Fortnightly newsletter for University staff | Volume 38 | Issue 3 | 22 February 2008
Academic monkey business Key events Topologically speaking Founded during Auckland’s big black-out in the late 1990s, the Devonport Topology Festival is an annual event hosted in her home by Mathematics Department member Dr Sina Greenwood. Topologists from Auckland and beyond describe mainly the research work they have completed over the summer. This year participants have come from five institutions in New Zealand but in addition there is an invited speaker from Austria and two other speakers from Canada. This year’s festival on 22 February is dedicated to Professor Ivan Reilly, who has just retired from the University after almost four decades (page 6): he has been a regular participant. Celebrating Waipapa Nearing its end is a week of celebration of the twentieth anniversary of Waipapa Marae. Jean Boubli, second from left, on a surveying journey in Amazonas, Brazil. On 22 February from 1pm to 4pm at the Waipapa Marae and the Faculty of When riding in a motor dinghy on the Amazon, However, the discovery of an entirely new Engineering will be a presentation looking it can be hard to hear much above the noise of primate species is extraordinarily rare, he says. at engineering design aspects of the Täne-nui- the engine, says Dr Jean Boubli (Anthropology). Though he had heard from local people over a-rangi. On 23 February at 12noon will be So it took the exceptionally well-attuned ear of one several years that a different species existed, a discussion of the oral history of Waipapa of the local people to help him make one of the most this was the first time he had seen it for himself. presented by key people who were exciting and important discoveries of his career. Named Cacajao ayresi, this black uakari instrumental in the creation of the marae. “That sounds like a group of uakari monkeys monkey belongs to a species unknown to science At 10am on 24 February at the marae will on the other side of the river,” he said. until recently. Black uakaris are specialised seed- be a whakawätea and closing celebration The “huge group” of uakari monkeys – “too eating pithecine primates that inhabit the remote at which a karakia and whakamutungä will be many to count” – proved to be an entirely new areas of the Negro and Orinoco river basins and followed by a complimentary buffet breakfast. species, never documented by scientists before. parts of the Pantepui mountains in Brazil, For more information about Sunday’s event Ironically the discovery was made on the final lap Colombia and Venezuela. contact Pania Wilson, ext 48522. of the journey, when they’d turned on the engines Until now, only one species of black uakari was and were heading for home after their latest stint recognised, Cacajao melanocephalus, with two All-staff first of fieldwork in the Aracá River, a left bank tributary subspecies, C. m. melanocephalus and C. m. of the Negro River, Amazonas, Brazil. ouakary. This year The University of Auckland marks Since 2002, with funding from the Brazilian The newly-discovered primate is named in 125 years since its establishment in 1883. Government and the World Bank, Jean, the only honour of Brazilian biologist Marcio Ayres, who To celebrate the anniversary, and to launch primatologist at The University of Auckland, has pioneered field studies on uakaris. the official start to the year, the Vice- been surveying the little-known and difficult-to- Jean hopes the discovery of this new species Chancellor has invited all staff to attend access Pantepui region of Brazil. will help encourage conservation activities in the a staff cocktail party in the Alumni Marquee Already he had made one exciting find in 2003 Amazon region. He says the new species faces at Old Government House. This will take place – the rediscovery of a species described by life-threatening risks: it has a limited geographic on 26 February from 4.30pm to 6pm. Staff scientists in the 1800s, but with no scientifically distribution, a low population density and is should register their acceptance by emailing [email protected] authenticated sightings since. (continued page 2)
University news is published by Communications and Marketing, Fisher Building In this issue 18 Waterloo Quadrant, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142 email [email protected] www.auckland.ac.nz/universitynews 3 University Marae in history EditorS Judy Wilford 4 New associate professors Photography Godfrey Boehnke Designer Vanda Tong 5 Hood and Seelye Fellows From the Vice-Chancellor (story continued from page 1) vulnerable to regional epidemics, droughts, fires On 11 February, I had the pleasure of attending and global warming. The fact that Ayres’ uakari the official opening of Pūkawakawa, the occurs in public land that is still not protected Northland Regional-Rural Health Programme, adds more uncertainty to its long-term survival. by Associate Minister of Health the Hon. Throughout Northern Amazonia, uakaris are Mita Ririnui. This is a joint venture between regularly eaten by local indigenous peoples. The University of Auckland, the Northland The next step is to conduct a detailed ecological District Health Board, local health providers and behavioural study of Ayres’ uakari in order and government to increase the number of to design an effective management plan for medical practitioners in the Northland region. this species. The opening function and powhiri were held The findings are outlined in a forthcoming in the grounds of Whangarei Hospital. publication in the International Journal of Commencing this year, a group of 20 Year Primatology (July 2008), as well as in a recent Five medical students from our University will issue of New Scientist (January 2008). With be living and learning in the Northland region. collaborators Drs Maria da Silva, Manuela Amado, The model for learning to be applied Francisco Pontual, Tomas Hrbez and Izeni Farias, in this programme is based on the current Jean describes the new Ayres uakari and also undergraduate medical programme, with argues that the two previously known subspecies modifications to the design and delivery are in fact full species, thus raising to three the to take account of the unique nature of number of known black uakari species. Cacajao ayresi. healthcare provision, and population needs, in the various Northland settings. Learning will occur in both regional and rural settings. Each student will spend about 18 weeks Winning hearts and medals in Whangarei Hospital and seven weeks in The booklet not only contains hints about Kaitaia, Dargaville or Rawene. In the rural Chinese etiquette and how to be in accord with areas, students will experience working with it – for example by accepting business cards general practitioners in outpatient settings respectfully with both hands and putting them and hospitals led by GPs, as well as with away carefully rather than casually – but also a range of community health expert facts about New Zealand which are likely to be practitioners. The Northland DHB is providing of interest to Chinese people. It includes important refurbished accommodation for the students addresses and phone numbers, and a list of useful while they are based in Whangarei, together phrases in Mandarin. with computer and teaching facilities that In the words of Nora Yao, DIrector of permit both local classes and videoconference the Confucius Institute, it will give the officials connections to other teaching and clinical and athletes some of the resources they need centres. Over 40 students applied for the 20 “to understand the country and the culture places available, indicating a strong demand and to win the hearts of the local people”. to study in such regional-rural environments. She has advised athletes to learn to speak Students will see many patients in the a little of the language so that if they win medals, diagnosis phase of medical practice, and will they will be able to give their thanks in Mandarin. have the opportunity to examine the continuity In December last year at the International of care models, and the importance of Conference of Confucius Institutes in Beijing, community agencies in the role of chronic care. Nora, with Co-director Bing Zhou, had the The specific nature of this programme draws opportunity to compare notes and share ideas with on research elsewhere, particularly in North Nora Yao (right) and Bing Zhou with the trophy presented at the International Conference of Confucius Institutes. top officials from other Confucius Institutes all over America and Australia, on what makes for the world. They found that that while our Confucius successful rural medical education. Importantly, When athletes and officials head for Beijing Institute in Auckland shares many concerns and it provides an environment in which students in August most will be carrying a small booklet, activities with other institutes it also has some will become more familiar with Māori health designed to fit comfortably in their uniform attributes that make it special – for example, from a number of dimensions. I congratulate all pockets and to make their stay in China more that it has a specific plan and a set of goals those of our staff who have been involved in the congenial. to work towards. development of this programme – particularly The booklet – produced by the Confucius Both recognise that the role of the institute Iain Martin, Warwick Bagg, Phillippa Poole and Institute based at The University of Auckland – is not just to carry out activities designed to Barbara O’Connor – on this important new is a “takeaway” version of a course the institute advance knowledge but also to connect with initiative in regional health. designed for New Zealand Olympic officials and and help enrich the efforts of other organisations athletes needing to know more about China and with related aims. wanting to communicate well with its citizens. The institute has a two-pronged approach, It is also an indication of the institute’s effective says Nora: “to promote a receptive atmosphere and innovative approach to the many and varied and a general awareness, and also to focus on activities it develops or supports to advance quality of education by supporting key people understanding of Chinese language and culture. who are working effectively”. Auckland’s institute was one of the first in Much to the pleasure of both Nora and Bing, the world to take advantage of the opportunities their efforts earned them a strong affirmation. provided by the Beijing Olympics to promote The Auckland Confucius Institute was presented Chinese culture in New Zealand and to promote with a trophy, given to only 20 outstanding New Zealand culture in China. Confucius Institutes among over 200 worldwide. 22 February | 2008 Retrospective 1883-2008 Key events Extracts from ‘University Marae Opens Officially’, New Zealand Herald, 22 February 1988, p. 2 Last chance Among the hundreds of guests at the ceremony finance but such funds were available only for The final of three lectures in the inaugural were the King and Queen of Tonga and the Governor- the academic sections of Mäori studies. However the lecture series for the James Henare Mäori General, the Most Rev Sir Paul Reeves. Public Trust Office gave funds for the marae and Research Centre is to take place on 27 the university provided the balance, which included February at the Ngāti Hine Health Trust, Main The idea of establishing a marae at the university money from staff parking fees. Work on the marae site was first raised in 1976 by a committee examining began early in 1984 and all building was finished by Road, Kawakawa, Bay of Islands. The lecture educational opportunities for Mäori and Polynesian mid-1986. Mäori carvers and weavers put the finishing is by Antonieta Marypaz Rivera from Mexico students. The university later applied for Government touches to the construction. who is of First Nations descent. A PhD candidate at the University of British Columbia, she provides specialised support Extracts from ‘House waiting to be warmed’, University of Auckland News, to indigenous researchers internationally. 18, 2, April 1988, pp. 12-13. Her research is in indigenous architecture The marae has been described by the Governor- breathe life into the timber had been brought about in the Americas, digital interpretations of General, Sir Paul Reeves, as “a claim of Mäori by the inspired choice of the master carver, Paki archaeological sites and use of emerging identity” in the University. This has not been an easy Harrison. The University would be enriched, said technologies in designing interactive digital project, said Sir Paul. “There have been many Judge Brown, if the warmth and richness of learning environments. Contact Te Tuhi Robust difficulties, but the marae and the house Täne-nui-a- Mäoritanga could be woven into it through the marae. ext 88711. rangi are here and are waiting now to be warmed This waiata recounting the history of the University by our presence.” Marae was composed specially for the opening by The Chancellor, Judge Michael Brown said the Merimeri Penfold and translated by Anne Salmond. It Psychoanalysis and adornment essential to transform the shell and was performed at the opening by staff and students. our discontents [Extract from waiata recounting the history of the The inaugural conference of the Centre for University Marae] Lacanian Analysis (Inc) aims to explore how psychoanalysis can contribute to examining Teeraa ka noho te rau tau te whare waananga Now the University’s centenary came Rere ana te awhi a te hunga rangatira o to rohe the chiefs of the region offered their help the discontents of our time. The meeting, Na Parore, takoto ana taa Ngaatihine mai i te wao through Parore, Ngati Hine’s gift came from the entitled “The 21st century and Its discontents: a Taane forest of Tane, A psychoanalytic perspective”, will bring Ka peke, pakuu ana te waha o te hunga rangatahi the young people leapt up and cracked their together those engaged in clinical and critical I noho tahi nei i a ‘Mihinga i toona tuuranga mouths approaches to psychoanalysis, particularly Ko Whare teeraa i te kei o te waka o Tuia while ‘Mihinga sat with them Na raatou ra i tuitui nga rawekeetanga and Whare stood at the stern of the canoe Tuia those engaged with the works of Jacques Peeraa hoki te piri mai a te whaanau whaanui that group which bound meddlesome strands Lacan. The conference will take place at the E papata e noho puku nei i runga o Horotiu together University from 28 February to 2 March. The Rere ana te koha tapu, tuu ana te whare hei bringing the wider family closer student registration fee is $25 per day. For full tuupuna that teeming, self-contained multitude on Horotiu Teeraa te Tumu ka paa atu te puna Te Pane o te Ika gave their sacred gift, and the shell of the ancestral details see www.lacan.org.nz and for general Whakatinanatia mai ana ko Reipae e tuu house was built inquiries contact Lucille Holmes, la.holmes@ Te tutu (mai) te puna o nga whare wananga o te the chief went to the source at the fish’s head auckland.ac.nz motu Reipae (the dining-hall) came to life Tuu nei Rehutai (te) toka te mahi waananga the well-spring for the universities of the island Tau maki ko Paaki, ko Hine me to whaanau made its gift Distinguished Alumni rangatahi Rehutai (the academic wing) stood as a foundation Hei tuhi, hei raranga i te pueru whakahirahira i te for teaching and Dinner tupuna Paaki and Hine arrived with the family of young Six prominent graduates and a young alumnus Ko Tanne-nui-a-rangi e tuu nei i runga o Waipapa e people will be recognised at the Distinguished Alumni Nau mai e Koro e to carve and weave a magnificent garment for the Nau mai nau mai! ancestor Awards Dinner on 7 March 2008. This formal Tane-nui-a-rangi (the meeting-house), standing here dinner will take place from 6.15pm to 11pm on Waipapa at the Alumni Marquee on the lawn of Old Welcome, old man!! Government House. Guest speaker will be Come, welcome!! Chris Liddell, Chief Financial Officer of Microsoft Corporation, himself a Distinguished Alumnus. The six graduates receiving awards are Sir Ron Carter, Emeritus Professor Carrick Chambers, the Hon Justice Lowell Goddard, Teaching expertise applauded Emeritus Professor C. K. Stead and Lynnette The University of Auckland has awarded award for her Early Career Excellence in Teaching. Stewart. The Young Alumnus of the Year is four Teaching Excellence Awards for 2007, Sharing the award for Innovation in Teaching pianist John Chen. one of these shared between two colleagues. are Associate Professor Michelle Leggot, Dr Dawn Garbett, School of Science, Department of English, Faculty of Arts, and Dr New associate Mathematics and Technology, Faculty of Helen Sword, Centre for Academic Development. Education has received the Sustained Excellence The awards will be presented at Graduation professors in Teaching Award. this year. The 25 newly promoted associate Recipient of the Excellence in Research The University’s nominations for the National professors are being profiled in these issues Supervision is Professor John Hosking, Tertiary Teaching Excellence Awards in 2008 of University News. Department of Computer Science, Faculty will be John Hosking and Dawn Garbett. Note that Associate Professor Frank of Science. For profiles of the recipients see the News Lichtenberk, featured in the last issue, is from Dr Siew-Young Quek, Department of Chemistry, section of the staff intranet. the Department of Applied Language Studies Faculty of Science, has been recognised with an and Linguistics.
The University of Auckland News New associate professors Stephen Buetow (General Practice and Primary Health Care) I came to academic primary health care via role for patients in the co-production of their a social science route. After completing a PhD own health care. I am an editorial board member in demography at the Australian National of the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice. University, I held academic positions in primary I direct the Research Unit in my department care in Australia and England. I joined my and have served on boards of research at the present department a decade ago. faculty, school and department levels. I was I conduct mainly health services research across recently an elected senior research fellow diverse disciplines bridging the social and medical representative on my faculty’s staffing committee, sciences. My approximately 100 major and serve on the public health committee of publications, including two books and over 80 New Zealand’s Health Research Council. peer-reviewed papers, disseminate empirical, I am also a passionate teacher, annually mixed-methods research and analytical work coordinating in each semester a face‑to-face defining me as a general practice theorist. In and distance-taught postgraduate course on particular, I work in the area of quality in health research methods in health. I supervise two Associate Professor Stephen Buetow. care, identifying opportunities for a more equal doctoral students. Bronwen Connor (Pharmacology) I am a graduate of The University of Auckland, and head the Neural Repair and Neurogenesis graduating with a BSc in Pharmacology and Laboratory. My research group is currently Physiology in 1994 and a PhD in investigating the potential use of stem cell therapy Neuropharmacology in 1997. and gene transfer techniques for the treatment While doing my PhD I was the recipient of of brain injury and disease. a Health Research Council of New Zealand Post- I am also an invited member of the Ministry of Graduation Scholarship. Research, Science and Technology Oxygen Emerging I then spent three years as a post-doctoral fellow Researchers Group and in 2006 was appointed to at Northwestern University in Chicago, USA, the Board of the Foundation for Research, Science studying the potential use of gene therapy for the and Technology. treatment of Parkinson’s disease. This position was Outside work, I am a mother to two gorgeous funded by a Neurological Foundation of New boys and when I am not running around after them, Zealand Post-doctoral Wrightson Fellowship. my interests include rowing (I am a former New I was appointed to the Department of Zealand international representative), camping, Associate Professor Bronwen Connor. Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology in 2000, going to the beach, gardening and reading. Ian le Grice (Physiology) I am a member of the Department of Physiology With my colleagues in the Cardiac Structure and also a Principal Investigator in the Auckland and Function Group I use a range of sophisticated Bioengineering Institute. techniques including electrophysiological mapping, My university career spans a number of faculties computer modelling, MRI and extended-volume and has resulted in qualifications in engineering, confocal microscopy to investigate the relationship town planning, medicine, and physiology, all gained between myocardial structure and function in at The University of Auckland. normal and diseased hearts. I also have an interest My PhD in computer modelling of the heart was in medical education, which has led to significant completed in 1992 and, after undertaking post- involvement in the medical teaching programme. doctoral work at the University of California, San When not at work, I spend my time with my wife, Diego, I returned to The University of Auckland Robin, and two daughters on a small farm, or in 1994 to take up a position in the Department pursuing my interests in tennis, running and fishing Associate Professor Ian le Grice. of Physiology. from my kayak. Associate Professor Mavis Haigh (Teaching, Learning and Development) A country upbringing and a fascination with development, being the co-ordinating writer small animals led me to The University of for the 1993 Science in the New Zealand Auckland for a first degree in zoology. At that Curriculum document. time my research focus was marine ecology. In 1999 I was awarded a Royal Society of After graduation I became a biology teacher, New Zealand Science and Technology silver medal both in secondary schools and as a junior lecturer for “significant contribution to science education in the early days of The University of Auckland at a national level in the areas of curriculum Medical School. development, examinations, science fairs and In 1988 I joined the Auckland College of science teacher education”. In recent years I have Education as a lecturer in science education shifted my research focus to the general education and began a research programme in science, and of teachers, particularly in relation to the practicum. science teacher education, a combination of which My interest in educational developmental studies was the basis for my doctoral research. Concurrently has recently become very grounded with the birth Associate Professor Mavis Haigh. I was engaged in national science curriculum of our first grandchild.
22 February | 2008 Eminent academic line-up Viewpoint of Fellows Could it happen here? artificial intelligence, creativity, aesthetics, The “subprime loan” is a fancy phrase for philosophy of mind and biology of mind. Professor high-risk loans. Potential risk of default often Boden is delivering a series of three public lectures. arises here from unexpected income loss Historian John Mraz and philosopher Eli Bartra and health-related expenses. It is a financial will visit for six weeks from mid-March. John Mraz innovation in a deregulated environment. is a research professor at the Autonomous When the borrowers default, signs of University of Puebla, Mexico, specialising in foreclosures appear, house prices fall, banks research, communication and teaching of history fail and the consequent tightening of credits through photography, cinema, video and chokes off innovating spirits, sending jitters digitalisation. Professor Eli Bartra from the in the stock market, as business productivity Autonomous Metropolitan University, Xochimilco, decelerates. That is, in a nutshell, a subprime Mexico, specialises in women’s studies and the loan crisis. study of folk art in terms of gender relations. Such a crisis is spreading across America. Activities during their visit will include a one-day To combat it the authorities have introduced symposium on Brazil at which they will both be a series of unexpected cuts in the interest keynote speakers, a shared lecture, a talk by rates combined with a hurriedly canvassed Professor Mraz, and a workshop on Latin- “fiscal stimulus package”. The suddenness of American film studies and production. these developments has shocked the financial Richard Schrock, professor of chemistry world – should we be worried in New Zealand? at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, will Probably not – here is why. First economic situations are quite different be hosted by the Department of Chemistry here. In the US, large government borrowings for a month from 20 March. continually push up the interest rate and Professor Schrock, a co-winner of the Nobel crowd out productive investments; large Prize for Chemistry in 2005, specialises in Outgoing Hood Fellow, Associate Professor Bill Barton, foreign debt persistently pushes the dollar inorganic and organometallic chemistry and with his recent book. down, making the debt servicing even harder catalysis. While in Auckland he will interact with for the US taxpayers. The government here, The University community will be enriched by departmental staff, conduct a research seminar on the other hand, generates a budget surplus a series of visits from an eminent line-up of for a specialist audience and deliver a public every year and its taxpayers are free of foreign overseas academics who have been awarded lecture. debt for more than a decade now. Hood and Seelye Fellowships. Sir Partha Dasgupta, professor of economics Consequently, it would have a wider range at the University of Cambridge, UK, is widely- In addition one of the University’s own academics of options available. regarded as the world’s leading life-course-focused – Associate Professor Bill Barton (Mathematics) – is Second, contrary to concerns in the popular leaving this month on a Hood Fellowship which will economist. media, financing investments in New Zealand take him to Britain and Europe. While on his Seelye Fellowship for ten days in with foreign loans does not by itself contribute The five incoming Hood Fellows (who will come April, Professor Dasgupta will be keynote speaker to a “subprime loan” crisis, even if that means with generous sponsorship from the Lion at an international workshop at the Liggins buying houses with foreign money. Instead, Foundation), and the two recipients of the Seelye Institute. He will also deliver a public lecture such a crisis originates from a type of lending Charitable Trust Fellowship are from such diverse on “The value of life”, and will give academic practice that is typically disallowed here. disciplines as economics, chemistry, neurobiology, lectures and seminars on life-course modelling. Third, our health and welfare system here, cognitive neuroscience, history and philosophy. Nobel Laureate Robert Lucas, professor of unlike that of the US, provides a cushion to Andrew Matus, research group leader at economics from the University of Chicago, will hapless victim of the market. Consequently, the Friedrich Miescher Institute and professor be hosted by the Department of Economics and the “loser must pay” solution to any potential of neurobiology at the University of Basel in the School of Business on a Seelye Fellowship. subprime loan problem may have a better Switzerland, is being hosted by Biological Sciences Professor Lucas, who received the 1995 Nobel success here. and Medical and Health Sciences. Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences, is a key Finally, the world is much bigger these days. Professor Matus is a graduate of The University figure in the development of the theory of rational It includes China and India where subprime of Auckland and has since built a high international expectations. loans are virtually non-existent, thanks to the reputation for his work in neuroscience. He will consult informally with staff, and will heavy-handed regulators there. Diversification While in Auckland he is giving three public deliver a public lecture and two seminars in the of our portfolios around this bigger world seminars, two seminars to the Auckland Department of Economics, and a keynote speech should lower our risk. Neurosciences Network and a plenary talk at the Summer Workshop in Macroeconomics. There is a word of caution, though. A very at its annual symposium. He will work with Associate Professor Bill Barton (Mathematics), different financial crisis may be seeping into graduate students one-to-one and in seminars. an outgoing Hood Fellow, specialises in our economy through the back door, thanks The visit of Margaret Boden, research mathematical education and is the author of a to the RBNZ’s preference for a high OCR professor of cognitive neuroscience at the recent book entitled The Language of Mathematics. (official cash rate) regime, the highest among University of Sussex in the UK, is co-sponsored Bill will spend six weeks as an honorary the OECD countries! The regime may never by the Departments of Psychology and Philosophy researcher at Oxford University, and co-ordinate succeed in lowering inflation to its desired with support also from the National Institute a major writing project involving an international average rate of two percent. It may succeed, of Creative Arts and Industries. group of mathematicians and mathematics however, in reducing innovation and growth Professor Boden, who is spending a fortnight educators. He will also attend the conference of sufficiently to induce a stagflation. at the University, is a distinguished academic with the International Commission on Mathematical independent qualifications in philosophy, medical Instruction, of which he is Vice-President, and will Dr Debasis Bandyopadhyay science and psychology. Her specialist fields are make an extended visit to the University of Paris VII. (Economics)
The University of Auckland News Double retirement Educational explorer Dr Barbara Miller-Reilly has played many roles. After a short time as a secondary teacher in New Zealand, she went overseas and became a computer programmer/analyst at the University of Illinois Coordinated Science Laboratory working in aeronautical engineering, completing a masters degree in computer science. She was appointed in 1971 as an assistant lecturer in the Department of Mathematics at Auckland. After a maternity break in the late seventies, she returned to the School of Engineering as a tutor and programmer. The mid-eighties saw her move to computer science as a senior tutor, and then as a foundation member of the new Student Learning Centre, where she designed and set up the mathematics and science programme. About this time she became a member of the Mathematics Education Unit, and moved there full-time from 2000. An early research interest was gender and mathematics, and Barbara was a member of Ivan Reilly and Barbara Miller-Reilly. the EQUALS network in Auckland – a grouping of mathematics educators who researched Professor Ivan Reilly and Dr Barbara Miller-Reilly is his work for the Mathematics Olympiad. He has and published resources aimed at enhancing have both retired from the University on 31 chaired the New Zealand Committee for over 20 the participation and achievement of girls in January. years, work that involves not just the participation mathematical subjects. She worked with Dr of our small team at the International Olympiad, Margaret Morton (a colleague in the Department Active educator takes new step but annually involves over 500 students nationwide of Mathematics who passed away in 2000) Professor Ivan Reilly retired from the University in extension experiences not available elsewhere. investigating tertiary entrance for girls. on 31 January. Ivan has been an active member of the New Barbara’s teaching specialty was with adult Appointed as a lecturer in 1970, he has Zealand mathematical community. In 1975 he or returning students, particularly those who felt therefore worked in the Department of was a founding member of the New Zealand anxious about mathematics. Her work in this area Mathematics for 37 years. He was appointed to Mathematical Society, and was its president in was the main basis of winning, in 1998, a Faculty a personal chair in Mathematics and Mathematics 1985-87. His work for the society has ensured its of Science Teaching Award. She had experimented Education in 1994. financial footing ever since. with several techniques to gain students’ Ivan has a distinguished career in Mathematical Ivan was Director of the School of Mathematical confidence and explore the nature of their Topology (145 refereed topological papers since and Information Sciences for six years, and acted resistance to mathematics. 1970). He is particularly known for his early work as Esquire Bedell for the last two decades. He has MATHS 101 is a very special paper, developed in non-symmetric spaces, and a notable feature coordinated the University of California Education for those with little or no mathematical of his record is the extent of his collaborations Abroad programme in New Zealand, and will background. Barbara had a long involvement with with both emerging and distinguished scholars. continue this work in his retirement. this course, particularly in the early stages when, But this is far from all. Ivan has taken an active In 2007, Ivan was made an Officer of the with Dr Kay Irwin in the then School of Education, interest in the promotion of high quality teaching New Zealand Order of Merit in the New Year it was used in the pre-service education of primary in mathematics at all levels. Not only was he Honours list for services to mathematics and teachers. a prime instigator of the establishment of mathematics education. He has proved himself In addition to research within the University, the Mathematics Education Unit within the to be not only a scholarly ambassador overseas Barbara was active internationally, with the Department of Mathematics, but he long for this university, but a recognised New Zealander Australasian Bridging Mathematics Network, campaigned for increased mathematical in his field. and with the European-based association Adults preparation for primary school teachers, and Ivan will maintain a presence in the university– Learning Mathematics (ALM). initiated programmes that have significantly a presence that is warmly welcomed by the Barbara’s PhD was awarded in 2005, enhanced the qualifications and recruitment Department of Mathematics for his valuable contributing significantly to adult mathematics of secondary mathematics teachers. inputs in topology, mathematics education, education, with a particular focus on understanding Another aspect of Ivan’s interest in education and institutional leadership. good teaching of mathematics to adults.
EntertainmentTM Wine Book A portion of the proceeds from a new Palliser Estate, Mud House and Gibbston Valley. publication will help fund Alumni Relations. Selling for $40, this book is a valuable The book celebrates the New Zealand wine companion for those passionate about food industry, containing valuable reductions of 25 and wine, and a must-have when visiting New to 50 percent and two-for-one offers for purchases Zealand’s wine regions. Its offers are valid until at leading winery cellars, winery restaurants, December 2008. boutique accommodation and local attractions such To purchase your copy call Beth Dowsett at as wine tours. The wineries include Nobilo Wines, Alumni Relations, ext 85622, or download the Montana Wines, Kim Crawford, Wither Hills, order form from www.alumni.auckland.ac.nz 22 February | 2008 From the collection Art Cutting his teeth as a graphic artist when pushed through a tightly stretched organdie screen working as an effects animator for British past stencils stuck to the underside were used Animated Cartoons in London, Ted Dutch to create patterns on paper. Called serigraphy developed his signature figure-drawing style. by the post-war generation of American artists His was a pictorial shorthand which would come who produced limited edition fine art prints by to set him apart from the landscape painters in the method, the technology used in silk screening New Zealand when he arrived in Auckland as a had been pioneered in office duplicating. 23-year-old in 1951. Over the next five decades, he Once he had immigrated here, Dutch found honed his quirky stick figures to create geometric employment as a commercial screen-printer hybrids of men and machines. These served not but continued to promote the potential of fine only as the basis for a large series of prints and art serigraphy, becoming one of the founders paintings but also for a range of porcelain of the New Zealand Print Council in 1967. He stoneware. Ted Dutch often showed his work began exhibiting with New Vision Gallery that alongside that of his wife and fellow ceramist Doris same year, his solo show of 30 different prints Dutch, in an exhibiting career which has just ended in editions of 20 depicting astronauts, lone with his death in January at 80 years of age. horsemen, flying machines and jazz musicians, When he was a teenager during the Blitz, all combining humour and pathos in equal Dutch’s drawings and paintings were dominated measure. Technician, from the Staff Common by bombed buildings and crashed aircraft. Room collection, is typical: at the bottom stand Introduced to the colourful work of European an elongated dog and tiny human figure, drawn artists such as Joan Miró, Pablo Picasso and Karel with just a few lines, yet contrasting poignantly Appel at South West Essex Technical College and with the impending chaos of technological School of Art in Walthamstow, he evolved his own innovation which looms behind. take on modernism. Soon he was combining wiry This print will go on display at the Gus Fisher figures with clashing shapes and abstract forms, Ted Dutch (1928-2008), Technician 1/20, 1970, Gallery in July in an exhibition about the role screenprint, 735 x 505mm. typically resolved into compositions where neatly of New Vision Gallery in the development of the denoted humans and animals capered in front of Dutch was introduced to the new technique of silk visual arts in New Zealand, curated by Art History technological landscapes. screen printing for creating multiple renditions postgraduate Joanna Trezise. Continuing his study at St Martin’s School of Art, of an image. Using a rubber squeegee, colours Linda Tyler
Books
and there is even an alternative ending for Associate Professor Scott Optican is one of Ask the posts of the “Dead of night”. four authors of The Evidence Act 2006: Act & house Witi began his writing creer with Pounamu Analysis, published by Thomson Brookers and Pounamu (a volume of short stories) in 1972, and launched this month at functions in Wellington Professor Witi Ihimaera (English), renowned New became the first Mäori novelist withTangi in 1973. and Auckland. Zealand writer, has woven together five novellas His works include nine novels, four short story It is the first authoritative text on the far- in this new collection, ask the posts of the house, collections, numerous anthologies and non-fiction reaching overhaul of the law of evidence, which published by Reed Publishing (NZ) Ltd especially works, plays and opera libretti. He was recently took the New Zealand Law Commission and for its centennial celebrations. honoured as a Distinguished Companion of the Parliament 20 years to complete. New Zealand Order of Merit for services to The book comments on the Act section-by- literature. section and includes recent case law arising from key provisions. It also analyses the Evidence Act 2006 and its underlying principles. Evidence’s intricacies Included are discussions of the Evidence unveiled Regulations 2007 and the changes brought about by the Evidence Amendment Act 2007. A Law Faculty academic has helped make “[A] comprehensive and timely book” is how the revised law of evidence understandable Sir Geoffrey Palmer, President of the Law to the legal profession. Commission, describes it in the foreword. He notes that the Evidence Act 2006 “comes as close to a codification of evidence law in New Zealand as is ever likely to be achieved”. The stories show an intriguing range of narratives The extensive and sophisticated cross- – the self-invented myth of “Ihip”; historical fiction referencing is “one of the strengths of the book”, in “Medicine Woman”; contemporary comedy in says Scott Optican. “It makes the text highly user- “In the year of Prince Harry”; the drama of the title friendly for practitioners, judges, policymakers, law story “Ask the post of the house”; and science fiction students and academics alike.” in “Dead of night”, the story that Witi presented at His co-authors were Professor Richard Mahoney the International Science Festival in Britain in 2006. from the University of Otago and Associate Once again Witi has packed his pages with rich Professor Elisabeth McDonald and Dr Yvette characters and passionate and provocative writing. Tinsley from Victoria University of Wellington. Each story is accompanied by notes on its origin,
The University of Auckland News People, process and technology The HR Connect+ project team – which managers and employees will use PeopleSoft is implementing a new PeopleSoft human directly to access a range of HR transactions resources and payroll system – has been online including managing leave. Managers building a demonstration version of the will also have much greater access to a range system during January and February. of information to help them plan and manage Kath Clark, HR Director, says that building staff-related activities. a demonstration system “has enabled the team Full details of the exact nature and timing of to understand at a more detailed level what the changes and how the project team will train the system will and won’t do. It also meant that and support managers and staff will be provided we could demonstrate to those closely involved by the project’s change management team At the prototype demo were (left to right) Christine the look and feel of the new system to get their in the months leading up to September. Thompson, Mike Wright, Jarrod Shearer, Steve Kinch, feedback early in the building phase of the project”. In the meantime please direct questions Maxine Hall, Steven Bavin and Mary Jackson. When the system goes live in September 2008, to Liz Meyers, [email protected].
unaccompanied song with English Wednesday 5 march Westmere. We have a cheerful and What’s on text. Auditions will include aural Vice-Chancellor’s welcome powhiri very roomy two-bdrm, basement flat tests and sight singing. Sign-up sheet to let. Dishwasher, new stove. Cafes, friDAY 22 february for new staff available now at the door. Queries to 9-11am Waipapa Marae. There will dairy, green-grocer, chemist, doctors, butcher, bus-stops and bar at the end of Centre for Mental Health Research/ [email protected] be a formal welcome onto the Marae the street. Five minutes walk to park or School of Nursing seminar followed by an address to staff by the Anne Garland, 2008 Distinguished beach. $300 pw (includes gas heating wednesDAY 27 february Vice-Chancellor. After morning tea, staff and water). Phone owners on 378-7616 Visitor: Using CBT theory and are invited to stay for a short talk about interventions to formulate and work with Commencement service with your details. the Whare Hui (meeting house) and its grief and loss in common mental health 11am Maclaurin Chapel, 18 Princes St. carvings. problems. 9am-12noon Tamaki Campus. Rev Dr Winston Halapua, Dean of the Accommodation required Queries to Helen Hamer, email College of the Diocese of Polynesia. [email protected] View Refreshments provided. All welcome. thursday 6 march Quiet mature woman and mature, www.health.auckland.ac.nz/nursing/ well-behaved cat seek quiet one-two University of Auckland Chamber SELL research seminar Choir auditions bdrm unfurnished flat. Please phone Prof Michel Viel, Universite Paris 373-7599 ext 89054 or (021) 590-788 7.30-9.30pm, Rm 206, Music IV, Sorbonne; Vice-Chancellor’s saturDAY 23 february Theatre, Bldg 250. Queries to or email [email protected] Distinguished Visitor for 2008: From Flat does not need to be available Exhibition talk [email protected] Night to Mourning: A “voyage” into immediately. Scott Pothan, Director, Wanganui Art Katherine’s Mansfield’s short story,”The Visiting professor with family requires Museum and curator of the exhibition A Voyage” set against two French two-bdrm furnished accommodation for Cursive Line: Adele Younghusband. 1pm thursDAY 28 february translations. 4-6pm Rm 616, Arts 1. six weeks from 23 June-1 August. Gus Fisher Gallery. Centre for Lacanian Analysis Prefer locations near Auckland CBD. inaugural conference Please contact Helen Lacey on The 21st Century and its discontents: monDAY 25 february Classifieds [email protected] or (09) 373-7599 A psychoanalytic perspective. Until ext 84518. Introduction to tutoring 2 March. UoA. Keynote speakers: ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE This full-day workshop is designed for Leonardo Rodríguez (Australia) and City Centre: One-bdrm fully-furnished recently appointed part-time Dany Nobus (UK). See SITUATIONS VACANT apartment, $350 pw. Enjoy magnificent tutors who will be teaching discussion- www.lacan.org.nz for details and harbour views with sunny north/east Office Assistant (casual basis) registration. General enquiries to Lucille based classes. 10am-4.30pm Seminar facing balcony. Trendy furnishings, The Centre for Academic Development Holmes, [email protected] Rm, CAD, 5th floor, 76 Symonds St. open plan kitchen/living area with dish (Level 5, 76 Symonds Street) is looking Bookings via CAD reception ext 88140 University of Auckland Chamber drawer, fridge/freezer, microwave, 4-hob for a reliable, responsible and friendly or [email protected] Choir auditions stove top, oven, Sky TV. Tiled bthrm/ individual to take on a casual position as 7.30-9.30pm, Rm 206, Music laundry with large shower, washing an office assistant. This position is ideal Theatre, Bldg 250. Queries to machine and dryer. Access to for an individual looking for work to suit tuesDAY 26 february [email protected] outdoor lounge area, lap pool, fully family or study commitments. Applicants Bioengineering research seminar equipped gym. On-site building must have excellent communication skills Prof Shankar Subramaniam, Depts managers and CCTV. Close to (emphasis on strong written skills), data of Bioengineering, Chemistry and saturday 1 march Britomart, the Viaduct, Queen St. A few entry experience, attention to detail, and Biochemistry and the Graduate Program Exhibition talk minutes’ walk from UoA campus. be computer literate with a sound in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Linda Tyler, curator of the exhibition Suitable for up to two people. No pets or knowledge of MS Office. Administrative University of California at San Diego, Gabrielle Hope: Lyric Watercolours, will smokers. Phone (09) 309-1319 (wk), (09) experience at The University of Auckland La Jolla, California: The fat story: A discuss the artist’s subjects and style in 416-1402 (ah), (021) 932-391 or email would be an advantage. Duties include: systems approach to pathways and the exhibition. 1pm Gus Fisher Gallery. [email protected] general clerical and secretarial work networks involved in lipid metabolism in Omapere, historic Hokianga. Peaceful (photocopying, mailouts, data entry, and macrophage activation. 4-5pm Rm 421 location, ideal for writing. One-bdrm flat, office minding). The main purpose of W-301, ALR5, Architecture. Tuesday 4 march suitable for one person only. Two-minute the job is to assist the Centre’s Office University of Auckland Chamber Bioengineering research seminar walk to beach. Fully-furnished, linen and Managers. The hours of work and rate Choir auditions Prof Mike Dragunow, Dept of bedding. Own deck. Off-road parking. of pay are to be negotiated according to 7.30-9.30pm, Rm 206, Music Theatre, Pharmacology, UoA: Exploring the adult $95 pw + electricity. Available April for availability and experience, respectively. Bldg 250. Director Dr Karen Grylls. human brain. 4-5pm Rm 421 W-301, six-months fixed term rental. N/s. No Queries to Lynette Herrero-Torres, email The UoA Chamber Choir invites ALR5, Architecture. pets. For further information, contact [email protected] new members for 2008. A short [email protected]
For a full list of The University of Auckland events see Next Week Online: • Please email classified ads to [email protected] nine days before www.auckland.ac.nz/nextweekonline publication. Cost $20 (incl GST).
22 February | 2008