Fortnightly newsletter for University staff | Volume 40 | Issue 8 | 14 May 2010

Celebrating research Key events Global insights On Friday May 14 from 2.30-5pm a symposium will be presented which forms part of the project “University reform, globalisation and Europeanisation”, funded by the European Commission and the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology. The symposium, entitled “Globalisation and higher education: Towards a new conceptual framework”, aims to explore different dimensions of the way universities and higher education policies are being shaped by processes of globalisation. Speakers are Professor Susan Robertson (University of Bristol, UK), Professor Roger Dale (University of Bristol, UK), Dr Stavros Moutsios (Aarhus University, Denmark), and Professor Cris Shore (University of ). This international symposium will take place in the Presentation Room, Level 2, From left to right are Elisapeta Heta, Dr Brad Coombes and Professor Michael Walker with a display reflecting the ClockTower, Princes Street. The contact person themes of Indigeous knowledges, peoples and identities. is Lynette Read ([email protected]). The marquee on the lawn at Old Government Career Research Excellence Awards, “targeted at House had taken on a festive air even before those not more than eight years post-PhD, to Creative PhD members and friends of the University flocked in enable these outstanding young researchers to A public discussion on the nature and for the annual celebration of the University’s further their current research, establish stronger importance of creative practice research will research excellence, which has reached a higher links with the international research community, or be held during The ’s peak this year than ever before. embark upon new fields of research. The awards Creative PhD Research Seminar on Tuesday 18 This year’s celebratory ambience was boosted by are selected by a highly competitive process, and May. In this seminar leading creative practice a series of informative and colourful displays of provide up to $30,000 to support each recipient’s researchers will reflect on how creative arts some of the University’s research highlights, research programme.” and academia can combine to contribute new focusing on a selection of projects that are The six recipients of this year’s awards are knowledge. For information and registration producing rich insights through interdisciplinary featured on page 2. visit: www.creative.auckland.ac.nz/phd collaboration. Introducing the five winners of the Vice- Among the highlights of the evening was the Chancellor’s Prize for Best Doctoral Theses was Chinese movie summation, by Professor Jane Harding, Deputy Associate Professor Caroline Daley, Acting Dean of You still have a chance to see the last of four Vice-Chancellor (Research), of the University’s Graduate Studies. movies of a series presented at the Confucius research achievements, which broke all records in “In 2009,” said Caroline, “246 doctoral Institute free movie nights. Turpan love songs 2009, supporting the University’s standing as the candidates from across the University successfully will be shown on 20 May from 6-8.30pm in leading New Zealand university and a highly- defended their work…. Out of that group, faculties Lecture Theatre 1.401, Faculty of Engineering, respected international contributor. nominated 14 students whose theses were not only 20 Symonds Street. Next came the presentation of certificates to two completed in a timely fashion but were clearly The movie, in Chinese with English subtitles, groups of winners of prestigious awards, reflecting exceptional in terms of the originality, significance presents four Xinjiang love songs in a story both the high value the University places on the and excellence of the research… From that group showing emotional developments over two contributions of its young researchers, and the of 14, the Board of Graduate Studies had to choose generations in two Uygur families living in quality of support they enjoy. five theses for the Vice-Chancellor’s Prize for Best the Turpan region. It will be preceded by a Jane introduced the six recipients of the Early Doctoral Theses. It was a tough meeting but we 30-minute Chinese documentary, commencing story continues on page 2 at 6pm.

University news is published by Communications and Marketing, Fisher Building In this issue 18 Waterloo Quadrant, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142 email [email protected] www.auckland.ac.nz/universitynews 2 Research excellence Editor Judy Wilford 3 Thousands graduate Photography Godfrey Boehnke, Kathryn Robinson 6 Sir Michael Somare visits Design AND PRODUCTION The University of Auckland From the Up-and-coming scholars Vice-Chancellor

The government has recently announced its intention to allocate five percent of the tuition subsidy on the basis of performance measures including course completions, qualifications completions, and progression of students from one qualification to the next. The idea is that the system will reward those institutions that create an environment supportive of student success, while removing funding from those where student performance is below par. While the concept of performance-related funding has merit, the likely impact of this proposal remains unclear. In absolute terms Left to right are Stephane Guindon, Ashvin Thambyah, Julia Gatley, Chris Sibley, Trudy Agar and Dipika Patel. completion rates are on average higher in the universities than in other tertiary sub-sectors. For Six promising young academics across different answer important questions about patterns of example, in 2008 average course completion disciplines have been honoured for their colonisation as well as mechanisms by which new rates were 83 percent in the universities, 75 research. species are formed. percent in private training establishments (PTEs), They have gained Early Career Research Dr Dipika Patel (Ophthalmology) who aims to 74 percent in wānanga and 69 percent in Excellence Awards for 2010, each receiving up to analyse the relationship between corneal Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs). $30,000 to support their research programme. neuropathy and the extent of peripheral neuropathy Similarly, over the period 2001-2008, qualification The six recipients of the awards are: in patients with type 1 diabetes. completion rates averaged 59 percent in Dr Trudy Agar (French, School of European Dr Chris Sibley (Psychology) for his work on universities, 40 percent in ITPs, 42 percent in PTEs Languages and Literatures) for her work discrimination and well-being in a representative and 51 percent in wānanga. If funding were investigating gender as it is inscribed in North New Zealand sample. driven directly by such measures of relative African autobiographical texts. Dr Ashvin Thambyah (Chemical and Materials performance, then it would inevitably flow into Dr Julia Gatley (School of Architecture and Engineering) for his study, “Impact mechanics of the universities to further support their already Planning) who will critically examine the career and cartilage-on-bone”, which will compare the excellent performance. However, it seems likely work of the New Zealand architect Ian Athfield and microstructural response of tissue with different that the scheme will be applied at the sub-sector his firm, Athfield Architects. levels of degeneration to impact loading, and level, in which event the movement of funding will Dr Stephane Guindon (Statistics) for interpreting determine the various levels of joint vulnerability be minimised and the system will mostly create spatial information about species distribution to to injury. an increased overhead burden for all the institutions. An alternative approach – that of excusing all institutions with acceptable story continued from page 1 performance from the scheme and focusing were unanimous in our decision.” discovery unit in the country. attention on the poorly performing institutions The Best Doctoral Theses winners were Dr Transforming Auckland: a Sustainable City – has been suggested, but once again it seems Jeremy Corfield, Dr Richard Espley, Dr Jennifer (hosted by the National Institute of Creative Arts likely that we will be locked into the “one size fits Kruger, Dr Enid Lam and Dr Samuel Veres and Industries) — to act as a centre for research all” approach commonly seen in tertiary policy. (University News, Issue 7 page 2). that focuses on innovations for sustainable cities Also yet to be resolved is the question of how A further highlight of this year’s Research using Auckland as a model. the Tertiary Education Commission will ensure Excellence Awards celebration was the Te Whare Kura: Indigenous Knowledges, that unscrupulous institutions do not simply lower announcement by Vice-Chancellor Professor Stuart Peoples and Identities (hosted by the Faculty of their pass standards in order to increase McCutcheon of exciting new measures to boost the Arts) — to develop large-scale joint research completion rates, and carve up their qualifications University’s research capability in four areas. collaborations which will create new knowledges, into smaller units to enhance apparent Some $4.8 million will be invested, initially for enhanced quality and capability in Māori and Pacific progression rates. There seems to be a view in three years, in three “Thematic Research research, and benefits for indigenous communities. Wellington that it is possible to have enough Initiatives”: drug development, urban sustainability, The Food and Health programme will draw on funding placed at risk to induce good behaviours and Māori and Pacific research. In addition a Food the University’s specialist expertise in food science, but not enough to induce cheating of the system. and Health programme will be established to food process engineering, nutrition, health, and Unfortunately that ignores the experience of the enhance the contribution of New Zealand’s food commercialisation. Two new professorial chairs will early 2000s when hundreds of millions of dollars industries to improving human health. be created. were wasted by institutions rorting poorly The Vice-Chancellor said teams drawn from Stuart said the University’s research thought-out incentive schemes. If we are to across the University would tackle questions of performance had broken all records in 2009. Many benefit from performance based funding, it will major socioeconomic importance. of the University’s researchers had won significant have to be through a scheme that is designed “In co-ordinating their efforts and working across national and international awards, external carefully to prevent such behaviours. different disciplines they will enhance the quality of research income reached $206 million, the highest our research overall. They will also work with figure ever, and 425 new doctoral candidates had external communities to ensure their research will been enrolled. be of value to New Zealand and beyond.” “The University of Auckland has a research The aims of the Thematic Research capability that is extraordinary not only in its initiatives are: breadth but also in its quality. The new investments BioPharma Sector Development (hosted by the we are announcing today will help us apply that Faculties of Science and Medical and Health capability to create even greater benefits for Sciences) – to advance research into therapeutic New Zealand.” agents, medical devices and diagnostics. The University of Auckland is already the largest drug 2 114 May May| | 20092010 Graduates out in force In brief... Fulbright outreach Fulbright New Zealand’s graduate awards programme manager, Kara Wood, is attending the University’s Campus to Careers Fair to inform students about opportunities to study or research in the United States. For information on educational options in the US and an introduction to the Fulbright programme’s exchange awards, visit the Fulbright New Zealand stall between 10am and 4pm on 18 May, Level 0, Owen G Glenn Building. See www.fulbright.org.nz for further information. New eugenics On 18 May from 6-7pm Clare Hansen, professor of twentieth century literature at the University of Southampton, UK, will give a public lecture entitled “Eugenic values, eugenic costs”. Eugenics, defined as “the science of using controlled breeding to increase the occurrence of desirable heritable characteristics in a population”, arouses Autumn Graduation 2010: one of 11 ceremonies. immediate opinion and debate. Since the Human Genome Project was completed in Years of hard academic toil reached a conferred 4781 degrees and diplomas, bestowing 2003 there has been extensive discussion celebratory climax when thousands of University the rest (1509) “in absentia”. among medical ethicists and social scientists of Auckland students graduated during the first Teaching excellence awards were presented to about “the new [or liberal] genetics”. Clare week of May. five staff members. Hansen will consider the claims of those Some 5766 people received a total of 6290 Speakers at the ceremonies included the Chief who defend the new eugenics and those who qualifications at 11 ceremonies spread over three Human Rights Commissioner, Rosslyn Noonan, challenge its practices and premises. She will days (3, 5, and 7 May). One hundred and fourteen Fonterra CEO Andrew Ferrier, the Chief Executive explore ways in which literary and popular doctorates were conferred. of Deutsche Bank NZ, Brett Shepherd, ASB fiction has responded to eugenic scenarios, and Business and Economics was the faculty Community Trust Chief Executive Jennifer Gill, and look at whether scientists and medical ethicists awarding the most qualifications with 1274, film-maker Roseanne Liang. can learn from such literary representations. followed by Science (1154), Arts (1079) and The free Graduation Gala Concerto Competition The venue is Lecture Theatre OGGB3, Owen G Education (1011). on Thursday 6 May (7.30pm) packed out the Glenn Building, 12 Grafton Road. There were 545 in Medical and Health Sciences, Auckland Town Hall. Three School of Music student 507 in Engineering, 469 in Creative Arts and soloists, accompanying the University’s Symphony Industries, 238 in Law and 13 in Theology. Orchestra conducted by Uwe Grodd, vied for a top Art scoop for Elam Some 16,896 guest tickets were issued for the prize of $5000. is set to scoop New ceremonies at the Aotea Centre. Graduation services were held at the Maclaurin Zealand’s most important award for At 9.30am on each day graduands, staff and Chapel on each graduation morning, and special contemporary art for 2010. All four finalists for Council members processed through the city down celebrations were held for Māori and Pacific the prestigious Walters Prize are alumni, staff Bowen Avenue and Victoria Street East, and up graduates and their families. or current students of Elam. Queen Street, Wellesley Street West and For a full report on graduation and more on the The $50,000 Walters Prize is awarded for Mayoral Drive. Teaching Excellence Awards and the Graduation an outstanding work of contemporary New University Chancellor Roger France personally Concert, see the next issue of University News. Zealand art produced and exhibited during the past two years. Winners have the chance to travel to New York and exhibit at Saatchi & Saatchi headquarters. Scope for creative work This year’s finalists are Dan Arps, a Doctor Creative practice researchers may soon have the written thesis presented alongside creative work of Fine Arts student at Elam, for Explaining opportunity to incorporate practical elements to will be less than that required for a PhD without a Things, 2008; Fiona Connor, Elam alumna, for their research alongside their written thesis for creative work component. her work, Something Transparent (please go doctorates at The University of Auckland. A public discussion on the nature and round the back), 2009; Saskia Leek, another The University is proposing to introduce an importance of creative practice research will be recent alumna, for Yellow is the Putty of the allowance for creative practice to be incorporated held during The University of Auckland’s Creative World, 2009; and Alex Monteith, an Elam into PhD research. This option for study it is hoped PhD Research Seminar on Tuesday 18 May. In this alumna and Fine Arts Lecturer, for Passing will be available to students by July 2010. seminar leading creative practice researchers will Manoeuvre with two Motorcycles and 584 The examination for candidates approved to reflect on how creative arts and academia can vehicles for two-channel video, 2008. incorporate creative work within their PhD will combine to contribute new knowledge. For comprise the presentation of a body of creative information and registration visit: work (including media such as fine art, www.creative.auckland.ac.nz/phd performances or films) and a written thesis as an integrated whole. The maximum word count for a

The University of Auckland News 3 Benefactors’ generosity recognised

“I have never bought a painting as an acknowledged in this way,” he said. “Generous Michael from Elam, and Beth from the School of investment,” said Gus Fisher. “I have bought a benefactors like the Fishers enable this University Architecture and Planning. painting always because it grabbed me so tightly to maintain its pre-eminence. Philanthropists like In 2005, Gus Fisher received an honorary that if I could afford it I just couldn’t bear to be this are richly deserving of recognition and our Doctor of Laws degree from The University of without it.” gratitude.” Auckland for his contribution to the development Gus was speaking on 28 April at the Gus Fisher It was fitting that the award was presented at of academic programmes, the Fisher Parkinson's Gallery, where he and his wife Irene were the , where a tribute exhibition Fellowship, research and infrastructure at the presented with the fifth Annual Arts Foundation for Gus – who is also a pioneer of New Zealand's University, and his key role in establishing the Award for Patronage, honouring their significant fashion industry through his 50-year directorship of Kenneth Myers Centre. Gus Fisher was also one of contribution to the creative arts in New Zealand. the House of El Jay – has been curated by Doris de the founding donors to the Hood Fund, which Gus Fisher’s philanthropy holds a significant Pont and will open on 4 June. enables leading academics from New Zealand and connection for NICAI’s Centre for New Zealand To celebrate the Award, the Arts Foundation abroad to share their research knowledge. Art Research and Discovery (CNZARD). His gave Gus and Irene Fisher $20,000 to donate to enduring support of art and design and his artists or arts projects of their choosing. The generosity contributed to the acquisition and Fishers have increased the amount with $30,000 Photos from left to right: refurbishment of one of his favourite buildings in of their own and have announced five donations of Left to right are Irene Fisher, Michael Smither and Auckland, the former NZBC television studios. This $10,000 each to visual artist Andrew McLeod, Gus Fisher at the celebration of the Arts Foundation enabled the University to open its own gallery, the fashion designers Beth Ellery and Emilia Award. Gus Fisher Gallery, in 2001. Wickstead, and artist and composer Michael Gus Fisher with special guest, original El Jay model Vice-Chancellor, Professor Stuart McCutcheon Smither, with a posthumous recognition of painter Dianne Boles, recreating a photo taken of them 30 was amongst the first to congratulate Gus and Pat Hanly (1932-2004). Andrew, Michael and Beth years ago. Irene. "I am delighted to see their contribution are all alumni of the University: Andrew and Photos by Sam Hartnett Academics on YouTube Research is about creating knowledge and For this reason the University has created a advancing new ideas which affect every part of series of videos highlighting 11 magnificent our daily lives. research projects, and has placed them on a It stands at the core of human progress and newly-created channel on YouTube - www. gives us the key to transforming our world. It also youtube.com/researchworkswonders. stands at the core of advancing our country, A media campaign is now running, nationally economically and socially. and internationally, to direct people to the These are the words of Jane Harding, Deputy YouTube channel. A further nine videos will be Vice-Chancellor (Research), as quoted in a recent added to the channel mid-year. University publication, Transforming our Future. Over the next few months, in most issues of It is true that as a major research university, University News we will feature one of the we seek to make the strongest contribution research topics in the “Research works wonders” possible to the future prosperity of our county campaign. and its social vibrancy and well-being. And the wealth of research coming out of the University is something we can all take pride in, and which can always benefit from increased exposure outside the University. Campaign posters

4 14 May | 2010 Engineering Viewpoint challenges Lessons from a changing place Engineers will play a crucial role in addressing Research conducted by geographers on Waiheke’s diverse natural and cultural tomorrow’s global challenges, from climate Waiheke Island has produced a detailed landscapes. change to water scarcity and coping with an account of wine tourism and a set of lessons for Currently, the wine and tourism products both ageing population. sustainable development on the island and draw on and create value from Waiheke’s The Faculty of Engineering has stepped up to Auckland more widely. diversity, and in so doing create space for a these challenges by creating four new research Funded by the Vice Chancellor’s Strategic diversity that promises sustainability. Whilst other clusters, which bring together expertise across Development Fund, the Waiheke Project involved forms of mass tourism and real estate disciplines to address complex issues of tourist surveys, interviews with wine and other developments are conceivable, they risk socio-economic importance. tourism enterprises, and discussions with local producing inappropriate and unsustainable The four themes are Energy; Innovation in government officials. development forms that will threaten the diversity manufacturing and materials; Infrastructure Results highlight the significance of Waiheke’s and idyllic surroundings upon which current and environment; and Technologies for health, physical and cultural distinctiveness as a source industries draw. and will be overseen by Associate Professor of economic value, alongside more conventional Providing for the expression of community Margaret Hyland. economic development concerns such as labour, values is crucial to sustaining the ability of wine Faculty Dean Professor Michael Davies infrastructure, governance, environmental tourism enterprises to make claims about the launched the themes with Margaret Hyland management, and cooperation among authenticity of a distinctive Waiheke experience and alumnus Sir Ron Carter at a special event enterprises. They suggest that questions of and attach those claims to wines themselves. on 22 April. economic development attend more carefully to There is a lesson here reminiscent of the goose “As a faculty we looked at what the global the significance of cultural values and diversity. and the golden egg. challenges are and asked ‘how can we link up our Tourism on Waiheke is growing and will The study also revealed lessons about resources in order to address these major continue to grow despite pressures on governance and good policy in the imminent international issues’” Michael Davies said. infrastructure and vocal opposition from some “Auckland Super City”. Proposed changes on Issues such as quality of life, sustainable quarters. Ongoing development more generally is Waiheke are subject to close scrutiny from the energy, a vibrant economy and environmental inevitable in so valued and accessible a place. politicised and vocal community. There is no need sustainability emerged as real global concerns The question is what kind of development and on for this to generate stultifying opposition. Rather, that engineers will play a crucial role in whose terms. effective governance might turn scrutiny and addressing. In the short term, the island’s infrastructure concern into constructive change. “Major research breakthroughs are unlikely to has become overloaded. Waste disposal, sewage, To sustain sensitivity to distinctive values and come from single individuals toiling away in the water extraction, roading and footpaths are all what might be golden eggs such as Waiheke’s lab. They will come from teams where the currently stretched. The area for subdivision diversity requires local voices and ways of interplay of ideas from across disciplines can be within the Metropolitan Urban Limit is now at ensuring that they are heard and valued, and combined to design innovative solutions.” capacity. Any further development on Waiheke of effective responses are made. The umbrella groupings will create a critical whatever form will require attention to Waiheke, along with the other Gulf Islands, has mass of research activity, linking with researchers environmental concerns such as waste disposal, been included in the new Waitemata and Gulf in other faculties such as Science, Medical and water extraction, monoculture, and the Islands Ward, which includes Great Barrier, the Health Sciences, and Business and with New urban limit. other Gulf islands, the central mainland suburbs Zealand companies. More specific tourism infrastructure is also from Parnell to Ponsonby, and the CBD. According The Energy theme, for example, targets under pressure, especially in the peak summer to the Local Government Commission, wards are improved energy supply and use. Some of the season. Restricted accommodation options, to be based on “communities of interest’” projects undertaken by this cluster include pressure on ferries, buses, roads, and limited identified in terms of “functional”, “perceptive” improving performance of wind farms and eating options at peak times in peak periods, all and “political” dimensions. The research raises addressing issues around use of biofuels. One of threaten to erode the quality of the tourism questions around the appropriateness of this the projects under the Infrastructure and product. Poor public transport access to grouping in enabling the distinctiveness of the environment theme examines the impact on the Waiheke’s different tourism offerings undermines islands to be recognised while simultaneously New Zealand environment of pharmaceuticals in practice the image of Waiheke as a addressing the needs of the central city. and cosmetics in wastewater, and appropriate combination destination. As debate around the shape of the Super City treatment technologies. Each of these issues was identified in our continues, the economic value of Waiheke’s Guest speaker Sir Ron Carter told the audience surveys as a negative dimension of the tourist distinctiveness offers an example of the need for about his own experiences meeting global experience, by visitors and residents alike. the new Auckland Council to balance regional challenges in his role as the Chairman of Beca Increasing tourist flow implies further perspective against the highly distinctive Group, an internationally successful confrontation with these issues. requirements of particular places within the city. engineering firm. Any solution will also have to confront the Similarly, as The University of Auckland University members and the public can hear complication of seasonality. The vast majority of contemplates an enhanced and coordinated more about the Faculty’s research clusters at the Waiheke’s visitors travel to the island in the urban research agenda centred on Auckland, 2010 Dean’s Lecture Seminar Series, to be summer months. Stretching the tourist flow may the Waiheke case demonstrates the importance presented during the year by each theme leader: be necessary either to offset pressures, or to pay of grounded research, particularly into how Infrastructure and environment, Suzanne for improved infrastructure and tourism services Auckland’s very different economies actually work. Wilkinson, 20 May and facilities, impinging further on the cultural Technologies for health, Bruce MacDonald, and physical nature of the island. Dr Lucy Baragwanath 22 July The challenge is to address these issues from Dr Nick Lewis Innovation in manufacturing and materials, beyond a narrow developmentalist frame. Debate School of Environment Xun Xu, 30 September is urgently needed on what type of development Energy, Rosalind Archer, 25 November. and how change might restrict damage to

The University of Auckland News 5 Pacific welcome cordial relations that exist between Papua New Guinea and New Zealand”, covering “both bilateral and multilateral cooperation in areas of human resource development, security, mitigating climate change and sea level rise, as well as developing strategies for sustainable management of fisheries and forestry resources”. He spoke of New Zealand’s development assistance to Papua New Guinea, its contribution to the Bougainville peace process, and its development assistance programmes on Bougainville. He also spoke of the “opportunities and challenges for our countries” which come as a result of globalisation, emphasising that the Pacific Islands Forum “remains the most appropriate vehicle to take the country forward”. Though acknowledging that “through the Forum we have established our solidarity as a bloc to be Sir Michael Somare reckoned with in the international arena” and that countries of the region “can… take pride at the cooperative efforts in sustainable resource The elegant architecture of the Fala Pasifika and Attending the lunch held to welcome him were management” and at “mitigating climate change the rhythm and passion of the welcoming University staff, including Vice-Chancellor and sea-level rise”, he also emphasised the need for performance by students from the Centre for Professor Stuart McCutcheon, and representatives “countries in the region to look seriously at greater Pacific Studies (Pacific 101) combined to create from the High Commission of Papua New Guinea sharing of resources”. the ideal ambience for a relaxed and enjoyable in Wellington, the New Zealand Ministry of The number and scope of questions following the lunch held to celebrate the visit of one of our Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Department of lecture showed the depth of interest in Papua New longest-serving Pacific Prime Ministers. Internal Affairs. Guinea, ranging from the autonomy of provinces, Sir Michael Somare, Prime Minister of Papua Before the lunch almost 100 staff and guests the advancement of women and the enhancement New Guinea, who has served for a total of 16 gathered in the Decima Glenn Room at the of human rights to sustainability and climate years in three separate periods from 1975, visited Owen G Glenn Building to hear a lecture by Sir change and the possibility of amalgamation with the University on 23 April with a delegation of Michael entitled “Personal reflections on regional Irian-Jaya at some time in the future. Members of Parliament, directors of government developments”. departments and senior staff and advisers. Sir Michael acknowledged the “warm and Landmark for Theology of the School of Theology. “It was also a challenge much a part of Polynesian identity….; [Dr] Ann in that spirit possession was not the research area Nolan’s paper explores some of the challenges that of any of our staff but one which opened up the interaction of modern psychiatry with holistic possibilities for contextual theology, to which we anthropologies of Pacific cultures can surface; D[ r] were committed as a School.” Laurie Guy’s paper on spirit possession and Written over a two-year period by 11 past and deliverance in the Assembly of God in Auckland in present faculty members of the School of Theology, the 1970s allows people from other churches to along with two of the School’s recent postgraduate appreciate the varieties of religious experience that students, and edited by Elaine Wainwright together are part and parcel of the wider Christian with colleagues Dr Philip Culbertson and Dr Susan community; [Dr] Alice Sinnott and [Dr] Keith Sturt First look at the book for some of the authors. Smith, the book responds to the growing both offer fascinating but different accounts of spirits contemporary interest in spirit possession. in the book of Tobit while [Professor] Elaine The launch of a new book on 30 April in the Elaine says this collection is timely both in Wainwright offers a scholarly reading of spirit Vice-Chancellor’s Suite at Old Government Aotearoa New Zealand and globally. “Spirit possession in the New Testament. [Sister] Helen House marked a significant milestone for the possession is being addressed in a number of [Bergin] offers a rich theological reflection onG od’s School of Theology as well as the culmination recent international publications and Spirit spirit, the Holy Spirit. of a pioneering task. Possession, Theology, Identity takes its place “It is hard to see why Spirit Possession, Theology, Spirit Possession, Theology, Identity: A Pacific among these.” Identity can be anything other than a best seller,” Exploration, a collection of essays which explores She thanked the authors, her fellow editors and she said. different expressions of spirit possession in (behind the scenes) Pervin Medhora, the School of The book, published by the Australian Theology Oceania today, was commissioned by the George Theology Registrar. Foundation Press, was launched by Anthony Molloy Sainsbury Foundation, represented at the launch Co-editor, Susan Smith, spoke of the richness of QC, who approached the School on behalf of the by trustees of the foundation, Brian Everett and the authors’ contribution. trust to arrange the contract. David Spencer. “[Father] Henare [Tait] alerts us to the reality of “This was very significant for us as a new School spirit possession as he experienced it in his pastoral in that it provided us with our first significant ministry among Mäori. [Dr] Winston [Halapua], [Dr] research funding and gave a focus to the School’s Mary [Caygill] and [Dr] Philip [Culbertson] research,” said Professor Elaine Wainwright, Head demonstrated how belief in the spirit world is so

6 14 May | 2010 Arts From the collection preoccupied him for a year in 1994, me, to thrill at what light does on flesh and cloth, but it is portraiture that has defined and to be able to laugh, snarl and all with those him ever since. who see value in what the painter does. They are To make a portrait, he sets his the other side of the ‘Cowboy’ coin, and very sitter up in a situation and lets them welcome after stretches on the Range.” decide the gestures and pose so that The 1981 debut album of Los Angeles hard rock the body becomes a formal band, Mötley Crüe lends the name of its title track arrangement. Although he paints his to this work. Being called Too Fast For Love wife, his friends and himself positions the tattooed Claudia with her immodest repetitively, it is what he sees of that Zambesi blouse open as a challenge to the viewer, person, working from the exterior or making her seem both dominant and domestic. Like surface that he wants to portray. As the girl in the song, she is big trouble, a “dream a painter of light, it is the style of his machine, so damn cool she can turn on the night/ work that he wants to be the content, She’ll use her time up/Have nothing to show”. not the apparent subject, yet he is a McWhannell’s portrait of Hugh Fletcher, sucker for female beauty. previously Chancellor of the University and Chief For McWhannell, the sum of Executive of Fletcher Challenge, recently featured paradigmatic beauty appears in the in Erin Griffey’s exhibition The Power of Portraiture face and form of his wife, the actress at Gus Fisher Gallery and the New Zealand Donogh Rees, who has been his most Portrait Gallery in Wellington in 2009. He frequent model ever since they comments on the difference between portraying married in 1984. Recently he has male and female sitters: “The women in my used Claudia Watson, a rebellious pictures are there because they’re likely to solicit young woman whom he first met my attention as much as I do theirs. It’s my opinion aged 14 in 1998, as his model. She that women (and especially the young ones) have a featured in several of the works in his strong awareness of mortality/sexuality and will Determined to succeed as a figure painter in a 2009 exhibition, “Introducing Cowboys and Girls, happily participate in my locking them in an image period dominated by abstraction, Richard Girls, Girls” and she continues to pose for him, of their youthful fecundity or their growing older. McWhannell is a contemporary artist whose despite recent motherhood. The artist comments While blokes are more likely to come to me painting has lived by its own rules during his that female sitters offer respite from self-regard. because they’re required to be ‘portraited’ to mark 35-year career. “As a painter of women I have continued with their status and will invariably protest they’ve been With a nod to the great European masters some new and some returnee sitters. They are all made to accept this job as sitter.” Goya and Manet, and early references to local in their way family, who have been wonderfully Linda Tyler light and shade expert Tony Fomison, McWhannell committed and excellent company. It continues to Richard McWhannell (b.1952), Too Fast For Love, has become a painter of big technique. Landscape be a (difficult) pleasure to have people in front of 2008, oil on canvas, 1010 x 830mm Nonproliferation book earns kudos political psychology. both social psychology and the international Nonproliferation Norms, which examines relations theory of constructivism to understand nuclear weapons decision-making in Japan, Egypt, how state elites perceive “security” and “success”, Libya, Germany and Sweden, has been judged the and analyses the influence of grassroots best book in the field of political psychology during movements and nongovernmental organisations 2009 and has increased substantially on state security policy. understanding of issues central to the concerns of political psychology and the world. Maria says she is “thrilled to receive such a prestigious award and hope this honour will bring more recognition that the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and associated agreements are more than just pieces of paper. “These agreements have shaped how states consider security, success, and the value of nuclear Maria Rublee weapons. They must be supported and strengthened. Without them, we no longer have International commentator Dr Maria Rublee the normative and cognitive framework that (Political Studies) has been honoured with a defines nuclear weapons as uncivilised and major international award from the International unacceptable.” Society for Political Psychology for her new book, She states that this is especially important for Nonproliferation Norms: Why States Choose New Zealand, a natural leader in promoting Nuclear Restraint. nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament. The much-coveted Alexander George Book Maria specialises in international security, Award has been conferred for demonstrating the international relations theory, and international highest quality of thought and making a major organisations, with regional emphases on East substantive book-length contribution to the field of Asia and the Middle East. In particular, she uses

The University of Auckland News 7 Queries to [email protected] saturday 22 MAY for 6 months (longer term negotiable). What’s on Public lecture Exhibition talk Please phone owner on (021) 544 836. Prof Clare Hanson, University of House sit available in Glen Eden Friday 14 MAY Assoc-Prof Paul Walker, Architecture, Southampton (UK): Eugenic values, Building and Planning, University of villa from end of June to middle of School of Music lunchtime concert eugenic costs. 6-pm OGGB3, Owen Melbourne: Sir Miles Warren. 1pm Gus September while owners on academic Chamber Music Ensembles. Featuring G Glenn Bldg, 12 Grafton Rd. Please Fisher Gallery. Visit leave. Use of car can be arranged. School of Music chamber music groups. RSVP to www.gusfishergallery.auckland.ac.nz Companionable cat. Some flexibility 1.05-1.55pm Music Theatre, School of [email protected] possible round September leaving date. Contact Murray (021) 0260 5109 or Music. Free. All welcome. monday 24 MAY Globalisation and higher education: WEDNESDAY 19 MAY [email protected] Towards a new conceptual Block teaching Ask your Aunty about effective Lovely three-bedroom Westmere framework 10am-12noon CAD Seminar Rm, Level university teaching house for rent, 5 September 2010 to 3 January 2011. Fully furnished, including An international public symposium. 5, 76 Symonds St. Learn about the 10am-12noon CAD Seminar Rm, Level wireless, washer, drier, dishwasher, 2.30-5.30pm, Presentation Rm, Level pedagogy and practicality of block 5, 76 Symonds St. Join us to hear a highly sociable and much-loved cat. 2, ClockTower, 22 Princes St. Featuring teaching, and how to reshape your panel of four Teaching Excellence Award Prof Susan Robertson, University of winners who will respond to questions With bath and shower. Big back yard, teaching and assessment processes. with storage shed and OSP. Walking Bristol, UK; Prof Roger Dale, University Enrol at www.cad.auckland.ac.nz/ from the audience on how to be an of Bristol, UK; Dr Stavros Moutsios, effective university teacher. Enrol at distance from shops, parks, zoo and workshops or phone CAD reception at Auckland’s best butcher. Ideal for Aarhus University, Denmark; Prof Cris www.cad.auckland.ac.nz/workshops or ext 88140. visiting academics. Rent negotiable. Shore, UoA. phone CAD reception at ext 88140. Communiqué Must love cats! Email This symposium aims to explore different Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham: My Student Jazz Ensemble concerts Jazz combo concert. 7.30pm, until 25 [email protected] dimensions of the way universities design life. 6-7pm Engineering Lecture Northcote central, two-bdrm unit fully and higher education policy are being Theatre. May. Studio One, Kenneth Myers Centre, Shortland St. Free. furnished, available 7 June until 15 shaped by processes of globalisation. August, quiet and sunny, open fireplace, School of Music students perform a Please RSVP to [email protected] two-minute walk to shops, on bus route, thursday 20 MAY mix of jazz standards, modern pieces All welcome. very handy to Harbour Bridge. Rent Public Policy Group seminar Department of Philosophy seminar and original work, in two jazz combo negotiable, contact Laila Behmeleit, Dept of Sociology, UoA: Dr Justine Kingsbury, University of concerts on consecutive nights. [email protected] The gendered management of earning Waikato: The limits of evolutionary Spacious two-bedroom apartment aesthetics. 3-5pm Patrick Hanan Rm and caring among single parents. 11am- tuesday 25 MAY for rent. Warm, sunny, quiet, 90 sqm, 501, Arts 2. 12noon Upstairs Dining Rm, OGH. fully furnished, with two secure car Department of History seminar School of Music research seminar Queries to [email protected] Aleisha Ward: Jazz in NZ from the Jazz parks in Ellerslie from 15 June to 26 Dr Sara Buttsworth, Dept of History, January while owners on academic UoA: CinderBella: Twilight, fairy tales Age to the Rock ‘n’ Roll Era. 1-2pm Music Theatre, School of Music, 6 leave. A car can be arranged. Ideal for saturday 15 may and gendering the twenty-first century visiting academics. Rent negotiable. American dream. 4pm Rm 59, Dept of Symonds St. Queries to Miles: A Life in Architecture - tour [email protected] Phone Sergiy on (021) 1836219 or email 1pm. Visit the Nathan House in History. [email protected] Remuera where Anna Nathan, the School of Critical Studies in original client, discusses the 1979 Education seminar wednesday 26 MAY ACCOMMODATION REQUIRED Prof Roger Dale, University of Bristol: design with Peter and Amanda Stanes, Auckland Festival of Photography Capitalism, modernity and the future of Experienced house and animal the current owners. The tour is free, but exhibition education in the new social contract. sitters available for semester numbers limited. Bookings to 923 6806 Until12 June. 11am-4pm projectspace 4.30pm Rm N356, N block, Faculty of two. We are a n/s graduate student or [email protected] B431, Ground floor, 20 Whitaker Place. Education, Gate 4, 60 Epsom Ave. RSVP and librarian couple with previous World designer Francis Hooper selects to [email protected] experience looking after the homes and work by emerging Elam artists. Visit pets of several UoA staff members. monday 17 may Dean of the Faculty of Engineering www.projectspaceB431.auckland.ac.nz References available. We also maintain Lecture Postgraduate Information Week Department of Psychology seminar lawns, gardens and composts. Contact Infrastructure and environment. 6-7pm Until 21 May. Your chance to meet our Charles A Collin, Perception and Laura at [email protected] or Lecture Theatre 1.439, School of Postgraduate advisers, academics and Cognition Lab, University of Ottawa: Paul at (021) 151 4911. Engineering, 20 Symonds St. like-minded students, and attend free Who are you? (who? who?): Spatial House needed for long-term rental. Speakers include: presentations and information sessions. frequency effects on brain responses to Four bdrms in an inner city suburb Kevin Mara is General Manager Asset To view the full programme visit www. facial images in man and monkey. 4pm preferably with off street parking and Programme at Housing New Zealand, auckland.ac.nz/uoa/home/for/future- venue tba. Queries to ext 83159 or two bthrms but negotiable. Tenants and will be speaking about the work postgraduates/fp-events/postgraduate- [email protected] tidy and reliable with good references. that Housing New Zealand are doing on week/ Department of Audiology seminar Rental up to $650 pw. Phone Jaimee on a national housing strategy. Louis Carroll, Chief Executive Officer, 021 054 9064. Jim Bentley is the Director of the Centre National Foundation for the Deaf: The New professor (and husband and ten tuesday 18 MAY for Infrastructure Research, and will be year old) arriving in Auckland in July are changing face of the sector. What is Communiqué speaking about the investment needs looking for house-sit or short-term lease. happening in the hearing impairment Peter Robinson: Snow Ball Blind Time for Auckland Regional Transport. RSVP Preferably close to University. Happy sector in NZ? 5-5.30pm drinks and and other projects. 12noon-1pm Design to [email protected] to provide refs. Please contact Miriam nibbles; 5.30pm seminar, Rm 730.220, Lecture Theatre, Conference Centre, 22 Queries to [email protected] [email protected] School of Population Health, Tamaki Symonds St. Student jazz ensemble concerts Campus. Queries to 373 7536 or School of Music research seminar Large ensemble concert. Featuring MISCELLANEOUS Riette Ferreira: Sight and sound: Made School of Music students playing [email protected] Carpenter/builder available. Over 30 in NZ. 1-2pm Music Theatre, School saxophone and percussion. 7.30pm years experience. Lots of renovations and of Music, 6 Symonds St. Queries to Studio One, Kenneth Myers Centre, historic places. References. Phone Chris [email protected] Shortland St. Free. Classifieds ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE on 270 0745 or (027) 293 2279. Bioengineering research seminar For a limited time: $20 hearing tests Jessica Jor, Auckland Bioengineering FRIDAY 21 MAY Apartments for rent. Call us for available for children aged from 6 mths Institute: Modelling the structure and Department of Economics seminar your rental requirements; we offer city to 5 years. Please phone the Hearing mechanical properties of skin. 4-5pm apartments furnished/unfurnished, all Dr Michael McAleer: What happened to and Tinnitus Clinic, Tamaki Campus for Level 5 Seminar Rm, UniServices House, sizes and prices; great rental deals for risk management during the 2008-2009 an appointment on 373 8791 (ample 70 Symonds St. long-term leases; call Chris or Mandy financial crisis? 3- 4.30pm Rm 219, free parking). Faculty of Arts seminar on 09 303 0601 at City Sales or email Owen G Glenn Bldg, 12 Grafton Rd. Travel. I have 12 years experience in Prof Gilbert Herdt, Chair, Dept of [email protected] or log on to Queries to El-Hadj Bah, ext 83896. booking all aspects of personal travel Sexuality Studies, Director of the www.citysales.co.nz/rentals for university staff and lecturers. I pride Department of Mathematics/Les National Sexuality Resource Center, Apartment for rent. Large two-bdrm myself in ensuring that your travel Woods Memorial Lecture San Francisco State University. Moral/ apartment with terrace for rent in plans are sourced at the lowest possible Prof Gilbert Strang, MIT: Is a random sex panics and rights: Lessons from central city location. Walking distance to costs and are tailor-made to your triangle acute or obtuse? 7pm Lecture the past quarter century. 6pm Lecture University, Britomart and Ferry terminal. requirements. Contact Karen on Theatre 1.439, School of Engineering, Theatre 401, School of Engineering, 20 Fully furnished, fully equipped kitchen Karen.embleton@ mondotravel.co.nz or 20 Symonds St. Symonds St. and bathroom, all linen supplied. Secure 940 0064 (wk) or (021) 188 7781. Visit www.math.auckland.ac.nz with building manager on-site. Available For a full list of The University of Auckland events see: Please email classified ads to [email protected] nine days before www.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/home/events publication. Cost $20 (incl GST).

8 14 May | 2010