JULY 2015
The University of Auckland News for Staff Vol 44 / Issue 5 / JULY 2015
LOWERING EMISSIONS ■■PAGE 5
INSIDE ROYAL VISIT JOURNEY OF LIFE TPPA AND THE UNIVERSITY Spinal cord injury research drew a royal Associate Professor Lorri Santamaria was The Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement audience when Zara Phillips visited FMHS on born in Seville in Spain. Her father was Creole could have an impact on the operations of the Friday (12 June) to attend a talk arranged from Louisiana and her mother was African University, particularly through its copyright by the CatWalk Trust in the AMRF Student American and American Indian (Choctaw). provisions, which could increase costs, restrict Learning Centre. Zara’s royal patronage of the Growing up, Lorri was what she describes access to information resources (including film CatWalk Trust is helping the group fundraise as an “Airforce brat”. In 2012 she joined the and sound recordings) and make it difficult for towards on-going support of this spinal cord University’s Faculty of Education and Social Parliament to implement changes in this area in injury research. The Trust is the sole funder Work and last year became Head of School ways that would benefit the University. Melanie of the University’s Spinal Cord Injury Research in Learning, Development and Professional Johnson, the University’s Copyright Officer, Facility. Professor Louise Nicholson and Dr Practice. For the times in between read this writes a Maramatanga on some of the possible Simon briefed the visitors on the research. month’s “My story”. impacts of the TPPA on tertiary education.
■■PAGE 3 ■■PAGE 6 ■■PAGE 10
SNAPSHOT CONTENTS
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE WHAT’S NEW ...... 3
Renowned Australian artist, Associate Professor IN BRIEF ...... 4 Kathy Temin, the Elam International Artist in COVER STORY ...... 5 Residence (seen here with Elam student Joseph Durana) is best known for her garden-like Twenty-five scientists from the University of installations made from synthetic fur, which Auckland have sent in a joint submission on climate explore ideas about art history, memory and change. loss. She is being assisted by Elam staff and students to make and install large-scale artworks MY STORY ...... 6 for an October exhibition at the Gus Fisher DID YOU KNOW? ...... 7 Gallery entitled “My Memorial: Black Wall and Oral Histories”. Did you know the history of University House in Princes Street, the beautiful historic building which now houses the University’s BIRDFEEDING IN OUR BACKYARDS Department of Alumni Relations and Development. Research from the School of Biological Sciences found backyard bird-feeding may benefit WHAT’S ON CAMPUS ...... 7 introduced species over native species. Backyard feeding was good for some birds, including the RESEARCH IN FOCUS ...... 8 common sparrow and the spotted dove. But WHAT AM I DISCOVERING? ...... 9 the native grey warbler (pictured) significantly decreased in abundance at feeding sites, with IN THE SPOTLIGHT ...... 9 numbers dropping by more than half. Interest was strong around the world with coverage by FROM THE COLLECTION ...... 10 the UK’s Guardian, ABC Australia, CBC in Canada WHAT’S COMING OUT ...... 11 and Wired in the US, and later a colourful spread in the June issue of NZ Gardener. MARAMATANGA ...... 12
ARTISTS HELP NEPAL
COVER PHOTO: Some of the staff from the Faculty Forty leading New Zealand artists’ works were of Science who combined their knowledge and auctioned at the Gus Fisher Gallery on 5 June expertise to make a joint subnmission to the to raise funds to rebuild schools and hospitals Government on climate change. From left to right, in Nepal’s Solu Khumbu region, which was with their bicycles, which they use to travel to work, devastated by the recent earthquakes. The are Sandra Anderson (SBS), Jacqueline Beggs evening, organised by the Himalayan Trust (SBS), Niki Harre, Georgianne Griffiths (Computer founded by Sir Edmund Hillary in 1960, raised Science), Mary Sewell (SBS), and Brendon Brewer $69,775 to help recovery in the area. Vita (Statistics). Cochrane’s My Darling Monkeys 2015 (pictured) was the prize in a draw for all those who Photo Richard Ng registered to bid. The winner was Sarah Hillary, daughter of Sir Edmund.
WINTER LECTURES 2015
There are few events more fundamental to the EDITOR: Judy Wilford | [email protected] shaping of the twentieth century or its collective PHOTOGRAPHY: Godfrey Boehnke, Andrew Lau, Judy memory than the First World War. In this six- Wilford, Richard Ng lecture Winter Lecture Series, historians from DESIGN: Justin Marshall and Daniel Holt the University and from around New Zealand PRODUCTION: The University of Auckland will discuss the history and legacies of the First World War from a range of perspectives, Published by: highlighting how topical this “war to end all The University of Auckland Communications, wars” remains today. The lectures will take place Fisher Building, 18 Waterloo Quadrant, every Tuesday from 11 to 22 September (except Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142 1 September). Each will be held from 1-2pm at www.auckland.ac.nz/universitynews the Maidment Theatre.
2 THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND NEWS FOR STAFF WHAT’S NEW
ROYAL AUDIENCE FOR SPINAL RESEARCH
Spinal cord injury research drew a royal audience when Zara Phillips visited the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences on Friday (12 June) to attend a talk arranged by the CatWalk Trust in the AMRF Student Learning Centre. Other visitors included the Minister of Health, the Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman, local MP and Minister of ACC Nikki Kaye, CatWalk Trust Founder, Catriona Williams, CatWalk Board members and a host of television, radio and print media. Professor Louise Nicholson gave a brief introduction to spinal cord injuries and research, while Dr Simon O’Carroll outlined the detail of the world-leading research carried out at the Centre for Brain Research. Zara’s royal patronage of the CatWalk Trust is helping the group fundraise towards on-going support of this spinal cord injury research. The Trust is the sole funder of the University’s Spinal Cord Injury Research Facility. inflammation associated with spinal cord injury Zara Phillips (left) learns about advances in brain research Professor Colin Green, Professor Nicholson by up to 50 per cent. This can, in turn, limit from Professor Louise Nicholson along with Catriona Williams, Nikki Kaye, Dr Jonathan Coleman, and Holly and Dr O’Carroll’s research involves the use of a secondary injuries like paralysis, caused by Pretorius. a small piece of a protein (a connexin peptide) swelling in cases of spinal cord injury. Photo Andrew Lau. applied directly to an injury site, or indirectly The research is not yet in clinical trials, but the through the bloodstream. CatWalk Trust hopes to fundraise to move it on The peptide reduces the swelling and to the next phase.
TERROR ATTACK THAT CHANGED NEW ZEALAND
It was an event that changed New Zealand for ever. On 10 July 1985 two bomb blasts ripped through the Rainbow Warrior, sinking the Greenpeace ship and killing crew member Fernando Pereira. The images of the crippled Rainbow Warrior at Auckland’s Marsden Wharf are still clear in people’s minds. Now, 30 years after the terror attack, the University of Auckland is hosting a public lecture to discuss how the bombing impacted on the environmental movement. Dr Ryan Tucker Jones, of the University’s Faculty of Arts, along with Steve Abel of Greenpeace International, will be joined by Sue Taei of Conservation International and Alexander • How have the ecological challenges bombing of the Rainbow Warrior is still raising Gillespie, University of Waikato. facing Pacific people changed since 1985? people’s consciousness about environmental Under the title “Thirty Years after the Sinking • What role can environmentalism play issues here in New Zealand and around the of the Rainbow Warrior: The Past and Future of in the Pacific today? Pacific. It’s a really wonderful legacy from a very Pacific Environments and Environmentalism” “When French terrorists bombed Greenpeace’s tragic event.” they will assess: Rainbow Warrior 30 years ago, they tried to The lecture is at 5pm on Friday 10 July at the • What is the meaning of the smash the environmentalist movement’s radical Fale Pasifika on the University’s City Campus. Rainbow Warrior in the history of Pacific challenge to politics in the Pacific,” Ryan says. For more information and a full abstract visit environmentalism? “With this forum we want to keep going the www.arts.auckland.ac.nz • How have Pacific environments conversation that Greenpeace started. Rather rebounded or worsened in the last 30 years? than ending the environmentalist movement, the
MARCH 2014 | UNINEWS 3 WHAT’S NEW IN BRIEF
STAFF SURVEY RESULTS RECOGNITION FROM EPSOM A record number of staff – 68 percent – took part in the Staff Survey for 2015. You are now Professor Louise Nicholson has been honoured invited to hear the Vice-Chancellor, Professor with a Founders Award by Epsom Girls Grammar Stuart McCutcheon, as he presents the Old Girls Association. results of the survey, reflecting on what you This annual award also went to Rima Te had to say about your experience of working Wiata (Dramatic Arts) and former University of at the University. The presentation will cover Auckland lecturer, Dr Ngapare Hopa (Services to the 2015 results, will offer comparisons with Mäori and Mäori Arts). benchmark institutions, and will reflect on Launched in 1997, the Founders Award trends over the eight years that the University recognises former students who have has been conducting the survey. demonstrated exceptional achievement or Three presentations will be on 16 July. contributed significantly globally or nationally. Newmarket Campus: 12-12.55pm, Louise’s citation acknowledged her biomedical Reception area. research particularly in neuroscience, her Grafton Campus : 1.10-2pm, H&MS Building, passion for education and science, and for Lecture Theatre 505-007 (Ground floor). getting young people engaged about learning. Epsom Campus: 2.30-3.30pm, J Block, It was noted that she “loves to mentor graduate Lecture Theatre 6EJ-101 (Level 1) students who share her drive and desire to make A further two presentations will be on 17 a difference in people’s lives.” July. Only a small number of the awards are given City Campus: 12-12.55pm, Fisher and out. The Rt Hon Helen Clark was one of the first Paykel Auditorium 260-115 recipients. Tāmaki Campus : 1.30-2.25pm, Lecture Theatre 722-201 (Level 2). ASIAN EXCHANGES FOUR DECADES OF CONTRIBUTIONS Twenty-one students from the University have secured $132,263 towards exchange and patriarchs,” says Steve. study programmes in Asian nations, in the Despite that, he says the award came out latest round of Prime Minister’s Scholarships of the blue. Being based in Auckland means for Asia (PMSA). The University of Auckland he is not in regular contact with the institute’s received the largest share of funding both for National Council members because they are individual student applications and for group based in Wellington. applications. Overall, 140 awardees received Steve first became interested in politics when over $850,000 in this round. Funded by the he visited Far East ports during his US Navy New Zealand government, the programme service in the late 1960s, during the Cold War. gives students the opportunity to experience “Having visited many navy ports and seen the life in a different culture. It aims to improve warships of many states, I became intrigued with the internationalisation of tertiary intuitions the geo-politics of that dynamic region. I still and the international skills of the New am.” Zealand workforce. At the University Steve lectures on New Zealand Diplomacy, European and American Foreign Policies, and Economic Statecraft, and WOMAN BEHIND TIME Associate Professor Steve Hoadley has been directs the degree of Master of Professional Nancy Gibbs, Managing Editor of Time made a Life Member of the New Zealand Institute Studies in International Relations and Human magazine, will be visiting New Zealand briefly of International Affairs. Rights. He regularly lectures on foreign affairs at this month as a guest of Fulbright NZ, and The news was announced at the NZIAA the New Zealand Defence Force Command and will be giving a lecture at the University Annual Dinner by its president and former Staff College, where he is Honorary Professor, of Auckland. The lecture will take place Cabinet minister and Speaker of the House Sir and at courses for the Royal New Zealand Navy in on 30 July from 5-7.30pm at the Library Douglas Kidd. Steve says the award is gratifying which he is an Honorary Captain. Lecture Theatre 109-B10. Nancy Gibbs is recognition of his 40 years of service to the Given our rapidly changing world and his an American essayist, political commentator organisation. history it’s no surprise Steve recommends and best-selling author. She has co-authored, “The award of life membership by any university study of international affairs: “The with Michael Duffy, The Preacher and the organisation is earned by years of meritorious best way to understand the world,” he says, “is Presidents: Billy Graham in the White House, service. I have contributed to the Institute of to enrol in Politics and International Relations and The Presidents’ Club: Inside the World’s International Affairs’ activities and publications courses at the University of Auckland.” Most Exclusive Fraternity. Nancy Gibbs will for four decades, so I am very pleased to be also be delivering a lecture in Wellington. recognised as one of the Institute’s valued
4 THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND NEWS FOR STAFF COVER STORY
SCIENCE STAFF SPEAK OUT ON CLIMATE CHANGE
Targets for climate change should be set by reducing emissions and what must be done, not what can be done. for creating sustainable That is the message of 25 staff members systems of transport are from the Faculty of Science who combined already available”. their specialised knowledge and experience to “We should not rely on produce a submission to the Government on unknown technologies climate change. in setting our target The joint submission was made in response or in deciding how to to the Government’s “Intended National manage ourselves in Determined Contribution (INDC)”, or climate the face of it. We should change target, ahead of global December talks make our plans around in Paris that aim to set new emissions reduction known technologies – of goals post-2020. Public submissions closed which there are many early in June. – and put considerable The invitation for submissions came at a effort into discussions fortuitous time for the Faculty of Science. Just a about how various few weeks before, at the beginning of March, the communities and faculty had appointed Associate Professor Niki sectors can contribute. Harre from Psychology as its first Associate Dean, “Businesses should Sustainability. be involved in these Niki was already putting together a network of discussions as they faculty staff with interests in sustainability; the can be leaders in new, task of writing a joint submission gave them an sustainable innovations immediate reason to work together, focusing on and will no doubt a common aim. rise to the challenge After organising meetings to formulate of supporting New content, Niki wrote a document based on the Zealand’s identity as a discussion, which those who had been present leader in this field.” then had the opportunity to edit. Staff who had Niki sees it as a great been unable to attend a meeting also had the advantage that the faculty has expertise in influence on the directions of change. It’s not chance to read the paper and contribute to it. both the social and natural sciences. “It gives easy but it’s possible. We don’t have to be The joint submission stated that “New Zealand a great opportunity to look from both sides passive. We can help shape a healthy future for should be heading as rapidly as possible towards at sustainability issues. That’s reflected in our our country.” a low emissions world, which will involve a submission.” fundamental reconsideration of our current People drew on their own areas of expertise The submission was written by the following economic, technological and social structures.” to write different parts of the submission. “There members of the Faculty of Science: Associate Speed of change was seen as essential: “… was really no disagreement among us. We Professor Niki Harre, Dr Helen Madden, the planet will warm (or not) because of our assumed that we were on the same side as the Associate Professor Mary Sewell, Associate actions and it will not wait for us to transition in Government – that we all want a New Zealand we Professor Quentin Atkinson, Dr Alex Taylor, Mr a non-urgent fashion that preserves all aspects can be proud of – that cares for people and the Blair Sowman, Gaby Free, Dr Anna Santure, of ‘business as usual’, however desirable a slow planet.” Sandra Anderson, Angie Chin, Associate transition might seem. The absolute minimum However, she acknowledges that it was at Professor Mark Costello, Dr Margaret Stanley, target we should set is that required on a per times hard to grapple with the questions – Dr Brendon Brewer, Dr Georgianne Griffiths, capita basis to have a reasonable chance of “because they were not the ones that we would Dr James Russell, Associate Professor Virginia avoiding warming greater than 2 degrees C.” be asking.” An example was the presupposition Braun, Sue O’Shea, Professor Robin Kearns, Dr In relation to farming, the call was for that “costs would dictate actions and would have Mark Holmes, Dr Elizabeth Peterson, Professor more considered dairying and a more varied to be balanced against them”. Penny Brothers, Dr Cate Macinnis-Ng, Dr Jade agricultural sector. “Not only would this improve “We were coming from the standpoint that it Le Grice, Kelly Booth, Associate Professor our emissions profile, it would also decrease the was necessary to take action whatever the cost. Jacqueline Beggs. vulnerability resulting from heavy dependence on Would you be worrying about the cost of a child’s Left to right in the cover photo are Sandra Anderson (SBS), a small number of industries.” education if the child was in a house that was Jacqueline Beggs (SBS), Niki Harre, Georgianne Griffiths Emphasising that “the biggest emitters must burning down?” (Computer Science), Mary Sewell (SBS), Brendon Brewer make the biggest changes and bear the greater Niki is immensely pleased to have been (Statistics).. Left to right in the photo on this page are Niki Harre, Cate Macinnes-Ng (SBS), Quentin Atkinson costs”, the submission asserted that “the costs appointed to the new position. (Psychology). All are contributors to the study and are of runaway climate change are astronomically “I think the University of Auckland is a major users of sustainable transport, as shown larger than the relatively small costs of taking institution, and the Faculty of Science is our ambitious action now” and that “technologies for biggest faculty. We can have a really significant
MARCH 2014 | UNINEWS 5 MY STORY STAFF QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
language development that she arranged for people. I appreciate the privilege and experience me to go to Dunbar high school in Texas. I was of sitting with academic staff to map out their four and I was the home coming queen! The research and career trajectories. I love uplifting school had a huge impact on me. I spoke black professional and academic staff to be the best vernacular English, a very different English from they can be. that which my family spoke. I came out with a deep appreciation of education.. IN JUST ONE SENTENCE DESCRIBE THE As a child I read a lot, upside down on the PURPOSE OF YOUR PRESENT POSITION. couch. All of the classics. Alice in Wonderland, To investigate, teach about and serve the Anne of Green Gables, Mark Twain….. I also did communities here around the notion of what gymnastics and danced. leadership for diversity means here and in Later in high school I joined a marching band, relation to the rest of the world. What is ran track, and joined the cheerleaders. I was leadership for social justice in a multicultural the student class president and then I was the society? How can leadership from this associate student body president as a senior. I perspective benefit education and achievement excelled academically and socially in high school. and academic improvement for Aotearoa, New Zealand – in terms of success for the whole TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRST JOB EVER person? Scooping ice-cream for Baskin’s Robbins Thirty One flavours – a famous ice cream franchise in WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THE JOB? the US. I was 16 years old and the store was I love that I get paid to feed my curiosity while in Cerritos across from my high school. But serving others. LORRI SANTAMARIA actually I was fired for giving ice-cream away to Associate Professor Lorri Santamaria was the football team…an extra scoop or something. DO YOU BELIEVE THAT WHAT YOU DO born in Seville, Spain. Her father was Creole The owners were parked across the street so CHANGES PEOPLE’S LIVES? and her mother African American and they saw it happening. It was a good time for Absolutely, both individually and corporately, American Indian (Choctaw); both were from me to learn a lesson like that. After that the next because I am helping people to better and Louisiana. Lorri grew up as an “Airforce job I had was probably in retail work but I did improve themselves in a society. Individually brat” - her father was in the Airforce and the volunteer work first. I had to redeem myself when I teach a student, then when I supervise a family moved to Spain and around the US until (laughs). group of students, when I teach a whole group on Lorri was in high school when they settled in a course and then across the University; it’s like a Cerritos, California. CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR BEST nesting dolls effect or ripples in a lake. Lorri studied advertising with a humanities TEACHER? core at the University of California, Irvine. My best teacher was Senorita Martinez in 5th WHAT HAVE YOU ACHIEVED THAT YOU She then completed a BA with a teaching grade in Spain. For my tenth birthday she took ARE VERY PLEASED ABOUT? credential, and a masters and PhD in Bilingual us on an overnight trip to Barcelona. It was the Having a positive impact on others and an Special Education Rehabilitation and School first time away from my family. She said “you influence on education in the world. I influence Psychology from the University of Arizona. need to learn how to be on your own away from education in my leadership work, teaching, Her PhD seeded an enduring interest in “how your parents”. My parents didn’t want to sign contributing new knowledge through research folks from systematically under-privileged the permission slip but I said: “No, Miss Martinez backgrounds make it in education and how believes in me. She believes I am strong and can we can make education better for them. From do this.” Miss Martinez saw something in me that my own experience, I realised education was a I didn’t see. We stayed in a hotel. At midnight game-changer,” she says. we went down dark steps into a dark nightclub She later became a full professor at California and saw an authentic flamenco show. It was State University San Marcos and Director for glorious. To be right there with the clapping the Joint Doctoral Program n Educational and the guitars and the flamenco dancers. One Leadership (with UC San Diego). In 2012 of the dancers pulled me on to the floor. That she joined Auckland’s Faculty of Education experience fuelled my passion and desire around and moved here with her husband and two arts and dance and music. It’s still with me. children. Last year she became Associate When I got into California universities I sought Dean Postgraduate Programmes for the out the “Miss Martinez’s”. Who is the person Faculty of Education and Social Work and doing what I want to do? Even here in Aotearoa this year became Head of School, Learning I have looked and found those people. Here Development and Professional Practice. for example is Distinguished Professor Viviane Robinson, who I look to for leadership guidance. WHAT DID YOU ENJOY DOING WHEN YOU I see my appointment as an academic head WERE A CHILD? as a chance to do what Miss Martinez did for I grew up in Spain and America. When I was four me. I see leadership as service and I find the my mother was so concerned about my English role exhilarating. I really love and enjoy serving
6 THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND NEWS FOR STAFF DID YOU KNOW?
and I leave a legacy with the books I have … the building now called University House, published. One is Applied Critical Leadership on the corner of Princes Street and Bowen in Education. The other, Cross-Cultural Women Avenue, has played a vibrant role in Auckland’s Scholars in Academe, has to do with the ways we history. can sustain ourselves and grow in an academic environment while celebrating our wisdom. I University House, one of Auckland’s most value this deep spiritual wisdom that my mother, gracious historic buildings, completed in 1885, my grandmother, and all of my relatives passed was the spiritual home of the Jewish people until down, though they didn’t have a college or in the late 1960s. The former synagogue is one of some cases primary or secondary education. the earliest examples of concrete construction in Auckland, incorporating a blend of Western WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING WHEN motifs such as Romanesque arches with features YOU’RE NOT WORKING? originating in the Middle East. Dancing, listening to music and cooking. As The Jewish community of Auckland has had long as I am feeding people I am very happy. I a strong influence throughout the city’s history, do regions: Spanish tortilla, all the tapas. And I with the first Jewish religious services held in do a Louisanna bayou thing – shrimp creole or Auckland in the 1840s, first in the houses of gumbo (a family favourite). I can source all the members of the community and later (from ingredients here… I can also cook Mexican food 1855) in a wooden building in Emily Place, which quite well (according to the crowd). remained the synagogue until 1884. In order to sustain the volume of work I have as Architect Edward Bartley, commissioned to were stretched by an increase in the post-war a researcher and as an academic head, I have design a new synagogue in Princes Street, based population, leading to a plan to expand the to offset it with taking walks, being mindful, his design on the beautiful and recently opened accommodation. Permission was denied by cooking, writing. These are my creative outlets. Garnet Hill Synagogue in Glasgow. The plans Auckland City Council on grounds that the land I am very physically active. I think in terms of were approved by the Jewish congregation late in was needed for a motorway access. A large new mind, body, spirit, always. I start most work 1884, and the tender notice (according to the 1 site on Greys Avenue was acquired for a new meetings with wisdom, worldly wisdom. A quote March 1985 newsletter of the Auckland Regional synagogue. The motorway development did not from Rumi or Thích Nhat Hanh. I’ve even used an Committee of the New Zealand Historic Places go ahead, and the former synagogue was later Irish blessing. I like to ground my meetings like Trust) announced that: “The Synagogue will be sold to the National Bank, whose refurbishment this and feel I have the freedom and blessing to constructed of brick in the Romanesque style, of the building for its new purpose won it the do so here in Aotearoa. with a touch of Gothic in the ornamentation.” New Zealand Institute of Architects’ National The building has a magnificent barrel-vaulted Award in 1990. The University branch of the Photo far Left: Lorri Santamaria ceiiling, with its interior featuring decorative National Bank, now in the Student Commons, Photo lower left: Lorri at four years old on the campus of Dunbar High School in Dallas-Fortworth, Texas glass and fine plaster work. The external view occupied the building until the University took from Bowen Avenue shows a dramatic stairway it over in 2003. It is now the home of Alumni leading to the side of the building, deep doorway Relations and Development recesses and Moorish arches. The information in this story was taken from “The The Princes Street Synagogue served the University of Auckland News”, Vol 33, issue 10, November Jewish community well until its resources 2003
WHAT’S ON CAMPUS
MAGNA CARTA MONARCHY SCRUTINISED ETHICS OF CCC 6,7,8,9 AND 10 JULY, 6.45-8PM 27, 29 and 31 JULY and 3 AUGUST 2015 30 JULY , 5.30PM Lecture Theatre OGGB4 VENUE: TBA Lecture Room OGGB4 Owen G Glenn Building Owen G Glenn Building The British monarchy will come under scrutiny A University of Auckland public lecture series, at this year’s Sir Douglas Robb Lectures, to be Climate change communication (CCC) hosted by Politics and International Relations, presented by British historian Sir David Nicholas addresses the gap between scientific knowledge School of Social Sciences, examines the 800- Cannadine and Professor Linda Colley, an of climate change and public motivation to year legacy of the Magna Carta from a number historian who specialises in Britain, empire and respond to it. In this year’s Hood Lecture of different perspectives: its roles in the New nationalism. Both are professors at Princeton. Melissa Lane, class of 1943 Professor of Politics Zealand constitutional tradition, its connections University. Sir David is a notable commentator at Princeton University, will discuss insights with the Treaty of Waitangi, the relationship and broadcaster on British public life. Professor from Aristotle’s Rhetoric that can help climate of its principles to digital privacy and security, Colley has held chairs in history at Yale University scientists to communicate both ethically and how its principles can inform our understanding and the London School of Economics, and effectively, and will illuminate the relationship and practices in relation to refugees, and how it was the first woman fellow at Christ’s College, between expertise and democracy. informs our expectations of the future. Cambridge.
MARCH 2014 | UNINEWS 7 RESEARCH IN FOCUS TIME SHARE FOR THREATENED BATS
Faculty of Science Kaiārahi Michael Steedman welcomes Dr Kumea Shorter-Gooden at Waipapa Marae
It seems that attracting a female is a challenge roosts are used on a “timeshare” basis, with discovered in 1977 in a large fruit bat species in for New Zealand’s lesser short-tailed bat multiple males sharing a single cavity – on a equatorial Africa. (Mystacina tuberculata), but pungent aftershave strictly one-at-a-time basis. As well as being important seed dispersers and an excellent singing voice will increase the “The roost-sharing by males was a complete and pollinators in New Zealand old-growth chance of success - as long as the flatmates surprise,” Mr Toth says. “Up to five males take forests, the short-tailed bats’ threatened status don’t come home early. turns occupying a single roost but if another gives new research an added importance, Cory Research into the New Zealand’s lesser short- male arrives while one is already in residence, a says. tailed bat gives remarkable new insights into the fight will ensue.” “While we have confirmed lek-breeding in bats’ mating behaviour. The bats are one of only Lek-breeding in mammal or bird species is the lesser short-tailed bat, we need to carry two land mammals endemic to New Zealand and thought to occur when males cannot monopolise out more work to investigate the roost-sharing are a threatened species. females and so resort to producing sexual by males and other breeding behaviour such Over a three-year period at Pureora Forest in displays near groups of females, even though this as which males receive matings and why,” Cory the central North Island, a population of more potentially increases competition. says. than 700 Mystacina tuberculata were studied Mystacina tuberculata is only the second bat The research was published in Behavioural using microchip technology along with infrared species in the world where lek breeding has Ecology. cameras. been confirmed – lek breeding in bats was first The research, by doctoral student Cory Toth from the School of Biological Sciences, confirms the species as one of only two bats in the world to use lek breeding, a mating system whereby males aggregate close to groups of females and produce sexual displays in order to attract a mate. “In more than 40 years of research, Mystacina tuberculata are only the second bat species anywhere in the world discovered to use lek-breeding, it’s a relatively rare behaviour in mammals,” Cory says. A single male lesser short-tailed bat takes up residence in a tree cavity at night and sings to attract females travelling to and from nearby communal roosts. Males not only sing but cover themselves in their own urine to add to their attractions. The big surprise of the research is that solo- occupied tree cavities within the male singing
8 THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND NEWS FOR STAFF RESEARCH IN THE SPOTLIGHT WHAT AM I DISCOVERING?
Highlighting some of the University’s news HAPPY DAYS and commentary that have hit the headlines in the past month.
“It’s happy days down at the hospice!” So said AVIAN CASSANOVAS Radio NZ’s health correspondent, Gareth Thomas Biological Sciences Senior Lecturer Dr Anna on Budget night last May, referring to an additional Santure was part of a Zoological Society $76 million earmarked for palliative care of of London-led study on New Zealand’s terminally ill patients. threatened bird, hihi, or stitchbird. The If I had heard Gareth Thomas say that just a week research, which showed that males who earlier I would have thought his words curious; sneakily father chicks with coupled-up even, crass. Happy hospices? Hey, people are dying females may be the key to saving the species in those places! through passing their genes onto the next But, luckily, the previous Saturday at the generation, was covered by the NZ Herald Auckland Writers’ Festival I had crammed into a complete with Emmerson cartoon. sold-out Aotea Centre to listen to the remarkable Atul Gawande – surgeon, Harvard professor, New ONGOING ATTENTION TO TPPA Yorker writer and health researcher. Gawande Professor Jane Kelsey (Law) has continued shared his personal epiphany about people who to speak out about the proposed Trans- know they are going to die quite soon: it’s not the Pacific Partnership Agreement, saying the quantity, it’s the quality of remaining life that usually US pharmaceutical industry has its sights matters most to them. How did he find this out? on Pharmac because it is a highly successful He deployed a “special technical research tool”: he Most of the increases in GDP over the past 20 model for New Zealand and the industry asked them what they would really like to be able to years have not gone to wage-earners (which is does not want it replicated in countries do in their last days, weeks or months, even if this actually a big part of the explanation for child such as Vietnam. Her comments have been meant possibly fewer of those days alive on earth. poverty), but have been siphoned off by the widely reported by all media throughout New Some would like to have a cocktail every night, overseas owners of our banks and into increases in Zealand. See Maramatanga (page 12) for even if “bad for their health”. Gawande’s own father, top pay. Is that a good outcome? A rich country that further University comment on the TPPA. dying of brain stem cancer, asked for dinner with his doesn’t pay all its workers at least a decent living family, at home, once a week. wage is not a quality country, in my book. New A UNIQUE GLOBAL RESOURCE Gawande told us about a study of terminally Zealand shamefully dodges its moral obligation The creation of a DVD of digital storytelling ill lung cancer patients, some who weren’t given to at least do share in the global battle against by whänau about end-of-life care of this sort of palliative care and some who were. The climate change, and turns a tolerant eye to the their kaumätua (with introduction and latter group, on average, chose to receive less life- environmental damage being done to our own commentary) as a teaching resource for prolonging but deeply unpleasant chemotherapy waterways – all in the cause of “competitiveness” palliative care and student nurses has had treatment. And then what happened? This group in the name of economic growth. Is this how quality excellent coverage throughout New Zealand. actually ended up living longer than the others! I people behave – exploiting the commons now at This included a Radio NZ interview of suppose this does make sense: happier people the expense of future generations’ wellbeing? researcher Dr Tess Moeke-Maxwell (Nursing) tending to live longer. I’d like to see us focus directly on the quality of on Nine to Noon this week. There has also As an economist, I have been thinking about how our lives together as parents, children, workers, been interest from Australia and the UK as it the quality vs quantity issue might apply to the lives entrepreneurs, capitalists, citizens. If we want is a unique resource globally. of the living as well as the dying. In the economy, to target outcomes, make sure they are quality the equivalent of human lifespan is something outcomes, not the crude quantity measure that is PROPORTION OF PEOPLE IN RESIDENTIAL called Gross Domestic Product, or GDP – basically, GDP. CARE a measure of the total quantity of stuff produced New Zealand could become a world-leader in Good coverage is ongoing for the story in a year. Economists are quite careful about the paying less attention to GDP! We might even decide revealing that about half of all our aged dangers of making too much of GDP: politicians, to stop bothering to measure it. It just upsets us population will die in residential care unfortunately, are not. Indeed, they are obsessed by and over-stimulates politicians. facilities from research bySenior Research GDP – specifically, in its “growth” from year to year, But if we do measure GDP, we might find that ‒ Fellwo Joanna Broad in Geriatric Medicine. which has become the holy grail of economic policy. just as dying people may live longer when they have This included interest from the Asian The commercial mind-set that measures some decent quality of life ‒ an economy in which television company, World TV which wellbeing in terms of monetary GDP can be the important quality issues are dealt with up front broadcasts to more than 50,000 of the Asian insidious. Even the welcome focus in the Budget actually delivers on the quantity front as well. community nationally on several channels. on reducing child poverty gets justified (by some) The story also featured twice on Radio NZ as an “investment” in more reliable future workers. News. ■■Professor Tim Hazledine (Economics) But we shouldn’t be justifying tackling child poverty because we want to make sure they will pay for our pensions when they grow up. We should look after the children because we love them and because it is our duty – that’s where the quality of life is.
MAY 2015 | UNINEWS FROM THE COLLECTION ART COLLECTION
Patricia, however, together with family photos and trinkets. The once they discovered stark contrast between the cavernous black of that their little rental the old fireplace and the pristine white surround flat in a rundown villa is immediately arresting. Fields’ assured handling in Horoeka Avenue of light and dark, shadow and texture, creates was surrounded a study in tonal variety and detail and we can by what could now almost make out the expressions of the girls in be described as the photo to the right of the fireplace. Auckland’s artistic Fields joined the United States Navy after elite. finishing school and trained to the level of Mt Eden was First Gunner’s Mate with two fleets based in relatively shabby in the Western Pacific and off the west coast the 1960s and was of America. In 1959 Fields left the navy and home to many artists, married Patricia Hazelton, an Australian singer writers, architects whom he had met during military assignments and academics that in Sydney. Throughout his childhood and naval preferred to live career, Fields kept detailed journals on light and When American photographer John Fields in the cheap, Victorian-era houses that still shadow, nature, photography, vision and society. immigrated to Auckland in 1966 he found the characterise the suburb. John Fields’ suite of Once he had left the navy he began to use antipodean way of life culturally backward. black and white photographs currently on view at these records to develop his photographic eye, He recorded in his journal that “New Zealand Gus Fisher Gallery depicts the interiors of these eventually taking up a position as a photographer is so far behind in what’s happening in the houses, whose owners became colleagues and at Massachusetts General Hospital, where the creative ‘art’ photography movement, they’ll close friends of the Fields. Dick Scott’s kitchen noted English cell biologist Dr Stanley Bullivant never catch up to what’s happening in the USA features a converted fireplace for the purposes (1923- 2006) was also employed. When or Europe”. The initial shock of such geographic of cellaring a depleted wine collection. Useful Bullivant accepted a position at the University displacement subsided for John and his wife kitchen tools are displayed on the mantel piece of Auckland’s Electron Microscopy Unit in the
WHAT’S COMING OUT
ORIENTALISM AND THE stereotyped, dehumanized, and sought only to OPERATIC WORLD dominate the East through art. Instead, he sees opera as a humanising art, emphasising what Western opera humans have in common by epic depictions of is a globalized passion through song. and globalising phenomenon and LOOK FOR THE LINKS affords us a unique Many of the films in this year’s New Zealand opportunity for International Film Festival, commencing in exploring the concept Auckland on 16 July, have links and connections art. His life in New Zealand was spent mainly in WHAT’Sof “orientalism,” the COMING OUTwith the University of Auckland’s Department of New Plymouth, where he was an art teacher and subject of Edward Media, Film and Television. On this page are two gained a reputation as a party-loving bohemian, Said’s classic. examples. though few of his neighbours recognised his Emeritus Professor extraordinary prowess as an artist. In making Nicholas Tarling’s TOM WHO? the film, Shirley Horrocks spent time in Mexico, Orientalism and the Operatic World places opera Tom Who? The Enigma of Tom Kreisler, a where she explored the culture which exerted in the context of its steady globalisation over the documentary which is to have its world premiere a lifelong influence on Kreiser. Informants for past two centuries. at the New Zealand International Film Festival, the film included Kreiser’s family, curators and In this important survey, published by is directed by alumna Shirley Horrocks, who numerous artists. Rowman and Littlefield, Nicholas first considers completed an MA at the University of Auckland. how the Orient appears on the operatic stage This film sheds new light on the life and art of EVER THE LAND in Britain, France, Germany, Russia, and the a twentieth-century New Zealand painter with This documentary, directed by Sarah Grohnert, United States before exploring individual operas, a strong affinity with Mexican traditions. Tom explores the sublime connection of the people offering key insights into such notable works Kreisler (1938–2002) grew up in Argentina, of Ngai Tuhoe with their land through a sensitive as Handel’s Berenice, Verdi’s Aida, Puccini’s the son of Austrian refugees, and was sent at exploration of an architectural undertaking, their Madama Butterfly and others. He argues that age 13 to Christchurch, where he was adopted creation of New Zealand’s first “living building”, a close study of Western opera fails to support by an uncle and aunt. He left New Zealand and Te Wharehou o Tūhoe. Said’s notion that Westerners inevitably travelled the world before returning and studying The link with the University of Auckland is not
10 THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND NEWS FOR STAFF CLASSIFIEDS
ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE world class. See our stunning new project in Grafton, Department of Cell Biology, the Fields also Hypatia, at www.ockham.co.nz transferred. John got a job as an electron APARTMENTS FOR RENT. Call us for your rental microscope photographer in the cell biology requirements; we offer city apartments furnished/ MISCELLANEOUS section of the Department of Scientific and unfurnished, all sizes and prices; great rental deals CINEMA GROUP. This is a small friendly group for Industrial research. By day, he captured the for long-term leases; call rentals (09) 303 0601 or interested staff and postgrads to attend monthly building blocks of life with specialist cameras and (021) 246 6710 at City Sales or [email protected] or log on to outings to mainstream and art cinema in the city. If by night and at weekends, the various kitchens, www.citysales.co.nz/rentals interested email [email protected] or lounges and bedrooms of an ever-widening phone (021) 085 10669. social circle. CHARACTER HOUSE IN MT EDEN AVAILABLE for rent for one year (renewable) from Nov 2015. CITY LEGAL SERVICES. Rainey Collins Wright is a The clearly rendered minutiae in each interior Suit visiting academic, family, couple. 3/4 bedrooms small law firm centrally located at L1 Princes Court, are testament to Field’s scientific training as a + office + 2 lounges. Dble garage, internal access, 2 Princes Street. We are near the University, with photographer and also his use of photographer secure and alarmed. Easy walk/bus university. Close good parking. We can assist with property transactions, trusts, wills, administration of estates, Laurence Aberhart’s 10 x 8” plate camera. to transport. Potentially furnished or partly furnished. enduring powers of attorney and relationship John Fields’ keen documentary eye highlights Flexible configuration. Close all good schools, lovely area, village shops and restaurants. $1,000 pw. property matters. Please phone our senior solicitor the personal details therein: a doll’s face, a Photos available. Email [email protected] Nichola Christie on 600 0256 to discuss your needs, half-drunk cup of tea, a collection of sea- or email [email protected] shells, crumpled bed sheets; even the date of a HOUSE FOR RENT. Birkenhead Point, close to ferry Visit www.rainey.co.nz (five minutes). Fully furnished, plus car. Available Listener is clearly legible. These are portraits of from end of November 2015 to end of May 2016. CLEAR WORD CONSULTING LIMITED. Claire people through their personal effects: a careful Contact Phil Roberts (09) 480 8372. Morrison-Rooney, Dip Edit, GradDipBus, MMgt. documentation of richly-lived existences where Editing and proofreading services (for all your MT EDEN HOUSE AVAILABLE from now until end academic writing needs). Contact Claire: Email the individuals being recorded are mysteriously November flexible. Attached to one other. Two [email protected] , phone (09) 486 4246, mobile absent. bedroom, well appointed. Paice Avenue near (021) 739 992. Dominion Road. Sunny back yard. $400 pw. For ■■ Alice Tyler more information phone +649 8469345 or CONTACT RICHARD LYNE AT RAY WHITE John Fields, Dick Scott’s kitchen, 197???, 10 x 8 silver email [email protected] MEGAN JAFFE REAL ESTATE LTD, Licensed REAA gelatin print. (2008) in Remuera for a confidential, no obligation SHORT-TERM, CENTRAL HERNE BAY free appraisal or market update, at ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE: From 1 [email protected], 021 687 000. September to 1 November inclusive. Lovely furnished Specialising in selling mid-top tier residential half villa, two dble bedrooms. Two minutes’ walk to property, investment property and new residential Inner Link bus stop that goes directly to University. If development in Central & Eastern Suburbs for over a interested please contact [email protected] decade. ST HELIERS BEDROOM PLUS STUDY TO RENT: DIGITAL PRINTING. Course books, presentation $250 pw + $50 pw all utilities, furnished or and display prints, conference printing, pull up only through the film’s editor, Prisca Bouchet, a unfurnished, short or long-term, linen provided. Short banners, posters and flyers. Barny is the man who former student from the Department of Media, stroll to beaches, 20-minute drive to city centre and understands your requirements. Email Film and Television , but also through the University, handy public transport. Suit mature non- [email protected] Newcomb Digital, 2A smoking professional. Contact Penny, architect who designed the Tuhoe building, Ivan Augustus Terrace, Parnell. Phone 303 2878. [email protected] Approved ‘Preferred Supplier’ to University of Mercep, who also designed the Art 1 and Arts 2 Auckland. buildings at the University. ACCOMMODATION REQUIRED NEED HELP WRITING YOUR THESIS, JOURNAL EXPERIENCED HOUSE SITTER AVAILABLE. Very ARTICLE OR BOOK? I am an experienced writer, tidy and mindful of the space I am looking after. editor and proofreader with intimate knowledge of Good with pets and garden. I have my own University of Auckland protocols and standards. transport and am a full time employee at the Email me: [email protected] University of Auckland. Contact Justin Marshall on Call me: 021 637 298. Connect with me: 021 549 939 or [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/belindarobinson HOUSEMINDING. Responsible, quiet, tidy SPEECHWRITER. Memorable speeches written for university woman student seeking houseminding you, for any professional or social occasion. position. References. Contact Award-winning broadcaster and journalist for BBC [email protected] and other public radio, now NZ resident, offers Made under strict sustainability certification expertise in writing for the spoken word. Coaching as part of the internationally recognised Living MATURE WOMAN SEEKS NEW HOME: I am in delivery also available in person (Auckland) or via Building Challenge, Te Wharehou o Tūhoe is both looking for a new home - house-sitting, a rental or Skype. Absolute confidentiality assured. Inquire: a mammoth undertaking to watch unfold and sharing. I’m 57, a freelance writer with ongoing [email protected] assignments across the University and Auckland a potent symbol of the Ngāi Tūhoe philosophy. Council, working mostly from home. You can find me TRAVEL. I have 12 years experience in booking all Set against ongoing negotiations with the on Linked In and at www.26letters.co.nz Contact me aspects of personal travel for university staff and Government, which culminated in an historic at [email protected] or on (027) 488 7078. lecturers. I pride myself in ensuring that your travel plans are sourced at the lowest possible costs and apology and settlement by the Crown, this films PROPERTY FOR SALE are tailor-made to your requirements. Contact Karen shows the resolute spirit of a people wounded at [email protected] or by acts of injustice, who doggedly persist in AT OCKHAM RESIDENTIAL we believe Auckland 940 0064 (wk) or (021) 188 7781. preserving the integrity of their land, culture and is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and a community. wonderful place to live. Founded by alumni of the University of Auckland, Ockham is committed to ensuring urban regeneration in this beautiful city is
MARCH 2014 | UNINEWS 11 MARAMATANGA
TPPA AND ITS IMPACTS
What we know about the Trans Pacific rising by 25 percent: economist Professor Philippa when no commercial gain is involved), and placing Partnership Agreement (TPPA) is very limited. Dee (for the Australian Productivity Commission) restrictions on the ability of member countries to Negotiations have taken place in secret. All has noted that this would be the likely cost in enact exceptions in order to support teaching and we know is from leaked texts and from guarded net royalty payments of extending the term of research (such as the “fair use” exception which is stakeholder briefings by Ministry officials who copyright for Australian Consumers. already established in the US and will continue to warn that the decision will ultimately be made Another thing we do know is that extending the protect the interests of universities there). by the Minister, based on what is in “the national term of copyright to life plus 70 years will delay by The other difficulty is the Investor State interest”. 20 years the move into the public domain of a rich provisions, which would enable multinational However, the TPPA could have an impact on the array of culturally significant New Zealand works corporations to undermine public interest rules operations of the University, particularly through which are due to come out of copyright over the through an international tribunal process called its copyright provisions, which could increase next 30 years and would provide a rich resource Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS). Through costs, restrict access to information resources for students. Emeritus Professor Roger Horrocks the ISDS foreign companies could challenge any (including film and sound recordings) and make notes that it was only during the Depression and new law or Government action in a country that it difficult for Parliament to implement changes in the Second World War that a critical mass of is signatory to the agreement on the basis of a this area in ways that would benefit the University. serious, thoughtful work in the visual arts and claim that the law or action harms their present The fact that the review of the Copyright Act literature in New Zealand was reached. Extending or future profits. This could inhibit New Zealand has been delayed by the Government until such the term of copyright will in effect lock up our from adopting a new “fair use” type exception that time as the TPPA is concluded confirms that we cultural heritage for a further 20 years, with little may be needed to take advantage of emerging can expect changes in the Copyright Act – which or no benefit to rights owners. technologies in the educational sector – including creates great uncertainty as to what the copyright Our students now have the freedom to use the copying and reformatting of information for our future holds. copyright-protected works for their own research e-lecterns and recorded lectures. This is of huge significance for the University, and examination purposes through exceptions Universities, as defined in the Education Act, whose core function is to provide teaching and in our Copyright Act. For their next critical step are required to meet international standards research that covers the broad spectrum of human of the venturing into the public arena, they also of teaching and research and to function as endeavour. To this end, University staff create, have the advantage of the life plus 50 years term repositories of knowledge and expertise. The copy, use, collect, store, curate, perform, analyse of copyright. Extending the term of copyright provisions of the TPPA in relation to copyright and record, and draw conclusions. In the process would reduce the University performance groups’ might well impact on our ability to match these they both use and create intellectual property. ability to reach out into the community without standards. One of the things of which we can be assured, paying costly public performance licensing fees, having observed the operation of the Free Trade and would restrict the University’s rights to ■■Melanie Johnson Agreement with Australia, is that the US will make its own extensive digital collections of film, Copyright Officer, Corporate Services be pushing New Zealand to extend the term of photographs, literary works and sound recordings Libraries and Learning Services copyright to 70 years after the death of the person available to the public. who created the material (as is the case in the US In addition, an increase in the complexity of and Europe) rather than for 50 years beyond (as is copyright law could lead to uncertainty about what the case in New Zealand and Canada). In relation constitutes copyright infringement and would to corporate-owned works (such as Mickey Mouse) inhibit sharing in the public space. this is likely to be pushed out to 95 years after Featured in the leaked drafts of the Intellectual creation or 120 years after publication. Property chapter are all of the following: extending The impact these changes would have on the the term of copyright, increasing protection for University is difficult to predict but they could digital locks (on use of material), criminalising well result in the copyright costs to the University downloading and sharing infringing content (even