UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO MAGAZINE JUNE26 2010

INSIDE: Real-world CSI Students push boundaries of forensic science

PLUS:

Piecing together New Zealand’s asthma puzzle Moriori dendroglyphs recorded in time Law and emerging technologies Immunisation: “benefits for all”

CONTENTS

ISSUE NUMBER

5 Vice-Chancellor’s comment 26 6 Images in time 3D images preserve ancient dendroglyphs, a symbol of Moriori culture

10 An honourable man Recently-retired High Court Judge Sir Bruce Robertson talks about New Zealand law

13 Piecing together the asthma puzzle Otago researchers contribute much to overcoming New Zealand’s high asthma mortality rate

17 “Mad dog” realist … Pre-eminent philosopher Professor Alan Musgrave

20 Real-world CSI Students push the boundaries of forensic science 24 Opinion Professor Don Roberton discusses the benefits of immunisation

26 In-between places Alumna Kay Flavell creates her “hermitage in the hills”

34 Laws of the future Associate Professor Colin Gavaghan and the Centre for Law and Policy in Emerging Technologies

28 InBrief 42 Books Research highlights 44 Alumni news 37 UniNews 50 Whatever happened to ... 40 Hocken legacy The Otago University Medical Company?

3 University of Otago Magazine A magazine for alumni and friends of the University of Otago Issue 26 June 2010 ISSN - 1175-8147

Editor Karen Hogg Designer Peter Scott Writers Simon Ancell Jo Galer Nicola Mutch Rose Newburn Don Roberton Ainslie Talbot Rebecca Tansley Mark Wright Nigel Zega Photographers Ian Barber Alan Dove David Hamilton Bill Nichol Graham Warman Advertising Ryan Helliwell Printing APN Print Circulation Office of Development and Alumni Relations

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4 VICE-CHANCELLOR’S COMMENT

If one thinks of the most eminent expansion of facilities will be needed over universities in the world, virtually all the next two decades. The expanding of them have outstanding buildings or student roll is only one of the reasons beautiful campuses. This is true not only for this. Traditional lecture rooms do not of ancient institutions (such as Oxford meet all the requirements for modern or Harvard), but also of those rare places approaches to teaching and learning, (such as Duke University or Stanford) which involve much small-group teaching, that became world class within a few informal learning and use of advanced decades from their foundation. technologies. Moreover, as New Zealand’s It is equally true that, as an most research-intensive university, experienced university president wrote we have a continual need for more recently, everything we know about laboratories and other research space. This report will now need to be universities tells us “that you build The main report from the consultants discussed extensively, not only within the institutional strength on the quality of (which can be found on the University University but also by other interested the faculty; nothing can substitute for website) provides a bold vision for the bodies and the wider public. Realistically, it”. So perhaps the best scholars (and future. They have encouraged us not to it would not be feasible for the present students) are attracted to universities “make do” with run-of-the-mill facilities, University Council to “sign up” to an with superb facilities. I also like to think but rather to create world-class campuses entire plan which would involve the that the human spirit is more inclined which will enhance the experience of expenditure of well over a billion dollars to be creative when inspired by uplifting students and staff, as well as benefiting over 20 years or more. But I do hope surroundings. the communities in which we are placed. we can commit to the overall vision For more than a year, an international Quite a few buildings are proposed for and start to implement that in a staged consulting firm (DEGW) has led a demolition or redevelopment, on the process. major planning exercise to guide the grounds that they are no longer fit for Anyone who thinks the plan is development of our own campuses in purpose or are located in the wrong unachievable should reflect on the Dunedin, Christchurch and Wellington place. Among the consultants’ many ambition of the early Scottish settlers over the next 20 or 25 years. The detailed recommendations are proposals who founded the University of Otago. University has grown rapidly since the for several new buildings around the They did so not during the heady days of last Campus Master Plan was produced Union lawn, a total re-make of the the gold rush, but during the period of in 1980. Sciences precinct, new buildings for decline that followed. And they started The consultants went about their Humanities fronting the Water of Leith to build the grand bluestone buildings task with exemplary thoroughness. Not along Albany Street (towards the new on the banks of the Water of Leith only only did they examine every building, stadium) and ambitious expansion of 30 years after the John Wickliffe and but they also sought to understand the the Health Sciences facilities at all three the Philip Laing had berthed at Port aspirations and goals of the University campuses. Chalmers. and its constituent parts. Using surveys The Leith itself is seen as providing a and focus groups, they obtained the wonderful opportunity to have a natural views of students and staff about the feature, running like a thread through campuses as they are today, and about the Dunedin campus, with multiple their vision for the future. They also recreational and ecological uses. Much met with interested parties outside the of the river is ugly at present and the University. proposals for its enhancement with The Dunedin campus is well known development of a riverside walk from for its beauty, yet some parts of it are the Botanic Garden to the sea are very Professor David Skegg disappointing. Furthermore, a major appealing. Vice-Chancellor, University of Otago

5 FEATURE

Images in time

In a collaborative effort with DOC, Otago staff have revealed much about ancient dendroglyphs on the Chatham Islands, a cultural symbol of the Moriori people.

Highly technical work to record Hokotehi Moriori Trust chairwoman historic Moriori carvings on trees slowly Shirley King says her people have an dying on the Chatham Islands has been a enormous emotional attachment to the revelation, taking everyone by surprise – tree carvings because so much Moriori Moriori included. cultural knowledge and evidence has In a project initiated and led by the already been lost, unable to be passed Department of Conservation, University down to future generations. So it is of Otago know-how was pivotal to important that the carvings are recorded successfully scanning three-dimensional with the utmost accuracy. images of these carvings in the bark of “We hold them in absolute reverence. living kopi trees, known as karaka trees Looking at them, you feel as though you Otago’s Surveying School, to find elsewhere in New Zealand. are reaching back in time and they [our out if it was possible new scanning The carvings, or dendroglyphs, are the ancestors] have left a message. They are technology could be used to take high cultural symbol of the Moriori people. absolutely precious to us, so it is very sad resolution, three-dimensional images of It is widely believed they were made to see them dying,” she says. the carvings. In 1998, Hemi’s colleague, hundreds of years ago when the kopi It is a 21st-century tragedy for the Fraser Jopson, had recorded an inventory trees were young. To the descendants of Chathams that these old kopi trees are and maps of the trees. So, as Otago Moriori who etched the carvings, these fast disappearing although, by their had in the past assisted Moriori on whispering groves of trees are tapu areas. nature, they could never last: the passage anthropological projects, Nester also Depicting human, animal and geometric of time, erosion, wind, pests and farm contacted University anthropologist Dr figures, they are living reminders of grazing have all taken their toll on the Ian Barber to investigate other features of ancestors and of a unique culture which canopies, resulting in the destruction of the trees, such as their proximity to shell thrived prior to European and Mäori large stands of forest. deposits. contact from the late 18th century. It was the realisation that the carvings Barber, Hemi and Jopson gathered Most of the carvings likely pre-date, could be gone within two decades which three postgraduate students to help with as the late historian Michael King in drove DOC’s Wellington technical the work and, in early February, set off his book Moriori; A People Rediscovered support officer in historic matters, on what they subsequently agree was recounts, the invasion by two Mäori Richard Nester, to search for a way to “the trip of a lifetime”. tribes from Wellington in 1835, record the carvings in fine detail before Hemi says a portable hand-held laser leading to the deaths, enslavement and they turned to dust. device had been located at a commercial traumatisation of most of this openly He contacted professional practice firm, Scanz 3D, in Hamilton. While it pacifist Moriori population. fellow Richard Hemi at the University of had never been used to scan trees, it had

6 Dr Ian Barber, Richard Hemi and Fraser Jopson: They scanned more than 100 kopi trees to record the dendroglyph images. Photo: Alan Dove

been used to scan surfaces difficult to so needed to erect tarpaulins in the striking head and face,” Hemi says. survey and he believed there was a good forest to control natural light and pray Barber, an anthropologist with many chance it would scan the dendroglyphs. that it wouldn’t rain. It didn’t, thank years’ experience on Mäori heritage sites “It picks up millions of points where goodness.” in New Zealand, sees the Chathams normal surveying picks up mere Over two weeks of near-perfect as an understudied area of huge thousands. It measures distance and sunshine, DOC and the Otago team significance to the Moriori story, much direction and then produces a mesh scanned around 100 of the 147 trees of which remains to be told. surface which shows the image in 3D Jopson had earlier identified on the He says early Polynesian people form,” he says. north-east side of the main island. To brought the kopi trees to the Chathams “It’s used typically for industrial their amazement, when they later looked and the South Island from New purposes – for example, to image at the images on a laptop, they found Zealand’s North Island. The Chathams industrial products where a 3D model hidden carvings on five of the trees that dendroglyphs represent the largest is required, and this is usually done only the scanner had picked up. grouping of this particular early in a laboratory. This is very likely “We were downloading one of the indigenous art form in the world. Such the first time in New Zealand it has images and suddenly, out of the blue, art forms, usually marking graves been used for an outdoor exercise so this other carving appeared. We’d and ceremonial places, have also been we weren’t sure how it would go. We actually scanned this figure without reported among the Native Americans had to calibrate the light of the laser, really seeing the other one: it was a of the USA and Canada, and the

7 Aboriginal groups of New South Wales, The Otago team but not in such great numbers as the found the work of carved Chatham Islands kopi. helping to preserve “They offer rare insights into a unique this important symbol Oceanic art form and sense of sacred of Moriori heritage a space, and the life-ways of a distinctive rewarding and, at times, Polynesian people. moving experience. “In spite of this, little has been done For Jopson, it was the to investigate these sites beyond the continuation of a project descriptions of early recorders and he had begun in the late anthropologists who visited and studied 1990s and Hemi also on the islands in the 1950s and 1960s,” found it very gratifying. Barber says. “It was good to show He examined the carvings and their them what we had similarities to Polynesian art forms, in produced, but it also particular their head, eye, nose and raised the question of mouth shapes. One tree carving stood how now to interpret out for him as “quite different” to images which were either the others and, almost definitely, of new or much clearer than Polynesian influence. before. Things that may “They are all quite different to Mäori have been interpreted as art forms, but this one, in particular, a particular scene, with bore a striking resemblance to central/ a certain meaning, may eastern Polynesian carved rock figures, need to be interpreted in found especially in the Marquesas a different way because, Islands.” in some cases, the images King says that when a special showing show the carvings of the scanned images was held at a differently.” community gathering at the islands’ King agrees that the Kopinga Marae, she was brought to tears. clarity of the images and “It was incredible that the images the location of the new exposed things that we weren’t aware of ones raise new questions, and that we could not see with our eyes. leading to future debate I just cried and cried. The level of detail among her people about was amazing. They have left us with their meaning. windows which we can keep looking For Barber, the trip was back into forever,” she says. a high point of a career to be answered. I am enormously These images will be treasured by which takes him all over the world as an grateful for the opportunity and for the Moriori. They may be used to make anthropologist. Through erosion, many relationship this University has with holograms recreating the carvings Moriori middens have been exposed Moriori,” he says. for educational purposes, and to along the coast and he is almost certain He is also mindful that, for further teach young people how to carve for these are rich in cultural artefacts research, the Moriori require ethical themselves. They will also be shown to that could reveal more about dates of approvals, especially where research is to Moriori descendants living in the North certain events, including earliest Moriori be undertaken in sensitive areas, such as and South Islands, many of whom have occupation on the island. where Moriori buried their dead. never visited the Chathams or seen the “There is so much there to research One of the key historical questions tree carvings, King says. and so many questions that still need is where Moriori originally came from.

8 The vice-chairman of Hokotehi, Maui “We were downloading one of the Solomon, who is the grandson of the last full- blooded descendant of the original Moriori images and suddenly, out of the blue, of the Chathams, Tommy Solomon, says the this other carving appeared. We’d trust is developing its own cultural database actually scanned this figure without from a “Moriori world view” for future really seeing the other one: it was a generations of Moriori. striking head and face.” He adds: “Hokotehi is developing research protocols that incorporate both standard scientific principles and indigenous knowledge of Moriori themselves. King believes her ancestors almost becoming part of the tapu space. “In this way, Moriori hope to combine the certainly came from eastern- And there is precedent for this in best of both contemporary and traditional central Polynesia – perhaps the Polynesia where beach material was science practices to achieve a new paradigm Cook Islands. And Barber agrees laid as a surface to create a meeting of understanding about my karapuna the scientific and linguistic place.” (ancestors).” evidence for Moriori origins As the kopi tree does not Shirley King says she would welcome in central-eastern Polynesia is produce rings to show its age, further anthropological research on the conclusive. There is also evidence Barber is organising carbon dating island in collaboration with Hokotehi. She still of early contact between the first of a fallen kopi log, to try to unlock has many questions she would like answers Polynesians of the Chathams and the mystery of the age of the trees to, such as what size the trees were when the main New Zealand islands. and the carvings, thought by some the carvings occurred and why her ancestors “I believe that both the to be up to 300 years old. Shell chose the kopi trees in particular. Chathams and the mainland deposit material found near the The trust also aims to retrieve and islands of New Zealand were trees is also to be carbon dated. repatriate skeletal remains of Moriori that settled by early Polynesians It is significant, he says, that are scattered around New Zealand and who soon lost contact with each as the trees die and disappear, throughout the world, and encourage the other, allowing the development Moriori have given the tree planting of kopi trees and further carvings of a distinctive Moriori cultural carvings new life as symbols of “to honour our people”. identity and people on the their emerging identity. King and the local people are impressed, Chatham Islands. The course this “The Moriori represent perhaps too, with the dignity and respect shown to cultural development took is a the most misunderstood people both the trees and local people when the fertile field for research,” he says. in New Zealand history. In Otago and DOC staff visited the islands. While he still has to confirm modern thinking they are often “We’ve formed a special relationship. this, he believes that large deposits characterised as a defeated pre- Otago people engaged with us in an ethical of shells he saw around the trees Mäori race, or as simple pacifist and respectful manner, even inviting us to signified that the groves were used folk who have died out. The participate in the work. as a Moriori meeting or marae contemporary Moriori cultural “I went out there with my grandchildren space. revival challenges both views, and and we helped clean down some of the trees “We mapped a number of shell may come as a surprise to many in preparation for imaging, and some of the deposits that are directly associated New Zealanders who think they kids got to do some of the imaging, and so did with, and bounded by, carved trees know the history.” I. This was moving and also quite refreshing. – so much so that I suspect they We would welcome them back any time.” were laid as surfaces, effectively Jo Galer

9 ALUMNI PROFILE

An honourable man

Recently retired High Court Judge – and Otago appear in the courts, and it’s a way of saying that the rule of law in a free and alumnus – Sir Bruce Robertson takes great independent society is a very important pride in our legal system, yet is also aware of thing.” Prominent trials over which Sir Bruce its shortcomings. has presided include one of the Peter Plumley-Walker murder trials and the The Honourable Sir Bruce Robertson was elected student president in 1967, infamous “Winebox Review”, but he says almost wasn’t honourable at all. The two days before the “sleep-in” at the he derived the greatest satisfaction from Otago Boys’ High School alumnus set University Union Building in protest cases in which he felt he helped litigants out to study that longstanding pillar against the University’s opposition to find resolution and move on, something of respectable professional practice – mixed-sex flatting. He taught part-time he sees as one of the law’s primary medicine – but ended up following his in the Faculty of Law from 1969 to 1985 functions. talent for argument into another – the and was a member of the University His love affair with the law has never law. It proved a fortuitous switch. Council from 1969 to 1988, including six diminished and he has been a passionate, Bruce Robertson, it seems, was born years as Pro-Chancellor. More recently, if measured, advocate for the need to for the law. Even if Mr Robertson Snr he was a member of the Advisory Board keep it focused on its raison d’être – the had been keen on seeing his boy as a of the Children’s Issues Centre and chair people – rather than see it become an doctor, he could hardly have sniffed of the Advisory Review Committee for intellectual exercise for its practitioners. at the career his son would instead the Human Genome Project. Even now, This led to the introduction of what he carve out for himself over more than after retirement from the New Zealand calls “reality checks” while hearing cases. four decades of service in the country’s bench, he still, he says, “wanders in most “I think we shouldn’t spend our courtrooms, rising from partnership in years to give a lecture”. time fighting the ingenuity of lawyers’ the Dunedin law practice Ross Dowling With similar modesty, Sir Bruce minds,” he says. “The law has got to Marquet Griffin, through appointment sees his investiture – which has mainly be grounded in people’s experience, as a High Court judge in 1987, presidency resulted in gentle ribbing from friends grounded historically in what occurred of the New Zealand Law Commission and family – as less of a personal and grounded in the fact that, in from 2001 to 2005, to membership of the acknowledgement than a mark of the virtually all cases, there is a future. If a Court of Appeal in 2005. importance of the legal system to the process simply makes the future more The University of Otago bestowed nation in general. problematic than it was going to be, it an Honorary Doctor of Laws on Justice “I do feel very strongly, that if there doesn’t do anybody any good.” Robertson in 1990, an honour which, he is an honours list, that judges should The Dean of Otago’s Law Faculty, says, gave him a “greater kick” than the get recognition, because the rule of Professor Mark Henaghan, comments: knighthood, for services as a judge, he law is enormously important in our “As a judge, Bruce has always put the received in 2010. Either way, the boy from community and the life of a judge is emphasis on getting the most practical Wakari School hasn’t done too badly since particularly demanding and challenging. results for the parties in the most that first year as an arts and law student. “It’s not really the judge themselves: efficient time frame. He never lost sight Sir Bruce’s wider involvement with it’s the whole institution, the people of the fact that judging is about solving the University has continued since he who work in the courts, the lawyers who everyday problems for the litigants and

10 The Honourable Sir Bruce Robertson: “I have a degree of trouble with longer and longer prison sentences … for most people, the clang of the prison gate, the ignominy of the court and the publicity surrounding it are enough.” not about long discursive judgments just to Photo: Alan Dove show how learned the judge is. Bruce was a judge for the people and his distinguished service in the Family and Criminal Courts meant he could read the realities of a situation very quickly and correctly.” Courts, Sir Bruce believes, have to be more sensitive to the needs of litigants, and some of our judges more focused on resolution than creating common law. “The law will develop as the courts decide individual cases,” he says. “But it’s not for judges, particularly intermediate and first- instance judges, to go laying out the 10 Commandments mark II.” Sir Bruce is equally passionate about the need for greater accessibility to the legal system. While never losing sight of the fact that the law serves the community, he points out that our current court system is overloaded, alienating and prohibitively expensive for most people to access. “Most of us, if we have a problem, cannot contemplate going to a lawyer about it. People simply cannot afford the time it involves, what it does to the rest of your life, the bills that are involved and the sheer draining aggravation of the process. The courts of law are like the Ritz Hotel. The doors are open to everybody, but who gets in is a tiny proportion.” The 2004 Law Commission report, “Delivering Justice for All: A Vision for the New Zealand Court System”, prepared while Sir Bruce was commission president, identified problems relating to access and processes within our court system and made recommendations aimed at improving it, such as the establishment of a Community Court. Six years on, however, little has altered, a fact that Sir Bruce attributes to resistance to change within the legal establishment. “The number of judges has increased astronomically in the 22 years I’ve been there. Every time we get backlogs we simply appoint more judges and have more lawyers

11 “The courts of law are like the Ritz Hotel. disorders. It is much easier to say, ‘if The doors are open to everybody, but only the judges would lock people up for longer then all the problems would go who gets in is a tiny proportion.” away’.” Despite the systemic and structural faults he perceives, he takes pride in to do the same thing. What I tried to say “It worries me that we keep on feeding our legal system and believes we have in the Law Commission report is that to the public [the idea] that longer prison a responsibility to assist our Pacific we’ve got to ask some hard questions sentences will make our communities neighbours with strengthening their about how we do things and whether the safer. I just wish we could be a little less own, less robust examples. Sir Bruce, current way of doing them is the best way.” emotive and a little more rational in who worked as a volunteer in Samoa Sir Bruce points to the government’s asking what will make our society a safer in 1965, sat on the Court of Appeal of decision to establish the Weathertight place? Deterrence is just not part of the Samoa and has been president of the Homes Tribunal as a failed attempt to reality of the way criminals act.” Court of Appeal of Vanuatu since 1996. deal with a problem that should have Sir Bruce sees that the increased Although he retired from active work in been addressed within the existing court focus on victims’ rights in the criminal New Zealand’s High Court and Court structure. system over the last three or four decades of Appeal early in 2010, he maintains “It just seemed to me a terrible has contributed to the shift towards appellate and advisory duties in Vanuatu. indictment on the law when you say sentencing as personal retribution, but Sir Bruce believes judges who ‘here’s one of the biggest problems we’ve believes the downstream effects of this continue to sit until the compulsory age had for generations and the courts, shift have not been thoroughly considered. of retirement run the risk of becoming which are set up to deal with disputes, Historically, he points out, crime was out of touch and he believes in making aren’t going to be able to cope with it so seen as a crime against society, not the way for younger judges to rise through we’ll set up something else’.” individual, and sentencing someone the ranks. Yet, it does not seem as if he Sir Bruce faced criticism early on for life can never re-pay a life taken. himself has done all his work yet. In in his career for handing out sentences Rather, he argues, there is an imperative his 2005 graduation address, Sir Bruce perceived as light, particularly in rape to address the root causes of criminal quoted Scottish author Robert Louis cases, but he argues that there is no behaviour in society and to introduce Stevenson, with whom he shares a empirical material to support the view initiatives in prison aimed at reducing Scottish heritage and a love of the Pacific, that longer sentences do deter those New Zealand’s high recidivism rate. in stating “To be what we are and to who commit violent crime. He also “If I want to be a hero judge, then I become what we are capable of becoming, questions our society’s increasing focus just lock people up for longer: somebody is the only end in life”. When asked if on retribution, which he points out has will write a story about Robertson the he feels, at this point in his life, that he resulted in New Zealand having the tough guy and that’s going to cost the has managed to achieve as much, his highest rate of imprisonment among the community about $60,000 a year for response is typically ambitious, tempered Commonwealth and northern European every year that someone’s locked away. by realism. countries against which it traditionally But if people in the District Court want “It has been my standard, although benchmarks itself. some money to do community-based I doubt that I have totally fulfilled its “I have a degree of trouble with longer projects to avoid people getting to that challenge. But then, I have not given up and longer prison sentences. Of course, stage, that money’s not available. I don’t yet!” there are some people who need to be understand that. locked up for their own good and for the “Someone has to deal with the very Rebecca Tansley good of the community because they’re hard questions of why it is that the simply going to be a menace. But, for overwhelming majority of people who most people, the clang of the prison go into our prisons are unemployed, gate, the ignominy of the court and the uneducated and very large numbers publicity surrounding it are enough. of them are illiterate or have mental

12 FEATURE

Piecing together the asthma puzzle

Professor Julian Crane has been no stranger to controversy as he and the Wellington Asthma Research Group have worked to reduce New Zealand’s high asthma mortality rates.

After three decades, Professor Julian of it researching respiratory illness and Crane is still excited by the clinical public health issues. challenges of asthma research, driven by He has also been caught up in a the knowledge that chronic asthma and controversy or two … allergies continue to blight the lives of “In England you were expected to 600,000 New Zealanders. spend up to two years doing research as The Wellington Asthma Research part of your postgraduate training. That that Fenoterol was, in fact, responsible Group (WARG) he heads has made really wasn’t the case when I first arrived for what became known as the “New significant advances in the understanding here in the mid ’70s,” he says. Zealand asthma mortality epidemic”. and treatment of this condition. And “So, in the early 1980s I jumped at “This was very serious: we had asthma yet, in spite of the huge amount of work an invitation by the then head of the mortality rates for people under the age undertaken both here and internationally, Department of Medicine, Professor Tom of 34 running at over four times the UK we still don’t know why New Zealand O’Donnell, to go to the Tokelau Islands levels for non-Mäori, and 12 to 13 times has a greater incidence of asthma than to look at the prevalence of asthma there for Mäori. By the end of the decade we most other countries, or why one person compared to those islanders who’d come demonstrated that more than 60 per cent develops asthma and another doesn’t. to New Zealand in the 1960s.” of all asthma deaths in New Zealand Crane is committed to piecing Ironically, the money for this trial at this time were among people using together this asthma/allergy puzzle, was provided by the large German Fenoterol.” providing clinical direction for sufferers pharmaceutical company, Boehringer Crane first became aware of the high and health professionals, and uncovering Ingelheim, which made an asthma rate of asthma deaths while working links between the environment and New bronchodilator drug called Fenoterol. at Hutt Hospital in the mid 1970s and Zealand’s most common respiratory Crane was not to know that he was surprised at how common it was; disease, and other allergies. and three colleagues were to become almost accepted by clinical and nursing Originally from London, where he embroiled in one of the biggest medical staff. But he says it wasn’t until Auckland trained in medicine and as a general controversies in New Zealand centred immunologist Dr Doug Wilson wrote physician, Crane has spent nearly all on this then commonly-used asthma a paper in the UK medical journal The his career in Wellington, initially at drug. Together with Neil Pearce, Lancet in 1981 that he really began to Wellington Hospital and then at the Richard Beasely and Carl Burgess, he be suspicious about the bronchodilator University of Otago, Wellington, most revealed over the course of the 1980s drug.

13 Professor Julian Crane (centre) with colleagues Dr Kristin Wickens and Robert Siebers: Now they are focusing on the better management and underlying environmental causes of asthma and allergic disease. Photo: David Hamilton

14 “Dr Wilson examined asthma deaths approved in the US by the Food and things are – and to call an ambulance if in Auckland because of a number Drug Administration.” necessary. of sudden deaths that had occurred Their story was eventually published “We patented the idea of putting amongst the committee of the Auckland in the book Adverse Reactions: The a peak-flow meter on top of asthma Asthma Society. His paper raised serious Fenoterol Story, written by one of the ‘puffers’ which also enabled people questions about treatment and asthma group, Professor Neil Pearce. to check their breathing. We then mortality.” They then turned their expertise to combined this with a plastic card with Subsequently, Crane and his the better management and search for a personalised management plan – Wellington School of Medicine the underlying environmental causes of convenient for the wallet. It worked well colleagues embarked on a “David and asthma and allergic disease. – we distributed thousands of them here Goliath” struggle with Boehringer The difficulty with asthma is that it – and was picked up overseas as well.” Ingelheim, trying to uncover the science is not one disease, Crane explains, and The Wellington and Christchurch behind the high rate of asthma deaths the causes are multifactorial. These infant cohort study of over 1,000 children and Fenoterol. include viral infections, exposure to has provided another important area They came up against resistance common allergens in the environment of asthma research. The cohort study from many senior members of the and a genetic susceptibility to developing follows children from birth in 1998, international medical establishment. allergic responses to them. However, investigating environmental and lifestyle Funding was almost impossible to obtain pinning down the causes definitively in a factors associated with asthma and so, initially, much of their research was scientific sense is much more difficult. allergies such as eczema and hay fever. In undertaken in private, after work and in By the 1990s WARG had received collaboration with US colleagues, WARG the weekends. programme funding from the Health has been using this database to examine “Boehringer Ingelheim and others in Research Council of New Zealand and the possible role of vitamin D in the the medical world fought a very strong was easily the largest research group development of asthma and eczema, and campaign to discredit our research. To in the country investigating asthma. in the development of food allergies. say it was a difficult time for us is an Work was done on improving asthma “We’ve also undertaken many studies understatement. We came to feel quite management and the group developed looking at allergens in the home, such isolated in the New Zealand research and plans for patients, including a credit as house dust mite and cat allergen, and medical world.” card-style management system that was ways in which we might try to reduce Finally, the newly-formed Wellington adopted in a number of countries. exposure to them. Asthma Research Group published a “We believed everyone should have a “Cat allergen is by far the most seminal paper in 1989 in The Lancet, peak-flow meter because those who die interesting. It gets everywhere. It floats strongly suggesting that the very high have often underestimated the severity of around in the air inside a house for days rate of asthma deaths in New Zealand their asthma attack – probably because as the particles are so small they don’t was definitely linked to the high use of they get used to having a chronic illness. settle,” explains Crane. Fenoterol; much higher than anywhere We believed having a peak-flow meter else in the world. This was followed by would help patients assess how serious another two papers in the early 1990s, further confirming the results of the first study. “The result was that the government “The result was that the stopped funding Fenoterol, although government stopped funding it wasn’t withdrawn as that’s a difficult Fenoterol … and our asthma and expensive process. Essentially, though, it’s not prescribed here anymore mortality rate then quickly fell back and our asthma mortality rate then to pre-epidemic levels.” quickly fell back to pre-epidemic levels. Interestingly, it [Fenoterol] never was

15 “… many more people are sensitised to house dust mites … although we don’t know why. Nor do we know why one person who is sensitised develops asthma and another does not.”

“They come mainly from saliva when number of children getting eczema. We “The aim is to deliver nicotine to the the cat preens itself and, when inhaled, have another Health Research Council lungs – in the same way as an asthma the cat-allergic patient mounts an grant to see if probiotics protect against ‘puffer’ – in a safe and painless manner. inflammatory response. If this is focused asthma as well.” It might be effective in helping people in the lung, it leads to narrowing of the In recent years the group has to stop smoking because the nicotine hit bronchial tubes and wheezing. been closely involved in ground- is direct and almost instant, just like a “A cat-allergic person can walk into a breaking research by the He Kainga cigarette,” he explains. room and start wheezing immediately, Oranga/Housing and Health Research “The big problem with quitting and there may not have been a cat there Programme, led by Professor Philippa programmes is that 95 per cent of people for days. They even found cat allergen Howden-Chapman. Its studies have don’t actually stop long term. This is one at Scott Base in Antarctica and, as there shown that New Zealand’s cold, of the reasons why smoking prevalence have only ever been two cats there, it uninsulated and poorly-heated houses is relatively static at just over 21 per probably came down on clothes and on make people sick – and asthma is one cent of the population. That’s why we’re people’s skin. of those illnesses – made worse by low also researching other nicotine delivery “However, that said, many more interior temperatures and unflued LPG products to enhance current nicotine people are sensitised to house dust mites space heaters. WARG is extending these replacement therapy of patches and gum.” which are a much bigger problem in New studies to look at the effects of cold [See story page 29] Zealand, although we don’t know why. damp houses in the development of New Zealand’s understanding of Nor do we know why one person who is asthma in young children. asthma prevention, management and sensitised develops asthma and another Links between smoking cessation mortality has much improved in the does not. and respiratory conditions are another past two decades. With new ideas and “One of our studies showed that you significant and new area of interest. research, Professor Julian Crane and the are less likely to get house dust mites Crane explains that while smoking isn’t Wellington Asthma Research Group are in feather pillows and duvets than in good for anyone, it is particularly bad playing no small part in this. synthetic bedding. It’s all related to the for those who have respiratory problems, fine weave used in down-filled bedding accelerating the decline in lung function. Ainslie Talbot which prevent the mites getting into the Second-hand smoke is also extremely down.” bad for infants, increasing the likelihood WARG is now looking at the effects of of wheezing which, in turn, can develop probiotics in preventing eczema, based into asthma. on the hypothesis that the bacteria Here, Crane leans forward with a babies get from being fed breast milk somewhat conspiratorial air and turns might confer some kind of protection to the cupboard behind him. He extracts by stimulating the immune system and a metred-dose inhaler, which, although helping to prevent the development of still in the developmental stage, may allergies. become a world-first solution to helping “Indeed, one of the probiotics we’ve smokers quit for life. looked at does seem to reduce the

16 STAFF PROFILE

“Mad dog” Englishman … and realist

Otago’s Professor Alan Musgrave is one of the presentations and other technological world’s pre-eminent philosophers of science. aids in favour of the classical rhetorical style. He talks to Rebecca Tansley. “When these technologies are exploited well, they’re wonderful,” he says, “but For a former French literature A Manchester-born, working-class lad nine out of every 10 PowerPoint student whose primary engagement who did well at his 11+ exams, Musgrave presentations I go to are a disaster. As with philosophy has been the post- claims to have fallen into philosophy Steffie Lewis, wife of philosopher David structuralist teachings of enfants terribles by accident. He was put forward for Lewis, said, ‘Power corrupts – and such as Jacques Lacan and Jacques the London School of Economics on PowerPoint corrupts absolutely’. Yet Derrida, the prospect of interviewing account of his stroppy behaviour, which we’re all exhorted to do them. I don’t. I Professor Alan Musgrave is a teensy bit apparently determined his suitability give old-fashioned lectures where I draw scary. Musgrave, my research tells me, is for an institution reputedly of the left- on blackboards – no, whiteboards, sorry. a realist – a “mad dog” realist, according leaning kind (even if it was full of right- You see how antediluvian I am?” to the rough-hewn warning hanging in wing economists). Musgrave’s former student and his office. He has no time for continental Originally accepted to study law, departmental colleague, Dr Colin “idealist guff”, as he calls it. Musgrave was diverted on account of Cheyne, notes that, antediluvian or But Alan Musgrave is not really scary his impecunious background – “I was not, Musgrave’s lectures are “lively and at all. Indeed, a more genial and warmer told you needed a rich father to become popular, remarkable for their clarity and individual would be hard to find. Legend a barrister” – to a newly established erudition, laced with jokes and gossip speaks of his dogged pursuit of simplicity degree in philosophy and economics. about famous philosophers and scientists, in the face of obscurity in departmental The accident proved a fortuitous one. and delivered in his Mancunian accent seminars, but in his office he is quite Musgrave was inspired by the teachings with an obvious enthusiasm for the affable and – thankfully – prepared of Popper and his colourful colleague, subject matter”. to tolerate my (apparently) misguided Michael Oakeshott. This enthusiasm, intellectual fascination with semiotics and such-like. “[They] were both of them in their rigour and the encouraging collegial Musgrave has been a stalwart of the different ways pedagogic disasters,” environment Musgrave helped create University’s Department of Philosophy says Musgrave, “and higher education have contributed enormously to his for 40 years, since his appointment to the development centres, or the equivalent, department’s pre-eminence. In the last Chair of Philosophy in 1970. would have thought ‘My God, we have to two consecutive rounds of the Tertiary He came from the London School reform these people’.” Education Commission’s Performance- of Economics, where he had been Popper spoke in lectures of what Based Research Fund assessment, Otago’s the student and then colleague interested him, inviting questions Department of Philosophy was ranked of the renowned philosopher of from and debate among the students. the highest department in New Zealand, science, Professor Karl Popper, who Musgrave adopted a similar teaching in any subject, for research output. recommended him for the post. style himself, later eschewing PowerPoint Musgrave’s own publication record is

17 Professor Alan Musgrave: His enthusiasm, intellectual rigour and collegiality have contributed enormously to the Department of Philosophy’s success. Photos: Alan Dove

prodigious, and his work is engaged by Musgrave’s belief that science is the by fixed universal principles of what others in their own publications. best way we have of “making sense” constitutes good evidence – and scientific “Alan is not only, in my view, the of our world positions him clearly as realism – the view that successful premier philosopher of science in New someone who believes that the world theories cannot reasonably be regarded Zealand, he is also widely recognised exists independently of our cognition of merely as tools for prediction, but, as one of the leading philosophers of it – hence his fundamental opposition instead, as capturing, at least partially, science in the world,” says Professor of to fellow philosophers of the post- the real ‘deep structure’ of the universe.” Philosophy of Science at the London structuralist persuasion. Despite his preference for science School of Economics, John Worrall, “We might be the smartest critters on as the best epistemic engine for about the man he refers to as “Big Al”. the planet, but the idea that everything understanding our universe, Musgrave’s “For well over three decades now, is some sort of construct of ours – this is doctrine of critical rationalism decries [Musgrave] has been producing papers idealism. the possibility of absolute certainty in that have significantly clarified aspects “There was a universe ticking over all but trivial circumstances. Rather, of the development, foundations and for billions of years, before there were it differentiates knowing for certain importance of science. He has been people, before there were languages, that a theory is true from whether it is a steadfast and highly influential words, concepts or thoughts. It flatters reasonable to believe in its truth, given defender of the thesis that science has our egos to think that everything is some the evidence. a very special epistemic status against sort of construct of ours, but if we take “Most people think that a reason for fashionable trends such as social the teachings of science seriously, then accepting a theory must be a reason constructivism and post-modernism. I think post-structuralist and idealist for the theory,” he explains. “But that “The history and philosophy of science philosophy goes out the window.” some theory provides the best available is recognised as a discipline around the As Worrall explains, “[Musgrave] explanation does not establish that it is world,” continues Worrall, “but there has been a consistent and influential true – the theory in question might be have been … few who have been able defender of … scientific rationality – the false. Still, it may be reasonable to accept to combine the history and philosophy view that the process of theory change in a falsehood. successfully. Musgrave is a clear science has been a rational one, governed “If we find out later that something exception.” we accepted is false, we find out that what we accepted was wrong, but we do not find out that we were wrong to have accepted it.” “I actually don’t think that we choose In other words, Musgrave distinguishes the things we believe. We just find between reasons in favour of the things ourselves believing them as a result of we believe and reasons in favour of our our education, our upbringing, what our believing them. mum or dad told us, what books we’ve “I claim … that most people conflate read and who we’ve been talking to.” these two things. It can be reasonable to believe something that is false and the

18 reasons you have for believing that thing be a “tissue of contradictions”. Religion, can’t establish its truth, given that it’s he suspects, is a manifestation of our Musgrave Scholarship Appeal false.” need for absolute certainty. Or perhaps, A scholarship appeal in honour of Predictably, Musgrave’s position as Australian philosopher David Stove Professor Alan Musgrave was launched aligns him with many sceptics, whose said, we invent gods who care about us in March 2010, recognising his view, he says, is that we can’t know to try to satisfy our insatiable need for distinguished, four-decade tenure of anything for certain. He is, however, attention. the Chair of Philosophy at Otago. careful to make further distinction. Over the next two years Musgrave is It is hoped the appeal will raise “Sceptics don’t think there is no embarking on a “phased” retirement that sufficient funds to support the award truth; they think there is no certain will see him reduce his teaching load. He of a full, two-year master’s scholarship truth. I distinguish between scepticism hopes to continue teaching his history of every year. As Musgrave’s colleague, about certainty, which I agree with, science paper, as it is a subject near to his senior lecturer Dr Colin Cheyne notes, and scepticism about reasonableness of heart and, he believes, an important one. the enhanced reputation of Otago’s belief.” “I think it’s a pity that science students Department of Philosophy has led to Musgrave also discounts the are taught next to nothing about the increased interest from postgraduate philosophical notion of belief history of science. They’re taught their students. voluntarism – that we consciously decide subject from textbooks which are written “In the past, our best graduates what we believe – in favour of the view as if we’ve always known the latest stuff. went elsewhere – usually overseas – that such matters are more or less pre- Well, these things have a history and that and many were accepted into highly determined. history is interesting. It’s quite an eye- prestigious postgraduate programmes. “I actually don’t think that we choose opener for students to find out that we But, in recent years, more of our own the things we believe. We just find haven’t always known the law of inertia graduates have chosen to stay on and ourselves believing them as a result of and such things.” an increasing number of students from our education, our upbringing, what our And so it seems the accidental universities around the world have mum or dad told us, what books we’ve philosopher, Musgrave the “mad dog” found their way here.” read and who we’ve been talking to. realist, will be with the University Such a thriving group of “We can adopt a critical attitude to our for quite some time to come. Post- postgraduate students is a great boon beliefs, which is probably a good thing. structuralists, beware! to the life of the department, says We can adopt strategies about forming Cheyne. This scholarship is intended beliefs, but we can’t just freely decide to to provide support to such outstanding believe something. And, if this is true, students who could not otherwise it’s as silly to persecute people for their afford to undertake postgraduate study beliefs as it is to persecute them for the in philosophy at Otago. colour of their skin.” For further information: contact Unsurprisingly, Musgrave is not a Jude McCracken on 03 479 5246 or religious man. He read the Bible once, email [email protected] when he was a teenager, and found it to

19 FEATURE

Real-world CSI

A veteran of many forensic investigations, bodies. But they can’t tell the whole story. That’s where several of Kieser’s Professor Jules Kieser is now helping a team of students’ research projects begin – trying enthusiastic postgraduate students to push new to identify elements of what happened, when and how, and who was involved. boundaries in forensic science. There’s a growing interest in forensics that delve deeper than the Solving television crime is easy: forensic science under the watchful eye slick-and-pretty pseudo science of the visit the scene, collect the evidence and of Professor Jules Kieser. current epidemic of CSI-style television deliver it to forensics. Beautiful boffins Kieser, formerly head of the programmes. Kieser’s introductory will soon tell you not only when and how Department of Oral Sciences, was forensic biology paper has been the most the deed was done, but who did it, what appointed as the inaugural director of popular subject at the University of they had for breakfast and where they the institute last year. His background Otago’s Summer School for some years, can be tracked down for a shoot-out or a includes both dentistry and physical and several students have moved on to car chase. anthropology, and he has been working further research. Reality, however, is rather different, in forensics for many years – he helped Currently there are 15 postgraduates as forensic students soon learn at the Sir with the identification of bodies investigating various aspects of the forces John Walsh Research Institute, in the recovered after the Boxing Day tsunami acting on biological material. They work University of Otago’s Faculty of Dentistry. in South-East Asia. closely with Environmental Science and While the institute’s main focus Fingerprints deteriorate and DNA is Research (ESR) in Christchurch. covers pure dental research, there is also hard to work with and slow to measure, “ESR is our equivalent of television’s a multidisciplinary team of postgraduate so dental records are still a relatively FBI researchers here in New Zealand,” students pushing the boundaries of quick and simple means of identifying says Kieser. “They come to us with

Professor Jules Kieser: “There is huge potential for criminal forensics. That’s why we do it.” Photo: Bill Nichol

20 Darnell Kennedy: “We’re working to see if we can link unique streptococcal DNA from a bite mark to the teeth of the biter.” Photo: Bill Nichol

specific problems they need to investigate and I link them with interested students. All our projects have a goal. Otherwise we wouldn’t do them.” Generally students are co-supervised by other experts in the University and scientists at ESR. The result is a growing body of scientific data that could have worldwide influence on forensic investigation. Kieser’s idea to promote serious research into forensics was born of failure. He was asked to help explain possible mechanisms of injury in a child abuse case in which a baby may have been thrown against a wall. “We had multiple head injuries and a hole in the wall, but we could not replicate the event in theory to help interpret the evidence,” says Kieser. “It was a huge frustration for us, and I vowed that I was going to find out more about mechanisms of injury so we would be able to say something sensible and useful to law enforcement officials A student who fought off and to the courts – not just about child abuse, but bullet injuries, blood spatter, decomposing bodies, DNA evidence …” an assault bit her attacker. Kieser’s students work with all kinds of forensic evidence, all A suspect is found with bite adding to the tools of the trade. The field is wide open. Much of marks. Can the two be linked? the work has never been done before, although some of it is not for the faint of heart. Researcher “Students are thoroughly embedded in the subject. All of them Darnell Kennedy: “Recovering a biter’s DNA from take a formal blood spatter course and are exposed to morgue a bite mark is difficult as enzymes in saliva degrade practice. DNA. We’re working to see if we can link unique “As a forensic dentist I see a lot of cases in the morgue and streptococcal DNA from a bite mark to the teeth of the all involve at least one of our students. We give them the best biter.” possible grounding, teach them how to think and how to stand on Background their own two feet. After a biochemistry degree, Kennedy’s PhD is “We receive enormous support from the Dean and the aimed at developing new techniques to measure the University,” says Kieser. “And, although forensics is only a small streptococci that colonise our teeth and are deposited part of the institute’s work, it attracts a great deal of national with bite marks. and international interest, including collaborations with the As everyone appears to harbour unique collections University of Pretoria and the Institute of Legal Medicine in of Streptococci, DNA sequencing could make a match. Berlin. Kennedy is building on earlier work by dentistry “Our students should be able to hold their heads up anywhere – students, but has access to new advanced sequencing and I encourage them to look for opportunities abroad as well as technology. She has ethical approval for volunteers at home. Kiwis are very good at working internationally.” to bite themselves just hard enough to leave a Graduates have already taken up positions in Australia, mark – blood would contaminate the sample – so Germany and South Africa. measurements can be taken after a few hours. “There is huge potential for criminal forensics,” says Kieser. Kennedy has also had a computer programme “That’s why we do it.” developed to tackle the huge amount of data generated. And, although Kieser never watches the forensic programmes Initial results suggest the future for forensics is on television, he has been known to use them as training exercises looking bright – and the student’s attacker could soon – counting all the mistakes they make. be convicted.

21 Hunters discover A two-year old boy A shooting victim is a headless human arrives at A&E with found alone in a house. skeleton in Fiordland. badly broken ribs. Was it suicide Identification is going Did he fall or was he or murder? to be difficult. beaten? Researcher Researcher Researcher Sam White: “Sometimes you don’t have Sarah Weller: “If a kid presents with a Gemma Radford: “A corpse won’t talk. the quality or quantity of nuclear DNA rib fracture then he has had a pretty But bloodstains can tell you a great deal.” to be conclusive. Using mitochondrial hefty blow of some description. I’d be Background DNA may be less informative, but, in asking questions.” Anatomy graduate Radford has learned the absence of any other evidence, it Background to use a 9mm Glock pistol as part of her could provide pertinent information With an anatomy degree and a diploma master’s degree. and better focus the investigation.” in personal training, Weller’s interest She is setting out to model the first Background in forensics was sparked by television realistic human head and then shoot Summer School papers in forensic programmes. it in an attempt to identify patterns in biology rekindled White’s high school So, after meeting Professor Jules back-spatter – the blood ejected from ideas of studying forensic science. After Kieser she began a master’s degree, a bullet entrance wound and often completing a biochemistry degree and breaking ribs for a baseline data set deposited on the hand of the shooter. postgraduate diploma, White now has using a large biomechanical compression The aim is to reconstruct gunshot an ESR scholarship to undertake a PhD machine on pig ribs from the butcher. fatalities in which back-spatter is crucial exploring mitochondrial DNA. “Breaking ribs is pretty cool,” to understanding what happened. His task is to find effective ways of says Weller. “We measure all the The project was instigated by ESR separating mixtures of mitochondrial biomechanical properties. Ribs break (which provides Radford’s scholarship) DNA, which could be useful at different forces when they are and it is hoped that analysts may where samples are very small and presented in different conditions and eventually be able to identify just how contaminated with the victim’s DNA, as we study the effects – microdamage far from an entrance wound a gun was sometimes happens in rape cases. and the different morphology of the fired. “The more information you can fractures. “No model is going to be perfect,” get, the more you can whittle down the “By looking at the mechanism that says Radford, “but we use materials suspect list,” says White. “We might not caused the break and the forces needed with properties similar to human tissue be able to get an absolute conviction, but to do it, we can set base readings and – resin for bone, gelatine for the brain, exclusion is possible and an achievement understanding for adult ribs. Then silicon for skin, and pig’s blood. The in itself. Even with other DNA-based we’ll get data for kids’ ribs, which are head is a complex thing and the work evidence to go on, mitochondrial DNA much more flexible and take a lot of could take a few more years to perfect.” evidence adds weight and may tip the force to break. balance.” “We want to be able to be presented Mitochondrial analysis is also useful with a rib fracture and suggest what in skeletal remains and disaster victim kind of event caused it, which could be identification as it is more reliably useful in cases of alleged child abuse.” extracted from old or degraded samples than nuclear DNA.

22 Gemma Dickson: “At the moment, no one can give a scientific answer as to how long a body has been in the water, but our research is looking promising.” Photo: Bill Nichol

Fiction forensics Dunedin crime writer Vanda Symon is doing an inside job. She’s working undercover as a postgraduate student, investigating the forensic techniques used in the novels of New Zealand’s queen of crime fiction, Ngaio Marsh. Symon is comparing the crime-fighting techniques in Marsh’s fiction with the real-life methods used by British and New Zealand police over the 50 years of her writing. “Ngaio Marsh is such an important historic figure,” says Symon. “We tend to underestimate her achievement in being named one of the four queens of crime fiction, especially with the other three being English upper-class authors. “She was quite fastidious about her research. What she includes is accurate for the time, A body washes ashore. so her work documents the rise of things like How long has it been in the water? fingerprint technology and blood analysis.” Symon, who has an Otago pharmacy degree Researcher and wanted to get back to further study, aims to Gemma Dickson: “Marine bacteria seem to play an integral part in be just as accurate. marine decomposition. If we can understand this process, we might “Crime writing is very much an artistic be able to use them as a post-mortem clock to determine exactly pursuit, although you do have to be up with the how long a body has been submerged.” play as a novelist because readers are very savvy Background about the latest forensic techniques, especially Dickson is using techniques and skills gained during a biochemistry with the number of television programmes honours degree to advance forensic science. there are on the subject. “At the moment, no one can give a scientific answer as to how “One of the lovely things for me as a writer long a body has been in the water,” she says, “but our research is is being part of Jules’ group with people doing looking promising.” really cool cutting-edge research. I have a She has been studying bacteria on pigs’ heads immersed in cages. handle on what is happening right now and I “We’ve gained lots of interesting information, although this study is may be able to use bits of this in my novels. It’s just a pilot. all very inspiring. “This kind of research has become a lot more popular over the “Everything you read, everything you look last couple of years and, with new technology, new ideas and new at and everything you do in life can feed the fire tools, the things I and others have been doing will probably be used of inspiration. This should help with what I’m more frequently to answer these kinds of questions in future.” doing in crime fiction as well as satisfying the Dickson is also working with the New Zealand Police Dive scientist in me.” Squad and has been asked to comment on fatalities during her PhD. Symon is the author of the Sam Shephard series “I’ve already swabbed five bodies and each one has been totally Overkill (2007), The Ringmaster (2008) and Containment (2009). different. You never know what to expect, but you detach yourself at the time and think about it afterwards.” NIGEL ZEGA

23 OPINION

Immunisation: “benefits for all”

In spite of almost daily media But are there more things we should Developments in immunisation and headlines, most of the great advances in know about vaccines? The answer is, vaccine provision health care have not been “the latest cure most definitely, yes! There have been great strides made for cancer” or the “newest” technology. In our own very comfortable living in the last 20 years in the delivery The changes that have really provided environments, it often is not immediately of vaccines. It is salutary to realise, the greatest impacts on survival through obvious to us that others are not so from review of annual World Health childhood, on our ability to lead a fortunate. The major cause of death Organisation reports, that as recently healthy adult life and on our overall in childhood still is infectious disease. as 1980 only 20 per cent of the world’s well-being have been public health Many of the world’s children do not have children received the required three interventions – foremost of which have access to even the most basic childhood doses of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis been safe and clean water supplies, good schedule of immunisations. (whooping cough) vaccine in early nutrition and prevention of infectious This includes immunisation for the childhood. Through massive efforts diseases by immunisation. prevention of tetanus (every individual by WHO, Unicef, the Global Alliance in the world is susceptible to the toxins for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI) Immunisation and its place in our produced by this soil-borne organism and other agencies in the provision of own lives unless they have been immunised); infrastructure and delivery programmes, Many of us take immunisations whooping cough (with a mortality which just over 80 per cent of the world’s completely for granted. We have received is higher the younger you are when you children are now immunised in early life vaccines in childhood, take our own contract it – in the UK epidemic in the to protect them from these diseases. Why children to immunisation clinics and 1970s, one in 50 affected infants under not 100 per cent? are vaguely aware that, even in adult life, the age of six months and admitted to There are many other vaccines which there may be vaccines that may be of hospital with whooping cough died); and are also very important. Hepatitis B benefit. From time to time, a threatened diphtheria. vaccine is now provided to all infants “pandemic” briefly raises our interest in Measles is readily preventable by in many countries. One of its very vaccines: the recent “bird flu” and “swine immunisation and, as a human pathogen important, but often unrecognised, flu” developments are examples. reliant on passage from person to effects is that it is actually an anti-cancer Many of us forget that the scourge person for its existence, it is potentially vaccine – because chronic infection of smallpox has been eradicated eradicable. with hepatitis B virus can lead to liver in association with vaccination However, measles remains a major cancer in later life. We now have readily programmes and that poliomyelitis cause of death in childhood in many available vaccines against hepatitis A. is now extremely rare – hopefully underdeveloped countries – and is The human papillomavirus vaccine poliomyelitis will be the second a major threat in countries where (HPV) is now available in many infectious disease where we will be immunisation uptake is less than 85–90 developed countries (including New celebrating eradication in the reasonably per cent (even New Zealand remains Zealand) for administration to girls in close future. Damage to unborn babies marginal in its overall delivery of their school years and has been shown, due to infection with German measles measles vaccine and some other vaccines very clearly, to reduce the risk of cervical (rubella) during pregnancy is now very to children). cancer. Cervical cancer has very high uncommon in many countries. mortality rates in developing countries,

24 Professor Don Roberton: “Many of the world’s children do not have access to even the most basic childhood schedule of immunisations.” Photo: Graham Warman

“Immunisation is of benefit to all. It is worth the investment of our time, our expertise and our dollars.”

where it is difficult to provide effective available in wealthy countries, not where countries are all vital components of the cervical cancer screening services. the need is greatest. international effort to provide all of the Vaccines against some of the world’s children with the benefits that Vaccines of the future organisms (Haemophilus influenzae many of us take for granted. Potential vaccines under active type b; many types of Pneumococci; and Immunisation is of benefit to all. It development are those against important some types of Meningococci) that are the is worth the investment of our time, our viral respiratory pathogens in early major causes of devastating bacterial expertise and our dollars. childhood, including respiratory meningitis in children and young healthy syncytial virus (which causes adults (and some older adults) are Professor Don Roberton bronchiolitis and pneumonia), and available. However, these highly-effective Pro-Vice-Chancellor Health Sciences parainfluenza viruses (which cause croup vaccines have been costly to develop, are Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and middle ear infections). Vaccines are expensive to purchase and, therefore, being developed against Helicobacter [Professor Roberton trained and practised are only readily accessible in relatively pylori infection which causes stomach as a specialist in paediatrics. He has had a wealthy countries. They are needed, in and duodenal ulcers, and there is a research and public health interest in vaccines much more inexpensive forms, for all of desperate need for effective vaccines and vaccine development for many years the world’s children. and, in March 2010, was awarded the Howard to prevent hepatitis C infection, HIV Gastroenteritis in early childhood is Williams Medal by the Paediatrics and Child infection and malaria. most often due to infection with a virus Health Division of the Royal Australasian What can we do to help? Research, called rotavirus. Severe vomiting and College of Physicians at the World Congress of the development of possible vaccine diarrhoea in young and malnourished Internal Medicine in Melbourne. The Howard candidates, carefully designed clinical children living in poor countries, and Williams Medal is presented annually for the safety and efficacy trials, government most outstanding contribution to paediatrics without access to medical services, can agency support for immunisation in Australia or New Zealand.] rapidly lead to death. Rotavirus vaccines programmes, and development of have been developed and licensed safe and cost effective manufacturing recently – but, again, are expensive and programmes for vaccines in developing

25 Dr Kay Flavell: “I thought, ‘a hermitage in the hills – that’s what we need around the North and South Pacific’…” Photo: Graham Warman On a sunny day from a North Dunedin garden, Dr Kay Flavell can point out the farm where she grew up. The house is a speck high on the flanks of Signal Hill – between town and country, even now, 50 or so years later – where it was her job to muck out the pigs, she remembers: morning and night. Flavell loved life on the farm, but resented any chore that robbed her of time away from her passion: reading. The Otago alumna and former academic has always adored books, realising at a young age that they “feed the imagination”. When weekly trips to the library could no longer sustain her voracious literary appetite, the young Kay became enterprising, bribing her brothers and sisters into giving her their library cards. “That way I could borrow four or five books on each of their cards. I’d end up with about 30 books and dole out one each to them.” Flavell’s love of literature led her to study languages at Otago, where she specialised in German after becoming interested in the way German literature was “tangled up” with philosophy and theories of culture. Flavell went on to a teaching position at Canterbury In-between places

Kay Flavell’s belief in creative development led her to establish New Pacific Studio, with interdisciplinary artists’ retreats here in New Zealand and California.

26 ALUMNI PROFILE

University and then University College with people of all ages. So I reduced the countryside, the closure of country London. After a move to the US with her idea of the university to what it started schools, the demolition of country former husband in 1983, she took up a out as: a house of learning, a place where halls. All that is left in huge areas of professorship in German literature at the people can live and work and collaborate the countryside are cemeteries – even University of California (Davis). on projects with other institutions, the churches get removed. This is the So far, so good for a respectable libraries, schools and community impetus to collecting local stories. It is academic career, especially when groups.” about saving the stories and putting them the New Zealander was offered the At the same time Flavell started back into the landscape.” associate directorship of a newly-created reading literature from both Eastern and In addition to rewarding projects such interdisciplinary research centre in Western traditions about retirement, as these, Flavell’s trans-Pacific dream humanities at Davis. Flavell seized which introduced her to the concept of a has resulted in the short residencies of the opportunity to create courses that retreat – a hermitage. more than 100 artists and writers from better reflected a society on the edge “I thought, ‘a hermitage in the hills around the Pacific region, many of whom of the Pacific, leaving behind the more – that’s what we need around the North have gone on to exhibit or publish the traditional disciplinary phyla of the and South Pacific’; places where artists resulting work. Eurocentric model frequently replicated and writers can live together for a period, New Zealand writer Shelagh in university structures. without a predetermined agenda, and Duckham Cox, the first writer in “Oceania was described in the UCD simply focus on their work.” residence at New Pacific Studio Mount curriculum as the art of non-literate The result was New Pacific Studio, Bruce, describes it as “a valuable peoples,” recalls Flavell. “So I devised a an international charitable organisation and unique facility and part of the new course called Art, Storytelling and with a stated mission of promoting international circle of artistic retreats – Cultural Identity in Pacific Contexts. the creativity of people of all ages and the only one in New Zealand”. She says Suddenly I had 65 students and I told encouraging the cross-fertilisation of it has not yet received the “recognition it them to focus on seeing themselves as ideas among creative communities. deserves within this country”. carriers of cultural heritage. To support this ambitious goal, Flavell Ten years on, Flavell believes the “Their first project was to interview sought to establish artists’ retreats. interdisciplinary, international artists’ someone who had passed on cultural In 2000 she purchased a dilapidated spaces she has helped establish will information to them; the next to write 1911 homestead at Mount Bruce, near remain available for years to come, about an artist or writer operating Eketahuna in the Wairarapa, and set largely thanks to the support of the within their own cultural context. about restoring it. A second retreat, in communities they have helped to enrich. This approach enabled people from all an historic cottage in Vallejo, California, She points out that New Pacific Studio cultural backgrounds, whether they followed. continues to welcome New Zealand were Thai, Tongan or boat people from In 2006 the studio’s environmental artists and writers, and encourages Vietnam, to participate equally, and emphasis was expressed in the restoration people and organisations to consider facilitated a cross-fertilisation of ideas of Mt Bruce’s neglected Anzac memorial offering fellowships to enable those from around the Pacific.” bridge, a landmark that has since become artists and writers to stay free. Despite the success of the centre and the focus of the local community’s “I think it’s possible to put New its programmes, Flavell grew restless. She annual Anzac commemoration. Current Pacific Studio into a middle category undertook a master’s degree in museum initiatives include setting up Friends of of creative spaces: there are domestic studies from Monash University while Mauriceville, aimed at preserving local spaces, there are institutional spaces and on leave from UCD, but realised that a heritage buildings and family history, then there are spaces that can function career in another large institution would and developing a Wellington-Napier in-between.” not satisfy her desire to reach out to Scandinavian Trail through the now- communities. vanished 70 Mile Bush, Te Tapere Nui a Rebecca Tansley “I think every community is full of Whatonga. For further information, visit opportunities for creative development “I feel that one of the crises in New www.newpacificstudio.org and I wanted to find a way of working Zealand is the emptying out of the

27 INBRIEF

The young ones

The cultural history of adolescence Brickell is looking at youth-related and young adulthood in New Zealand aspects within published works and is the subject of new research being other primary sources, and attempting undertaken by Dr Chris Brickell, the to fill gaps through uncovering further author of Mates and Lovers, an acclaimed resources that have so far been largely history of gay New Zealand. overlooked. “It’s often assumed that it was not until These include diaries, letters, journals the 1950s that a significant generation and scrapbooks that reveal young people’s gap emerged,” Brickell says. “However, a experiences in their own words. similar gap is noticeable right back into Brickell says he has already found the 19th century.” gems such as the New Zealand Truth While the ’50s saw the “bodgie” and newspaper lamenting in 1914 that “for far “widgie” creating moral panics in milk bars, too many young women, the mystery and in the 1920s it was “flappers” and, in the secret of sex are no mystery or secret at previous century, “mashers”, “dudes” and all”. “dudines” who were shocking adults with “While it is fascinating to delve into Dr Chris Brickell: “A common thread through the eras is that young people were their outlandish ways. these deeply disapproving adult writings, being seen as both overly hedonistic and at “A common thread through the eras I also want to balance this with the other the leading edge of social change.” is that young people were being seen as sources that reveal what young people in both overly hedonistic and at the leading different eras of our history were thinking edge of social change.” and what their social experiences were.”

Goodness gracious greens

It is well known that isothiocyanates – MIF is critically involved in diseases disease and cancer, and its biological compunds found in vegetables such as such as sepsis, cardiovascular disease, activity is destroyed upon exposure to broccoli and watercress – have anti- rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel isothiocyanates. cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. “The results show that isothiocyanates Less well known is how these have the potential to disrupt the pro- isothiocyanates work. inflammatory and tumour-inducing action During PhD study at the University of the MIF protein,” she says. of Otago, Christchurch, Kristin Brown “This is valuable information for revealed a pathway these compounds designing specific drugs that interrupt can influence and, in doing so, opens the action of MIF and provides us with an the door to novel treatments for several insight into the mechanism underlying the inflammatory diseases and cancer. anti-cancer activity of isothiocyanates.” “We wanted to try to find out what In addition to laboratory experiments, human proteins react with isothiocyanates the Christchurch scientists also and how such reactions can reduce demonstrated that when people eat inflammation and kill cancer cells,” she watercress, which contains significant explains. Brown and colleagues in the amounts of isothiocyanate, the Free Radical Research Group worked MIF protein circulating within their with scientists in Dunedin and Germany Kristin Brown and Associate Professor bloodstream was quickly inhibited. to discover that one particular protein – Mark Hampton: “Isothiocyanates have the Brown now has a postdoctoral MIF – is very sensitive to isothiocyanates. potential to disrupt the pro-inflammatory and Fellowship at Harvard Medical School. tumour-inducing action of the MIF protein.”

28 Every stitch has a story

They may not be skeletons in the closet, Department of Marketing consumer represents themselves, but they still keep but it seems that a good number of behaviourist Dr Shelagh Ferguson is keen it.” wardrobes are haunted by sartorial to explore people’s emotional attachments Stories have ranged from green PVC symbols of past triumphs and tragedies. to clothes and has embarked on what is trousers – kept for bad taste parties – to turning into an ambitious trans-Tasman an expensive designer outfit a woman project with former Otago colleague wore just once for what she described as Dr Alistair Tombs, now based at the “the most awful date ever”. University of Queensland. “So we’re finding all this rich, rich They started out wanting to stuff about how people attach to and understand why people become attached emotionally interact with material,” says to one item of clothing and not another, Ferguson. but they soon found all sorts of fascinating It is early days, but they have a insights. number of willing interviewees, including “People have wardrobes for stuff they a 95-year-old woman with a collection of don’t wear, but aren’t prepared to throw fur coats. out. When they talk about these clothes, it Aside from learning more about is this rich personal history that is about the connection between emotion and how they have used all this clothing to purchasing decisions, Ferguson also hopes memorialise events. to be able to make a documentary film Dr Shelagh Ferguson: “We’re finding all this “This is not clothing they like or using the recorded interviews. rich, rich stuff about how people attach to necessarily something they think and emotionally interact with material.”

New hope for smokers

Around 21 per cent of New Zealanders Forty per cent ranked the Zonnic sachet The study shows that smoking is still smoke and many of them are as their favourite, 40 per cent chose snus reduced through the use of all three desperate to give up, but only 18 per cent and 20 per cent gum. products. On average, participants are still not smoking a year after trying reduced smoking by 33 per cent when they to do so. used gum, 37 per cent with snus and 42 Dr Brent Caldwell, of the Department per cent in their fortnight on Zonnic. of Medicine in Wellington, has investigated “The thing about snus and Zonnic the acceptability of two new products with sachets is that they’re very easy to use. positive results. One is a generic Swedish You just put the flavoured sachet between product, snus, and the other is more the cheek and the gum and it cuts the recent, called Zonnic. craving for another cigarette,” says “Our research shows that smokers Caldwell. really liked these products which are The researchers also found that Zonnic packed in a sachet and they reduced and snus have fewer side-effects than gum, cravings for tobacco. They’re even more particularly gastrointestinal effects. effective than nicotine gum available from Caldwell is now extending this pharmacies or GPs.” research, by testing whether six months’ The study, recently published treatment with a new Zonnic mouth spray in Nicotine and Tobacco Research, Dr Brent Caldwell: “The thing about snus improves quit rates one year later. investigated 63 smokers who used the and Zonnic sachets is that they’re very two products and gum for two weeks each. easy to use … [they] cut the craving for another cigarette.”

29 INBRIEF

Past impacts, future clues

In a report published in Science, PhD Oxygen isotope records showed that Geology student Felix Marx has shown fossil whale diversity was also linked to the evolution of modern whales was changes in climate. driven by a combination of food “Both food abundance and climate abundance and climate change. change were, in turn, probably related “We know much about how ancient to continental drift and changes in cetaceans evolved from four-legged the Earth’s geography, particularly ‘landlubbers’ into sea-going creatures, but the isolation of Antarctica from other many questions have remained about what continents about 30–40 million years ago.” drove the evolution of whales after their This led to a new current spreading ancestors became aquatic.” high levels of nutrients into the upper Marx says the fossil record clearly layers of the world’s oceans, providing shows that diatoms – tiny plants at the perfect conditions for diatoms to flourish. bottom of the marine food web – and “The evolution and diversity of whales whales rose and fell in diversity together may ultimately be the result of geological Felix Marx: “The evolution and diversity during most of the last 30 million years. forces working at the heart of our planet. of whales may ultimately be the result of “When diatoms are dominant in oceans, Discovering the past impacts of these geological forces working at the heart of it creates a shortened food web, enabling changes will give us new tools to predict our planet.” more efficient foraging by whales. This how future global changes might affect (The report was co-authored by Dr Mark Uhen, allows them to grow larger, more abundant these animals.” George Mason University, US.) and more diverse.”

War babies speak up

In all the discussion and research over mothers’ stories. Did they have further “Most of them were fairly naïve young the 65 years since World War II, Pacific contact with the father or his family and women and these fabulous Americans and Maori- children fathered by American how that was received? came with lots of money and lots of life servicemen have not been able to and often became very close to their tell their story. A project headed by families.” Professor Judy Bennett (Department of There could be up to 2,000 children History) will change that. of American servicemen in Samoa and What started as research for a book American Samoa alone, with hundreds on the environmental impact of World War more on other island groups. II in the Pacific, soon switched focus as it “We would like to quantify it, but became clear there were many children the most important thing is the way it’s fathered by the US servicemen who served affected them,” says Bennett. there, but no meaningful statistics. “People have mostly been interested in “I thought this is a big gap. What has the politics, the economics and the conflict happened to them? itself, not so much in the human results. “Did they grow up sort of as orphans or We count the dead, but we don’t always were they accepted into their society? count the living.” “Were they stigmatised and how did they feel about themselves?” Bennett and her associate Professor Judy Bennett: What happened to the Pacific and aoriM- children fathered by US investigators would also like to know their servicemen during World War II?

30 Simple rejection detection test

In a world first, University of Otago within the first year, detecting rejection preserve kidney function and prevent researchers have developed a simple early is essential to enable immediate transplant loss. urine test to detect kidney transplant intervention with additional drugs to The new urine test detects one of rejection. the molecules – Major Histocompatibility This is the result of a seven-year Complex (MHC) – that is released from study of New Zealand, Australian and the kidneys into urine during transplant Swiss kidney transplant patients. When rejection. The study showed that levels of further testing is completed, it should MHC in the urine soared during transplant mean the current test – an invasive rejection and could be detected days biopsy procedure – could be replaced before confirmation of rejection using the with a simple and accurate urine test, standard biopsy method. Patients testing says study co-ordinator Dr Alex McLellan positive for MHC had a greater than 90 per (Microbiology and Immunology). cent chance of rejection. “The main challenge for transplants McLellan hopes the test, which is is the host’s immune system, which sees unlikely to become available for some the graft as foreign and attacks the years until further investigation has been transplanted organ. Keeping this organ done, will improve diagnostic monitoring alive requires potent immuno-suppressive during post-transplant hospitalisation. It drugs,” McLellan says. Dr Alex McLellan: He hopes the new would also be valuable to patients at home As four out of every 120 New urine test will improve diagnostic as a urine dip-stick test for long-term monitoring during post-kidney-transplant Zealanders will lose their kidney transplant monitoring of transplant status. hospitalisation.

Mysterious and multicultural

The provenance of a heritage collection and a kaumatua. Historical records has raised new questions yet to be of harakeke and wharariki (New Zealand were searched to determine the likely answered. flax) plants in the Dunedin Botanic origins of the whole collection. The Garden poses a mystery. Are they Kaimahi Harakeke selected 24 plants of South Island (Te Waipounamu) varieties, particular interest from among the 214 distinct from the National New Zealand in the collection and these were then Flax Collection housed at Landcare investigated using botanical, textile Research in Lincoln? science and Maori- weaving techniques. Drs Debra Carr and Bronwyn Lowe Weavers prepared fibre from (Clothing and Textile Sciences, University harvested leaves, rating the weaving of Otago), Tom Myers (Botanist, Dunedin qualities of both leaf and fibre. Differences Botanic Garden) and Rua McCallum among plants were identified using (Ruaimoko Productions and Consultancy multivariate analysis, comparing botanical, Ltd) examined the plants in several ways. textile science and weaving assessment It is this multilayered approach with its measures of leaf and fibre. considerable community input that makes The combination of historical, the research project unique. botanical, matauranga- (Maori- knowledge) At the outset, a consultation hui and textile science research has developed was held to discuss how the plants new methods and insights, as well as Tom Myers, Dr Bronwyn Lowe and Rua would be investigated. A focus group highlighting multidisciplinary challenges. McCallum: They have been looking at the was established (the Kaimahi Harakeke) While results indicate some plants may be provenance of the Dunedin Botanic Garden flax collection. comprising Maori- weavers, horticulturalists unique to Te Waipounamu, the research

31 INBRIEF

Pressure on food processing

A means of food preservation that food, high pressure can make important different naturally-occurring enzymes and maintains nutritional benefits, taste, changes to its quality, functionality and chemical processes in the food.” colour and appearance while at the same usability by activating and inactivating Oey was previously based in Belgium time keeps the product stable, safe and and involved in European projects to easy to use is something of a holy grail develop the technique. It has become for food scientists. more intensively studied for industrial Professor Indrawati Oey (Department application in food processing and of Food Science) is championing the preservation in Europe, Japan and development of high hydrostatic pressure America, and interest in the technique is (HP) processing as a way of killing bacteria also significantly growing in Australia and and extending shelf life. Pre-packed New Zealand. food products are put under hydrostatic She is keen to develop industry pressure above 1,000 bar, or 1,000-times partnerships here and collaborate with the atmospheric pressure. other University departments, as well as “The beauty of this technique is that Crown Research Institutes such as Plant we can extend the shelf life of the product and Food Research. by inactivating micro-organisms and “My role is as an industrial advisor – undesirable enzymes while we keep the helping them have more profit by initial taste, flavour, colour and nutrient Professor Indrawati Oey: She is championing producing safe and better quality food content,” she explains. “Another feature the development of high hydrostatic pressure product by adopting this new technology.” processing as a way of killing bacteria and of HP is that, as well as preserving the extending the shelf life of food.

Physics helps finance

The worlds of physics and finance may Current models also lack the ability “I am developing some possibilities appear to lie in different universes, but to incorporate feedback and don’t through my research and I plan to present Accounting and Business Law lecturer Dr adapt to meet the company’s changing these results in the near future.” Michael Falta believes physical sciences circumstances. “Business failure is a have much to offer accounting. process, not a jump from being in to being Falta is using his background as a out of the game.” natural scientist to develop ways of Falta says we are at the beginning of modelling complex economic systems and developing ways to model complex systems to analyse the way business performance that are capable of accommodating the and failure is predicted. many factors that go into the business “The focus must be not on method, in process. the first place, but on a careful analysis For example, producing apples for sale of the environment in which the business involves diverse factors – from growing, enterprise lives and what relevant picking and transporting fruit to seasonal information can be captured about its price variations driven by supply and inner life.” demand. For example, a construction company “You have, on one side, the physical operates on a project-by-project basis, world which determines the growth and, whereas a bank has a regular flow of on the other side, the financial world. They customers. both interact. But how do you model all Dr Michael Falta: He is using his background that? as a natural scientist to develop ways of modelling complex economic systems.

32 Aphid genome uncovered

University of Otago researchers, led by insects. For instance, it will contribute our agricultural economy by enabling us to Associate Professor Peter Dearden, are towards greatly reducing the economic develop tailor-made insecticides,” he says. part of an international group of more impact these insects currently have on Dearden explains that, biologically, than 200 researchers from 15 countries aphids are interesting insects. that has published the complete genome “They are capable of both sexual of the pea aphid. This achievement and asexual reproduction and, when may lead to new weapons in the fight reproducing asexually, a female aphid against a major pest that has significant contains within its body its children, which economic impacts on agriculture. then contain its grandchildren – so-called A genome contains all the hereditary telescoping generations. information of an organism and includes “While it has a smaller genome than its genes and the non-coding sequences of humans, the aphid genome is still 464 the DNA. million base-pairs long, which helps Dearden (Genetics Otago) says aphids explain why unlocking the genetic secrets are both a pest and a biosecurity risk to of this tiny creature still required a giant New Zealand, with the vast majority of international scientific effort.” aphids here being introduced species. Dearden’s group, which included Drs They also often carry plant viruses that Elizabeth Duncan, Megan Wilson and James can affect crops. Smith, contributed to annotating genes, “This genome sequence will improve Associate Professor Peter Dearden: “This particularly focusing on genes involved in genome sequence will improve the biological the biological understanding of these the embryonic development of aphids. understanding of these insects [pea aphid].”

The road to 9/11

It is widely believed that the world’s be US casualties – which had significant current security environment was international consequences. decisively shaped by 9/11 and America’s Patman believes the Somali Syndrome reaction to that tragedy. emboldened the Osama bin Laden That view is profoundly mistaken, network to gradually escalate its terrorist according to Robert Patman, Professor campaign against the US. of International Relations and director Policy choices made between 1993 of the Master of International Studies and 2001 created a strategic shortfall programme at the University of Otago. that enabled al Qaeda to grow to the point In his new book, Strategic Shortfall: where it was capable of mounting the The Somalia Syndrome and the March to devastating terrorist attacks of 9/11. 9/11, Patman locates the origins of 9/11 “America’s post-Somalia approach was in the increasingly globalised security supposed to be in the interests of national context of the early post-Cold War period. security,” says Patman. “Instead it came He argues that the disastrous US-UN back to bite them.” Professor Robert Patman: He believes humanitarian intervention in Somalia in Turning a blind eye to the expansion that the Somalia Syndrome emboldened 1992–1993 was a defining moment for US of Islamic extremism in the 1990s has the Osama bin Laden network to gradually foreign policy. ultimately made the world a more escalate its terrorist campaign against the US. It generated the Somalia Syndrome – a dangerous place, he says. risk-averse approach to intervention in civil conflicts, especially if there might

33 DEVELOPMENT

Laws of the future

“Designer babies”, robotics, nanotechnology, Henaghan and including experts in genetics, paediatrics, law, philosophy artificial intelligence … Such emerging and Mäori, was charged with examining technologies present law-makers with enormous the science, ethics and legal tools surrounding genetic interventions. The challenges and, as Associate Professor Colin meeting of minds is visible. The HGRP Gavaghan acknowledges, generate far more report, “Choosing Genes for Future Children”, echoes, in many respects, questions than answers. Gavaghan’s 2007 book Defending the Genetic Supermarket: Law and ethics of When Associate Professor Colin “Fortunately, my family loves Dunedin,” choosing the next generation. Gavaghan first read the job description Gavaghan reports. “When we came Gavaghan, like the Otago scholars, for Director of Otago’s Centre for Law for our initial visit my partner, Carol, argues for a measured approach towards and Policy in Emerging Technologies, commented, ‘well you had better get the pre-implantation embryo selection he was already worrying about the job, because I’m moving here anyway’.” that does not throw the “baby” – the consequences of bringing fMRI scans The sheer scale of the task at hand potential to spare families the prospect of into the courtroom. The University is a significant reason for the centre’s raising children with devastating genetic had in mind its work on “designer existence. Established through the conditions – out with the “bathwater” of babies” while the Government thought Leading Thinkers Initiative, the centre blind social panic. “nanotechnology”. is supported by an endowment from the And Gavaghan demands that By definition, a centre focusing New Zealand Law Foundation, which audiences think very critically about on the rapid and unpredicted turns had identified a yawning gap in New who is being served by pre-implantation of technological progress comes with Zealand’s regulatory landscape. In genetic technology. “Don’t forget that, seriously uncharted territory. And when announcing the new centre and position, for the potential life, the difference the issues include “what happens when Law Foundation chair Warren Deuchrass isn’t between being born with a genetic computer chips become so small they can commented that the endowment was condition or being born without one. It’s fit in a blood cell?”, the prospect of trying made “to establish a framework for the a difference between being born – having to assert control via the steady-handed systematic and comprehensive evaluation a life at all – or not.” rule of law is either heroically ambitious of emerging technologies, and to build He sympathises with members of the or fundamentally futile. New Zealand’s legal and policy capability Deaf community who take exception It’s a field, Gavaghan concedes, “that’s in these developing areas. Dr Gavaghan to “deaf embryos” being excluded from generating many more questions than and the Centre for Law and Policy in implantation. “Does this suggest that answers right now”. Which is precisely Emerging Technologies will provide that”. being deaf is essentially a life not worth the kind of rich academic challenge that In other ways, too, the centre was born living? Many deaf people see themselves would make him pack up his office at the from a legacy of lingering questions and less as disabled as belonging to a University of Glasgow, where he taught loose ends as it picks up, somewhat, from linguistic minority.” It’s an argument ethics and medical law, and forge the where Otago’s Human Genome Research that can be applied to many forms of next chapter of his career at this southern Project (HGRP) left off. That team, led disability and disease, he comments, but university. by Faculty of Law Dean Professor Mark one that is little acknowledged in law.

34 Associate Professor Colin Gavaghan: “Is having no idea about the level of risk a reason to prohibit something?” Photo: Alan Dove

As an enthusiastically tuned-in And his recent research into the different situation to the one where commentator and contributor to social future of neural scanning technology someone was merely attracted or aroused debate, Gavaghan’s care for placing in the pursuit of justice raises similar by the idea, but where they might well individual human rights at the centre of concerns. choose not to act on it. My worry is ethical debates is an ongoing hallmark “A body of evidence is amassing that it precisely that this distinction could of his approach. In acknowledging law’s may become possible to detect not only be eclipsed and the space in which we constant tension between enabling people’s desires, but even their intentions make moral decisions squeezed out of maximum human freedoms and to behave in a particular way through existence.” protecting society at large, he cautions fMRI scanning. If you think through But, he warns, there is an important against the trap of treating people as the legal ramifications of this, they are difference between intention and populations to be managed, rather than extraordinary. behaviour. Furthermore, morality and free and intelligent individuals whose “Imagine if it were possible to tell laws rest on the idea that, even when you rights must be guarded. whether a paedophile being released are tempted to do something wrong, you Indeed, this focus earned him into the community still harboured desist. headlines recently when he argued desires to offend. The pressure to use “Law-makers would start with against prevailing medical advice this information to keep that person universally hated figures – paedophiles that pregnant women should abstain imprisoned would be overwhelming. and terrorists. But once you’ve completely from alcohol. Given the But there’s a big difference between a established the principle that individual absence of any supporting evidence that paedophile – someone who is sexually rights can be displaced in the name of a light drinking (no more than one to two attracted to prepubescents – and a child perceived greater good, then you’ve got glasses of wine per week) harms the child, abuser – someone who acts on those the conditions for some pretty serious he describes the official advice as unfair desires. abuse.” to women, paternalistic and a violation “If we could tell in advance that At the Centre for Law and Policy of the concept of informed consent in someone harboured the intention to in Emerging Technologies, further medical care. offend, then that would be quite a exploration in this area will take its

35 Gavaghan cautions against the trap of By comparison, issues around genetic treating people as populations to be selection are simple. “The technology might be new, but the questions it raises managed, rather than free and intelligent are not. individuals whose rights must be guarded. “They might be about fairness, identity, utility, autonomy, what we owe future generations. We can think of them and list them and come up with a process place alongside a research agenda that splitting way the tremendous scale of for working through the ethical issues includes biotechnology, alternative bio- the universe defies comprehension, and make some sort of sense of the energy, information and communication nanotechnology requires these mental conclusions. And we have a pretty technologies, robotics and artificial contortions in reverse. Each manipulable good idea what the different outcomes intelligence. unit may be hundreds of thousands of will look like. But with something like Which all follow after Gavaghan’s first times smaller than the width of a strand nanotechnology – or some of the new assignment: nanotechnology. of hair. It can be easily inhaled and neurotechnologies – there’s still so much New Zealand has been investing absorbed: tiny enough, even, to squeeze we don’t know about the science and it’s heavily in its nanotechnology sector in between our cells. difficult to come up with the programme recent years, generating findings from By breaking materials down to their of empirical studies that would help ways to remove pollutants from the smallest fraction, it might become quantify the claims and concerns.” atmosphere to innovations in cancer possible to reconstruct them in new ways, One must also be mindful of how therapy. Worldwide, new applications for as new material. “It’s literally alchemy,” we position ourselves in terms of our the technology are announced daily, with says Gavaghan. And, at these dimensions, international peers. “If our regulatory belief in its health, environmental and he explains, “particles may behave in framework is not broadly in line with commercial benefits reaching fever pitch quite unpredictable ways”. other countries’, our scientists and in some quarters. Without even needing to buy into businesses will simply take their work to So it’s little wonder the government “grey goo” doomsday scenarios (where the most supportive environment.” was quick to tap into Otago’s developing self-replicating molecular forms are Given this, what can the law hope to expertise in the legal implications for feared to consume the Earth), the reality, achieve? this field. Within weeks of arriving, says Gavaghan, “is that we have very First, suggests Gavaghan, we need to Gavaghan had landed a contract to little idea what this might mean for decide how we want to think about the provide a review of the laws that might human health or the environment”. problem. “Do we want protection and apply to nanotechnology in New Zealand “But,” he asks, “does it automatically control, or do we want information and “and find out how well we’re covered”. follow that we should follow the the freedom to make our own decisions? Some of our laws go some of the way, precautionary principle? Is having no Do we want to prioritise innovation he believes: the Hazardous Substances idea about the level of risk a reason to or err on the side of caution? To some and New Organisms Act, for example, prohibit something?” extent, it comes down to the political provides some parameters for managing The problem with worst-case zeitgeist of New Zealand.” new products and risks. scenarios – be it Facebook causing And that, like much else on his to-do But it’s a topic that touches upon delinquency or the Hadron Collider list, is something Gavaghan “is very bigger questions regarding the role of law sucking us into a black hole – suggests much looking forward to finding out in society. Gavaghan, is that the mere suggestion about”. Nanotechnology deals with particles of a catastrophic outcome is enough to in their tiniest proportions: single atom, capture the imagination and generate Nicola Mutch or molecule, at a time. In the brain- fears of risks not worth taking.

To make a donation or bequest to the University of Otago, please contact the Office of Development and Alumni Relations. Tel 64 3 479 8834 Email [email protected]

36 UNINEWS

The intervention will run in Australia, Canada and New Zealand, from birth for the first three years of the participating child’s life. The New Zealand arm of the project involves Associate Professor Broughton working in a research partnership with Raukura Hauora O Tainui, a Maori- health provider in the Waikato-Tainui tribal area. In the project, dental care will be provided to mothers during pregnancy, fluoride varnishes will be applied to children’s teeth, and mothers will receive ongoing guidance and support for maintaining good oral health in their children. The initiative is funded through the International Collaborative Indigenous Health Research Partnerships (ICIHRP) scheme, which is a joint initiative of the Health Research Council of New Zealand, the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council, and the Canadian Institutes for Health Research. Chair in Global Health New boat for Marine is equipped with a diving platform and hydraulic systems to enable light established Science equipment to be deployed. It is also The University’s recently established An 11-metre alloy boat secured by the capable of light dredging work. Centre for International Health is to University’s Department of Marine benefit from the addition of a further Science is freeing up its larger boat, the Indigenous oral health professorial position, thanks to the Polaris II, for longer, more demanding project funded generosity of a Dunedin couple. research expeditions. The McKinlay Chair in Global Health University researchers recently The vessel, named for her benefactor, has been established through a gift by gained significant funding for a major the late Beryl Brewin, arrived in March Stuart and Marylyn McKinlay and will intervention study aimed at improving and is being used to meet the high complement the existing McAuley Chair Maori- children’s oral health. demand for local, short expeditions to in International Health held by Professor As part of an international support regular teaching requirements at Philip Hill. collaboration, Ngai- Tahu Maori- Health the University. The Centre for International Health’s Research Unit Director Associate Beryl Brewin worked as a zoologist aim is to contribute to improving the Professor John Broughton is leading a at Otago in the late 1930s and was also a health and well-being of people in $2.35 million, five-year research project regular visitor to the Portobello Marine developing countries through research trialling an oral health intervention with Laboratory in her later years. The boat and postgraduate training. mothers and children in indigenous has been fitted out to carry up to 20 Announcing the endowment of the communities. people in enclosed waters such as Otago new chair, Vice-Chancellor Professor Maori- and other indigenous children Harbour and up to eight people during David Skegg said adding another senior tend to have higher rates of tooth decay coastal work outside the harbour. academic post to the centre would in early childhood, often causing great Formerly used for mussel industry enhance its capacity to carry out suffering and frequently requiring work around Picton, the Beryl Brewin research relevant to the health needs of treatment under general anaesthesia.

37 UNINEWS

less developed countries in the Pacific and in other parts of the world. “Under the leadership of Professor Hill, the new centre has already made considerable progress. This second position, to which another experienced researcher and teacher will be appointed, will allow the centre to achieve its full potential in discovering ways to improve health in developing countries.” Both the centre and the McAuley Chair were established in 2008 following a donation by the Sisters of Mercy made through Mercy Hospital Dunedin. Music gains world-class console Department of Music can engage with Appointments the music industry, and foster research A new world-class music console at the Professor John McCall as the outputs and the recording of albums. Department of Music’s Albany Street University’s first McKenzie Professor of Through the initiative, the studio Studio is helping Dunedin to strengthen Clinical Science. A leading surgeon and will be made available for bands or its place as a formidable force in music researcher, Professor McCall recently music groups who wish to record production. returned to Dunedin after more than a there. There will be collaborations with The new console – the only one of decade as a transplant and hepatobiliary performers and recording artists, and its type in New Zealand – significantly surgeon in the New Zealand Liver the development of a research-based increases the studio’s capability as a Transplant Unit. context for University-industry projects major recording studio for albums and for Professor Stephen Duffull as Dean and partnerships. many types of live performances. of the School of Pharmacy. A leading Manufactured by UK company Solid State-of-the-art dental pharmacometrics researcher, Professor State Logic, the console can record from simulation lab Duffull joined the University in 2006 nearly 100 “inputs”, or microphones, in a when he was appointed to a new Chair in band or orchestra at once. The School of Dentistry now has a new Clinical Pharmacy. He succeeds Professor Its capability to be linked to high- dental simulation laboratory equipped Ian Tucker who led the school for more speed broadband networks will allow with the state-of-the-art teaching than a decade. “real-time” collaborations by groups of technology. musicians in Dunedin and a film or music Each bench in the 73-chair lab studio in any other major city in New features a mannequin torso with Zealand or abroad. removable jaw, as well as a video screen The desk is being used for staff and and fibre-optic cables on each hand-piece. postgraduate research in performance The screens provide Bachelor of and, in particular, for the new Doctor of Dental Surgery and Bachelor of Oral Musical Arts (DMA) in Studio Production. Health students with live-stream video It will also be used in teaching and audio to closely follow teaching undergraduate students. demonstrations as they occur. In May, members of the Department In addition, the lab, which is one of of Music launched the New Zealand the biggest of its type in the world, will Music Industry Centre (NZMiC) in also be used for the continuing education collaboration with local music company of practising dentists from around the DunedinMusic.Com Ltd. NZMiC’s aim is country. It also includes a digital x-ray to act as a mechanism through which the unit.

38 Professor Marie Johannesson to Emeritus Professor Raymond Fellowships/Scholarships the Chair in Paediatrics and Child Health (Ray) Stone (80). The first and only full Five emerging Otago scientists at the University of Otago, Wellington, Professor of French at the University were awarded three-year postdoctoral and as head of department. Professor (1969–85), Professor Stone was also fellowships by the Foundation for Johannesson comes from Sweden’s vice-chairman of the University Senate Research, Science and Technology Uppsala University. Her research from 1982–84. A scholar and teacher of to undertake research projects. They interests include cystic fibrosis and she renown, the French Government in 1982 are Dr Martin Hohmann-Marriott is a past president of the European Cystic honoured him with the award of Chevalier (Biochemistry), Dr Daniel Leduc Fibrosis Association. des Palmes Académiques. (Marine Science), Dr William Rayment Professor Gareth Jones as the new (Marine Science), Dr Geoffrey director of the University’s Bioethics Achievements Rodgers (Orthopaedic Surgery and Centre. Professor Jones takes up the Alexander McMillan Professor of Musculoskeletal Medicine, UOC) and Dr position after recently stepping down as Childhood Studies and Professor of Miriam Sharpe (Biochemistry). the University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor Psychology Gordon Harold has been Zoology master’s candidate Matthew (Academic and International) after five appointed an Honorary Professor in Law Wylie has been awarded a Te Tipu years in that role. at Cardiff University. He will provide Pataiao- Fellowship from the Foundation Dunedin School of Medicine Dean Dr guidance to Cardiff’s law school on new for Research, Science and Technology. John Adams as chair of the New Zealand developments surrounding the family He will study the reproductive physiology Medical Council. Dr Adams succeeds court system and pertaining to children’s and life cycle of the giant kokopu, a native Professor John Campbell (Medical and well-being and mental health. fish and taonga- species whose juveniles Surgical Sciences) who held the position Geology Emeritus Professor Rick contribute to the annual whitebait run. for the previous eight years. Sibson has received the Wollaston Emma Dixon (BSc(Hons) 2009) Medal for 2010, the Geological Society of gained a three-year William Georgetti Obituaries London’s top award, given to geologists Scholarship to attend Oxford University, Emeritus Professor Henry Jeffray who, through research, have had a where she plans to study for a doctorate (Jeff) Weston (83). A former Professor significant influence in either or both in biochemistry. of Paediatrics and Child Health at the “pure” and “applied” aspects of the University of Otago, Wellington, and science. Honorary Degrees pioneering defender of children’s rights. Health Sciences Pro-Vice-Chancellor In May, the University conferred two Appointed to the Chair in Paediatrics at Professor Don Roberton was awarded honorary doctorates. Emeritus Professor what was then the Wellington Clinical the Howard Williams Medal by Jim Flynn received the honorary degree School in 1975, Professor Weston earned the Paediatrics and Child Health Division of Doctor of Science. Professor Flynn a reputation as an excellent teacher and of the Royal Australasian College of headed the Department of Political popular and effective head of department. Physicians. The medal is presented Studies from 1967–97 and has made After retiring in 1991 he retained a close annually for the most outstanding hugely influential contributions to the association with the school. contribution to paediatrics in Australia or field of intelligence research. Noted New Professor George Davies (88). An New Zealand. [See page 24] Zealand artist Marilynn Webb, who has internationally influential champion of Associate Professor David Gerrard been active in art and art education preventive oral health care, Professor received a lifetime achievement award for more than half a century, received Davies was Head of Preventive, Public in the 2010 New Zealand Sport and the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws. Health and Children’s Dentistry at Recreation Sector Awards in recognition Ms Webb has been exhibiting her work Otago from 1948–1964. During his of his contributions to sports medicine nationally and internationally since the tenure he introduced several innovative and leadership in New Zealand’s 1960s and was Frances Hodgkins Fellow programmes. He went on to become Commonwealth Games and Olympic in 1974. professor and dean of the Faculty of Games missions. Dentistry at the University of Queensland in 1964 and later its academic deputy vice-chancellor.

39 HOCKEN LEGACY

Behind a great man …

the details to be enumerated. She was a talented photographer and prolific sketcher, recording botanical specimens, early New Zealand buildings and Maori- artefacts, among much else. A regular exhibitor at the Otago Art Society, a watercolour (possibly the framed kowhai flowers held by the Hocken Collections) earned her an award at the South Seas Exhibition. Bessie was born into a wealthy Auckland family, several members of whom relocated to the south. Landowners and merchants, the family name is preserved for posterity in Buckland’s Beach near Auckland and Buckland’s Crossing in Otago, while her sister Caroline and niece Jessie Buckland gained renown as prize-winning photographers. Bessie had travelled widely, having been educated in Europe and listing her normal place of residence on her wedding certificate as London. Thus Bessie – with her intelligence, talent, interests, connections, social graces, and the fact she bore Hocken his only child, Gladys – was believed to have “made up to him many times over for the humiliations and suffering of his first marriage”1, to the tragic, distracted and probably alcoholic Julia. Proficient in French and German, her language skills assisted Dr Hocken’s Elizabeth Hocken (1848-1933), Photographer unknown, If ever there were a figure long - communications with an international Hocken Collections, Uare Taoka O Hakena, University of overdue for a thesis to be written about Otago (S07-122). network of academics and enthusiasts. As her, it must be Bessie Hocken, the well as translating his letters, her German esteemed and beloved second wife of Dr skills served as the language bridge Thomas Hocken. For when Elizabeth Mary enabling Hocken to converse with Greek Buckland married the widowed surgeon academics in Athens in 1902. and collector in 1883, he gained his Just as Bessie’s contributions feature greatest assistant, supporter and friend. widely (if mostly unacknowledged) It was Bessie, for example, who in Hocken’s publications, her own translated Abel Tasman’s diaries from old comprehensive workbooks were also Dutch. She was the accomplished artist enriched with Hocken’s annotations and who meticulously copied early colonial comments. artworks, enabling keys to be added and

40 Although Hocken was scarce in his formal acknowledgement of his HOCKEN debt to Bessie, he appears to have lavished her with praise in private, his affection recorded in letters GALLERY and cards held in the Hocken Collections. A birthday card, 11 years after their marriage attests, EXHIBITIONS “Another year of happy married life has been given to us. I hope that many another is in store for us in which you will continue to beautify and make our home all that you Until 17 July have made it in the past.”2 Forever After: Conversations with the Past NICOLA MUTCH An exploration of copying and appropriation in art, including References Facer, A, “Mrs Hocken Requests” in Mrs works by Bessie Hocken (originals Hocken Requests: Women’s Contribution to the and copies). Hocken Collection, Hocken Library, University of Otago, 1993. The Labours of Herakles Hocken, A, Dr Hocken of Dunedin: A Life, East Riding Press, Oamaru, 2008. An exhibition of photographs and etchings by Marion Maguire,

1 Hocken, A, Dr Hocken of Dunedin: A Life, casting the archetypal Greek hero Elizabeth Hocken (née Buckland), Kowhai and perching orchid East Riding Press, Oamaru, 2008, p154 as a New Zealand colonist. (Earina autumnalis), c. 1890, watercolour on paper, 353 x 254mm, 2 Hocken, ibid, p154 Acc. No:.73/28. Bequeathed by Mrs G le François, South Africa, 1973, Hocken Collections, Uare Taoka O Hakena,- University of Otago. 31 July – 16 October

100 Up: A Snapshot of Dunedin Life 1910 and 2010 Dunedin of 1910 and the Dunedin of 2010. What has changed and what has stayed the same?

Elizabeth Hocken (née Buckland), Old mission station at Waikouaiti, 1887, watercolour, 270 x 700 mm, Acc - 12,219 , Hocken Collections, Uare Taoka O Hakena,- University of Otago.

41 BOOKS

Hauaga The Art of John Pule Edited by Nicholas Thomas, June 2010 Born in a tiny village in Niue, John Pule is novels and several volumes of poetry – as well one of the most significant artists living and as his painting. Essays by Gregory O’Brien, working in New Zealand today. From the mid Peter Brunt and Nicholas Thomas consider his 1990s, his enigmatic paintings attracted great formation as a writer and artist, his meditations interest and came to be widely shown nationally on life and loss, and the extraordinary and internationally. architecture of his visual art. John Pule himself In his work Pule has been fascinated by the speaks himself through an extended interview and Polynesian past and present, but he ranges far in a series of extracts from his poetry and prose. more widely, responding both to ancestral culture Hauaga has been published to coincide with and to the global terror and violence of our time. the first major touring survey exhibition of Pule’s Hauaga is the first book to deal with John work, curated by the City Gallery Wellington. Pule’s art. It brings together his drawing, print- making and writing – he is the author of two

Mad or Bad? The Life and Exploits of Amy Bock 1859–1943 Jenny Coleman Amy Bock’s life has been the inspiration for a dazzling array of personae and remaining plays, books, a television programme, music, conveniently itinerant, she then pursued a poems, exhibitions and more. But Mad or Bad? consistent course of petty crime for the next 25 is the first comprehensive biography of Bock, a years. While she gained notoriety in 1909 for her most daring, duplicitous and talked-about con impersonation of a man and marriage with an artist. unsuspecting woman, the author shows how her Born in Hobart, Tasmania, Bock taught in whole life was one of fraud and misrepresentation. Victorian schools for six years until she was In presenting her colourful and chequered life, asked to resign. She migrated to New Zealand in this biography allows the reader to judge whether 1884, possibly to attempt a new start. Assuming Amy Bock was essentially mad, or just bad.

Beyond the Scene Landscape and Identity in Aotearoa New Zealand Co-edited by Janet Stephenson, Mick Abbott, Jacinta Ruru What contribution does landscape make to The co-editors of Beyond the Scene are our sense of identity? all based at the University of Otago. Janet In this volume well-known writers, from a Stephenson is a senior research fellow at the range of disciplines, explore the many meanings Centre for the Study of Agriculture, Food and of landscape. Each chapter focuses on a Environment; Mick Abbott is senior lecturer and different part of the country, from a different environmental designer at the Department of point of view – including farmer, poet, lawyer, Design Studies; Jacinta Ruru is a senior lecturer landscape architect, planner, film critic; ranging in the Faculty of Law. from Auckland’s southern suburbs to a Waikato farm, from Taranaki’s iconic volcano to films of Otago. Together, they investigate the relationship landscape has to identity, community and psyche.

42 Doing Well and Doing Good Ross & Glendining: Scottish Enterprise in New Zealand S R H Jones, February 2010 At one time New Zealand’s largest its transition from small importer to large manufacturer and home of many popular brands manufacturer, the superb management team of – Aotea knitting wools, Roslyn knitwear and John Ross, Robert Glendining and George Hercus swimsuits, Tasman blankets – Ross & Glendining coped with the vicissitudes of change, from global was initially a drapery importing business depression in the 1880s to World War I. By the founded by two Scotsmen in Dunedin during the time they had passed away, the firm was well gold rushes. set up and able to survive the 1930s depression, It opened branches throughout the country, the flattening of a branch during the 1931 Napier with warehouses in all the main centres, and earthquake, and the harsh post-World War II operated for more than a century. trading environment. Business historian S R H Jones has written Sadly, the empire fell in the 1960s just as it the company’s history, drawing on the business had modernised and restructured – there was archives of the Hocken Collections at the an aggressive takeover bid, asset stripping and University of Otago. closure. This is but one aspect of a fascinating This is very much a story for today, charting book, which also traces the journey from the development, expansion, decline and demise importing colony to self-reliance based on wool. of a manufacturing behemoth. Throughout

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

Books by Otago alumni

The Earl is in ... 25 Years of the Earl International Consumer Behaviour Tug of War: The Tension Concept and of Seacliff, edited by Mark Pirie, Earl of in E-Commerce: Online Auction Web the Art of International Negotiation, by Seacliff Art Workshop, Paekakariki, 2009. Site Acceptance in New Zealand and Tony English, Common Ground Publishing: Germany, by Stefan Bodenburg, Tectum Melbourne, May 2010. Jandal Prints on the Globe: Capturing Wissenschaftsverlag, Marburg, Germany, the Overseas Experience, edited by Jane Taking the Crime Out of Sex Work: January 2010. Gilkison and Rachel Pether, Stead and New Zealand Sex Workers’ Fight for Daughters Ltd, October 2009. Moa Sightings Vol I, II, III, by Bruce Spittle, Decriminalisation, edited by Gillian Abel Paua Press, January 2010. with Lisa Fitzgerald, Catherine Healy and Containment, by Vanda Symon, Penguin Aline Taylor, Policy Press, UK, May 2010. New Zealand, December 2009. Such is Life: A Close Encounter with Ecclesiastes, by Lloyd Geering, Steele Past Perfect, by Karen Zelas, Wily Mothers Raising Sons, by Nigel Latta, Roberts, Wellington, 2010. Publications Ltd, Christchurch, May 2010. HarperCollins Publishers, New Zealand, 2009. Yusi ‘Upu Samoa: The First Samoan- The Sheep on the Fourth Floor, by Leonie English Dictionary Written by a Samoan, Thorpe, HarperCollins NZ, April 2010. Coming Back to Earth: From Gods to by Papa’ali’i Dr Semisi Ma’ai’i, Little Island God to Gaia, by Lloyd Geering, Polebridge Press, 2010. Press, Oregon, USA, 2009. From the Other End of the World: Sizing Up the City: Urban Form and Memories of Post-War Immigrants to Transport in New Zealand, edited by New Zealand from Great Britain, edited Philippa Howden-Chapman, Keriata Stuart by R K Dean, GWW Services, April 2010. and Ralph Chapman, Steele Roberts, February 2010. Alumni: if you have published a book lately email the editor at [email protected]

43 ALUMNI

A word from the Head Tribute I am often approached by alumni at Dr Sulaiman Daud functions in New Zealand and abroad The University community was with questions about how to purchase saddened to hear of the death of YB Tan by Dr Sulaiman. The message at the Otago memorabilia. Sri Datuk Amar Dr Sulaiman bin Haji heart of his address – that the value It seems there is a growing interest Daud on March 23. Dr Sulaiman, who of an education lies not merely in the amongst alumni of all ages in wearing graduated BDS in 1962, was one of the acquisition of knowledge, but in the their hearts on their sleeves – or, more first Malayan students to study at Otago opportunities it affords for a greater literally, their chests – when it comes under the Colombo Plan. understanding between peoples – was to showing their affection for their alma After returning to his homeland he characteristic of his humanity and mater. University-branded clothing, practised as a dentist before entering concern for others. ties, cufflinks and other items with an politics in the 1970s. He was appointed Otago connection have never been more federal territory minister in 1981 and Upcoming University popular and, in response to the growing quickly rose to prominence, holding a celebrations demand, we have been working closely number of ministerial posts throughout 2010 Emeritus Professor John Mackie’s with the University Shop to produce a the 1980s and 1990s. 100th birthday celebrations, range of memorabilia that we hope will Throughout his political career, Dr Nelson, 16–19 September satisfy the most ardent Otago fan. Sulaiman never forgot his alma mater We’re looking at introducing some and remained a loyal and active Otago Mäori Centre 21st anniversary, new items along with the old favourites alumnus, with a record of long service 26–27 November and have made a start with a striking to the University as a member of the 2011 St Margaret’s College centenary concept in high quality jewellery, worked University of Otago Alumni Association Home Science and Consumer and around the motif of the college style “O” of Malaysia and the University of Otago Applied Sciences centenary form. Foundation for Malaysia. He also helped Department of Preventive and The first release in the collection is the University extend its academic links Social Medicine celebrates 125 the Otago charm bracelet, a unique piece in Malaysia by brokering a Memorandum years designed and hand-crafted by a Dunedin of Understanding with the International artisan goldsmith. The bracelet can be Medical University, of which he was Aquinas College jubilee customised by the addition of charms, Chancellor. 50 years since the University of each of which illustrates recognisable In recognition of his distinguished Otago became autonomous from elements of the University’s culture, services to his country and to the the University of New Zealand. history, environment and atmosphere, so University, he was awarded an Honorary 2012 Hayward College 21st anniversary you can create a unique piece that reflects Doctor of Laws degree from Otago in University of Otago, Christchurch your own Otago story. 1993. The establishment in 1994 of the 40th anniversary All Otago memorabilia, including University of Otago Dr Sulaiman Daud the bracelet and charms, can be viewed 125th Jubilee International Postgraduate Maori- Centre celebrates 21 years, and purchased though the Otago Online Scholarships, awarded annually to 26–27 November 2010 Shop, at www.otago.ac.nz/onlineshop students from Malaysia for study at The Mäori Centre Te Hu˚a Mätaura˚a Items will be shipped to you wherever master’s or PhD level, was a further turns 21 this year and a reunion will you live around the world. recognition of Dr Sulaiman’s outstanding be held to celebrate this event. The commitment to education and public life. programme will include the inaugural In 1997 the University held a Mäori alumni function, to be held on graduation ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, Saturday evening, 27 November. the first to be held outside Dunedin, and the graduation address was delivered

44 Court of Convocation Representatives to be elected to Council Later this year the University of in Land Surveying). However, the Court the city’s largest employer and a major Otago’s Court of Convocation will be as such never meets: its sole purpose contributor to the local economy. invited to vote for its representatives to is to elect three of its members to the The University is also a significant the University’s Council. Nominations University Council. All Court members national organisation, with campuses will be sought by public advertisement are encouraged to vote. in Wellington and Christchurch, as well in September and voting papers will These representatives will have an as a presence in both Auckland and be sent out in the October issue of the active role on Council, being part of Invercargill. University of Otago Magazine, in time for a team of up to 20 members working Court of Convocation elections are the November election. together in the interests of the University. held every four years and are run under The Court of Convocation comprises The University of Otago is a statutory requirements set down in the all those who hold a degree from the substantial organisation, with assets Election of Members of the Council University of Otago, as well as those exceeding $1.4 billion. It plays an Statute 2009. The requirements are who hold three-year diplomas (the enormously important role in Dunedin, published in the University Calendar and Diploma in Home Science, the Diploma not only as an education provider to on the University website in Physical Education and the Diploma more than 21,000 students, but also as www.otago.ac.nz

The weekend will provide an St Margaret’s centenary reunion, information, please email opportunity to bring together people 28–30 January 2011 [email protected] who have assisted the Mäori Centre Te Please register your interest at www. A history of the department is being Hu˚a Mätaura˚a from its beginnings in otago.ac.nz/alumni/reunions/stmargarets written by senior teaching fellow, Dr 1989, and who worked and studied with or by post to the Alumni Director, St Warwick Brunton. To share recollections, the centre over the years. Please register Margaret’s College, PO Box 56, Dunedin, photographs or other memorabilia, your interest by email to 9054. please contact [email protected] [email protected] or by Preventive and Social Medicine, Aquinas College jubilee, 23–25 post to the Alumni Relations Office, 125 years, March 2011 September 2011 University of Otago, PO Box 56, Since lectures began in 1886, A group of Aquinas alumni are Dunedin 9054. Otago’s Department of Preventive and planning a celebration to mark six E kore e taea e te whenu kotahi kite Social Medicine has been enormously decades of the history of this college, raranga i te whäriki kia möhio tätou ki ä influential in public health through to be held in Dunedin the weekend of tätou. its local, national and international the England/playoff winner World Cup Mä te mahi tahi ö ngä whenu, mä te mahi networks, undergraduate and rugby match. Please register your interest tahi ö ngä kairaranga, postgraduate teaching in public health at 03 479 8487 or by email to ka oti tënei whäriki and industrial health, and research-based [email protected] degrees in all aspects of public health. A strand of flax is nothing in itself, but Hayward College 21st anniversary, The department is now the largest woven together is strong and enduring. 27–29 January 2012 in the University and will celebrate Collective efforts often result in more Please register your interest by email its 125th anniversary in Dunedin 4–6 meaningful and sustainable outcomes. to [email protected] or by March 2011 with a comprehensive and post to the Alumni Relations Office, Professor Piri Sciascia, Manu Ao, National Inter- varied weekend of celebrations, including University Mäori Academy for Academic and University of Otago, PO Box 56, Professional Advancement. an academic symposium, dinner, film Dunedin 9054. festival and book launch. For further

45 ALUMNI

Alumni events 2010

Melbourne Parliament Queenstown

46 University of Otago, Christchurch MB ChB Class of 1975 University of Otago In 40th anniversary, February 2012 29 November 2010, Milford Track Forty years of research and teaching Contact Louise Buhrmann at America Inc on the University’s Christchurch campus [email protected] The University of Otago in America will be celebrated with a series of social Inc is run by a group of volunteer Otago MBA 14 1990 functions, a jubilee publication and alumni who work to raise the profile of 22–24 October (Labour weekend) 2010, the establishment of the University the University among alumni living in the Dunedin of Otago, Christchurch Fellowships United States. Contact Tony Johnston at and Scholarships Fund. For further Board members are involved in affinity [email protected] information contact Virginia Irvine at activities and seek to make connections 03 364 0038 or by email to MB ChB Class of 1997 with US-based alumni to promote Otago [email protected] October 2012, Dunedin projects and events. One such event is Contact Rochelle Phipps at the annual US alumni reception. This Upcoming alumni events 2010 [email protected] year’s function is being held at the New Events have been confirmed for the For assistance in organising reunions Zealand Embassy in Washington DC on following cities: contact Lizzy Lukeman at 64 3 479 8487 23 October. Christchurch Friday 18 June or email to [email protected] The University of Otago in America Wellington Friday 23 July Inc also acts as a fundraising body Otago University Dental Graduation Sydney Thursday 26 August dedicated to supporting approved Anniversary 1969–70 Auckland Friday 10 September research and scholarship projects. Washington Saturday 23 October 2009 was a most successful year, with Cologne Saturday 30 October $US119,000 being raised to support London Friday 5 November cutting-edge research projects and Mäori (Dunedin) Saturday 27 November scholarships in health-related areas. Board members hope that alumni For further information please email generosity will help them surpass this in functions.alumni @otago.ac.nz 2010 so more projects can be funded. or visit the Alumni and Friends web page For further information or to make a www.alumni.otago.ac.nz/events A number of UK-based dental graduates contribution to the work of the University from 1969 and 1970 held a reunion on 4 Reunions December 2009 in the House of Commons, of Otago in America, Inc please contact London, to celebrate 40 years of post- Jennifer Schreiber (secretary) on BDS Class of 1960 university life. From left to right: Alison and 310.859.1203. John Zinzan, Paul Richardson, John Crisp, 18–21 August 2010, Christchurch The University of Otago in America, Inc (UOA) is a Brian Small, Lynda Crisp, Sir Paul and Julie tax exempt organisation under Section 501(c)(3) of Contact Kerry Sullivan at Beresford, Kevin Jones and Mike Taffs. the Internal Revenue Code of the United States of [email protected] America. The tax ID number of UOA is 30-0110891. Keep in touch Address for correspondence Tel 64 3 479 8487 • update your contact details so you Development and Alumni Relations Office Fax 64 3 479 6522 continue to receive Otago publications University of Otago Email [email protected] • register for alumni events PO Box 56 Web www.alumni.otago.ac.nz • receive updates about what’s on for Dunedin 9054 The Alumni and Friends website alumni Physical address contains information on what’s happening • view information on how to contact Alumni House for alumni around the globe. Via the other Otago alumni 103 St David Street website you can: • find out how you can support the Dunedin University.

47 The University congratulates the 10 University of Otago students who received Alumni Scholarships in 2010, funded by donations to the Alumni Appeal They are (left to right): ALUMNI Adrian Paterson, Georgina Beasley, Anna Scadden, Edward Linscott, Dylan Gaffney, Thomas Manning, Natalie Watkin-Ward, Hannah Laws, William Blackburn, Nicola Crawford.

Annual Appeal Your Otago Link www.alumni.otago.ac.nz The popularity of Your Otago Link, a new website feature helping alumni to communicate with the University and each other, continues to grow. From 100 hits a day earlier in the year, the site is now averaging 200 visitors each day. Networks within the site are also growing, with the addition of the Faculty of Law’s alumni pages. Law alumni join those from the School of Business, the School of Physical Education, Chemistry, History and Art History, Selwyn College and the Melbourne, UK and Europe chapters in taking advantage of the features of the site. With Your Otago Link you can: • Activate your own @otagoalumni. ac.nz address which forwards mail established the David A Grant Memorial Piping scholar performs to an email address you specify Scholarships in Scottish Piping and A function was held recently to Scottish Drumming in 2008 in memory • Find your old classmates and friends mark the 92nd anniversary of the death of David. A special condition of the and, if they have opted to publicise of David A Grant, who was killed in scholarship is that the recipient should their contact details, you can get in 1918 during the battle of the Somme. play two Scottish airs, the Road to the Isles touch with them A descendant, Toronto-based alumnus and Amazing Grace, every year on April 7, • Link with other Otago graduates for Dr Peter Grant and his wife Ruth, the anniversary of David’s death. assistance and introductions Liam Kernaghan (pictured left), the • Receive news, event information and first recipient of the scholarship, attended general updates from your former the function and his rendition of the two department, residential college or airs was much appreciated by guests. local alumni group A second Scottish piping and • Post your own news, ideas or thoughts drumming scholarship, the Alexander on the discussion board Leith Memorial Scholarship, was also established in 2008 by the descendants of • Discover some of the many benefits of Alexander and Margery Leith. being an Otago alumna/alumnus. Other features include access to Wall of Fame inductees University podcasts, RSS feeds on items Six new members have been inducted of interest elsewhere on the site and links to the School of Physical Education’s Wall to the Careers Office and other university of Fame. services. They are: Pat Barwick, Dr Rex Billington, Sally Clark, Professor Roger Enoko, Trevor Garrett and Arthur Parkin.

48 Memorial window Alumni story no Dr Shearsby on staff. I then went to the Medical School to find out if he was Encounter with a con man: working there. The kind person in the an introduction to Otago office obligingly went through the past In late January 1943 I travelled from 20 years of student records and, again, no Frankton Junction to Dunedin to begin such name appeared. I also checked the medical studies at the University of Great King Street address he had given Otago. The train was crowded, sleep was me to find no such number existed. almost impossible and I was very tired Something made me persist and I on arriving in Wellington. As it was returned to the hospital reception the wartime, the ferry crossing was made next day. No joy there, but then who in daylight so that submarines might be should I see coming down the stairs in a spotted. It was very tedious, with little to white coat with a stethoscope around his do but walk the deck and, while doing so, neck but Dr Shearsby! He explained that I noticed a lone man of average height, the staff in reception were new and did well-dressed and wearing horn-rimmed not know him. He then offered to sell me glasses. a microscope – for £25, which was about From Lyttleton I travelled to all that I had! He said to think about it Christchurch to catch the midnight and come back tomorrow. train to Dunedin. A few minutes out of So, I again presented myself at Oamaru I was tapped on the shoulder by reception and was – again – told there the same man I had noticed on the ferry. was no Dr Shearsby. When I explained A stained glass window depicting It seemed I was in his seat: I moved over that I had seen him the previous day Queen Margaret of Scotland was recently and conversation began. and described what he looked like, the installed in the dining room of St In a rather cultured voice, he asked manager exclaimed: “My God, that must Margaret’s College. The window, created me if I was going to university and be Murray Roberts!” by Peter Mackenzie, was generously was I planning to study medicine? I That meant nothing to me then, donated by the van Wijngaarden family, replied, yes, I hoped to and that I had but, about two years later, I found a in memory of Dr Paul van Wijngaarden, booked into the YMCA for a few days note on the notice board in the medical a former member of the college. A while I found digs. He told me that he students’ common room: “Ever heard ceremony to bless the window was held too had studied medicine in Dunedin, of Dr Shearsby?” from a fellow student in March, conducted by family friend later travelling overseas to specialise who knew of this encounter. The note Bishop Richard Ellena. Pictured in front in neurosurgery, before returning to was accompanied by a newspaper cutting of the new window are: Alex, Gerry and work at Dunedin Hospital. He was very about a certain Murray Roberts accused Karyn van Wijngaarden. helpful, saying his former landlady at 357 of impersonating a doctor! Great King Street might help me with Magazine delivery Dr Ross Smith MB ChB 1949 accommodation and offering to take me The University of Otago Magazine can to dinner at Wains Hotel the following Murray Beresford Roberts began medical studies be sent to you – by post or by email – at the University of Otago, but, while he never wherever you are in the world. If you would evening. In my address book he wrote completed his degree, he went on to impersonate prefer to read the magazine and other “T C Shearsby Wains Hotel 6.30pm”. doctors and teachers both in New Zealand alumni communications online rather than I duly appeared at Wains Hotel, and Australia. He was imprisoned on several in hard copy, or if more than one magazine occasions for offences including fraud, theft and is being sent to your address and you but there was no Dr Shearsby and no impersonation. Roberts’ autobiography, A King of need only one “household” copy, please reservation in his name. I was a little Con Men, was printed posthumously in 1975. email [email protected] so the mailing list can be amended. nonplussed, but the following day went to the hospital only to be told there was

49 WHATEVER HAPPENED TO …

The Otago University Medical Company?

It may be just over 100 years since its Under his direction the OUMC’s “It was a great error of judgment genesis, but the Otago University Medical fortunes steadily improved so that, by the by the military to disband the OUMC. Company (OUMC) has packed much outbreak of World War II, the company It was a bit of an aberration,” says into that century. was in a healthy state – ready to supply McMahon. Thousands of young men and women well-trained medical professionals to Lt Col Dr David McBride, from the have served with the volunteer unit, serve overseas with the expeditionary Department of Preventive and Social learning the skills needed in times of force. Medicine, also believes the dissolution peace and, of course, war. World War I, During the 1950s the OUMC boasted of the old OUMC structure and training World War II, Korea, Vietnam and many more than 300 officers and other ranks, changes contributed to a fall-off in peace-keeping operations have seen lives including Brian McMahon who, after recruitment levels. saved and suffering eased. graduating, would eventually become Currently a medical officer with the Originally launched as the medical a Brigadier and Director of Defence 3rd Health Support Company and a section of the Otago University Officers’ Medical Services, retiring in 1983. former commanding officer, he has been Training Corps, early members readily “It was one of the most popular and deployed twice in East Timor and once in put up their hands for King and country. influential University clubs in its heyday,” Afghanistan. Otago supplied many of the 385 New says Brigadier (Rtd) McMahon, reflecting He would like to see more young Zealand medical officers that served in on the post-World War II period. health professionals involved because of the 1914–18 conflict. “There was a strong core of blokes the skills they can develop clinically and Such was their contribution that the who had been NCOs or officers during in leadership and teamwork. Governor-General, working through the the war. Many of them reverted to being “Officer training selects for the Ministry of Defence, released money left NCOs so they could become members of ability to lead a team, the ability to from the Hospital Ships Fund to build OUMC when they returned.” think on your feet, to express yourself a permanent base for training medical Since then, the fortunes of the OUMC clearly, to formulate a plan quickly and students in the “medical sciences of war”. have varied, hitting low points during communicate it to other people. It is a The new building, opened in 1923, was the Vietnam War, when sentiment was good way to train your mind to think initially named the Maheno and Marama against military service, and when logically, clearly and quickly through Memorial Hall, commemorating the the opening of clinical schools in problems.” two New Zealand hospital ships, but is Christchurch and Wellington meant the Structural changes are on the now known simply as Marama Hall – an loss of a portion of the Medical School’s way, with the army and University integral part of the Department of Music. senior students. representatives, such as maxillofacial Even by then, support for the Officers’ Other moves such as making the surgeon Lt Col Dr Darryl Tong, Training Corps had waned to the point, OUMC a sub-unit of 3 Field Ambulance, developing plans to reinvigorate military in 1921, where future Medical School and changes this decade to the structure medical officer training. Dean (Lt Col) Charles Hercus, who of Territorial Forces and the training Proposals include an umbrella served with distinction in World War I, of medical personnel have also affected University Health Unit, which includes stepped in to take command. numbers. a new OUMC with some of the facets of

50 the former company and, eventually, a similar unit in Auckland, all designed to involve doctors and other allied health professionals in the army. Lt Col Dr Andrew Dunn, director of Army Health at Trentham, says the old OUMC model worked well as a conduit to get medical professionals involved in military medicine. He began as a Territorial Force recruit when he was a student, and he has about 25 part-time and three full-time staff in his own command who started out in university units. “The military is a sub-set of New Zealand society so we also need a slice of the health-care services.” The current Otago units in Dunedin and Christchurch have 25–30 personnel Otago University each, including doctors, dentists and Medical Company nurses, as well as radiographers and recruits in the 1970s. anaesthetic technicians. Much of the focus is on peace-time deployments and the army is working with NZAID, deploying to the Pacific Islands, providing opportunities to adapt to different environments. “A lot of lessons are being learned about delivering health care in overseas environments,” says Dunn. “It was one of the most popular “The army believes that the proposed and influential University clubs health units are mutually beneficial. They in its heyday.” get well-trained and paid and, in the end, we get young people who are passionate about military medicine.” A recruitment push will begin at the end of this year.

Mark Wright

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