DNA with that of the first people those early Polynesian voyagers were the theories began to emerge of how the to arrive in the various island groups, ones making contact. Lapita culture was ancestral to later including New Zealand, and examine the “The movement of people across the Polynesian cultures. similarities and differences seen in those Pacific wouldn’t have stopped until it had Matisoo-Smith says when it became populations through time. to. They wouldn’t have stopped when possible to examine DNA, the genetic One of things that makes the Pacific they got to the last island – they wouldn’t story became incorporated in an DNA puzzle all that more interesting know it was the last island. The last place archaeological story and a linguistic is the fact that these early Polynesians they could travel to was the Americas – story, making a nice, neat and simple needed to be excellent voyagers to move they couldn’t travel any further.” package about the Neolithic expansion themselves, their animals and plants There is evidence in two places in the out of Asia of a unified ancestral across wide expanses of ocean. Americas suggesting that Polynesians Polynesian people, language group and Matisoo-Smith is currently using passed on sewn plank boat technology culture, thereby missing the complexity a Marsden Fund grant to seek hard – the question intriguing her is whether of the human story. archaeological and genetic evidence that some settled there or whether they just traded, bringing back things like the sweet potato. “We have archaeological remains of the Lapita “I would be very surprised if some people arriving in the Pacific 3,000 years ago people, or at least their genes, didn’t and we hope to see what their DNA was like – stay. After all, the language of love is and then what was it like in their descendants universal!” 2,000 years ago, and 1,000 years ago, and 500 years ago, and what is it like today.” MARK WRIGHT

18 Professor Lisa Matisoo- Smith: “What we call Pacific biology, culture and language all came together at different points in time and in different places.” Photo: Alan Dove Location: Otago Museum

19 ALUMNI PROFILE

One man’s mission

TroppoDoc’s founder – and only full-time Allen moved to Vanuatu as medical officer in a government hospital on Malekula, volunteer – Otago alumnus Dr Derek Allen is covering 15 remote islands. dedicated to helping people in need. With a rare combination of experience in some of the poorest places on the planet and having seen how If you think one individual can’t two years or so. If I had 40 people who some of the aid agencies worked on the make a lot of difference to the suffering could do this we could run full-time ground, Allen decided to set up his own in the world, think again. clinics where they are desperately needed small-scale operation, unencumbered by Meet Otago alumnus Dr Derek Allen, around the world.” national or political affiliations. founder of TroppoDoc, and the sole TroppoDoc covers a lot of ground, TroppoDoc launched in 2002. “We full-time member of the smallest non- with projects from Southeast Asia via have no paid employees and only one governmental organisation in the world. South America to Africa, where Allen full-time volunteer – me,” says Allen. “I Much of the time Allen is a one- first gained experience of voluntary work. started with the aim of focusing entirely man aid agency, working in remote He graduated from Otago Medical on health and patient need, which is not and impoverished areas in Indonesia, School in 1982, working in Blenheim and always what you get from some of the Vanuatu, Bolivia and West Africa. Timaru before qualifying as a general larger aid agencies. TroppoDoc helps eliminate the causes practitioner and joining Voluntary “I find myself training doctors, pulling of sickness and disease by providing free Service Abroad. teeth, delivering babies, doing surgery, medical care, medicines and information Over four years he worked in promoting public health, organising about health threats, and by improving Botswana, Swaziland, South Africa and nursing, educating on health and hygiene water supplies and establishing Zimbabwe – “an amazing experience – I do it all. Sometimes I have a couple of community-directed health education both personally and clinically” – before people along with me, but largely I do it and training. moving to Eastern Europe with a on my own. If that sounds like a Herculean task, Christian organisation. “You don’t have any choice really. You it is, which is why Allen is constantly “As part of Missions Without Borders do what you have to to keep people alive.” seeking volunteers to help out. I was working in public health in Bosnia, Every few months Allen gets back to They don’t need to be skilled, as Romania, Albania and the Ukraine. It New Zealand where he does the rounds there are plenty of jobs at all levels, was a time of a lot of unrest and, over the of meeting and greeting to attract from gathering data to construction to four years I was there, I saw an awful lot funding and volunteers, talking to medical care, which is why doctors and of orphanages.” groups and organisations, often targeting nurses are high on Allen’s wish list. Allen didn’t run out of caring, but, medical undergraduates as he is certified “Volunteers make a huge difference like many long-term volunteers, there to supervise students’ electives. to our output,” says Allen. “In a good came a time when he ran out of money. He knows that, with enough year we’ll probably get around 20 to 30, He returned to New Zealand for volunteers doing short stints, his vision staying from as little as a few weeks to a few years as a locum from the far of running full-time clinics is a practical much longer. north to the far south, and then as a proposition. “But we always need more anchor surgical and orthopaedic registrar at “One of the Vanuatu islands has people like doctors – regular volunteers Middlemore Hospital in Auckland. But exactly that system, run entirely by who could come for a month every the undeveloped world still called and

20 Dr Derek Allen during one of his fleeting visits to Dunedin: “Funding is an issue, but help on the ground is even more of an issue…” Photo: Alan Dove

volunteers from Vancouver in Canada – He’s also been expanding TroppoDoc The high mountains are a dramatic and there is a three-year waiting list to across the globe. He recently did a recce contrast to the steamy tropics of volunteer. If only we could get that set trip to investigate why Bolivia had South Southeast Asia and the desert conditions up from New Zealand.” America’s highest rates of infant and of TroppoDoc’s operation in Burkina Allen’s expertise saw him one of the maternal mortality. Faso in Southwest Saharan Africa, but, first on the ground in Indonesia after the He found women trying to give for Allen, it’s just one more place where 2004 Boxing Day tsunami. He still works birth in thatched huts with dirt floors people are in need. out of Pulau Tello, one of 100 islands in in freezing temperatures at an altitude Elsewhere, TroppoDoc projects Pulau-Pulau Batu, a remote archipelago of 3,500 metres. Now TroppoDoc is include building and improving water in North Sumatra. working to support medical services supplies in schools, health education, Now Allen’s name is high on the list in the area, where there is one nurse to assisting with medical clinics and of who to call when disaster strikes. 2,500 people. building children’s playgrounds. He’s involved with the Singapore- based Crisis Relief Society – “they call me if they want work done in the developing world” – and generally goes “I find myself training doctors, pulling in to run groups of eight to 10 emergency teeth, delivering babies, doing surgery, workers. There’s no comfortable desk. promoting public health, organising Allen is as hands-on as the rest of the nursing, educating on health and hygiene team. – I do it all. Sometimes I have a couple of Disasters he’s attended since 2004 people along with me, but largely I do it include earthquakes in Kashmir, Padang, Yogyakarta and Haiti, floods in Pakistan on my own.” and a tsunami in Myanmar.

21 With commitments around the world, TroppoDoc has no big sponsors and Volunteers pay their own airfares and Allen spends his life on the road. He has exists on donations, even from schools, the small local cost of accommodation no base other than a house in Dunedin churches, Rotary clubs, individuals and and meals. he rarely sees and visits to New Zealand small organisations. For Allen the rewards are priceless. are always an eye-opener. Medical supplies are donated from At 52 he has no plans to slow down and “Every time I come back I get a huge hospitals, pharmacies and leftovers from aims to keep TroppoDoc going as long as culture shock at how much we take other aid agencies. But Allen’s main need he is fit and healthy. resources for granted, and what we spend is people. Volunteers are at the heart of “It’s early days, but I’m impatient. If we and how we spend it. We’re not in touch TroppoDoc. can get the volunteers there are so many with the needs of the world. “Funding is an issue, but help on the more places in need to go to.” “What we waste is amazing. We’re ground is even more of an issue. I’d spending millions of dollars a week on rather have more volunteers who are NIGEL ZEGA betting in New Zealand while there are enthusiastic to help the poor. 9,000 people a day dying from simple “You don’t need any skills at all. Just For more information about Dr Derek Allen’s work see: preventable problems like diarrhoea, bring enthusiasm and I can find you a www.troppodoc.com chest infections and malaria. We don’t useful job to do that will bring rewards share well.” far greater than money.”

Dr Derek Allen with his ward, Melioni, and volunteers take an eight-hour boat ride home after conducting a free medical clinic in the remote Batu Islands, Indonesia. Photo: supplied

22 DEVELOPMENT

A heavy burden

A leader in diabetes research, Professor Jim Other major research highlights have included the development of a close Mann claims obesity has not only become partnership with Ngati Porou Hauora to “boring”, but so commonplace as to often go develop the Ngati and Healthy Prevent Diabetes Project which received a gold unrecognised. award in the Whänau Ora Awards for Mäori health initiatives. That project has There are good reasons why the about obesity and the factors that are been expanded to one that takes a whole- word obesity was added to the title of associated with it, then it is possible to health approach on the East Coast of the Edgar National Centre for Diabetes and see a reduction in the risk of diabetes in North Island. Obesity Research (ENCDOR) after its a relatively short time. A recently internationally-recognised establishment in late 2003. “Take cancer, for example. If you try to piece of research has been the LOAD It was the first centre set up under the make changes in the causes of cancer, it (Lifestyle Over and Above Drugs in University of Otago’s Leading Thinkers will take years to come through in terms Diabetes) study, published last year Initiative and its director, Professor Jim of public health. With regard to diabetes, in the British Medical Journal. It Mann, says since then the extent of the there is very good evidence that you’ll see showed that, even when people were obesity epidemic has become apparent. benefit and risk reduction in two years. on an optimised drug regime, correct “Even seven years ago, while I would And there is good evidence that that risk dietary practices could produce further have said obesity is related to Type 2 reduction is not a seven-day wonder – it’s significant improvement to their diabetes diabetes, I probably wouldn’t have been retained.” control. talking then about an epidemic. Now Since it was launched, ENCDOR has Mann says, although it is critical to every man and woman in the street attracted nearly $17 million in research tackle the epidemic at a very young age, knows we have an obesity epidemic and funding and has had 82 papers published we can’t ignore it in older people who are that is driving the epidemic of Type 2 in international research journals. affected now. diabetes,” he says. Not surprisingly, the centre’s research “If we don’t do something about the “Rates have been increasing work has become increasingly obesity- here and now then we’ll be in trouble, dramatically over, probably, only the last related. not just 20 years down the track, but in 15 years and we have only recognised it The first major project in that area increasing trouble as each year goes by. in the last seven to 10 years. Something was Associate Professor Rachel Taylor’s That is why we are equally concerned has happened. Lives haven’t changed that APPLE (A Pilot Programme for Lifestyle about studies of that kind in adult life,” much since the 1990s, but the epidemic and Exercise) Study, one of the first he says. of obesity has gone up. community-based studies to show the Research is now shifting more “It has become apparent that anyone potential to halt weight gain in children towards understanding the causes of who is interested in Type 2 diabetes must by way of dietary intervention coupled obesity, particularly the role of sugar. also be interested in obesity – so the with physical activity. “There’s enough evidence to suggest name change is as simple as that.” Taylor’s research focus is now moving recommending a reduction in sugar At the same time, Mann says, the to even earlier life stages, examining intake, which is what is going up and exciting realisation of the last 10 years ways of preventing obesity as early as is probably a key individual driver of has been that if you do something possible in the lifecycle. obesity,” says Mann.

23 “Saturated fat intake seems to be Mann says sorting out the problem coming down slightly and cholesterol cannot be done just by individuals. levels are coming down, but obesity is He advocates tackling it at all levels – Translating research going up. So is the driver something to international organisations, Government, An offshoot of ENCDOR, the do with sugars and carbohydrate, as well NGOs such as the National Heart Centre for Translational Research as energy density in general and portion Foundation, industry, and the media, as in Chronic Diseases (CTRCD) was size and things like that? That is the sort well as down at the family level. set up to help get research into of area we are getting into now – the “Whether it is the policy of the family practice. drivers of obesity. on how many times you are going to It has done this in a number “It is nothing new, because my PhD eat at McDonald’s, whether it’s policy of ways including two successful was in that area, but it just got forgotten in Government to make food labelling symposia, one in Wellington late about and left by the wayside because clearer, or whatever. One needs it to be last year titled “Who Cares About people weren’t that interested in obesity. tackled at all those levels. New Zealand’s Waistline?” and Heart disease and diabetes themselves “You can’t implement things without a follow-up seminar in Dunedin were much more prominent rather than Government support. You need earlier this year called “Who Is the causes or drivers.” Government to create an environment Taking Action?” Mann says the fructose component that is conducive to making the change. “Such seminars are very much of sugar is of particular interest because You need schools to make decisions that within our brief,” Mann explains. it seems to have an adverse effect on the are conducive to making the change.” “When the centre was established metabolism, including insulin resistance, Mann says that was the catastrophe of our vision was ‘to make a and causes problems with insulin the current Government doing away with significant contribution to reducing sensitivity. healthy food guidelines in schools. the global burden of diabetes and Getting the message through is a “Within days schools were putting obesity through research and challenge and Mann caused a slight stir back vending machines to sell junk food dissemination of knowledge’. We last year when, in a TV interview, he said and sugary drinks because they were have regarded that as a major “obesity is boring” – a comment he is making money out of it.” component of our role.” happy to reiterate. In terms of getting new messages out Another important translational “Not only is it boring, but there is there he feels the one around sugars is component involves bringing something that goes in parallel with critical. discoveries into practice through being boring and that is that people don’t “There are research questions that can their guideline work, both recognise it,” he says. be asked and answered, but I think the nationally and internationally. “If you ask parents whether their message is generally there – it just needs Mann chairs the European child is overweight they don’t actually to be made more exciting. But it doesn’t Diabetes and Nutrition Guidelines recognise it because there are so many have the attraction of a potential cure for Group, and the Expert Advisory overweight and obese children that it cancer. Group on Diabetes and doesn’t seem abnormal. “The difference is that there are not Cardiovascular Disease in New “I’m sure the same applies to adults. that many cures for cancer, but we do Zealand. He has also served on People are in the range of unacceptable have the cure for the obesity problem, it several other relevant national and bodyweight in terms of their health just needs to be implemented.” international groups including the outcomes, but are not recognised as such nutrition advisory group to the because there are so many people that MARK WRIGHT World Health Organization. are that way. There is a new norm and it is not a health norm – it’s just that people have got used to it.”

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24 Professor Jim Mann: “We do have the cure for the obesity problem, it just needs to be implemented.” Photo: Bill Nichol

“There’s enough evidence to suggest recommending a reduction in sugar intake, which is what is going up and is probably a key individual driver of obesity.”

25 FEATURE

Right way forward

An increase in the numbers of right whales more special because it is so remote and hard to get to.” around the Auckland Islands is raising After two expeditions, Rayment speculation that more will soon be returning wanted to continue the work that had begun and successfully applied to the waters of mainland New Zealand. for funding from the Foundation for Otago scientists are investigating. Research, Science and Technology. This winter he is leading the second of three annual voyages to Port Ross, Could New Zealand’s sheltered they swam slowly and frequented shallow concentrating on building a better coastline once again provide a sanctuary coastal bays rather than the deep ocean. picture of the whale population from for endangered southern right whales? Now, for the same reasons, they’re the photographs. Southern rights have Dr Will Rayment (Marine Science) right whales to study and the Auckland patches of cornified skin – callosities – hopes so. He would like to see the whales Islands are the right place to study them. growing on their heads, each forming recolonising some of the shallow bays The remote sub-Antarctic islands a unique pattern, making it possible to where they used to converge to mate and once attracted whalers and even an ill- identify individuals. give birth. fated attempt at settlement, but, with the Rayment and his colleagues These locations were well documented collapse of whaling, they reverted to their are creating a library of southern by whalers who hunted them to lonely isolation in the southern ocean, rights, which they can check against commercial extinction by 1925, when the 460km south of Bluff. photographs of whales taken around population was estimated at fewer than When whales were found to have New Zealand or as far away as Australia. 100. returned to the bays where once they Earlier research using biopsies to trace In 1935 they were protected were slaughtered, researchers began populations by their DNA has produced worldwide, although they were thought gathering data to see if the population good information. Now photo-ID work to be extinct in New Zealand. Even when was recovering from its brush with can follow a large number of whales over a remnant population was discovered extinction. And, as more southern rights a widespread area. in the 1980s, no one knew if they could were seen around the New Zealand coast, “Encountering the same individuals survive. scientists wondered if they were the same over time will enable us to estimate such But their numbers have increased, as those seen in the sub-Antarctic. things as population growth, population and Rayment is hoping to identify which Rayment had worked with northern size and survival rates,” says Rayment. of the whales’ old gathering grounds right whales in the Atlantic, but that “We’ve already got photo-ID matches might still be practical for them to hadn’t prepared him for a 2008 trip to that support genetic work, concluding return to. the southern ocean, assisting then Otago that the New Zealand and Auckland This is part of a three-year study colleague Dr Simon Childerhouse. Island populations are one and the same. Rayment is carrying out in the Auckland “I was blown away by Port Ross in the “We had a really nice example last Islands – a mecca for both whales and Auckland Islands. year where we had one whale seen at whale researchers. “It was amazing. It was chock-a-block Blackhead, south of Dunedin, just two A century ago southern right whales full of whales. I’d never seen such a weeks after it was photographed in the gained their name because they were the high density of whales in one place. It’s Auckland Islands. “right” whales to hunt, partly because a really exciting place to be and all the

26 Photo: Will Rayment

27 “So, if the population is growing “We know broadly where the whales impacts might be significant and around the Auckland Islands and the used to live because of whaling records, whether or not there is something to be same whales are being seen around New but are these places still practical done to mitigate those impacts. Zealand, then it’s likely that we’ll be propositions after years of development, “So far there hasn’t been an issue and seeing more animals turning up around shipping, fishing and aquaculture? Can we don’t want to jump the gun. At this the mainland. we find room for whales?” stage we’re just gathering information “We haven’t crunched all the numbers Where Otago Harbour has changed in and thinking where recolonisation might yet, but there seem to be more whales use and depth, there are some old haunts happen.” every time we go down. It’s really that might still suit the whales. Other Otago research programmes exciting and it leads to the second part Rayment suggests less developed are involved in the Auckland Islands’ of our research, which is thinking about locations such as the south side of Banks expeditions. James Scott (Geology) is proactive conservation. Peninsula, Port Underwood to the collecting rare mineral samples while “If the whales are returning to the south of the Marlborough Sounds, and Dr Chris Lalas (Marine Science) is mainland, what can we do to encourage Preservation Inlet and Te Waewae Bay on continuing investigations into the winter them back? What habitats might still be the south coast. diet of New Zealand sea lions. Although available to them?” “There are already increased sightings endangered, sea lions have their largest That raises the question of what around the southern locations,” says breeding colonies on the islands. happens when whales head back to Rayment. “They’re probably realistic Lalas is also collaborating with historical habitats. candidates for where right whales could researchers from Massey University on a Many locations, such as Otago prosper again.” project to measure levels of hydrocarbon Harbour, have changed to the point But wherever the whales might want contamination in marine wildlife. where they may no longer be suited to to be – and whatever the researchers Data gathered in the relatively pristine whales. Others may still be suitable, but might want to see – Rayment realises southern ocean can be used as a baseline are now occupied by industries such as that legislation will require substantial for comparisons with the mainland. mussel farming. data if a successful argument is to be PhD student Trudi Webster (Marine This winter Rayment’s research made for active conservation. Science) is also using the islands’ includes getting precise locations for “We’ll need to present a case outlining isolation to get comparative data – for a where whales are sighted and developing any likely impacts we can find involving collaborative project with US researchers a clear picture of preferred habitats to returning whales and such things as on whale acoustics. see what might still be available in New fishing, shipping, development and Noise pollution affects whales, as they Zealand. tourism. change their calls in noisy environments “Knowing physical characteristics such “At the moment there are so few such as shipping lanes. The peaceful as sea-bed depth, slope and distance to whales around that there’s little or no South Pacific will be contrasted with the the coast will help us predict, with more problem, but if the numbers increase, busy North Atlantic. accuracy, where they are likely to want to then local and national government The University’s marine research go – or not go. will have to make judgements on what vessel, Polaris II, provides the expedition’s transport, accommodation and laboratory. “Polaris is fantastic to work from,” says Rayment. “Even in the depths of a sub- “If the whales are returning to the Antarctic winter it’s nice and warm and mainland, what can we do to encourage dry, and there’s enough space for what them back? What habitats might still be we want to do. It can also take the two available to them?” small boats that we work from.” Spending time on the water surrounded by whales is an intimate experience.

28 Dr Will Rayment: “Encountering the same individuals over time will enable us to estimate such things as population growth, population size and survival rates.” Photo: Steve Dawson

“We get to know individual whales,” says Rayment. “Most of the differences are subtle, although some are really easy to identify from distinctive callosities or colour patterns.” They also have different characters and patterns of behaviour. Generally, mothers with calves are wary and protective, males are mainly interested in mating and juveniles are curious, which leads to lots of close encounters. Polaris II and its anchor chain are regularly used as scratching posts and the small boats are sometimes bumped by whales the size of buses. “They’re surprisingly agile – so controlled and flexible – and quite manoeuvrable,” says Rayment. “We try not to approach them, but sometimes they come to you and nudge you or lift you out of the water. “You don’t appreciate their size until you see them really close up. They approach you on their own terms and they’re checking you out as much as you’re checking them out. “I feel privileged to be able to spend time with such a cool bunch of animals. It’s a special experience.” If Rayment has his way, it’s an experience that many more New Zealanders could be sharing in the future.

Nigel Zega

29 INBRIEF

get breast cancer. The difference in incidence by income in New Breast cancer contradicts trends Zealand is 10 per cent and did not change over the research period. Maori- breast cancer rates have increased by 70 per cent over Higher income women have greater risk factors: having the last two decades compared to a 50 per cent increase for children later, less likely to breast feed (although this is changing) European and “other” women, according to new research from and more likely to use hormone therapy. the Department of Public Health (Wellington). This research was funded by the Health Research Council and Lead researcher Dr Ruth Cunningham says the reasons for the Ministry of Health. the high rates and steep increase among Maori- are still not clear. Internationally breast cancer incidence is usually highest among those with higher incomes. “One would expect Maori- to have lower rates as they give birth earlier, have more children and lower rates of hormone therapy use. All these factors normally reduce rates,” she says. Maori- breast cancer rates rose from 123 to 210 per 100,000 women, while rates for European women went up from 114 to 170 over 25 years. Pacific and Asian women have the lowest incidence of breast cancer in New Zealand, and these rates did not change much over two decades. Asian rates are the lowest, although they are higher than for women in most other Asian countries, suggesting factors such as changing reproductive behaviour may be having an impact on Asian women in New Zealand. These findings also reflect the international research showing Dr Ruth Cunningham: The reasons for the high rates and steep - that women in higher socio-economic groups are more likely to increase of breast cancer among Maori are still not clear.

More research is needed and he urges people not to Short, sharp benefits immediately think they should exercise this way. While they found the effects of sprint training on muscle might be impressive, it Physical training using short, sharp, 30-second bouts of exercise was less impressive in terms of other fitness benefits that underlie is already known to bring some benefits usually associated health and performance, such as red blood cell volume, blood with endurance training. However, School of Physical Education pressure and heart rate. researchers are examining whether other wide-ranging benefits of training can also be obtained through this approach. Dr Jim Cotter, physiologist Dr Sam Lucas, research assistant Evelyn Parr, and research students Matthew Graham and Monique Francois are trying to find out more about how the different forms of exercise actually drive the physical adaptations that help with performance, fitness and health. They replicated the initial studies by having non-athletes do four 30-second bouts of exercise three days a week, versus typical health guidelines of 30–60 minutes a day at least five days a week. In a parallel study, a separate group of volunteers was monitored extensively for metabolic and cardiovascular function for 24-hour periods following sprint versus endurance exercise, including using the arms versus the legs. “If you have a look at some of the definitive markers of endurance – such as how much carbohydrate you can store in your muscles and how easily can you use fat to fuel exercise – Dr Jim Cotter: “If you have a look at some of the definitive markers you come up with similar figures for ‘anaerobic’ training versus of endurance … you come up with similar figures for ‘anaerobic’ traditional endurance training,” says Cotter. training versus traditional endurance training.”

30 “People wrote books about this trial and lawyers Italian murder trial still fascinates commentated on it in legal journals for years afterwards.” Raffaella was granted a pardon 19 years into her life sentence It bore all the hallmarks of a classic Italian opera – a war hero while her lover’s death sentence was commuted to hard labour. rendered impotent by his wounds and his dissatisfied wife, Seymour has written three academic articles on the case and Raffaella, accused of helping her circus acrobat lover to murder is preparing a book aimed to appeal to a wider audience. him. When Dr Mark Seymour (History) first encountered the 1878 murder of Captain Giovanni Fadda in an old Italian newspaper he, like many people of the time, became fascinated. In Rome he examined 3,000 pages of trial records including interviews with about 100 witnesses, mostly peasants from Raffaella Fadda’s remote village in southern Italy. “One of the great problems historians face is that when people are illiterate there’s no record of what they think. This trial gave me a window into the thoughts, ideas and mores of a whole group of people that wouldn’t otherwise have been recorded.” Seymour says Raffaella never admitted involvement and spent much of the month-long trial sobbing. In complete contrast, her circus acrobat lover played to the court. “Just as in today’s newspapers, some stories take off – they really fascinate the public. So, as an historian, I would argue that we should focus our attention on the stories that resonate at the time. Dr Mark Seymour: “I would argue that we should focus our attention on the stories that resonate at the time.”

Duncan discovered that New Zealand and overseas students Gap-year experiences spent their time out on a mixture of travel, work and study. Some attended educational establishments as exchange students or as There’s a good argument to be made for taking a year off staff, and all said travel was a useful component of their year. between school and university, according to Otago students who Duncan – whose own gap year lasted for three – hopes to use have done just that. her findings as a pilot for further research. They claim that a gap year has broadened their perspectives, made them more confident and given them the kinds of skills associated with leaving home for the first time and exploring new places. The result is that they are more mature, more focused on what they really want to study and have learned lessons that would stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives. The findings come as part of research done by Dr Tara Duncan (Tourism) into the impact of gap-year experiences on young people. She advertised around the residential colleges for students who had taken time out between school and university, and was surprised at the good response. “Gap years are increasingly seen as normal things to do, but they’re still not common,” says Duncan. “The minority who get the opportunity to do them might get financial help from their families, or might have worked and saved towards them. “But they all unequivocally recommended doing a gap year Dr Tara Duncan: “Gap years are increasingly seen as normal things and said the experience would have a lasting affect on their lives.” to do…”

31 INBRIEF

“The crucial question decision-makers should be asking is can “England’s pleasant pastures . . .” we keep what we are suggesting going for many generations? “There’s been very little of that in this country. People who Decisions made without considering long-term consequences are involved with changing the world around them should think are likely to cause problems in the future, as shown by the way more critically about what they are doing and what the long-term the British Empire treated land in New Zealand, according to economic, sociological and environmental consequences might be, a new book Seeds of Empire: The Transformation of the New and not just about short-term profit.” Zealand Environment. Co-authors and primary investigators Professor Tom Brooking (History) and Professor Eric Pawson (Geography, Canterbury) reconsidered New Zealand’s agricultural history with a multidisciplinary team of environmental, agricultural, economic and Maori- historians, and historical and biological geographers. “We asked why early New Zealanders decided to make such a mighty effort to transform the land from forests, swamps and tussock into English-style pasture,” says Brooking. “Then we looked at the consequences of the decision to impose one system across the whole country even though it varies from sub-tropical to sub-Antarctic. Once you commit to something as huge as that it’s going to impact for generations.” The book criticises colonial arrogance and unquestioning faith in progress. “The British Empire was built on grasses. To do that here settlers had to suppress biodiversity and we are Professor Tom Brooking: “We asked why early New Zealanders still experiencing the fall-out from that. Good farming practises decided to … transform the land … into English-style pasture …” sustainability, which can be maintained for thousands of years.

Vissers says it is possible that some fruits, such as kiwifruit, Kiwifruit best for vitamin C allow the body to absorb vitamin C more efficiently and retain it longer. The next stage of the research is to ascertain whether People require vitamin C (ascorbate) in all body tissues and this happens in people as well and an equivalent human trial is organs to be healthy. But, because we cannot make vitamin C, currently underway. we usually get it from certain foods. Vitamin C is also commonly available as a supplement. The question often asked is whether a supplement is as good a source of the vitamin as whole foods, but few studies have addressed this issue until now. Associate Professor Margreet Vissers, of the University of Otago, Christchurch, recently found that, in a mouse model, a natural fruit source of vitamin C – kiwifruit – was vastly superior as a source of vitamin C than a purified supplement form. In the research, vitamin C-deficient mice were fed the vitamin over a month, either as kiwifruit gel or as ascorbate added to their drinking water. Vissers found that when mice were fed kiwifruit gel, the vitamin C was absorbed into their body stores much more efficiently than when it was given as a purified form in their drinking water. She says that this was a surprising result, with important implications for human nutrition, and it was published in the Associate Professor Margreet Vissers: Her research showed American Journal for Clinical Nutrition, the highest-ranking journal that kiwifruit was vastly superior as a source of vitamin C than a in this field. purified supplement form.

32 laughter, and key physical attributes such as dark expressive eyes Austen’s muse and wild hair. “What makes Elizabeth Bennet attractive to us now is that she Could it be that when Jane Austen drew inspiration from seems so subversive about rank and gender, but Mrs Jordan came Shakespeare she took over the characteristics of a well-known first,” says Harris. “By peering into social and historical contexts actress and mistress to the Duke of Clarence? we can find out new things about Jane Austen that haven’t been In “Jane Austen and Celebrity Culture: Shakespeare, Dorothy seen before. That’s hugely exciting.” Jordan and Elizabeth Bennet,” published recently in the British journal Shakespeare, Emeritus Professor Jocelyn Harris (English) examines similarities between Austen’s most-loved character, the heroine of Pride and Prejudice, and the bewitching Mrs Jordan. Scholars now recognise that the widely-read Austen took ideas from everywhere, including Shakespeare, but roles alluded to in Pride and Prejudice are precisely those that Jordan made her own, especially cross-dressed ones such as Rosalind and Viola. Jordan’s legs, it was said, were the best on the English stage. Harris argues that Austen’s fascination with Mrs Jordan challenges the long-held family myth that she was Victorian like themselves, and therefore shockable. “That Austen doesn’t actually exist in the works and letters,” she says. “In Pride and Prejudice, especially, she seems to have based her central character on a woman with a successful acting career and 10 children to the Duke of Clarence.” Emeritus Professor Jocelyn Harris: “By peering into social and Harris finds many parallels between Elizabeth Bennet and historical contexts we can find out new things about Jane Austen that Mrs Jordan, including a refusal to kowtow, zest, energy, a love of haven’t been seen before.”

are already committed to it, having grown up with the internet and Business of social media mobile phones, and being inherently sociable. “It’ll need a lot of effort and experimentation to get right. Recent natural disasters and political rebellions have Goals need to be set and measured. It won’t happen overnight, but highlighted the communicative power and global spread of in the long term it is likely to show a return. social media such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. “Millions already use social media to follow businesses. The Many businesses realise the potential of this, but are uncertain trick is to convert them into opportunities.” about how to get involved, how they might benefit and what the risks might be. Andrew Long (Information Science) is researching the growth of social media and how it is being used by businesses – successfully or otherwise. “Many small to medium enterprises feel they should get involved, but they don’t really understand how,” says Long. “And it’s not necessarily for all businesses.” Companies who actively seek out and engage with customers, and have global reach, are well placed to take advantage of social media, but they have to consider the significant amount of time, effort and resources required to deliver on a successful social media strategy. “Reputations can be turned around with intelligent use of social media,” says Long, “but companies have to be willing to be transparent, which might need changes to the internal culture of many businesses.” Long suggests that younger staff members might be best to Andrew Long: “Reputations can be turned around with intelligent use spearhead companies’ forays into the world of social media. They of social media.”

33 Gel coup

A revolutionary super gel, found after surgery, the gel forms a protective expertise in basic biomedical science and to reduce the post-operative coating over the wound, preventing the we look forward to additional deals of complications of sinus surgery, has formation of adhesions, and has been this kind in the near future. been commercialised in a significant found to have to excellent blood clotting “Last, but certainly not least, the gel collaborative deal for the University of properties as well. that these researchers have developed Otago. Mr Robinson believes the “squidgel” will reduce bleeding and suffering for The gel has been developed by a will be hugely beneficial to sinus patients patients undergoing ENT surgery, which team of Otago scientists led by Emeritus and offers potential for other surgical is what motivated the research in the first Professor Brian Robinson, Professor Lyall applications as well. “From a physician’s place.” Hanton and Associate Professor Stephen point of view, the big thing is that it It is estimated that the “squidgel” has Moratti, all from the Department of reduces the amount of bleeding the the potential to be of benefit in some half- Chemistry, in partnership with the patient will experience without any a-million endoscopic sinus operations University of Adelaide and Wellington- negative side effects – it ticks all the each year in the US alone – and several based Robinson Squidgel Ltd. boxes.” thousand each year in New Zealand. The patent has been sold to a leading The sale of the patent to Medtronic – Research is now continuing on other United States-based medical technology facilitated by Otago Innovation Ltd – is potential applications for the gel. Its company, Medtronic, in what is being a very significant one for the University, powerful haemostatic and anti-adhesion hailed as an important coup for Otago’s according to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, properties are being explored by the research commercialisation. Research and Enterprise, Professor team for use in neurosurgery, abdominal Derived from chitosan – a polymer Harlene Hayne. It is the culmination of surgery, trauma and ophthalmology. extracted from the unlikely source outstanding science, clinical expertise, of crab shell and squid pens – the commercialisation gel has been more than five years in experience and research development. Work on it began after funding. Professor Robinson’s son, Wellington- “From a research based ENT surgeon and Otago alumnus perspective, a Mr Simon Robinson, challenged his commercialisation father to find a biological substance opportunity of this size to help solve the disheartening and is a clear reflection of the common complications that often follow high calibre of the science sinus surgery. Scarring and adhesions conducted at Otago, in that block sinus passages affect around collaboration with the one third of patients – and often require University of Adelaide. corrective surgery. “From a financial Chitosan has a long history of medical perspective, the deal will use. The research team found a way to create new opportunities make it water soluble and then turned because a large proportion it into a gel by adding oxidised dextran, of the proceeds will be used to support Associate Professor Stephen Moratti, a starch-like chemical. Extensive sheep additional research and to foster Emeritus Professor Brian Robinson, Professor Lyall Hanton and ENT surgeon and human trials have now shown that, future commercialisation activity. Mr Simon Robinson. when injected into the nasal passage This University has extensive research Photos: Sharron Bennett

34 The “squidgel” will be hugely beneficial to sinus patients and offers potential for other surgical applications as well.

35 OPINION

Getting the politics right

What do we have to fear from natural disasters?

No, your sense of foreboding is not disasters, but somewhat less so (albeit So called “slow-onset disasters”, out of place. We are indeed experiencing still statistically significant) in the case of such as drought, have been the focus of a significant increase in the number of climate-related disasters. climate change-security studies given reported natural disasters, affecting Does this mean that the lobby for their direct connection to resource many more people than 50 years ago1. a security focus on climate change is scarcity. Yet, when we undertook further Only part of this trend is attributable to justified after all? This lobby is premised analyses we found little statistical improved data collection. on the assumption that the wars of the evidence of such a link. Indeed, it was The good news is that humanity has future, both within and between states, disasters that were both rapid and also become more adept at restricting will be wars over resources (land, food, destructive that appeared to generate the loss of human life. But how good water) and will become more frequent as the highest level of conflict risk in the are we at mitigating the social costs of climate change kicks in. short-to-medium term, with those natural disasters: dealing with the loss Support for this way of thinking of geological origin being the most of livelihood, induced migration, strains comes from a variety of sources, both dangerous. on infrastructure and on social capital? scientific and non-scientific. These This, we believe, has to do with the And how concerned should we be about include the chair of the Norwegian tremendous strain that such disasters the potential for violent civil conflict Nobel Committee who, when presenting place on infrastructure and public resulting from these strains? the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize to former services, providing opportunities for Research done at the Department of Vice President Al Gore and the existing disgruntled groups to exploit the Politics at Otago and elsewhere indicates Intergovernmental Panel on Climate over-extension of government resources. that some social arrangements and forms Change (IPCC), warned against “those Two divergent schools have developed of government are better at dealing with who doubt that there is any connection in recent years. On the one hand, the social results of disasters. between the environment and the theorists and empirical researchers of a Compare the way the poorly organised, climate on the one hand and war and neo-Malthusian bent point to the conflict semi-authoritarian government of Haiti conflict on the other”. potential inherent in competition over dealt with the 2010 earthquake, with how Available evidence, including that depleting resources, and large-scale Japan managed to re-build and revitalise produced by our research, shows that care displacement of populations. The drawn- the Kobe region within a short span of is needed in generating and interpreting out conflict in Darfur, West Sudan, two years after the devastating quake of the data linking climate change, disasters remains their paradigmatic case study. 1995. and violent civil conflict. Poor countries, riddled by social tensions and plagued by politically fragile regimes, do face a higher risk of “Indeed, it was disasters that were both post-disaster social stress. rapid and destructive that appeared to Our original research also showed generate the highest level of conflict risk that the risk of resulting violent civil in the short-to-medium term, with those of conflict, in the Haitis of the world, is geological origin being the most dangerous.” quite high in the case of geological

1 Emergency Events Database (EM-DAT) of the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED) http://www.emdat.be/natural-disasters-trends 36 Professor Philip Nel and Dr Marjolein Righarts: Although natural disasters might pose a threat to political stability under certain circumstances, this risk is small compared to other factors. Photo: Bill Nichol

Opponents, in one case preferring New Zealanders and Japanese show, contingency planning for the effects to call themselves “Cornucopians” natural disasters can bring out the best of climate change must get as much (derived from the Latin for “the horn in people. attention as physical adaptation does. of plenty”), point out that there is However, we should not forget that However, if we want to prevent or substantial evidence that disasters both these societies already had some mitigate civil wars, most of our efforts encourage co-operative behaviour. The of the highest levels of social capital in must be directed at political and signing of a peace agreement in the the world to begin with. In societies economic reform in at-risk societies, Indonesian province of Aceh, within a with less social capital – Sudan or as well as at containing civil conflict year after the devastation caused by the New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, and preventing it from spreading Boxing Day tsunami of 2004, serves as for instance – the outcome might throughout a region. the paradigmatic contemporary case for be different. As we indicated above, It’s an old story: get the politics and the Cornucopians. proven state capacity and legitimacy in public policy right, and people will get One recent statistical study from this responding to a disaster is also a crucial through natural disasters. school also points out that statistical intervening variable. Professor Philip Nel models for calculating the civil- We should also note that although Department of Politics conflict risk of climate-related natural natural disasters might pose a threat disasters are very sensitive to alternative to political stability under certain Dr Marjolein Righarts formerly of Otago’s Department of Politics specifications. If one controls for the circumstances, this risk is small intensity of the disaster (portion of compared to other factors. There is Want to read more? total population affected), the risk is a long list of factors that have been Boston, J., P. Nel, & M. Righarts (eds) (2009) Climate Change and Security: Planning for the Future. weak, but significant. If one controls shown to contribute to the onset of civil Wellington: Institute of Policy Studies, 116 pp. for the size of the total population (as war. Therefore, it makes most sense Centre for the Study of Civil War, Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) (2011) Research Project on some models of civil conflict prescribe), to concentrate on those factors that Environmental Factors in Civil Wars. http://www.prio.no/CSCW/Research-and- the risk disappears. Both specifications have been repeatedly shown to explain Publications/Environmental-Factors-in-Civil-War/ make theoretical sense, but exclude one most of violent civil conflict: political Nel, P.R. & M. Righarts (2008) Natural Disasters and the Risk of Violent Civil Conflict, International another. grievances, structural inequalities Studies Quarterly, Vol. 51, No. 1, pp. 159-184. So, who has got it right: the neo- in a society, a history of conflict and Pielke, R. (2010) Climate change and African civil war. Blog 10 September 2010, available at: Malthusians or the Cornucopians? regional conflict contagion. http://rogerpielkejr.blogspot.com/2010/09/ Our research suggests that the truth That does not mean that we should climate-change-and-african-civil-war.html lies somewhere between these two ignore the potential social consequences extremes. As the recent behaviour of of natural disasters. Social adaptation

37 UNINEWS

class teacher and researcher, becoming also included. a senior lecturer in 1995, associate The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences), professor in 1999, full professor with a Professor Keith Hunter, says that while personal chair in 2002 and then head of caution is required against reading the department from 2006 to 2008. too much into individual ranking Professor Hayne’s academic exercises and their particular measures, accomplishments have earned her the University’s result confirms the numerous honours – including an ONZM high quality and influential nature of in 2009 for services to medical and oceanography-related research carried scientific research and a Fellowship of the out at Otago. Royal Society of New Zealand. She is also He says the achievement is the result a Fellow of the American Psychological of a team effort, with many University Society, the past President of the staff from across several departments, International Society for Developmental and collaborators at the National Institute Otago’s next Vice-Chancellor Psychobiology and she is the recipient of of Water and Atmospheric Research Leading Psychology researcher the American Psychological Foundation (NIWA), all contributing. Professor Harlene Hayne (above) has Robert L Fantz Award for Excellence in “However, special recognition should been selected as the University’s next Infancy Research. go to Professor Philip Boyd of the NIWA Vice-Chancellor. Currently Deputy Vice- “It is an honour and a privilege to University of Otago Centre for Chemical Chancellor (Research and Enterprise), be able to serve Otago as its next Vice- and Physical Oceanography, who was Professor Hayne will replace Professor Chancellor,” Professor Hayne says. “Otago the lead author on many of the articles David Skegg who steps aside from the has flourished under the leadership contributing to the citations received and position at the end of July. of Professor Sir David Skegg and I am who provided the inspiration for much of Announcing the appointment, determined to build on his legacy.” the work.” University Chancellor Mr John Ward noted that Professor Hayne was selected Ocean research excels Appointments from a “highly competitive field of both A recent analysis of scientific articles Professor Richard Blaikie, who is national and international candidates”. published in international journals currently a Professor at the University of “Professor Hayne has an impressive since 2000 has judged the University Canterbury and director of the renowned academic record, she’s strongly of Otago as being amongst the best MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced committed to research and teaching research institutions in the world for Materials and Nanotechnology, has excellence, she has proven administrative oceanography. been selected and strategic skills, and she has a deep After analysing the top one per to take up the understanding of the diversity of teaching cent of oceanography-related papers University’s and research requirements across the published in journals since that year, the Deputy Vice- variety of disciplines at this University,” UK Times Higher Education magazine Chancellor he says. ranked Otago as the institution with the (Research and Born in Oklahoma and raised in highest average citations per paper in Enterprise) role. Colorado in the United States, Professor the world. The second-placed institution After graduating Hayne received her BA from Colorado was the Massachusetts Institute of with a first-class College in 1983, followed by her MS Technology (MIT). honours degree (1985) and PhD (1988) from Rutgers In the analysis, oceanography was in Physics from Otago in 1988, Professor University in New Jersey. She then spent defined as encompassing many specific Blaikie was a Rutherford Memorial four years as a postdoctoral fellow at disciplines and their journals, including Scholar at the University of Cambridge, Princeton University, before immigrating marine biology, limnology (study of where he received his PhD in Physics to New Zealand in 1992 to take up her inland waters), fisheries science, ecology in 1992. He was the deputy director of first position at Otago as a lecturer in and geophysics. Papers published in the MacDiarmid Institute from 2002, the Psychology Department. Once here, multidisciplinary journals such as Science succeeding Sir Paul Callaghan as director she quickly established herself as a first- and Nature relating to the discipline were in 2008. School of Medical Sciences Dean

38 Professor Helen Nicholson will be the contributions to the promotion and Cambridge after winning the 2011 Girdlers’ acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research advancement of science and technology Scholarship, which is valued at £25,000 and Enterprise) during the interim period in New Zealand. per year. between Professor Harlene Hayne Senior lecturer in Law Ms Jacinta Health Sciences first-year student vacating the role to take up her position Ruru and Christchurch-based Associate David Bellamy was awarded the as Vice-Chancellor and Professor Blaikie’s Professor of Medicine Richard inaugural Prime Minister’s Award for arrival. Troughton are the latest recipients of Academic Excellence for being the Professor Sunny Collings is the the University’s Rowheath Trust Award highest-achieving New Zealand secondary new Dean and Head of Campus at the and Carl Smith Medal. The award and school pupil in 2010. University of Otago, Wellington. Professor medal recognise outstanding research Collings was formerly an associate dean performance of early-career staff at Obituaries at the Wellington the University and are accompanied by Maurice Till (84). A leading New campus, where a $5,000 grant for personal scholarly Zealand concert pianist, Mr Till began his she has worked development. association with Otago in 1949 when he in joint academic Associate Professor Russell Poulter took up a part-time position as pianist in and clinical roles (Biochemistry) became the first New the University’s newly-formed chamber for 19 years. She Zealand researcher to lead a Grand music trio. He became the University’s continues her Challenges Explorations Grant. This inaugural lecturer in piano in 1971 and role as director initiative is funded by the Bill and Melinda was a Department of Music staff member of the Social Gates Foundation and will allow Associate until the end of 1980. Psychiatry and Professor Poulter to pursue a potential Population Mental Health Research Unit new method of combating HIV. Honorary Doctorate in the campus’ Department of Public Dr William Levack (Rehabilitation Professor David Skegg received an Health. Her research interests include Teaching and Research Unit, UOW) and Honorary Doctor of Laws during the final suicide, primary-care-level interventions Dr Sebastien Taurin (Pharmacology and May graduation ceremony. for mental health problems, carers for Toxicology) received Health Research people with mental disorders and the Council Emerging Researcher First Grants Queen’s Birthday Honours social experience of people with such to pursue studies involving rehabilitation Alumni and friends of the University disorders. in respiratory disease and breast cancer, who received honours include: Professor David Lont has been respectively. Knight Companion of the New Zealand appointed Fifth-year dental student Grace Order of Merit: Sir James Wallace. to a Chair in Lee won the Hatton competition at the Dame Companion of the New Zealand Accountancy International Association for Dental Order of Merit: Dame Katerina Mataira. within the Research conference in San Diego, USA. Companion of the New Zealand Order University’s Zoology PhD graduate Dr Catherine of Merit: Mr Howard Broad, Professor School of Grueber was awarded the D G Catcheside Warren Tate. Business. Since prize for the top Australasian doctoral Companion of the Queen’s Service joining the student in the field of Genetics for her Order: Ms Carol Moffatt. University in research into the critically-endangered Officer of the New Zealand Order of 1989, he has takahe. Merit: Emeritus Professor Martin Devlin, forged a career as a well-respected Dr Peter Gow, Professor John Hattie, Dr researcher in quantitative accounting. Scholarships/fellowships Keith Maslen (New Year Honours list), Dr First-year Otago Humanities student Jack Parle, Professor Swee Tan. Achievements Will Coleman will begin modern and Member of the New Zealand Order Professor Jean Fleming (Science medieval languages studies at Cambridge of Merit: Dr Rodger Hilliker, Mrs Roka Communication/Anatomy) has been University in October after winning Ngarimu-Cameron, Dr Kantha Soni. elected a Companion of the Royal Society the 2011 Sir Douglas Myers Scholarship. Queen’s Service Medal: Mr Grant of New Zealand in recognition of her Fellow first-year Humanities student Nelson, Mrs Marilyn Nelson. outstanding leadership in science, and Ryan Ammar will also be travelling to

39 BOOKS

“I am five and I go to school” Early years schooling in New Zealand 1900–2010 Helen May, May 2011 The 20th century saw great change in This book discusses changes in school early years’ education. As the century opened, buildings, teaching practice and teacher Froebel’s kindergarten methods infiltrated more education, the teaching of reading and other infant classrooms. curriculum areas, Maori- education, the emergence Psychology, as a discipline, and especially of kohanga reo and the teaching of Maori- its work on child development, was beginning language in primary schools. It introduces many to influence thinking about how infants learn notable individuals – C E Beeby, Sylvia Ashton- through play. While many teachers maintained Warner, Gwen Somerset, Don Holdaway, Elwyn Victorian approaches in their classrooms, others Richardson, Marie Bell and Marie Clay – and experimented, were widely read and a few even many less well-known, but significant people who travelled to the US and Europe, bringing new worked in or influenced early years’ education. ideas home. Political support for “new education” New Zealanders recount their first days at school ideas was increasing. – and, yes, school milk does get a mention.

An Accidental Utopia? Erik Olssen, Clyde Griffen and Frank Jones, May 2011 The first systematic analysis over time of importance of contextual analysis, showing the urban social structure in New Zealand, and of need to analyse the social and political together, marital, work-life and intergenerational mobility, in order to explain Liberal decline and the rise of this book investigates a more egalitarian past Labour. through the lens of South Dunedin 1890–1940. While class is their central focus, the authors By placing the analysis deep within a also show how religious and ethnic divisions were particular community – one of the two most rendered more marginal than in urban Britain or densely settled urban areas at the time – the the US. The final chapter asks to what extent the authors demonstrate how colonists and their remarkably fluid social patterns identified resulted children made class less central to social from deliberate choices made by the first settlers organisation than it had been in Britain. They also and their descendants. By interweaving class and show how people created a class-based politics culture, structure and agency, the authors provide to protect and advance equality. The account of new insights into the making of modern New political change across the period reinstates the Zealand.

A Great New Zealand Prime Minister? Reappraising William Ferguson Massey Edited by James Watson and Lachy Paterson, March 2011 “Massey’s Cossacks” – citizens called in to Liberal Government in the 1890s and ran through help break the 1913 General Strike – have long World War 1 and its aftermath. Erik Olssen’s been cited as just one of the sins of William opening essay reviews his own assessment of Ferguson Massey. Massey over almost five decades. Other chapters One of New Zealand’s longest-serving prime from leading historians examine aspects of ministers, his political legacy has not always been Massey’s life and leadership – from his experience treated kindly. However, recent work by historians as a teenage immigrant from Ulster through to suggests that a reappraisal is overdue. his part in the Versailles Peace Conference and It is clear, a century later, that Massey was the tough campaign in 1923, less than two years prime minister at a turbulent time. His political before his death, to secure the UK market for New career began in opposition to the reforming Zealand products.

40 Outspoken Liz Lightfoot, May 2011

In 2007, I underwent a crisis of sexual identity. With a general introduction, as well as I was married, with two young children, when introductions to and reflections on each individual I became attracted to another woman. The story, the book closes with a postscript discussing hostility I encountered at the Anglican Church truth and the Church; community, belonging I was attending made me curious about other and rejection; ideas about hell and damnation; people’s experiences. It seemed to me imperative the theology of denial; and the implications that stories of being gay in the Church be heard, and ramifications of the “Don’t ask, don’t tell” especially in the context of the current maelstrom approach. within the Anglican community in which the The daughter of an Anglican priest and Church has been encouraged to undergo a a liturgist within her Church community, Liz “listening process”. Lightfoot hopes that this research will contribute to community building within the Anglican Church. The author presents the narratives of 11 people who have come out in the Anglican Church in New Zealand, including two ordained Church members.

For further information: Otago University Press Email [email protected] or visit www.otago.ac.nz/press

Books by Otago alumni

Enjoy the Moment, poems by Janet Sport and Culture in Early Modern The Medicine of the Future: a History Carrington, Kereru Press, 2010. Europe/Le Sport dans la civilisation de of the Department of Preventive l’Europe pré-moderne, edited by John and Social Medicine, University of Reconsidering Gender: Evangelical McClelland and Brian Merrilees, CRRS, Otago, 1886–2011, by Warwick Brunton, Perspectives, edited by Myk Habets Victoria University, Toronto, 2010. Department of Preventive and Social and Beulah Wood, Pickwick Publications, Medicine, 2011. Eugene, OR, US, 2011. Holly’s Christmas, by Amy Brooke (Agnes-Mary Mora). For a complete list of Kiwi Rock Chicks, Pop Stars Contemporary Small Business Cases: Amy’s books visit www.amybrooke.co.nz and Trailblazers, by Ian Chapman, Case Studies with a New Zealand Focus, HarperCollins, 2010. edited by Linda Liddicoat, NMIT Press: Professional Foodservice (2nd ed), by P New Zealand, 2010. Duncan and J Jensen, Pearson, 2011. The Messengers, by Malcolm Anderson, The Experience Publishers, Canada, 2010. Daughter of Lachish, by Tim Frank, Bound, by Vanda Symon, Penguin NZ, Resource Publications, Wipf and Stock, February 2011. Tug of War: The Tension Concept and Eugene, OR, US. the Art of International Negotiation, by The Spanish Helmet, by Greg Scowen, Tony English. Common Ground Publishing, Kai With Soul, by Katy Power, PublishMe 2011. Melbourne, Australia, 2010. Print & Publish, New Plymouth, 2010. The Torchlight List: Around the World in The Shawl: its Warp and Weft from 200 Books, by James Flynn, AWA Press, 1746 to 1945, Stories of a Family, by Nick 2010. Thomson, 2010. Alumni: if you have published a book lately email the editor at [email protected]

41 HOCKEN LEGACY

Lines drawn

If caricatures – or cartoons – are his discovery of moa celebrated as the most public and political bones, he is shown now of the visual arts, then it’s worth pausing advancing his political to consider the kind of press that makes agenda on its back. this possible. Mantell’s limiting of Maori- New Zealand’s first caricaturist, title to just 10 hectares James Brown, enjoyed a certain following per person at Governor for his satirical take on the politics and Grey’s instruction was characters of 1850’s Dunedin. Yet none of the origin of Kai Tahu’s the 48 works that earned his reputation subsequent land claims were published during his lifetime. (an injustice Mantell spent When Brown, a pattern-designer, the rest of his political arrived in Dunedin in 1850 from New career attempting to Kilpatrick (near Glasgow), he found redress). nothing of the free press he enjoyed back In Brown’s lifetime, home. The collapse of the Otago News in just a few, mostly 1851 was said to be engineered by Otago’s anonymous, caricatures founding father, MP William Cargill, who were published, featuring promptly launched his own fortnightly in the Dunedin-based New publication, the Otago Witness, oriented Zealand edition of Punch shamelessly to his purposes. magazine in 1868. Two James Brown (1819-1877), Refers to Mr W B Mantell’s So, despite having designed the years following his death in 1877, six of moa bone discoveries, c.1851, pencil on paper, 275 x 210mm, accession 11,594 Witness’s masthead, the newspaper his earlier pieces were printed in James had no further use for Brown’s artistic Barr’s The Old Identities. Since then the expressions. Forging a career as a house works from this period, which formed part painter and then engraver, Brown’s wry of Dr Hocken’s original collection, have HOCKEN lampoons were likely created for the become acknowledged as New Zealand’s amusement of his friends. In doing so, first political cartoons. The fact that his he produced a lesser-told commentary contemporary following was limited in no GALLERY on the founding of a nation, as land way weakens this claim, suggests former was apportioned, political institutions Hocken Curator of Pictures Tim Garrity: EXHIBITIONS established and Dunedin experienced a “[doubting this] is not much different from rush of gold to the head. denying Goethe’s greatness just because 7 May - 25 June 2011 Cargill gets a particular mocking – 95 per cent of his country’s population Ore Struck: The use of gold in he is depicted as a performing monkey, were illiterate”1. contemporary art and photography, ribbed for his nepotism and imagined on commemorating the 1861 discovery NICOLA MUTCH broomstick (suggesting that it was the of gold in Otago. Garrity, T. James Brown, Caricaturist, Hocken Library, best way for Otago members to reach Dunedin, 1987 parliament in light of the two months Garrity, T. “Brown, James – Biography”, from the 9 July - 24 September 2011 Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. Te Ara – the Ralph Hotere: This exhibition by sea it took them to reach their first Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 1-Sep-10 URL: session in 1854). http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/biographies/1b36/1 celebrates the life and career Others inviting Brown’s condescension Sorrenson, M. “Mantell, Walter Baldock Durrant – of one of New Zealand’s most Biography”, from the Dictionary of New Zealand included naturalist W B Mantell, appointed Biography. Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, significant artists. Commissioner for Extinguishing Native updated 1-Sep-10 URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/biographies/1m11/1 Titles. Having built a reputation on

1 Garrity, T. James Brown, Caricaturist, Hocken Library, Dunedin, 1987, p3

42 ALUMNI NEWS

A word from the Head catch the action. Moves are afoot to hold an alumni event on campus on Saturday, One of the challenges of working September 24, so if you’re planning to with Otago’s global alumni population be in Dunedin around that time we’d is keeping up the momentum in between love to see you there. Further notice of visits from University representatives. Supporting Otago this event will appear on the Alumni and Modern communication technology is Friends website, along with information The 2010 Alumni Appeal was invaluable here, but there’s nothing like a on how to register, but, in the meantime, launched last October and, as in previous get-together of like-minded Otago spirits please note the date in your diaries. years, alumni have responded with great to keep the links alive. This has been a year of trauma and generosity to support undergraduate Alumni in different parts of the world tragedy for alumni in the Christchurch scholarships and the four designated who want to remain connected have area. We have been deeply moved by research centres: the Centre for formed University of Otago networks or the stories sent to us by Christchurch Entrepreneurship, the Centre for Peace committees to provide opportunities for alumni and saddened by the images of and Conflict Studies, the Alpine Fault alumni to meet for social or professional their beautiful city shattered beyond project and the Sir John Walsh Research purposes. Such groups exist in the United recognition. The courage shown by Institute in the Faculty of Dentistry. Kingdom, the United States, Australia citizens in their efforts to re-establish Funds raised so far have provided a boost and Malaysia, with the newest in the a semblance of normality in the face for these projects. Thank you for your process of being set up in Canada. Each of such difficulties is an outstanding support. is run by a group of dynamic individuals example of the human spirit at its best in Alumni have also contributed to who recognise the value of their Otago the worst of circumstances. several other fundraising initiatives background as an ongoing influence in on campus over the past few months, their lives and are keen to assist others to Graduation giving generously to the following: the realise its potential. If you would like to Congratulations to over 4,800 Alan Musgrave Scholarship Appeal, find out if there is a group in your area, graduates who received their degrees in the Shona Reeve Memorial Prize, the check out the list of Otago networks on 2010, including the 180 who graduated Richard Sutton Memorial Appeal, the the Alumni and Friends website. If you with a doctoral degree. We welcome you Diane Campbell-Hunt Memorial Appeal, are interested in setting up a network in to the Otago alumni community. Your the School of Physical Education Wall your region, email [email protected] graduation ceremony marks the beginning of Fame Fund and the recently launched for more information. of a permanent relationship with the Canadian Alumni Travel Awards for Rugby fever is mounting in Dunedin University as alumni and we look forward Exchange Students. Others have chosen as the countdown to the Rugby World to hearing about your successes in the to support various projects as part of a Cup ticks by. The city will be a lively years to come. Names and photos from gift to mark a class reunion. place in September and October and past ceremonies can be found on the The 2011 Alumni Appeal will be we expect that many alumni will be Alumni and Friends website. launched over the coming months. With travelling from all around the globe to www.alumni.otago.ac.nz/graduation your support we hope to exceed the total

43 ALUMNI NEWS

funds achieved in 2010 so that Otago in the last issue, three Otago first-year commercially and available can continue the excellent work of its students are being supported by AUOA internationally. He is a member of researchers and scholars for the benefit Scholarship funding in 2011, and it is the Scoliosis Research Society and on of all. hoped that more scholarships will be the advisory board of the Scoliosis made available in the next funding round Association. Dr King has served on Alumni Appeal Scholars for 2012. the Board of New Orleans Children’s Congratulations to the 16 students Congratulations to the three Alumni Hospital and the Spina Bifida Association who received Alumni Scholarships made of the University of Otago in America, of America. He was the 2007 President possible through donations to the 2010 Inc 2011 Scholars. of the Louisiana Orthopedic Association Alumni Appeal. and on the board of councillors of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. He has served the University as a Board member of the AUOA, Inc since 2008. Geoff Nichol (MB ChB, BMedSc 1979) is currently Chief Medical Officer at Ikaria, a critical care biopharmaceutical

From left to right: Keiran Bunn, Rebecca Ly and company, headquartered in New Jersey. Adam McCutcheon. Prior to joining Alumni and friends wishing to Ikaria, he had a From left to right: Joshua Thom, Kieran Bunn, support the AUOA, Inc, please contact: distinguished career Madeleine Harris, Joel Labes, Alexandra Skerten, Samuel Barclay, Rohan Boyle, Neil Matheson in clinical therapeutic Georgia Palmer, Adam McCutcheon, Mackenna Huntsworth Health development, serving Roxborogh, Caitlin Owen, Kalie Eathorne- 800 Township Line Road Gould, Dara Caradus, Rosie Whiting, Loren Suite 250 with SmithKline Baxter and Rebecca Ly. Yardley, PA 19067 Beecham, Novartis Tel 215-550-8302 If you would like to donate to the and Medarex Inc. Email [email protected] University, please visit www.alumni. He played a leading otago.ac.nz/supportotago or Jennifer Carson role in the development of Augmentin Tel 215-550-8319 Email [email protected] BID, a commonly prescribed antibiotic, Otago’s international and Foradil and Xolair for the treatment networks In this issue we profile two more of asthma. At Medarex he led the members of the board of the Alumni of development of ipilimumab (Yervoy), the Alumni of the University of Otago the University of Otago in America, Inc. first agent to prolong survival in patients in America, Inc Andrew King (MB ChB 1971) is with advanced malignant melanoma, Established in 2002, the Alumni of Professor and Chair of the Department which was approved by the US FDA in the University of Otago in America, of Orthopedics at Louisiana State March, 2011. He has been a member of Inc (AUOA) is committed to raising University. His clinical interests the Board of the AUOA, Inc since 2008. awareness of and support for the and research University amongst alumni resident have centered on Canadian Alumni Network in the United States. The board of the scoliosis and spinal In October 2010 the University of AUOA makes awards on an annual basis deformities, and Otago held a small gathering of Ontario- to deserving projects at the University, his work has helped based alumni in Toronto’s iconic Kiwi funded from money raised in the United develop methods of bar, Hemingways. It was here that the States. spinal fixation that idea of setting up a Canadian alumni One of the areas supported is are manufactured network was born, thanks to the efforts undergraduate scholarships. As reported of Allan Portis and Brian Merrilees.

44 A campaign has now been launched of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Toronto alumni reception, November 2, to support Otago undergraduate students Zealand. You will receive a receipt Faculty Club, University of Toronto. travel each year to study at Otago’s suitable for Canadian tax purposes. Philadelphia alumni reception, Canadian exchange partner universities. For the Canadian Alumni Network November 5, Palomar Hotel, The Canadian Alumni Travel Awards please contact: Philadelphia. will enable Otago’s alumni in Canada to Emeritus Professor Brian Merrilees help with the travel costs for these Otago [email protected] London alumni reception, November students. As a result of this generosity, 10, Strangers Dining Room, House of For information about regional alumni three students heading to Canada later networks in your area visit the Alumni Commons. Tickets for this event are this year will each be helped by an and Friends website always in demand. As in past years, award of $CAD2,000. Spencer Grover, www.alumni.otago.ac.nz/networks numbers will be limited, so to avoid enrolled at Otago for a BA in Psychology, disappointment please note the date in will spend the 2011/2012 academic year Upcoming events, your diary and reply promptly when the at the University of Toronto; Jessica invitation arrives closer to the time. Bush, studying for a LLB/BCom in reunions and ScienceTeller, Science Communication Economics, is going to the University University celebrations Festival, November 15–19, Dunedin. of British Columbia for a semester and 2011 ScienceTeller is a celebration of Lena Schallenberg, studying for a BSc Sydney alumni reception, September 2, storytelling and science dedicated to in Ecology, is heading to Dalhousie the State Library of NSW. documentary filmmaking, writing and University for a semester. other creative media. A limited number A function to launch the Canadian Aquinas College jubilee reunion, of free passes to festival events will be Alumni Network and to promote the September 16–18, Aquinas College. available to alumni. Information about Canadian Alumni Travel Awards will be how to obtain these will be emailed to held in Toronto in early November. alumni living in Dunedin and Otago in the coming months. For further information about the festival visit www.scienceteller.com 2012 University of Otago, Christchurch 40th anniversary. This celebration, originally scheduled for February 2012, Dunedin alumni reception, September Jessica Bush, Spencer Grover and Lena has been postposed due to disruption Schallenberg with Allan and Santa Portis (left) 24, ISB Link, University of Otago caused by the February earthquake. Date and Pat and Brian Merrilees (right) at an event Campus, Dunedin, 3pm to 5pm. held in Dunedin in March this year. to be advised. For further information, This event is timed to precede the If you wish to support this telephone 03 364 0038, or email England-Romania World Cup rugby programme, donations from Canadian [email protected] match in Dunedin. residents are tax deductible and can be MB ChB class of 1970 reunion, March made online via the Alumni and Friends 10th Latin American Film Festival, 2–4, Nelson. Contact John at secure online donation website. To make October, University of Otago Campus, [email protected] a donation by cheque (if you reside Dunedin. MB ChB class of 1962 reunion, March in Canada) please make your cheque MB ChB class of 1991 reunion, 6–9, Queenstown. Contact Allan at in $CAD payable to the University of October 29–31, Dunedin. Contact Vicki [email protected] Otago and send it to the Development Cunningham at [email protected] and Alumni Relations Office, University

45 ALUMNI NEWS

Hayward College anniversary 2013 brick to be laid in the University (invitation only), March 10. Wanted: MB ChB class of 1963 reunion, March Supporters’ Club wall or walkway, as Hayward College memorabilia – college 15–18, Wellington. Contact Peter Dukes well as access to complimentary tickets T-shirts 1997–2002. Please telephone 03 at [email protected] to matches at the stadium. To find out 479 5520. more, visit School of Physiotherapy centenary and www.forsythbarrstadium.co.nz/university- MB ChB class of 1953 reunion, March conference, date tbc. Contact supporters-club. If you have not received 23, Wellington. Contact Graeme Sharp at [email protected] your alumni registration code sent by [email protected] School of Pharmacy centenary and email in May, please contact database. conference, date tbc. Contact [email protected] MB ChB class of 1972 reunion, March [email protected] 30–April 1, Nelson. Contact Karen Light Blues dinners McLean at [email protected] Further information, including RSVP The Light Blues is an association of details for all upcoming events, former players, officials and supporters Sextet centenary reunion, May 18–20, reunions and celebrations, can be found of the Otago University Rugby Club Dunedin. Contact [email protected] on the Alumni and Friends webpages at www.alumni.otago.ac.nz/events. and the University. Test matches are MB ChB class of 1997 reunion, October Alternatively contact us at functions. often the catalyst for bringing members 19–21, Dunedin. Contact Rochelle Phipps [email protected] or telephone together and this year an invitation has 03 479 4516. at [email protected] been extended to Otago alumni to attend the dinners being held in Dunedin, Dominican Hall reunion, date tbc. Opportunities for Otago Alumni The Forsyth Barr University Hamilton, Wellington and Auckland. For If you lived at Dominican Hall during Supporters’ Club further information please email your studies at Otago, please contact us at Otago alumni and staff can become part [email protected] alumni.otago.ac.nz so we know who you of the Forsyth Barr Stadium University are. A get-together of Dom Hall residents Supporters’ Club, which entitles and all who have been associated with members to an exclusive personalised Dom Hall is planned for 2012.

The University of Otago Magazine KEEP IN TOUCH is available online at Address for correspondence www.otago.ac.nz/news/otagomagazine/ Development and Alumni Relations Office and is sent – by post or email – to Otago alumni University of Otago and friends wherever they are in the world. PO Box 56 Dunedin Physical address Please email [email protected] Alumni House • to update or change delivery address 103 St David Street • to read the Magazine and other alumni communications Dunedin electronically Tel 64 3 479 4516 • to receive an email notification when a new issue of the Magazine is placed online Email [email protected] Web www.alumni.otago.ac.nz • to receive just one “household” copy of the Magazine

46 Alumni events 2011 Timaru at Sopheze Catering on the Bay

Oamaru at Pen-y-bryn Lodge

Palmerston North at Caccia Birch House

Melbourne at University House, University of Melbourne

47 ALUMNI NEWS

Alumni news Tribunals and is circles, when a Wooing Tree vintage was currently employed chosen for a dinner at the Blue House in Dr Xaviour Walker (MB ChB 2006), at the Hague in Korea. The guests of honour were Korean former president of the New Zealand the field of war President Lee Myung Bak and New Medical Students’ Association and crimes prosecution. Zealand Prime Minister John Key. currently an internal medicine resident She has recently When clearing the site for their new in Boston, is working become involved in wine-growing venture in Cromwell, Steve with colleagues from a fledgling NGO to and Jane discovered that one of the trees the International promote educational had a history as a lovers’ rendezvous and Federation of Medical initiatives in rural villages in Nepal. had been given the name of the “Wooing Students’ Associations The Himalayan Communities Project Tree”. The Wooing Tree was saved and to set up the world’s (HCP) is a grass-roots organisation the name adopted for the vineyard and first international dedicated to social and economic wine label. The new label has had a body of junior doctors empowerment through small-scale remarkable first few years, collecting six under the auspices educational initiatives to benefit children trophies, many gold medals, a host of five of the World Medical Association. The from villages in rural Nepal. HCP is stars, and praise from wine writers and network will provide a forum for junior a small organisation comprised solely wine lovers around the world. doctors worldwide to meet and to discuss of volunteers and Saeeda serves on Dr Brian McMahon CBE (MB ChB issues facing them and will provide the the board of directors. Saeeda and her 1955), a humanitarian and retired junior doctors’ perspective on health and husband plan to move to Nepal in the soldier has been named New Zealand’s health care. future to play a more hands-on role with second ever ANZAC of the year, an Phil Broughton the organisation. (BSc 1975, BCom award instituted by the RSA in 2010. www.himalayancommunityproject.org 1981) has recently been elected as His lifetime of service and tireless president of Business New Zealand. A Ross Jackson (BCom 1986) has been commitment to improving the healthcare consulting partner with Polson Higgs, elected President of the New Zealand of military personnel and the public Phil specialises in Institute of Chartered Accountants. Ross has been an inspiration to many. the development is managing partner of McCulloch and After completing his studies at Otago of strategic and Partners, in Invercargill, Queenstown he started his military service as the business plans, and and Te Anau. He is a past chair of the Resident Medical Officer in Waiouru conducts a Mäori Southland branch of the institute and has (1966) and went on to serve as a medical business mentoring served on its council since 1999. He has officer in Vietnam in 1969. His work in programme. He is been chair of the Practice Review Board medicine continued until his retirement currently involved and a member of the Audit, Finance from his final military post as Director in a project for the and Risk Management Committee. General Defence Medical Services in Retirement Commissioner aimed at He has also served on the National 1983. He also has had a distinguished improving the financial literacy of the Public Practice Committee, National medical career as medical superintendent Mäori community. His role with Business Professional Development Committee of Wakari and Dunedin Hospitals, and as New Zealand will involve setting policy and Young Chartered Accountant of the a lecturer at the Otago Medical School. and direction along with providing Year judging panel. leadership on a wide range of issues. Brother and sister team Steve You can activate your own Since finishing her studies at Otago, Farqharson (BCom 1989, DipCom Saeeda Verrall ( BA / LLB (Hons) @otagoalumni.ac.nz email address by 1994) and Jane Bews (BCom 1989), registering as a member of Your Otago 2004) has worked as an intern in owners of Wooing Tree Wines, recently Link. Visit the Alumni and Friends webpages at www.alumni.otago.ac.nz Cambodia at the Khmer Rouge showed off their product in the highest

48 Alumni story D Crowley from Australia. Later, Father annual ball, where our partners were A Hingston replaced Fathers Curran and often students from Dominican Hall. Aquinas Hall: In the beginning … Loughnan. The hall settled well, with a good In 1954 I was fortunate to be accepted Father McArdle, a strong yet humble work ethic, but the wags were laying their for the first intake of students for priest, had a vision for Aquinas as a mischievous plans. The recurring prank Aquinas Hall [now Aquinas College]. scholarly place in keeping with the was to ring the chapel bell at all hours Four of us from Ashburton needed board traditions of his order. The hall had of the night. At first the perpetrators in Dunedin – a second-year medical tutorial rooms, a large library and two clanged and fled; then they used a fishing student, two taking medical intermediate common rooms. These were for the line which they let go; and eventually and one going to Teachers’ Training students. There were also a spacious they perfected a slip knot which College. We decided to apply for the new priory and a lovely chapel, the whole disengaged the line, so that Brother Catholic hostel, Aquinas Hall, having arranged as in a U shape. Ted McCoy was Martin rushed out in vain – he never heard it would accept both Catholics and the architect. did identify the prankster. Firecrackers Protestants. All four of us got in. The Dominicans worked in well with and rockets were earnestly calculated to Aquinas was built and opened by the the students and the kitchen and cleaning fire down the sloping access road as far Dominican Order and was headed by staff. There were 72 students, a mixed lot, as possible. But the most daring feats Father Leo T McArdle who had come not least because about one third of them I remember were the winter morning from Australia. He had two assistants, were Protestants. bike rides down this steep, treacherously Father B J Curran, from Australia, and The strongest academic contingents ice-covered road, hurtling out of control Father A Loughnan, a New Zealander were the medical and dental students, towards the hairpin corner at the foot and returned serviceman. Also from the who were somewhat balanced in numbers of the hill. The morning bravado was Dominican Order were Brother Martin, by the training college and physical followed by more exertion as we strode of the Keogh family in Dunedin, and education students. Of course, we were a back up the hill for lunch, leaving our Brother Peter O’Hearn from Australia. strict, all-male hostel, but opportunities bikes halfway up the hill. Ah, we were Brother Peter was the youngest of the to socialise with the opposite sex arose young then! five and is now the sole survivor of that via weekly dinners where we were James Ng first wonderful team. Father McArdle permitted to bring a guest, and at other Aquinas Hall 1954–58 died in 1954 and was replaced by Father occasions such as the highly anticipated

Aquinas residents 1954

49 WHATEVER HAPPENED TO …

… the Hector Map?

Otago, 1861. The people have tasted the Catlins. This involved a six-month So whatever did happen to the Hector gold and they like it, and the Otago voyage to the west coast on a 20-tonne Map? When this was asked in 2005 by Provincial Council is itching to find out schooner, Matilda Hayes, venturing onto Anthony Hocken in the course of his where else they might find such veins of shore by whale boat. Another trip saw him doctoral research into Hector’s early richness, be it gold or some other useful trapped by bad weather near Owaka for career, it was acknowledged as a “Very and potentially lucrative mineral. six weeks. Good Question”. Heads were scratched. Enter James Hector. The stand-out The result was not one map, but many. Last anyone knew, the map had been medical scholar is in London, writing Versions were exhibited in the Dunedin taken down for conservation work, but up his report and basking in praise for International Exhibition in 1865, and the paper trail quickly ran cold. However, his three-year assignment to Canada have shown up in Archives New Zealand in 2007 it was tracked down to the with John Palliser. Their team had been (Wellington) and the Geological Society Auckland Art Gallery, who returned it to resourceful and tenacious, exploring a vast of London. the University. geographical area, finding passes through In total, 22 minerals were identified, “We were naturally elated to have it the Rocky Mountains and documenting reflecting, says Professor Ewan Fordyce back,” says Hocken Librarian Sharon Dell, the geology and natural science of the of the Department of Geology, Hector’s “but there was some sheepishness, too, region. His reputation attracted the “hard-won knowledge at an instant”. both here and in Auckland. Systems had admiration of Sir Roderick Murchison, Fordyce regards Hector’s efforts as “the broken down. director of the British Geological Survey, map that changed the south”. Until well “The important thing is that it had who advised the Otago administrators into the 1900s, it was the only large and been stored carefully. No damage was that he’d be just the man to reveal the detailed map of the area. Even now, his done and we have it back!” secrets of the earth. representations of the mineral deposits in It might even be argued that the map And so it was that Hector, aided by the region stand up well when compared did well to have its conservation delayed: surveyor and topographer John Thomson, with recent Geological and Nuclear ignoring it for 30 years perhaps heightened began a three-year project to provide a Sciences maps. people’s urge to lavish attention upon it. comprehensive account of the mineral Exactly when the so-called Hector Map With a University of the Third Age resources of southern New Zealand. held in the University’s Geology Museum Charitable Trust research grant, the original They reported on the coal seams of was produced remains something of a map was cleaned and repaired, and filed Kaitangata, the gold deposits of Central mystery: it features topographical details appropriately in the Hocken Collections. A Otago and toured the volcanic residue of deepest Fiordland that were not well beautiful digital copy was also made, and limestone outcrops of North Otago. known in the 1860s. One theory is that enabling this artefact of New Zealanders They pushed west from Queenstown, in Hector’s original survey was transposed coming to understand the land to become search of a viable route to the sea. Their over a topographical map at a later fully accessible online. The launch of the first attempt took them across an alpine date. Neither is it clear why it was never online exhibition was celebrated on saddle now known as Hector Col, while published, nor when or how it came to be Hector’s birthday; cake was served. other journeys took in the Greenstone and housed at the University. It was on display A copy is once again on display at the Caples Valleys. at the School of Mines for the duration of Geology Museum. Perhaps the most arduous challenge, Professor James Park’s career (1901–1931), NICOLA MUTCH however, was to shed light on the and is remembered by staff and students uncongenial coastlines of Fiordland and until the late 1970s. http://library.otago.ac.nz/hocken/hector/index.html

50 Students barely raise an eyebrow to the art in their midst …

51