This issue 2 Ray Avery speaks 3 Visiting HR Directors 5 Distinguished Professors

University of news for staff | Vol 41 | Issue 2| 1 March

HALL OPENS The first fully catered hall of residence erected fashion. Designed by Warren and Mahoney it and collaborative study practices, and supports by the University since O’Rorke Hall in 1989 is required 200,000 person hours of construction personal and academic success.” up and running. and took 19 months to build. It comprises 270 Living in a diverse peer community, with the University Hall in Whitaker Place, beside Elam tonnes of steel, 1700 cubic metres of concrete, common goal of learning “while being supported School of Fine Arts, is now home to 429 first-year 7500 square metres of terracotta and cream tile in one’s studies and life, all while being fully students and 13 residential assistants. The twin facade cladding, and 1600 square metres of engaged and having fun, results in well rounded, 13-floor towers, linked on a two-level podium, glass (specially designed to muffle the traffic successful graduates ready to take their place in boost fully catered accommodation at the noise in Grafton Gully). the world, ” said the Chancellor. University by 60 percent. The upper levels command spectacular views Tahlia Tini, the Head of Hall, and the The Chancellor, Roger France (pictured above) of the Hauraki Gulf. There is a glass-enclosed residential assistants closed the ceremony with a snipped a red ribbon and declared the $51 dining room on the entry level, wireless e-library, rousing haka written specially for the residents. million complex officially open at an early study pods, games room, lounge, onsite laundry The chant celebrates their educational journey, evening ceremony on 16 February. The residents facilities, and bike and car parking. Residents calling to the Waitemata Harbour and arrived en masse three days later. can eat and relax on two wide outside decks. Rangitoto, sacred places for Ngati Whatua. The residents come from Kaitaia to The hall has two alcohol-free floors where Residents will learn the haka during their first Canterbury and from the more distant parts of alcohol can neither be drunk nor stored. Sunday weeks. It will be used to welcome guests and at Auckland, such as Pukekohe and Titirangi, are to Wednesday are non-drinking days throughout inter-residential competitions. able to stay as well. Fifteen percent are the hall. There were nine hundred applications for the international students from Britain, Europe, At the opening the Chancellor said the Hall 429 beds. Residents pay $335 a week for their North America, the Middle East and Asia. offered a combination of aesthetically pleasing room, all facilities and meals and a There is a balance of male and female and eye-catching colours and spaces, with high comprehensive residential life programme. students with half of one floor reserved as functionality that sets the standard for tertiary It is the University’s fifth fully-catered hall of female only. More or less gender-separate student accommodation. “Not only does it residence. The others are International House, space will be put aside in future years depending acknowledge the energy and vibrancy of a Grafton Hall, O’Rorke Hall and Huia Residence. on demand. young adult in its contemporary design, but it University Hall is the largest high-rise building also provides spaces that facilitate social in New Zealand to be assembled in modular networking and development, fosters individual

UNIVERSITY NEWS IS PUBLISHED BY Communications and Marketing, Fisher Building,18 Waterloo Quadrant, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142. EMAIL [email protected] www.auckland.ac.nz/universitynews EDITOR Tess Redgrave PHOTOGRAPHY Godfrey Boehnke DESIGN AND PRODUCTION The Rebel with a cause opens conference

network with others from across the organisation they are rewarded by making a difference. and to develop their professional interests,” says Ray has invented Proteinforte, a revolutionary Director of Human Resources, Kath Clarke. treatment for protein energy malnutrition and a Ray Avery has had a very successful career as low-cost infant incubator specifically designed for a founding member of the University’s use in the developing world; and he has written Department of Clinical Pharmacology and a widely-read autobiography Rebel with a cause former Technical Director of Douglas telling the story of his journey from street kid to Pharmaceuticals. Over the past 30 years he has knighthood. made a major contribution to the development His work has been recognised by his peers of New Zealand’s pharmaceutical industry. and he has received numerous awards including Working throughout Africa and Asia and the Kiwi Bank New Zealander of the year 2010, exposed to the raw and real shortcomings in the Blake Leadership Medal 2010 and the Ernst healthcare, Ray has also used his knowledge of & Young Social Entrepreneur Award 2011. In pharmaceuticals, science, project management January 2011 he was appointed a Knight Grand and product design to tackle big health issues Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. endemic throughout the developing world at a As well as Sir Ray Avery, the two-day ASPIRE very practical sustainable level. Professional Staff Conference features a range In 2003, he founded Medicine Mondiale of speakers who will cover topics such as (www.medicinemondiale.org) which manages a resilience, leadership, career conversations, global network of scientific, clinical and business coaching, goal-setting, reputation branding experts who donate their knowledge and time to and personal style. Pharmaceutical scientist, social entrepreneur develop medical solutions and provide quality The conference website will be available for and Patron of the Non Resident Nepali healthcare for people across both the developed registrations from 12 March. Watch for Association of New Zealand, Sir Ray Avery, is and undeveloped world. more announcements on the Staff Intranet the keynote speaker at the 2012 ASPIRE Today, an International network of scientists and in Uninews. Professional Staff Conference. and technologists together with New Zealand The theme of the two-day conference on 18 companies and Nobel Laureates support him and 19 April is “Career development”. and somehow everyone finds themselves “It aims to give staff an opportunity to donating their time and knowledge for free and

WUN research success its awards announcement. human cell behaviour from mathematical The successful Auckland-led projects models and investigate how local changes to include: an initiative called “Media, feedback loops (which are affected by tobacco, and trade: Innovative environmental stimuli, such as nutrition and approaches to reducing non- medical drugs) affect signalling processes in communicable disease in the Pacific cells. A particular focus is to find boundaries region” led by Dr Judith McCool, between normal and abnormal behaviour. (School of Population Health); and the Alzheimer's disease and diabetes will serve as “Mathematics of non-communicable specific case studies. diseases: Understanding failure of cell The six partner-led projects cross three of the signalling”, a project led by Professors network’s four “global challenges” or broad Hinke Osinga and Bernd Krauskopf of areas of focus: Dr Margaret Stanley (Biological the Department of Mathematics. Sciences) and Dr Mark Dickson ( Environment) Judith’s team, comprising will collaborate on projects that fall under the researchers from the Universities of WUN “Adapting to climate change” global The University has achieved an 80 percent Auckland, Alberta, Sydney and non-WUN challenge; Drs Susan Morton and Mary Hedges success rate in the Worldwide Universities partner the National University of Fiji, will (Population Health), Associate Professor Robyn Network’s annual research development fund investigate the use of digital media to provide Dixon (Nursing) and Jacquie Bay (Liggins) will round. As a result eight new multilateral, accessible and current tobacco control partner with international researchers on three transcontinental research projects involving information to mobilise Pacific policy-makers, key projects that come under the umbrella of the Auckland researchers begin in 2012. influencers, and the public (especially women “Public Health: Non-communicable Diseases” The Worldwide Universities Network (WUN) is and young people). At the same time the team global challenge; and Professor Simon Holdaway an alliance that primarily exists to make will build Pacific capacity and capabilities in (Anthropology) will collaborate on a Western significant advances in knowledge and tobacco control research, practice and advocacy. Australia-led project sitting within the understanding in areas of current global The Auckland-led team of mathematicians is “Understanding cultures” global challenge. concern. In late 2011 it recognised two drawn from the Universities of Auckland, Sydney Auckland-led proposals and six partner-led and Bristol. The collaborators will take an proposals that include Auckland researchers in integrated approach to predicting and verifying Pictured: Judith McCool

2 1 March 2012 From the Vice-Chancellor

Visiting HR Directors enjoy Waiheke

Last month the University’s Director of model that has been in place since 2008 as On 21 February, Chancellor Roger France and Human Resources, Kath Clarke hosted the several of the Go8 are considering options in I had the pleasure of hosting a very special quarterly Group of Eight HR Directors their universities. dinner to acknowledge the 13 senior meeting. This is the third time the meeting has The Vice-Chancellor Professor Stuart academics who were made Distinguished been held at The University of Auckland in the McCutcheon attended the meeting to welcome Professors at the start of the year. This process last five years. attendees and to discuss key staff initiatives in the Go8 institutions. recognises those who have attained positions “Being part of this network is an excellent way of international eminence of the highest order. for us to share knowledge and practices with The meeting dinner was held at the Goldwater Wine Science Centre on Waiheke Island and our Together with the original five Distinguished Australia’s leading universities, and to showcase Professors (Ted Baker, , Peter developments at Auckland.” Australian guests enjoyed a tour of the facilities by winemaker Heinrich Storm. Gluckman, Peter Hunter and ), Kath was asked to brief the meeting on the the new appointees make up a very small University of Auckland HR service delivery proportion of our approximately 250 full professors, and thus are a distinguished group indeed. The thirteen new Distinguished Professors :JPLUJLW\ISPZOPUNZVSPKPÄLZ were acknowledged by colleagues, family, friends and supporters at the dinner. See their The success of last year’s Frankfurt Book Fair continues for profiles over the page. Auckland University Press with the sales of rights to Veronika During the course of the evening, the new Meduna’s Science on Ice: Discovering the Secrets of Antarctica to “inductees” were welcomed by Distinguished CSIRO and Yale University Press. Professor Brian Boyd on behalf of himself and his Science on Ice is an engaging account of how scientists are “original” colleagues, most of whom were also tackling some of the biggest questions out there – climate change, able to be present at the Dinner. The Deans of the origins of life, the big bang – down in Antarctica. the relevant faculties then read citations “It’s a real thrill to us to take this book to the world,“ says director honouring each of the new Distinguished Sam Elworthy. Professors, commenting on their extraordinary “Yale and CSIRO are outstanding publishers and they’re the best records in teaching, research, service and partners we could ask for on a book like this. leadership, both within the University and “Developing our science publishing and strengthening our international reach are two key pillars of externally to the professions and communities. Auckland University Press’s strategy. It’s great to see those efforts paying off.” One of the things that struck me particularly about this group was that their achievements, like those of their predecessors, place them among the very best academics in their disciplines world-wide. We often worry about the many challenges facing New Zealand Highlight universities, including the paucity of public and private investment and our distance from major Fulbright New Zealand Outreach awards to help you get there. University academic centres (issues we will address in the Tour 2012 of Auckland, Tuesday 6 March Commerce draft Strategic Plan 2013-2020). But the fact Fulbright New Zealand’s educational Careers Fair – 10am-2pm, Business remains that our professors are able to operate advising team is visiting the University as part School Level 0 on a level that is truly world-class. This is of its annual Outreach Tour to inform students Fulbright Scholar Awards seminar for something from which we can all take and academic staff about opportunities to academic staff – 1.30-2.30pm, Conference considerable heart. study, research, teach or present their work in Centre Lecture Theatre (Room 423-342) the United States. Fulbright Graduate Awards seminar for Come along to hear unbiased, current and students – 3-4pm, Conference Centre Lecture comprehensive information about higher Theatre (Room 423-342) education in the US and an introduction to the See www.fulbright.org.nz Fulbright programme’s range of exchange

The University of Auckland News 3 Our new Distinguished Professors

Thirteen academics became Distinguished He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society New Zealand (IPENZ) and last year’s election as Professors in the University at the beginning of of New Zealand in 1991. In 2002 he was made a Distinguished Fellow of IPENZ. He was also this year. an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit awarded the prestigious German Science They were appointed by an Advisory Panel that (ONZM) for services to cancer research and in Foundation (DFG) Fellowship and a Testimonial comprised Distinguished Professor Dame Anne 2006 was awarded both the Sir Charles Hercus of Excellence by the Institute for Composite Salmond; Distinguished Professor Brian Boyd; Medal (scientific or technological work of great Materials, Germany. Distinguished Professor Peter Hunter; Deputy merit in biomedical sciences and technologies) India-born Debes has also received several Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor John and the Sir Medal for honours from India including the highly Morrow; Director of Human Resources, Kath outstanding research endeavours. prestigious “Glory of India” award in January Clarke and Director Staff Equity, Prue Toft. He has published over 380 peer-reviewed 2012. He is the only New Zealander of Indian papers and has registered 17 patents. He has origin to receive a Gold Medal at the House of In this special edition of the University News also published 25 book chapters and has edited Lords (London) and Nav Rattan (nine jewels) we profile our new Distinguished Professors. one book. award from New Delhi, both in 2011. He was also awarded the Hind Rattan (jewel of India) at New Delhi in 2010 and was a recipient of the “Glory of Bengal” award from Doha, Qatar in 2010 for outstanding contributions by a person of Bengali origin.

Distinguished Professor Bruce Baguley Distinguished Professor Debes Professor Bruce Baguley is a cell biologist with a Bhattacharyya particular interest in cancer biology and cancer Professor Debes Bhattacharyya established and treatment. He trained initially in chemistry, leads the Centre for Advanced Composites Distinguished Professor John Boys switching to the field of molecular biology for his Materials (CACM), a highly regarded research Distinguished Professor John Boys is both a doctoral degree. He subsequently went to Basel, centre which develops composite materials. leader and founder of the Power Electronics Switzerland for two years to study the Composites are engineered lightweight Group - world leaders in the development of biochemistry of normal and cancer tissue, materials with superior properties, used by inductive power transfer (IPT). returning to New Zealand in 1968 to join what is industry to develop new products and The IPT technology transmits electric power now the Auckland Cancer Society Research technologies. The purpose-built facility based at across air gaps of up to 450mm without using Centre at The University of Auckland (ACSRC). the University’s Tāmaki Innovation Campus has wires. It was pioneered by John, Dr Andrew He has held the role of director/co-director of engineered new materials for everything from Green, and Associate Professor Grant Covic in the ACSRC for three decades and has been food packaging to aircraft and medical devices, the Faculty of Engineering’s basement in 1989. particularly involved in the development of a collaborating with many New Zealand and IPT technology is being used to power electric multidisciplinary facility where new treatment international companies and research cars, industrial automation equipment in strategies can be formulated and new drugs organisations. factories, pacemakers, and for lighting in synthesised, and where comprehensive Debes, a Professor from the Mechanical theatres and road tunnels. Last year HaloIPT, a laboratory studies of new drugs can be Engineering Department, within the Faculty of UniServices spin-off company part-owned by complemented by trials in patients. Engineering, is recognised internationally for the John and Grant, sold its exclusive rights in the Bruce has been particularly associated with quality of his research. He has been the chair electric vehicle charging technology to the development of an interface between the and a member of the international panels Qualcomm, a major United States licensing and laboratory and the clinic. His biological studies appointed by the Commonwealth and State research and development company specialising on two DNA binding drugs and one novel Governments of Australia to review a Centre of in wireless communications. The multi-million anti-vascular agent led to clinical trials in the Excellence and a Cooperative Research Centre. dollar deal was the most significant IP treatment of solid tumours. With the He has also been the President of the Asian- technology transfer deal ever achieved by a New collaboration of surgeons, oncologists and Australasian Association of Composite Zealand or Australian university or CRI. pathologists in Auckland, he has been involved Materials, and a member of the editorial John’s outstanding research career has been in the use of cells cultured directly from patients’ advisory boards of seven international journals. recognised by the Royal Society of New Zealand. tumours in order to understand the reasons for His numerous awards indicate his standing as He was elected a Fellow in 1993, and has been treatment failure. This work is being used in the an engineer and researcher. These include awarded two of the Royal Society’s top honours, design of new drugs that might overcome the Fellowships of the Royal Society of New Zealand the R J Scott Medal and the Pickering Medal. He resistance mechanisms that limit current and the Institution of Professional Engineers is the only person to have received both awards. cancer therapy.

4 1 March 2012 He has also been the recipient of The Institution of Chemical Sciences. She is chair of the board of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ) of trustees of the Rutherford Foundation, a Fulton-Downer Gold Medal on three separate past-member of the Marsden Fund Council, occasions and numerous other national and past-president of the International Society of international awards. Heterocyclic Chemistry, a titular member of the He has published more than 100 papers in International Union of Pure and Applied international journals and has his name on more Chemistry Organic and Biomolecular Division than 30 US and New Zealand patents from and a principal investigator of the Maurice which licenses in specialised application areas Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery and have been granted around the world. the Centre for Brain Research. John's research interests were AC motor control and power electronics but have changed to reflect increasing activity in inductive power Distinguished Professor Bill Denny transfer. Professor Bill Denny has had a truly outstanding academic career. His particular area of expertise is medicinal chemistry focusing on cancer chemotherapeutic agents. His interests include all aspects of the design and evaluation of small-molecule chemotherapeutic agents, and he has been involved in the development of 12 anticancer drugs to clinical trial. He is currently involved in developing new drugs to treat tuberculosis (TB) more effectively – a disease which is re-emerging Distinguished Professor Stephen Davies as a world health emergency. Professor Stephen Davies is a leading scholar in He has published more than 600 peer- the philosophy of art, particularly music. His reviewed papers, been granted 75 patents and expertise is diverse though - he has also written has led the commercialisation activities of a extensively on birds, Balinese dance, ethics and wide variety of agents. He also co-founded Distinguished Professor political philosophy. Proacta Inc (NZ and San Diego) and Pathway The natural world is a treasure-trove of chemical Stephen forged his name early on with his Therapeutics Ltd (San Francisco), and is compounds that have the potential to treat studies into the expression of emotion in music, co-director of the Auckland Cancer Society human disease. Margaret is a renowned chemist publishing his work to acclaim in the prestigious Research Centre. who creates synthetic copies of promising journal Mind in 1980. He went on to publish Bill is recipient of a long list of significant compounds from nature, so that they may be widely on the aesthetics of art and music. His distinctions. He was appointed an Officer of the produced in large quantities and modified for first book Definitions of Art, Cornell University NZ Order of Merit (ONZM) for his services to therapeutic use. Press, 1991, established new terminology and cancer research in the 2003 Queen’s Birthday Her laboratory works on bioactive compounds framework for the debate over “what is art”. He Honours List. He received the Rutherford Medal that have been isolated from plants, animal has since published six single-authored books, of the Royal Society of New Zealand, the Adrian tissue, microbes or marine and soil organisms one edited book, two co-edited books and 64 Albert Medal of the UK Royal Society of which are rare or hard to isolate in abundance refereed journal articles, mainly in aesthetics but Chemistry, and the University’s Gluckman from nature. She has led the development of also in ethics and political philosophy, and 40 Medal. He was named NZBio Biotechnologist of many medicinal compounds, such as new book chapters and handbook entries. the year in 2007. antibiotics, agents to treat diabetes and cancer, “My current major research project is a book and a drug candidate in the final stage of on aesthetics, art, and evolution in which I human clinical trials for the treatment of critically review proposals by evolutionary traumatic brain injury. psychologists, ethnologists, and philosophers Her work has been recognised with numerous about connections between our evolved human national and international awards, including the nature and our aesthetic tastes and predilection 2011 Adrien Albert Award from the Royal for art,” Stephen says. Australian Chemical Institute, the 2010 Royal Born in Australia, Davies studied at Monash Society of Chemistry UK Natural Products University in Victoria and Birkbeck College, Chemistry Award and a 2008 World Class New University of London. He taught philosophy at Zealand Award. She was named the 2007 the University of Western Australia and joined L’Oreal-UNESCO Women in Science Asia-Pacific The University of Auckland in 1983. Today he Laureate in Materials Science and was made a teaches a range of courses in Philosophy. Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit A keen bird watcher, he has also contributed Distinguished Professor Rod Ellis (CNZM) for services to science in the 2012 New to ornithology journals in Britain and New Professor Rod Ellis is a major contributor to the Year’s Honours. Zealand, and he maintains an ongoing research study of second language acquisition, pioneering Margaret studied for her undergraduate and interest in Balinese culture and art. new approaches to the way languages are MSc degrees at The University of Auckland He has received many high-profile taught in a classroom setting. His book the Study before travelling to the University of appointments, including Fellow of the Royal of Second language Acquisition published by Southampton for her PhD. She currently holds Society of New Zealand (2010), Hood Fellowship, Oxford University Press won the Duke of the Chair of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry University of Auckland (2007) and he is a past Edinburgh Prize for the best book in Applied and leads a large research group in the School president of the American Society for Aesthetics. Linguistics.

The University of Auckland News 5 A professor in the Department of Applied graph theory and associated fields, including Medical Patron of the Motor Neurone Disease Language Studies and Linguistics in the Faculty discrete geometry and Riemann surfaces. Association of New Zealand. of Arts, Rod is a leading theorist of task-based Marston has been recognised by his peers Richard is the recipient of numerous awards language learning. with the distinction of a Doctor of Science degree including the World Class New Zealander of the “Task-based teaching (TBT) contrasts with from the University of Oxford and election as Year in 2010, the University’s Gluckman Medal traditional approaches to language teaching that President of the Academy of the Royal Society of in 2002, the Health Research Council of New require intentional learning, such as teaching New Zealand. In 2011 he was named the first Zealand’s Liley Medal in 2005 and the Royal vocabulary and grammar. A limitation of such Maclaurin Lecturer, in a new reciprocal Society of New Zealand’s Rutherford Medal in approaches is that learners often fail to develop exchange of visiting lecturers between the New 2007. In 2005 he was appointed as an Officer of the ability to participate effectively in real Zealand and American Mathematical Societies. the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for communication. TBT requires learners to use the He also received a prestigious James Cook services to medical research in the Queen’s language as a tool in communicative activities. It Research Fellowship, awarded to New Zealand Birthday Honours. caters to incidental rather than intentional researchers who have achieved national and learning and draws heavily on research about international recognition in their area of how second and foreign languages are acquired scientific research. naturally,” he says. He has been an investigator on ten Marsden Rod is also known for the Ellis Principles of Fund grants since 1995 and received numerous Instructed Language Teaching – ten general professional awards. He is a Fellow of the principles of teaching foreign languages Institute of Combinatorics and Applications. developed for the New Zealand Ministry of Marston joined The University of Auckland in Education, used widely in New Zealand and also 1983 and was one of the University’s first two in Spain. Hood Fellows in 2005. He served as Deputy More recently he was part of a Marsden- Vice-Chancellor (Research) from 1999-2001. He funded project investigating ways of measuring is currently Professor of Mathematics and implicit and explicit knowledge of a second Co-Director of the New Zealand Institute of language, then using these measures to Mathematics and its Applications (NZIMA). investigate the effects of instruction on learning. This is an area he continues to work in. Distinguished Professor A former teacher, Rod has held positions in Professor Jane Harding is the University’s Zambia, the UK, at Temple University in Japan Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research). She is and the US. He holds visiting professorships with a member of the Fetal and Neonatal Physiology Shanghai International Studies University, Kansai research group of the University’s University (Japan) and Michigan State University Liggins Institute. (USA). Since 1980, he has authored more than Her research activities include clinical as well 30 books and 100 articles on second language as basic physiological studies. Her main interests acquisition. He is currently editor of the journal concern the interaction of nutrients and growth Language Teaching Research, and is also a factors in the regulation of growth before and senior advisor to the Asian EFL Journal. after birth, and the long-term consequences of treatments given around the time of birth. Jane obtained her medical degree at The Distinguished Professor University of Auckland. She then trained in fetal Professor Richard Faull is the Director of the physiology on a Rhodes Scholarship, completing Centre for Brain Research. As Professor of her Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Anatomy he has earned an international Oxford. After specialist training as a reputation for his research studies on the normal paediatrician in New Zealand, she completed and diseased human brain. He is perhaps best her FRACP in neonatology. Her postdoctoral known for research showing that the adult training was as a Fogarty Fellow at the human brain contains stem cells which have the University of California at San Francisco. capacity to generate new replacement brain She was awarded a personal Chair in cells. This groundbreaking work countered the Neonatology in 1997 at The University of long-held belief that adults have a finite supply Auckland in recognition of her outstanding of brain cells that cannot be replaced once they abilities as a clinician, academic teacher and have died, and offers hope to people with researcher. In 2001 she joined Professors Distinguished Professor neurodegenerative disease and brain injury. He Gluckman, Mitchell and Gilmour in establishing Professor Marston Conder is an international has published over 200 peer-reviewed papers. the Liggins Institute, and in 2008 was appointed leader in his branch of mathematics. He Richard is the founder of the Neurological Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research). specialises in the development and use of Foundation of New Zealand Human Brain Bank, She was made an Officer of the New Zealand combinatorial group theory and computational which houses brain tissue donated by people Order of Merit (ONZM) in 2002 and was chosen methods to study the symmetries of discrete with neurological disorders and their families. It as the North & South New Zealander of the Year structures. These structures occur in a wide is a crucial resource for neuroscientists and an in 2004. In 2011 she was awarded a prestigious range of fields, including many other branches of example of the strong community links Richard grant from the United States National Institutes mathematics as well as molecular chemistry and has forged. He is the Patron of the Alzheimer's of Health (NIH) to lead a research programme the design of computer architectures and Foundation (Auckland), Alzheimers New Zealand with global implications for the care of efficient distribution networks. His work has Charitable Trust and the Huntington's Disease newborn babies. influenced many researchers in group theory and Association (Auckland and Northland), and the

6 1 March 2012 Distinguished Professor Viviane Robinson Distinguished Professor Peter Phillips Distinguished Professor Ian Reid Professor Viviane Robinson from the Faculty of To label Professor Peter Phillips as one of this Professor Ian Reid reached a position of Education is an organisational psychologist of University’s greatest intellectual products is international prominence through his ground- national and international acclaim. understating his immense impact on the study of breaking research into the causes and treatment Her research specialities are in the fields of econometrics globally. Peter’s contributions of osteoporosis and Paget’s disease. Highlights educational leadership, organisational and have revolutionised econometric practice have been a leading role in the development of interpersonal effectiveness, and the relationship worldwide, and influenced similar research the bisphosphonate class of drugs for treating between research and the improvement of throughout the business, social and natural both these conditions (resulting in effective cure practice. sciences as far afield as climate trends and of Paget’s disease), demonstration of the critical Viviane’s research programme on educational biodiversity. role of fat tissue in regulating bone metabolism, leadership has contributed greatly to shifting the Educated here and at the London School of and studies linking calcium supplements with an field away from a generic business management Economics and Political Science, Peter has an increased risk of heart attack. approach, to a more serious engagement with outstanding reputation that places him squarely Ian is a Professor of Medicine and the educational knowledge and skills that are within the top influential economists globally. Endocrinology, and Deputy Dean in the Faculty required for effective educational leadership. Attaining his full professorship at 27, Peter is of Medical and Health Sciences. His research Her work on the relationship between leadership currently Sterling Professor of Economics and group has also been active in identifying practices and student outcomes has brought her Professor of Statistics at Yale University and novel regulators of bone cell function and both national and international awards. In New Alumni Distinguished Professor of Economics at the development of a number of other Zealand, she received the 2008 Educational The University of Auckland Business School, a treatment modalities. Leadership Award from the New Zealand role he has held since 1992. He is also the Ian is a former president of the International Secondary Principals Association. In the United co-director of the Center for Financial Bone and Mineral Society and a Fellow of the States, she received the prestigious William Econometrics at the Sim Kee Boon Institute at Royal Society of New Zealand. He has authored Davis award at the 2009 American Educational Singapore Management University. more than 460 scientific publications and has Research Association for her scholarship on At last count Peter has published more than 15 granted patents. educational leadership. In 2011, Viviane became 250 scientific papers. He is the founding editor Within the University he has received an the first New Zealander to be elected a Fellow of of two highly regarded econometric journals, Alumni Achievement Award, a Hood Fellowship the American Educational Research Association. and is a Fellow of the Econometric Society, and the Gluckman Medal, and internationally an Her research on educational leadership has American Statistical Association, American honorary Fellowship of the Royal College of shaped leadership development policy and Academy of Arts and Sciences, Institute of Physicians (2006), and research awards from the programmes in New Zealand, and in regional Mathematical Statistics, and a Corresponding Royal Australasian College of Physicians (2010), systems in Australia, Canada and England. As Fellow of the British Academy. the American Society for Bone and Mineral Academic Director of The University of Auckland Peter has offered unstinting support to the NZ Research (2010), and the International Bone and Centre for Educational Leadership Viviane has profession – a contribution recognised in 2004 Mineral Society (2011). built strong connections between professional by the New Zealand Association of Economists in developers and researchers so that the services making him Distinguished Fellow. He won the the Centre offers to national and international New Zealand Medal of Science and Technology educational leaders are strongly based in from the Royal Society in 1998 and Economist of research that is both rigorous and highly the Year in 2000. Apology relevant to the needs of practitioners. Viviane is But perhaps Peter’s greatest contribution to In the last edition of the University News we increasingly integrating the work of the centre econometrics worldwide has been his tireless wrote that new Professor Margaret Hyland with that of the faculty’s Leadership Research work with more than 70 PhD students, many of was from the Department of Engineering Group which is conducting research on the whom are now prominent econometricians Science. This is incorrect, Margaret is a knowledge and skills that educational leaders themselves and within Peter’s self-proclaimed member of the Chemical and Materials need to make a bigger difference to student “large extended family”. Engineering Department. learning and achievement. Currently ranked the seventh most influential econometrician in the world , Peter is a jewel in our University crown.

The University of Auckland News 7 “lecturing on the rule of law to students against whom I had acted in the riot squad, fortunately disguised with a gas mask. Of the non-rioting students, one became deputy prime minister while another is still the chief justice.” By 1962 Bernard “could see the game was up for those referred to by the then leader as being from perfidious Albion”. He telephoned the only New Zealander he knew, the legendary Professor Jack Northey, soon to be become Dean of Law at Auckland, to find that an appointee to a lectureship had suddenly “fallen by the wayside”. Bernard was invited to take his place, flying into Whenuapai a few days later. For many years Bernard taught criminal law and legal history, and he introduced criminology as a subject. He also took on the daunting task of lecturing in administrative law. Half century for tireless law teacher In the mid-1960s he was seconded to an academic position in Australia for three years. Bernard Brown, one of the University’s Memorable snippets of his poetry and prose “Two rather piquant misprints” saw the Sydney best-loved and most enduring identities, has were read out along with the lavish accolade he Morning Herald advertise for a Fallow (sic) in clocked up 50 years since his appointment to received in the autobiography of his good friend Papua New Guinea law at the Australian the Faculty of Law. David Lange. As senior lecturer Kris Gledhill put Notional (sic) University. “I thought a fallowship To mark this rare distinction his friends it: “It’s nice to remember that Bernard has a at a notional university would do me very well.” organised a surprise lunch for him one Friday in serious side to him captured by his thrilling While at Canberra Bernard prepared a February. Nearly 50 people — academic ability with words.” blueprint for a village court system. colleagues past and present, librarians and As well as writing legal texts which include his Implemented at PNG’s independence in 1974 it other professional staff, several judges and book on Crime and the law and the first printed survives to this day. Queen’s Counsel — gathered in the Student text on Papua New Guinea law he has produced As a mark of his calibre as a teacher Bernard Common Room to show their fond esteem. scintillating collections of poetry and prose, received a University Distinguished Teaching And a total surprise it definitely was. “I was most recently Unspeakable practices and Award in 1997. Three years later he was lured there by my colleagues’ threat of a peer Sensible sinning. made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of review of my criminal law tutorial performance,” The Law School celebration capped a Merit in the New Year Honours for services to says Bernard, joking: “I came very close to taking memorable week for Bernard; the previous day legal education. a QC with me.” he had been admitted as an honorary life Bernard, by now an associate professor, Professor Warren Brookbanks opened member of the NZ Society of Authors. stopped teaching full-time in 1998. “I spent three proceedings by remarking that Bernard had Bernard’s arrival in Auckland half a century days trying to use my leisure time in a begun teaching before some of the current staff ago was more serendipitous than a planned constructive way and just gave up. I desperately were born. He mentioned how Bernard had career move. Born and raised in England he needed to come back. To my surprise, I found I mentored academic colleagues early in their studied law at Leeds University intending to needed the students perhaps more than the careers, and spoke of the warmth and affection practise as a barrister. students needed me.” for him within the Law School and the wider However National Service intervened, taking Fourteen years later and designated legal community. him to pre-independence Singapore where he Professional Teaching Fellow he is still hard at it In the impromptu tributes which followed “combined court martial appearances and some at the age of 78. He comes in to the Law School Bernard was praised for his prowess as an part-time university teaching with riot squad every day and he has no plans to quit. “There is academic lawyer, writer and peerless raconteur, control”. At the National University of nothing worse than drawing the curtains on life.” and for his kindness and humanity as a person. Singapore’s new law faculty he found himself Pictured: Bernard with his wife Gaynor Gout breakthrough

research that has identified factors in dairy Science and Technology. The results have just products that may have an anti-inflammatory been published in Annals of the Rheumatic effect in the treatment of gout. Diseases. Associate Professor Nicola Dalbeth is the lead "As a community, we think of gout as a researcher on a team that includes scientists nutritional disease," Nicola explains. "And yet from Fonterra and The University of Auckland. this is the first published randomised controlled Following a programme of laboratory work, the trial of a dietary intervention for gout”. group successfully conducted a clinical trial New Zealand has the highest rates of gout in showing the benefit of enriched skim milk in the world, with particularly high rates of disease in Mäori and Pacific men. A researcher in the Faculty of Medical and gout. This research was funded by LactoPharma The clinical trial, undertaken at The University Health Sciences Bone and Joint Research (a joint venture between Fonterra and Auckland of Auckland, found that people with recurrent Group is at the forefront of groundbreaking UniServices) and the Foundation for Research, continued top of next page

8 1 March 2012

gout attacks taking skim milk enriched with two As a result of Nicola’s research, Fonterra is Research news dairy factors (GMP and G600 milk fat extract) had now looking to develop the product and make it a greater reduction in gout attacks than those available in the next one to two years. Investment in genomics and bioinformatics receiving either lactose or standard skim milk. services The Centre for Genomics Proteomics and the Bioinformatics Institute have recently entered Collecting surprises into a service agreement with New Zealand Genomics Limited to provide genomics and bioinformatics services to the wider New about our important teaching and research Zealand research community. The agreement collections and the way that they have been and will fund equipment well as new appointments are being used,” she says. in the Centre for Genomics Proteomics and the Part of the project, an initiative supported by BioInformatics Institute. Inquiries should be the Vice-Chancellor’s Strategic Development directed to NZGL via its website: Fund, will be to develop a more complete http://www.nzgenomics.co.nz or to catalogue of the University’s collections. An [email protected]. overview of the scale and breadth of these will help the University have more certainty around Public seminar: EC Commissioner for issues affecting their ongoing use, care and The University of Auckland ClockTower, Research, Innovation and Science management, such as preservation and security. designed by internationally-acclaimed Marie Geoghegan-Quinn, EC Commissioner An additional benefit of the cross-campus architect Roy Lippincott; an impressive coral for Research, Innovation and Science, will be treasure hunt is bringing together a network of tree planted by Governor Grey standing in giving a public seminar on “EU-NZ cooperation curators. front of Old Government House; and one of in research and innovation: Recent Dr Neville Hudson, manager of the School of the world’s last three remaining spade-toothed achievements and new opportunities under Environment’s Geological Collections based whale skeletons are among the better known Horizon 2020”. The seminar will be held on 9 offsite near the Tāmaki Innovation Campus, is items of interest within the University’s March, from 10–11am at the Conference one of the many staff looking forward to environs. There are many more. Centre Lecture Theatre (Room 342), 22 exchanging knowledge and expertise around the Symonds Street. Online registration is available Three months underway, the Cultural care of University collections. at https://secure.business.auckland.ac.nz/Cl- Collections Project has already registered more “The majority of the Geological Collections MaireGeoghegan-Quinn2012 than 30 collections used across the campuses are off limits to the general public with the for scholarly teaching and research or of public exception of ‘Geology’ in Building 301 and New Zealand-Korea collaboration on and historical interest. temporary displays during the Incredible Science nanotechnology Stephanie McKenzie is the newly appointed Day. This project will advocate for the immense MSI and the Korean Ministry of Education, Cultural Collections Assistant and has begun value of these collections as cultural heritage of Science and Technology are supporting joint contacting staff, to find and note collections of national and international significance.” research projects which foster scientific cultural significance across the University For further information about the project, collaboration between scientists working in campuses. please contact Stephanie McKenzie at specified fields. Associate Professor Jadranka “It is a project that will bring real insights [email protected] Travas-Sejdic has been awarded $195,000 over three years to provide novel polymers to be used as scaffold for co-culture of various Top artists show skin cells. Lotteries Health shared equipment Opening in May is an exhibition of portraiture grants announced by renowned photographer , who University of Auckland researchers have been originally trained as a teacher, earning a degree awarded Lotteries Health shared equipment in English and a masters in Education at the grants totaling $197,000. Funding was University, but became inspired by photography awarded to: while taking workshops at Elam with John B. pProfessor Suzanne Purdy, Department of Turner. Psychology who will use the funds to Major exhibitions in the second semester purchase a unique voice measurement feature New Zealand’s leading dancer and device for use in research into voice choreographer, Douglas Wright, and film-maker disorders in teachers. Vincent Ward. Vincent, well-known for his films, pProfessor Laura Bennet, Department of The Gus Fisher Gallery will host some of New is now producing work specifically to be viewed Physiology, for blood flow meters and Zealand’s most respected and exciting artists in a gallery environment, including video, probes, which will be used to study fetal this year. photography and painting. Timed to coincide physiology, and for cardiovascular research During New Zealand book month the with the TEMPO Dance Festival, Douglas Body of involving adults. exhibition Paper-jams: artists between the covers Work exhibition will span his 30-year career, pAssociate Professor Mike Hay and Dr Jack looks at the significance and materiality of looking at the various ways dance is developed Flanagan of the Auckland Cancer Society publications in art. At the same time leading and represented through photography, film, Research Centre, in collaboration with Dr sculptor John Edgar’s Ballast project uses the writing and drawing. Debbie Hay of the School of Biological motif of ballast stones to consider migration John Edgar, Flagstone, 2009 Sciences, for a liquid handling robot to between Scotland and New Zealand. Marble, Takaka, New Zealand, 830 x 510 x 240 (H) mm facilitate drug discovery at ACSRC.

The University of Auckland News 9 From the collection whakapapa, spirituality and place. These remind us of the underlying power that ripples beneath the land we stand on with its ever-changing layers of history. Kinetic energy is a key feature in the show, whether through the optical effects of painting, the spiritually charged dance of light and dark on reflective surfaces, or the kaleidoscopic distortions of his digital work. Contained on a canvas like bottled lightning, Reuben’s paintings challenge our perception and control of the present as a state of flow, an analogy for capturing the elusive creative process as it shifts between boredom and inspiration. Reuben completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Elam School of Fine Arts in 1997, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching at The University of Auckland’s Faculty of Education. He has exhibited widely both internationally and in New Zealand, including the Biennale of Sydney Fish to Water (and its counterpart, Water to a river, echoing the way his glittered canvases (2010), Asia Pacific Triennial, Brisbane (2009) Fish, also in the collection) was first shown in present a glistening surface that covers hidden and the Prague Biennial (2005). He was recipient Reuben Paterson’s 2010 exhibition depths of meaning and history. of the New York International Studio Curatorial The Water Between Us at Milford Galleries. As well as referencing the precious metals in Programme Development Prize in the Wallace The works in this show represent the the riverbed, the gold tonings of these works Art Awards (2005), a finalist in the Castteleon Karangahake Gorge, which was once a suggest the nostalgia and loss found in historic City Arts Council Arts Prize, Spain (2005) and significant food source for local iwi, as well as old sepia photographs. Prominent gold mining the Moet et Chandon Arts Fellowship in Avize, an important travel route and territorial towns have also now gone, washed away in the France (1997). border, and consider the legacy of gold mining ongoing flux of time that is a recurring motif of Bottled Lightning is Paterson’s first survey (one of the most industrialised sites in New Paterson’s work. exhibition, focusing on work from the last ten Zealand) on waterways. “Water to Fish” now features in Bottled years, and also his first solo public gallery These continue Reuben’s exploration of the Lightning, Reuben’s survey exhibition at the Gus exhibition in Auckland in over a decade. The liquid properties of light and metallic glitter to Fisher Gallery, which is a dazzling exploration of exhibition closes Saturday 3 March and will be address social and political issues to do with materials: From his well-known glitter-on-canvas followed by a publication that commemorates histories of the land. But whereas previous works depictions of kowhaiwhai and fabric designs, to the occasion. Visit www.gusfishergallery. used glitter to depict flat textile-derived motifs more recent experiments with a wide range of auckland.ac.nz for more information. and abstract patterns, these make use of media including sequins, foil, diamond dust, photographic effects to portray perspective, shoes, gourds, video and installation. Andrew Clifford depth and volume, so it is interesting that Reuben’s work is underpinned by an ongoing conceptual investigation into aspects of time and Reuben has chosen a liquid environment for his Reuben Paterson (b.1973), Fish to Water, 2010, glitter on most figurative work to date. Another work in the energy through the properties of light, which canvas, 1018 x 1526mm, The University of Auckland Art exhibition shows the shimmering blue surface of reflects the power of history, memory, Collection Books

The Shakespearean International Yearbook , the violence as well as calmness, the settling Volume 11: Special issue, Placing Michael and unsettling, that has worked to produce Neill. Issues of Place in Shakespeare and Early - and still works to produce - the "global." Modern Culture Many of the essays move out of early modern England, whether spatially (journeying to This eleventh issue of The Shakespearean Ireland, India, Indonesia, Italy, Sudan, and International Yearbook brings together essays New Zealand) or temporally (travelling to by a diverse group of writers, to honour The 20th- and 21st-century reproductions, University of Auckland’s Shakespearean rewritings, or reappropriations of Shakespeare scholar, Emeritus Professor of English Michael and other texts). The volume concludes with an Neill. The yearbook examines Michael's afterword by Michael Neill. Among editors extraordinary body of work, employing his are the University’s Professor of English Tom many analyses of place as points of departure Bishop and alumnus Jonathan Gil Harris, for new critical investigations of Shakespeare Professor of English at The George Washington and Renaissance culture. It also challenges us University, USA. to think about the conception of place implicit in the "International" of the Yearbook's title:

10 1 March 2012 Auckland Cancer Society Research Queries to Melanie Middleditch, House-sitter wanted. House in stunning What’s on Centre: The mystery of increasing phone 923 6409 or email location overlooking estuary and islands melanoma prevalence: What is the [email protected] at Mahurangi West, 40 minutes north of THURSDAY 1 MARCH cellular basis? 4-5pm Seminar Room, Harbour Bridge, 20 March to 10 April or NZ Asia Institute seminar Level 1, Liggins Institute, 2-6 Park Ave, a little longer. Look after three chickens, Prof Rouben Azizian, Asia-Pacific Centre Grafton. MONDAY 12 MARCH water and eat vegetables. Mow lawn (total for Security Studies: Central Asia: Europe Queries to [email protected] or NZ Blood Service one hour per day?). Ideal for researcher or Asia? 3-4pm Case Rm 3, Owen G [email protected] Donate blood today. 10am-4pm Cap & needing writing time and space. No Glenn Bldg, 12 Grafton Rd. Gown Lounge, Level 2, Princes Street. charge, references needed. Contact: Visit www.nzai.auckland.ac.nz Runs until 13, 14, 15 March at same [email protected] or Mike on (09) Orientation concert THURSDAY 8 MARCH time and Friday 16 March from 10am- 422 0491. 6-10.30pm John Hood Plaza, 12 Grafton Department of Physics seminar 2pm. For further information txt DON8 One-bdrm apartment in city centre. Rd. Professor Charles Alcock, Director to 515. Close to Britomart, Foodtown, Downtown Featuring The Naked and Famous. of Harvard-Smithsonian Center for shopping centre, University of Auckland, The concert will be a smoke-free event, Astrophysics: Darkness visible: Charting Queen St. Stunning views of harbour, and entry is by Student ID or ticket only. unseen populations in the Solar System, TUESDAY 13 MARCH Rangitoto, Eastern Suburbs. Fully furnished Free. The Milky Way, and the Universe. 12- Dept of Classics and Ancient History including whiteware, Sky TV. Plenty of Department of English lecture 1pm FGW Rm, OGH. seminar parking nearby. Ideal tenants: Professional. Prof Emerita Rachel Blau DuPlessis, Queries to [email protected] Professor Richard Hunter, Regius No pets or smokers please. $400 pw. Temple University, Philadelphia: Liggins Institute academic seminar Professor of Greek, University of Phone (09) 348 5319/(021) 932 391 or Reflections on the long poem: Dr Benjamin Miller, Colorado State Cambridge, Fellow of Trinity College, email [email protected] Autobiography of a practice. 6.30pm University: The use of deuterium oxide to Cambridge: The idea of the classical in Lecture Theatre, OGH. assess long-term cellular and subcellular classical antiquity. 6pm Lecture Theatre, ACCOMMODATION REQUIRED turnover. 1-2pm Seminar Room, Level 1, OGH. Liggins Institute, 2-6 Park Ave, Grafton. Are you looking for a mature, reliable SATURDAY 3 MARCH Queries to [email protected] or couple (n/s) to care for your home while Exhibition talk [email protected] WEDNESDAY 14 MARCH you are away? Academic recently moved 1pm Gus Fisher Gallery, 74 Shortland St. Auckland Live! European Languages and to Auckland. Current house-sit finishes Curator Mary Sewell talks about the Mana, mettle and magic. 6pm Literatures seminar late June 2012. Term negotiable 3-12 origins of the McGregor Museum as Maidment Theatre. $30. Prof Graziella Parati, Dartmouth months. Areas within 30 minutes of Epsom a teaching collection and highlights Join us for an inspirational evening College: Chinatown and Koreas: Internal Campus preferred. Email Karen and Jon at particular items of interest. Queries to with The University of Auckland’s and external migrations in Milan. 6pm [email protected] gusfi[email protected] Distinguished Alumni Award winners, Lecture Theatre, B10, Alfred St. House-sitter available. Hello! I am hosted by Finlay Macdonald. Visit looking for an opportunity to house-sit for www.gusfishergallery.auckland.ac.nz With winners: a few months (or more or less– I’m flexible) Summer Shakespeare Under the p1SPGFTTPS$IBSMFT"MDPDL 'BDVMUZ starting ASAP. I currently live in St Heliers Stars of Science graduate: Director of the Classifieds and am a 29-year-old IT professional AUSA presents William Shakespeare’s Harvard-Smithsonian Center for working in Auckland CBD. I am very clean, Much Ado About Nothing. 7.30-10pm. Astrophysics ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE tidy and responsible. Happy to share Runs until 24 March. Tickets on sale at p%PO.D(MBTIBO 'BDVMUZPG"SUT Apartments for rent. Call us for references etc. Contact (021) 034 6258 or the Maidment Theatre. Phone 923 4823 graduate: Celebrated singer and song- your rental requirements; we offer city [email protected] or email [email protected] writer. apartments furnished/unfurnished, all University lecturer looking for rental Visit www.auckland.ac.nz/adventure p%S.BSL4BHBS 'BDVMUZPG&OHJOFFSJOH sizes and prices; great rental deals for accommodation for busy professional family graduate: Winner of two Academy long-term leases; call Andrew or Mandy members (two adults, one child), two bdrm Awards for digital motion capture on 09 303 0601 at City Sales or townhouse, apartment or house, approx TUESDAY 6 MARCH technology used in Avatar, and King [email protected] or log on to $400 pw. Email [email protected] Kong. Communique 2012 www.citysales.co.nz/rentals p%BNF3PCJO8IJUF 'JOF"SUT Carol Brown: Tongues of Stone. 12-1pm Auckland (Devonport) villa, fully graduate (NICAI): Celebrated visual HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION Conference Centre Lecture Theatre, 22 furnished, private garden, available artist. Symonds St. July 2012 to February 2013 (flexible). Brand-new holiday home now available p&NFSJUVT1SPGFTTPS3BOHJOVJ8BMLFS  Free. Queries to [email protected] Walking distance to beaches, shops and to rent in a stunning location just steps Faculty of Education and Faculty of Fulbright NZ Outreach Tour ferry to city/University. Two-three bdrms, away from Otama Beach on Coromandel Arts graduate: Professor of Māori 1.30-4pm Conference Centre Lecture two lounges, study, central heating, Peninsula. The design layout makes it the Studies from 1993-1997 and Pro Vice- Theatre, 22 Symonds St. SKY/internet/phone package included. perfect place for two families or several Chancellor (Māori) from 1996-1997. Fulbright NZ offers a range of exchange Ideal for sabbatical visitor. N/s. $620 couples, especially over Easter (sleeps 8). p:PVOH"MVNOBPGUIF:FBS%S awards for NZ graduate students, pw (neg). Visit http://sabbaticalhomes. This NZ-born New York architect’s own Privahini Bradoo, graduate of the Faculty academics, artists and professionals to com/Home_Rent_House_Rental_ holiday home would also make an ideal of Science and the Faculty of Medical study, research, teach or present their Auckland_New_Zealand_66761.htm writing retreat. For more information and Health Science: Co-founder and work in the USA. Contact [email protected] contact [email protected] CEO of BioMine, a green mining start- pQN"DBEFNJDTUBGG Belmont. One-bdrm flat in house, Charming, sunny, fully furnished up. pQN4UVEFOUT available immediately. North-facing. Waiheke cottage, walking distance to Queries to Visit www.fulbright.org.nz Self-contained. Shared back yard. beaches and near bus stop. Suit couple or [email protected] Bioengineering research seminar Furnished. Close to buses and ferries. family of up to 5. $125 a night (minimum Dr Frederique Vanholsbeek, Dept of Long or short-term. Would suit a three nights) or $750 pw. (BYO bed linen couple or visiting researcher. $300 and towels, no pets). Contact Physics: Dispersion compensation in FRIDAY 9 MARCH optical coherence tomography. 4-5pm pw negotiable. Contact k.obradovic@ [email protected] or phone Ground Floor Seminar Rm G010, Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner auckland.ac.nz (09) 849 4457 or (021) 136 1759. UniServices House, 70 Symonds St. 2012 Fully-furnished house in Devonport 6.15-11pm, Alumni Marquee, OGH lawn. available for eight months rent while Vice-Chancellor Professor Stuart owner overseas. Queen-size bdrm; MISCELLANEOUS WEDNESDAY 7 MARCH McCutcheon and The University separate study with extra wc, French Travel. I have 12 years experience in of Auckland Society are pleased to Faculty of Education seminar doors to sunny porch plus back deck; five booking all aspects of personal travel invite you to a dinner to recognise Prof Regan Gurung, Professor of Human minutes walk to ferry; auto garage with for university staff and lecturers. I pride the significant contribution made by Development and Psychology and Chair internal access; no lawns to mow. Suit myself in ensuring that your travel plans distinguished alumni in their respective of Human Development, University of single or couple only. Available 28 Feb. are sourced at the lowest possible costs fields. Formal dress. The 2012 Wisconsin-Green Bay: Using psychology $480 pw. Email and are tailor-made to your requirements. Distinguished Alumni Award winners and pedagogical research to inspire [email protected] Contact Karen on are: students and optimise teaching in higher Fully furnished three-bdrm/two- [email protected] or p1SPGFTTPS$IBSMFT"MDPDL %PO education. 4pm J2 Lecture Theatre, bthrm house near Mt Eden Village 940 0064 (wk) or (021) 188 7781. McGlashan, Dr Mark Sagar, Dame Epsom Campus, Gate 3, 74 Epsom Ave, and The University of Auckland Epsom Robin White, Emeritus Professor Epsom. Campus. Available July to December Ranginui Walker and Dr Privahini Liggins Institute academic seminar 2012. Rent negotiable. Contact

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For a full list of The University of Auckland events see: www.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/home/events Please email classified ads to [email protected] nine days before publication. Cost $20 (incl GST). The University of Auckland News 11 Insight: Maramatanga

TO BE A MOTHER OR NOT TO BE? We like to think we live in a fairly liberal, career? Does this mean that she is anti-family positive decision to not have children, this term open-minded society that accepts people with or selfish? doesn’t fit. The term childfree implies a positivity, a variety of wants, bents, and orientations. In my masters research, the selfish stereotype and freedom, which is much closer to resembling However there are a few ways of being was the most common amongst my participants. the chosen state. There is no term that describes different that can strike an emotional reaction More specifically, the idea is that the childfree the childfree (or childless) state solely by what in people. One of these is about children – the are too selfish to consider having children. There they do have. Unlike parents, those who are not issue is whether to have children or not. are a couple of issues with this concept. Firstly, it parents, who do not have children, whether In the majority of cases, there is no negative implies that becoming a parent automatically childfree or childless, seem forever categorised judgment, shock or awkwardness when a erases selfishness from a person. Despite and labelled for what they are not or do not woman’s pregnancy is announced. It’s taken for societal expectations, there are still parents who have. This is aside from other labels they may granted as something to celebrate, to plan for, do not completely revolve every aspect of their acquire due to social or familial roles, career, and to desire. But if a woman lets slip that she life around their child(ren), and some would even religion and so on. has no intention of entering motherhood, she argue that such an approach is a healthy way The decision to not have children is a personal had better be prepared. What sort of things can to live. one, and partly because of the stereotyping, she expect? Patronising comments that she will Secondly, it assumes an approach to life and disbelief, patronising comments, and assuredly change her mind, questions seeking to goals purely focused around time and money. misunderstandings that result when the decision establish what her problem is, and being written Yet there is no guarantee that parents had no is communicated to another, it’s not easy to off as selfish/unfeminine/workaholic/child- self-focused goals contributing to their decision share with people. It should be a choice that is hating/immature. There is no celebration in not to have children. A common reason suggested widely respected, and acknowledged as having reproduced. for having children is to replicate genes or the legitimate. Women are more than a sum of Why might we struggle to accept that a woman family name, and to provide a source of pride in biological parts, destined to succumb to doesn’t want children? There is a common belief the future. Isn’t that selfish in some way? Whilst hormonal activity. Feminism fought hard to give in the concept of a maternal instinct, which is childfree people enjoy greater financial women rights, choice, and freedom, but how can thought to tie in somehow with a woman’s independence of the childfree lifestyle, the they be free if they don’t really have, or accept, biological clock that alerts her to hurry up and freedom and “selfish” living enabled by the freedom to make such personal choices? produce children before it’s too late. Perhaps choice is not necessarily the motivation, but Theresa Riley has just published a book titled women who don’t want children are broken in simply a benefit. Being Childfree in New Zealand: How couples this area? But does it seem right for a woman to A commonly used term to describe people who who choose to not have children are be thought of as being less, or deficient, or faulty don’t have children is “childless”. On the face of perceived, based on her masters thesis in some way just because she doesn’t follow the it, this term fits, as obviously referring to research. She is currently a third-year PhD social norm? somebody without children. But the implication student in the Department of General Practice, How does society feel about a woman choosing of the suffix is of lack, which associates the state FMHS. Her PhD is on social discourses of the to forgo motherhood to instead simply build her as being negative. When a person has made a drinking age in New Zealand.

12 1 March 2012