Fortnightly newsletter for University staff | Volume 39 | Issue 7 | 1 May 2009

The romance of the fresh page Key events Research excellence Invited staff will gather in the marquee on the lawn of Old Government House on 5 May at 5pm to celebrate the University’s continued excellence in research, the success of those who have been granted research awards and contracts, and the launch of research-related initiatives including many commercial outcomes. Hosting the evening will be the Vice- Chancellor Professor Stuart McCutcheon, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Jane Harding, and CEO of UniServices Dr Peter Lee. Perhaps love The Confucius Institute is running free movie nights, featuring exciting productions from Elizabeth Caffin receives her honorary doctorate. China. On 7 May is Perhaps Love, a lavish award-winning 2005 musical – the first to be An honorary doctorate has been bestowed on numerous capacities. “She is also a respected made in China in 40 years. Directed by Elizabeth Caffin who earned University writer and reviewer.” acclaimed filmmaker Peter Chan, it tells of the Press growing renown during her two decades at In her eulogy the Public Orator, Professor Vivienne love triangle between a handsome actor, his the helm. Gray, noted that university presses “have a special beautiful co-star, and a talented film director. She received an honorary Doctor of Literature commitment to scholarship and to language and to Lin (Takeshi Kaneshiro) and his ex-lover Sun degree at the Maidment Theatre on 7 April in front writing skill, which reaches a peak in poetry. (Zhou Xun) are shooting a movie for director of family, friends, authors and colleagues. “They are special also because university Nie Wen (Jacky Cheung) when the flames of Elizabeth had made signal contributions to The members see them as the most appropriate their former passion are gradually rekindled. as well as to the cultural and avenue of publication. In universities, Nie finds his entire production about to intellectual life of this country and beyond, said the we look to our presses particularly to publish collapse as Lin does everything in his power to Chancellor, Roger France, in opening the ceremony. writing about New Zealand.” win back the ravishing Sun. The movie shows During her time as managing editor and then as Elizabeth Caffin had directed AUP toward from 6.30-8pm in Lecture Theatre 3.402, director of AUP for 21 years until mid-2007 she meeting these commitments and expectations with Engineering Building, 20 Symonds Street. had greatly enhanced the Press’s local and high distinction. She had engaged expert academic international standing. readers and led a talented team of designers in The Last Taniwha “AUP’s books are scholarly, carefully edited, the publication of an illustrious catalogue of books, This new work written and directed by masters designed and printed, and accessible to the covering European, Pacific, Asian and Mäori student in drama, Chris Molloy, intricately thoughtful reader. cultures, and topics as diverse as history and weaves together the story of Moko and Guts, “In output, range, quality and electronic biography and psephology, poetry, children’s two promising young men who cannot escape innovation AUP is unrivalled as an academic literature and wool-work. the violence of their youth, and the popular publisher in New Zealand.” “The quality of these publications is seen in our tribal legend of how the fearsome Taniwha Under Elizabeth’s leadership AUP had become the homes and libraries,” said Professor Gray. ”They was defeated by a small boy called Mouse. leading press in this country for publishing poetry include 47 prize-winning books, with 14 Montana Two more performances will take place at the while continuing to produce major books which Book Awards over a large range of categories.” University’s Waipapa Marae on Sunday 3 May “have contributed greatly to our understanding of Established authors had shown their and 17 May at 7pm. A koha of $15 (waged) ourselves as a people and as a nation”. confidence in the Press by returning again and and $10 (students) is requested. Book on 373 Outside her University role Elizabeth had given again to be published in wonderfully attractive 7599 ext 84226. much to literature and to the publishing industry in Story continues on page 2

University news is published by Communications and Marketing, Fisher Building In this issue 18 Waterloo Quadrant, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142 email [email protected] www.auckland.ac.nz/universitynews 2 Best theses Editor Judy Wilford 3 Honorary doctorate for Helen Clark Photography Godfrey Boehnke, Kathryn Robinson 5 New associate professors Designer Vanda Tong From the Vice-Chancellor Five top theses honoured

The University of Auckland Strategic Plan The Vice-Chancellor’s prize for the best doctoral HaeJoo Kang (Biological Sciences) – 2005-2012 sets bold targets for our thesis at The University of Auckland in 2008 has “Characterisation of Streptococcus pyogenes pili: development as one of the world’s leading gone to PhD students in Arts, Engineering, Structure, stability and assembly.” research universities. Achievement of those Medical and Health Sciences, and Science. Streptococcus pyogenes are responsible for a targets will require that we understand clearly The prize is awarded to the five most exceptional range of infections, from sore throat to life- how best to use available resources to theses successfully examined. Criteria include the threatening illnesses. The thesis focuses on recently support staff in delivering excellent teaching, demonstrable significance of each thesis in its field, discovered surface proteins which the bacteria use research and community engagement. As in the originality and excellence of the research, to colonise and establish infections. The three- any organisation, our ability to develop the exceptional academic and intellectual dimensional structures of these proteins were leadership capability of staff, both general achievement, and timely completion. determined, along with how they are assembled, and academic, and at all levels of the Seventeen nominations were received from and a previously unknown mechanism for University, is critical to our future success, faculties for the five prizes, out of a total of 223 stabilising proteins was discovered. particularly in these challenging times. doctoral degrees awarded. Rachael Niederer (Ophthalmology) – “Laser Although we tend to associate leadership scanning in vivo confocal microscopy of corneal The winners were: with the most senior positions in an microstructure in inherited and acquired corneal Felicity Barnes (History) – “New Zealand’s organisation, the reality is that we need, and disease.” London: The metropolis and New Zealand’s therefore must develop and encourage, In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) is a new culture, 1890-1940.” outstanding leaders at all levels in the technology enabling high magnification The thesis looks at the role of London in forming University. The ability to lead and motivate examination of the cornea in living subjects, New Zealand’s culture and identity, a significant others, and to make key resourcing decisions, providing a bridge between clinical and laboratory feature of New Zealand’s cultural history which is an asset in every part of the University, observations. This thesis utilises this technology to has, until now, been overlooked. During the 50 though the scale may vary with seniority. Thus examine nerve regeneration following corneal years from 1890, London was actively constructed the acquisition of increasingly complex transplant, ageing changes in the cornea and as part of our cultural landscape rather than as a leadership skills should be seen as a key part structural changes in corneal disease. nostalgic remnant of a predominantly British-born of the development of staff. It is for this Rathan Subramaniam (Anatomy with settler population with important consequences for reason that we wish to develop a Radiology) – “Diagnosis and imaging of comprehensive leadership framework, one the way New Zealand culture was shaped. thromboembolism: Past, present and future.” that describes desirable leadership attributes Dan Huang (Electrical and Computer Rathan carried out studies into at each level within the University. Engineering) – “Robust control for uncertain thromboembolism (complications arising from To this end I have established a Project and networked control systems with random delays.” blood clots). These involved deep vein thrombosis Advisory Group to develop and implement an Networked control systems interconnect sensors, (commonly in the leg) and pulmonary embolism Academic Leadership Framework for academic actuators and controllers through a (blockage of the artery carrying blood from the staff positions and roles throughout the communication network. Such a system has the heart to the lungs). Patients at Waikato Hospital University. This will also help set us up for a advantage of low cost, flexibility and less wiring were assessed for susceptibility to these two later project addressing leadership attributes while also being prone to delays and data loss. The conditions, the imaging modalities to diagnose among general staff. thesis investigates the problems which arise when these conditions and mortality rates in different The Advisory Group has been selected from communication delays vary in a random fashion. staff across the University. During May and New Zealand populations. June they will be running a series of focus groups and interviews to solicit the views of different stakeholders within the University Story continued from page 1 regarding the content, design and covers. “The Press has also attracted the best of disturbance and excitement. We were privileged to implementation of the Leadership Framework. the newly emerging writers, and awards have be the link between scholarship and its readers.” The Advisory Group aims to have completed come to them too.” Elizabeth said she had been extraordinarily lucky this project by the end of 2009. “She engaged her authors in the design and to have the unconditional support of the University I encourage you to take the opportunity to layout of their books, paying attention to the small throughout her time at AUP, from four Vice- participate in this project, should you be but significant matters of indentation, italics, and Chancellors, nine chairs of the Press Committee, approached, as staff participation is critical to spaces between the words. She took special and innumerable accountants in Finance. the successful design and implementation of pleasure in experiencing the rhythms in the lives of “I always felt comfortable in this setting the Leadership Framework. poets, such as the late flowering of Allen Curnow probably because I knew from experience that Further updates on the review project will and Kendrick Smithyman, and the great books that professors were mere mortals, and also because I be provided in University News throughout the followed long and deeply reflective silences from shared so many attitudes with those around me. year. In the meantime, my thanks to the Ian Wedde and C.K. Stead.” “I was driven, like them and like my father [the members of the Advisory Group for giving In response Elizabeth Caffin said she regarded late Professor Neville Phillips], by the twin passions of their time to this important project, and in her doctorate “not so much as a tribute to me as romance and rigour. The romance of the long ago advance to those of you who participate in the to the gifted authors whose books we published, and far away, of uncovering the unknown and of focus groups and interviews. many of whom are here tonight, and to the staff creating the imagined; the romance of the new, the who made them, exhibiting patience and talent in different, the unexpected, the other; the romance of equal measure. language and of logic; the romance of the fresh “And I also take it as a recognition of the role of page. And the rigour that is the discipline of the Press in the life of the University. In those scholarship, the obsession with detail, the persistence books, we were sending out into the world the of the perfectionist, the determination to get work of studies and classrooms, and libraries and everything right, the irritating rigour of the editor. field trips and laboratories, hours of often silent “The paper, card and board of the book may and lonely toil. pass but high standards in the selection, “We were letting ideas and words and images preparation and dissemination of scholarship will loose; we were the purveyors of change, not, not at this University anyway.”

2 1 May | 2009 Honorary doctorate for . . . in brief Helen Clark General Staff The Council of The University of Auckland will Professional confer an honorary degree on the former Prime Development Awards Minister, the Rt Hon Helen Clark, one of its most illustrious graduates. Applications and nominations for the General She will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws Staff Professional Development Awards will (LLD) at a ceremony to be held at the University open on Friday 1 May and close at 5pm on later this year. Friday 29 May. The degree recognises Helen Clark’s These awards provide an avenue for general enormous contribution to New Zealand and on staff (either individuals or teams) to further the international stage, said the Chancellor, their professional development in such a way as Roger France. to make an identifiable, significant and As a Member of Parliament since 1981 and Prime excellent contribution to the life of the Minister for nine years, Helen Clark had made a University in the fields of administration, mark nationally and internationally in a way that few management, technical or professional services. leaders can aspire to, said Roger France. Following a review in 2008, the awards are “She became highly respected at home and being re-launched in 2009 to facilitate wider abroad for strong, principled and intelligent participation and recognition for a greater leadership. The experience, knowledge and networks variety of activities. Awards will be made for built up in this role will enable her to make a professional development activities such as powerful contribution in her new position as Head of attending or presenting at conferences, visits to the United Nations Development Programme. other higher education institutions, staff “As well as being a distinguished graduate and exchanges, specialised training, coaching, mentoring, shadowing and further study. former academic staff member of the University Helen Clark gained an MA degree in Political An information session to help you with your she has shown a consistent interest in her alma Studies with first class honours from The University application will be held on Thursday 7 May, mater. She attended many University functions, of Auckland with a thesis on rural political 1-2pm. Please register by emailing encouraged the teaching and research activities of behaviour and representation. She was a junior [email protected]. the University, and supported the two Knowledge lecturer in the Department of Political Studies from All applications/nominations should be made Wave conferences.” 1973 to 1975 and a lecturer from 1977 to 1981 on the official application form. To access this Helen Clark had been a strong advocate for the when she was elected to Parliament. form, find out further information and see arts and culture in New Zealand, promoting a Currently the University has 50 living honorary examples of development activities staff have confident national identity. graduates, among them Dame , been awarded funds for in previous years, please “The University is proud to be able to Dame Catherine Tizard, the Rt Hon Dame Sian visit www.auckland.ac.nz/sodu and click on the acknowledge Ms Clark’s achievements as a Elias, Tom Schnackenberg, , Elizabeth ‘Awards, Scholarships and Fellowships’ link. graduate, as a politician, a stateswoman of Smither and Sir . Most have been international stature and a great New Zealander,” made Doctors of Engineering, Laws, Literature, said Mr France. Music or Science; five received masters degrees. Director of start-ups Business growth centre The ICEHOUSE has appointed Ken Erskine as Director, Start-Ups. Ken has had extensive sales and marketing experience Incredible Science goes live with a spectrum of organisations ranging from The Faculty of Science has launched a new presenters from TVNZ’s What Now programme local start-ups to global multinationals. He has website where children can learn about being a demonstrating the science behind everyday held senior management and leadership roles at real-life crime scene investigator, growing phenomena, as well as instructions for simple Hewlett Packard and Compaq where he was also crystals, making green cheese, and the theory experiments that can be done at home or school. involved in the initial partnership of The behind origami. Among other topics children can learn about are ICEHOUSE and has more recently worked with These are just some of the fun, informative the mathematics of pattern formation, the local technology companies including IPFX videos and experiments featured on characteristics of light metals, the nature of (NZ-based unified communications software www.incrediblescience.co.nz, which has been proteins, and the difference between solid and developer) where he was responsible for launched in the build-up to this year’s Incredible liquid. The site also provides details for people worldwide marketing, channels and vendor Science day on Monday 6 July. interested in attending Incredible Science day. partnerships for the past three years. Ken is The faculty hosts the free festival each year to Further scientific ideas and experiments can be responsible for strategic leadership, support and promote science to primary and intermediate-aged found in the book Incredible Science: Explore the co-ordination of ICE Accelerator (business students and their families. The day includes shows Wonderful World of Science by University of incubator for start-ups) and ICE Angels and demonstrations by scientists, interactive Auckland staff, and highlights from this year’s (New Zealand’s largest group of angel investors) activities, and a science competition. At festivals to Incredible Science day will be added to the website. at The ICEHOUSE. date, children have made computer games, played Through Incredible Science day and the new with slime and brains, discovered Antarctica, and Incredible Science website, the University Correction learnt about exploding volcanoes and break- encourages young students and their families to The late Professor `Epeli Hau’ofa, described in dancing bacteria. feel excited about science and continue choosing “Our sea of islands” in University News, Vol 39, The new website features videos hosted by science subjects at school. issue 6, p3 as from the University of Hawaii, was in fact from the University of the South Pacific in Suva, Fiji.

The University of Auckland News 3 Key events Honoured in transit The language of wine Here is your chance to immerse yourself in the taste and language of wine with internationally renowned lecturers Dr Andrew Yap and Dr Laura Nicolau. These four one-day courses (May 2, 16, 3 or 17) are limited to 20 people per day and are held at the Wine Science Department at the Tamaki Campus. The courses will be of interest to all people who have a passion for wine and would like to learn more about the evaluation and appreciation of wines. To find out more or to register please go to: www.cce.auckland.ac.nz/winescience Art-linked bus tour Planned for the final day of an exhibition of the abstract art of Milan Mrkusich at the is a bus tour of Auckland modernist buildings which incorporate murals and windows designed by Mrkusich. The bus Rathan Subramaniam (left) paused between From his research Rathan had published eight tour will take place from 1pm-5pm on overseas work commitments to receive his best papers internationally in high-impact peer-reviewed Saturday 2 May. The cost is $20 and bookings doctoral thesis award from Dean of Graduate literature and given numerous presentations. “This are essential. Email gusfishergallery@ Studies, Professor Gregor Coster. work contributes significantly to the evaluation of auckland.ac.nz. Forming part of the Auckland The other four winners (page 2) will be honoured at various diagnostic scores and imaging techniques, Festival, this exhibition, entitled Trans-Form a reception to celebrate research excellence on 5 May. and hence more accurate diagnosis.” and curated by Alan Wright (Art History) and When Rathan was presented with his award His work was supported by two research grants Edward Hanfling, marks 40 years since the shortly after Easter he had just completed a from the Waikato Medical Research Foundation artist last presented a solo exhibition – at the two-week visiting professorship at the Kuwait and a New Zealand Fulbright Travel award. He has Auckland Festival in 1969. It has been timed to celebrate the publication of a new book, Cancer Care Centre. also won many national and international awards. Mrkusich: the Art of Transformation, published He was on his way back to Boston University Rathan, originally from Sri Lanka, gained his by Auckland University Press and available where he is an Assistant Professor of Radiology MBBS at the University of Melbourne before from the gallery. and Nuclear Medicine in the School of Medicine’s settling in New Zealand in 1999. He undertook his Department of Radiology. He is an attending University of Auckland PhD during his five years’ Neuroradiologist and Nuclear Medicine Physician radiology training at Waikato Hospital. Waiata Mā Ngā at the Boston Medical Center. His role at Boston University involves two days a Kaimahi Previously he held postdoctoral fellowship week on academic work and three days carrying positions in Neuroradiology and Nuclear Medicine out clinical duties at the Boston Medical Center. Staff are invited to come along and learn at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He He is also taking a leadership and innovation some favourite Māori songs at a series of waiata practices. The invitation is open to all was also appointed as an Assistant Professor of programme at Massachusetts Institute of staff and the sessions are free. The initiative is Radiology at the Mayo Clinic during his Technology (which he will complete in 18 months) voluntary on the part of the tutors and is postdoctoral fellowships. and will start a Master of Public Health at Harvard targeted at beginners particularly and at The PhD thesis which earned Rathan his prize focused on imaging technology assessment later people of any ethnicity. The sessions will be drew strong praise from his primary supervisor, this year. informal and are intended to be fun. This is a Professor Jamie Sleigh of the Waikato Clinical The energetic and high-achieving Rathan hopes great way for beginners to improve their School. Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary to come back to New Zealand in about four years. pronunciation of Māori language and will also embolism are “relatively common and potentially Meanwhile he is relishing the liberal and enable you to participate a little more actively very serious conditions which have an impact in all intellectual atmosphere of Boston, and the in Māori gatherings at times. You will learn areas of medical practice”, said Professor Sleigh, challenges of his demanding career. actions to accompany some of the songs. The yet their diagnosis is “fraught with difficulty”. sessions are on Tuesdays, 12.10 -12.50pm, at the James Henare Research Centre Meeting Room, 18 Wynyard Street. Tutors are Angie Peter Gibbons lectures Smith, Joe Te Rito, Matiu Rātima, Zaine Mitchell and Kori Netana. The Department of Computer Science is hosting the Engineering at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, Peter Gibbons Memorial Lecture Series 2009 on will speak on “Making software testing easier”. “Computing: From theory to practice”. On 27 May Dr Alexei Drummond, Associate Pacific dinner The series consists of four lectures, to be Professor in Bioinformatics from the Department of The Pacific Graduation dinner will take place delivered at The University of Auckland Conference Computer Science at The University of Auckland, at the Manhattan Functions Centre at Mt Centre, with the audience gathering at 5.30pm for will speak on “Developing Darwin's computer”. Roskill. There will be a buffet dinner and live a 6pm start. On 3 June Dr John Hamer, Andrew Luxton-Reilly band, with tickets at $35. Contact Marilyn On 13 May Charles Colbourn, Professor of and Dr Beryl Plimmer (all from the Department of Gabriel on [email protected] or ext Computer Science and Engineering at Arizona Computer Science at The University of Auckland) 85893. State University in Tempe, will speak on “The will speak on “Technologies for deep learning”. combinatorics at the heart of the problem”. More information is available at: On 20 May Myra B. Cohen, assistant professor in www.cs.auckland.ac.nz/research/GibbonsLectures/ the Department of Computer Science and 4 1 May | 2009 New associate professors Viewpoint Bioethics Council ends In early March, the Cabinet decided to disestablish the Bioethics Council. According to a press release, they thought the Council duplicated the work of other committees. New Zealand does indeed have a luxurious sprouting of ethics and regulatory committees. But, as a full review of the Council by the State Services Commission found, the Council did not duplicate. The Bioethics Council is an independent ministerial advisory committee set up in 2002. The Royal Commission on Genetic Modification recommended it, mindful of the bitter polarisation over GM. The point of the Council was to get the public of New Zealand involved in thinking about and genuinely influencing policy for biotechnology. Because the topics were broad, not falling neatly into the areas of particular ministries or Susan St John (Economics) Bev France committees, the Council was given an all-of-government brief. I am an economist teaching in the Economics (Science, Maths and Technology, The Council issued major reports on Department and a co-director of the Retirement pre-birth testing, animal-to-human Policy and Research Centre. I have long been Faculty of Education) transplantation, and the use of human genes interested in social insurance programmes, their It was in the 1980s when I was teaching in London in other organisms. It was heavily involved in rationale and funding, and in issues to do with that I realised my teaching qualifications were well decisions about research on human embryos income and wealth distribution, especially in the past their use-by date. At this time I was a and advised on legislation and ministry effects on children. secondary science teacher who had trained in New policies on many aspects of biotechnology. I am a founding member of the NZ Child Poverty Zealand and had taught here and overseas. I Much of the Council’s advice was followed. Action Group, modelled on the UK CPAG. New enjoyed my profession, loved teaching but wanted The Council pioneered deliberative Zealanders are not very familiar with social to find out why some of my strategies worked well democracy in government. Of course, insurance ideas except in the accident and why others were less successful. A post- governments already had consultation where compensation area. My masters thesis was on the graduate degree at Surrey University opened committees of experts put out proposals and cost allocation of accident compensation in NZ. My academic doors and I was introduced to the world called for submissions. But the proposals doctoral research focused on the retirement of of educational research. I subsequently gained my already pushed discussion in certain directions, middle income baby-boomers and integrated doctorate at Waikato University. the submissions came from the usual suspects reforms to manage the risks of longevity. Since then I have experienced the delights of stating their predictable views, and people had I am interested in helping students see how their classroom-based research. I hope that my 20 stopped trusting consultation because they economics can result in better policies and I am years’ classroom experience have not only thought the outcome predetermined. The very grateful to be associated with a discipline that provided me with street cred amongst teachers but Council gave people accessible neutral can provide a clear framework. In the Retirement also the ability to see the educational significance information, let them decide what the Policy and Research Centre we are establishing a of those subtle breakthroughs that happen during important questions were, spent hours with base of critical analysis of policy as it impacts on a this mysterious alchemy of teaching and learning. groups – such as parents from a kohanga reo now rapidly ageing population. We also feed into The focus for my research in science and and science teachers in the South Island – the policy process. One of my passions is to make technology education is biotechnology education around the country deliberating with them as sure that the best of NZ’s social policies especially in and it is a rich source for curriculum innovation they deliberated with each other, and retirement and ACC are protected. Another is to and research. Issues of communication about encouraging them to relate their views to the raise awareness of the traditional neglect of biotechnology provided the opportunity to channel hard choices inevitable in making policy. children in NZ policy-making and the economic my research interests on the use of models in Thousands of New Zealanders generously gave consequences that arise from that neglect. science and technology into a book that analysed their time and effort to think through with us In my spare time I enjoy my father and twin the problem, A model for communication about and each other the complex and difficult sister, four children and partners, and two biotechnology (Sense Publishers). Access to problems raised by modern biotechnology. grandchildren who all live in Auckland. “authentic” science and technological practice is a classroom issue that needs exploration. I No other body in government had the broad approached the New Zealand biotechnology range and deliberative focus of the Bioethics community who welcomed me, supported my Council. What we did was unique. Government editorship of their journal, and allowed me to policies are fairer, more democratic, and more Staff Survey research their practice. Now access to these successful when citizens are properly informed and given the chance to shape what The 2009 Staff Survey opened this week giving staff communities is provided via websites (www. government does. The Bioethics Council will the chance to say what it’s like to work at the biotechlearn.org.nz and www.sciencelearn.org.nz). not come back from the dead, but I hope the University. Permanent and fixed-term staff should I am involved in the development of and research Government will in some other form pursue have received an invitation from the Vice- around these sites, as well as the ground-breaking broad and open deliberation. Chancellor, giving details of how to link to the classroom-based initiative at the Liggins Institute. Martin Wilkinson is an Associate Professor in survey. Please complete the survey before 15 May. I am thrilled with this appointment as I believe I the Department of Political Studies. He is Results will be available to staff in late July. For represent teachers as researchers. Chair of the Bioethics Council. further details email [email protected]

The University of Auckland News 5 Books

Towards Scientific Visible Learning Literacy This ground-breaking book, Visible Learning: A synthesis of over 800 meta-analyses relating to “Many people, including those still in school, achievement, written by Professor John Hattie obtain most of their knowledge of contemporary (Education) and published by Routledge UK, is science and technology from television, the result of 15 years’ research. Global Justice newspapers, magazines and the internet,” says It synthesises over 800 meta-analyses and In Global Justice, published by Oxford University Adjunct Professor Derek Hodson (Science Maths 50,000 previous studies about what influences Press, Associate Professor Gillian Brock (Philosophy) and Technology, Faculty of Education). school-aged students’ achievement. The research develops a viable cosmopolitan model of global However, being a “critical consumer” of science involved more than 200 million students and justice that takes seriously the equal moral worth involves much more than scientific knowledge; it represents the largest ever evidence-based of persons, yet leaves scope for defensible forms of includes the ability to engage with text, and is research into what actually works in schools to nationalism and for other legitimate identifications important for everyone. improve learning. and affiliations people have. “To be fully scientifically literate, students need It builds a story about the power of teachers, She addresses two prominent kinds of skeptic to be able to distinguish among good science, bad feedback, and a model of learning and about global justice: those who doubt its feasibility science, and non-science, and make critical understanding, covering the influence of the and those who believe that cosmopolitanism judgments about what to believe that can inform student, home, school, curricula, teacher, and interferes illegitimately with the scope of their decision making.” teaching strategies. It develops a model based on nationalism by undermining goods of national Written during a tenure at the University of the notion of visible teaching and visible learning. importance, such as authentic democracy or Toronto, this book Towards Scientific Literacy: A Meta-analysis ranked 138 aspects of schooling national self-determination. teachers’ guide to the history, philosophy and and showed that feedback, followed by a student’s The model addresses concerns about sociology of science (Rotterdam: Sense Publishers, prior cognitive ability and the trust built by implementation in the world, showing how we can 2008) is a guide for teachers, student teachers, teachers with their students are the most move from theory to public policy that makes teacher educators, science education researchers important factors in effective learning. Other progress toward global justice. It also makes clear and curriculum developers who wish to get to grips factors often perceived to be significant aspects of how legitimate forms of nationalism are with the vast and complex literature on twenty-first schooling, such as homework, school type, and compatible with commitments to global justice. century science education, especially the history, class size, ranked much further down the list. Global Justice is divided into three central parts. philosophy, and sociology of science (HPS). A major message is that what works best for In the first, the author defends a cosmopolitan The author’s purpose is to identify, clarify and students is similar to what works best for teachers model of global justice. critique elements in the HPS literature that are of – setting challenging intentions for learning, being In the second, which is largely concerned with key importance in developing students’ scientific clear about what success means, and developing public policy issues, she argues that there is and technological literacy. It is also to enhance conceptual understanding about what teachers much we can and should do toward achieving teachers’ capacity to build and present curricula and students know and understand. global justice. She addresses several pressing that meet the needs of students, and incorporates, This research flies in the face of traditional problems, discussing both theoretical and public a rigorous, analytical, open-minded and reflective thinking and has received substantial national policy issues involved with each. These include approach to science education. and international publicity and even criticism. tackling global poverty, taxation reform, “A central goal of effective science education However John Hattie stresses that his overall protection of basic liberties, humanitarian should be to equip students with the capacity and message is positive. intervention, immigration, and problems commitment to take appropriate, responsible and ”In New Zealand, for example, it is clear to me associated with global economic arrangements. effective action on matters of social, economic, why we rank in the top half-dozen nations in In the third part, she shows how the discussion environmental and moral-ethical concern,” he says. reading, mathematics, and science – we have a of public policy issues can usefully inform our Derek Hodson is at present working on a book nation of excellent teachers. theorising; in particular, it assists our thinking on equipping students to use scientific knowledge “Many already think in the ways I argue in this about the place of nationalism and equality in an to address socio-scientific issues. His research on book; many are working to always improve and account of global justice. curriculum development will be detailed in a constantly monitor their performance…; and many forthcoming book, entitled Teaching and Learning inspire the love of learning that is one of the major about Science: Theories, Methods, Language, outcomes of any school.” Values and Traditions. 6 1 May | 2009 Art From the collection With a background as a commercial photographer bright-eyed, uncomplicated personality and chirpy and shop assistant in a wig salon, Yvonne Todd is charm: South Pacific star Mitzi Gaynor. well versed in artifice and masquerade. This pink chiffon and brocade costume is one of She completed her BFA at Elam School of Fine many which Todd sources from American internet Arts in 2001, the year before she won New auctions which inspire the creation of a cast of Zealand’s art world’s highest art accolade, the larger-than-life characters. Combined with Walters Prize, awarded to her by Venice Biennale synthetic wigs and elaborate make-up, these curator Harald Szeeman. Her Sea of Tranquility fabulous frocks serve to create personae which series from that year posed beauty consultants could be described as showgirls from outer space. collected up from Auckland department stores Having gone 12 rounds with the mascara wand, against black backgrounds like so many Stepford they seem enervated; in full battledress, but not Wives. She has continued to foreground the looking forward to the war. performance of femininity ever since, although her Todd’s customary black background produces a practice is centred more generally on the business sense of time suspended, a casino-like limbo where of image-making itself. hours might slip past unnoticed. In Valley Candle Like all her photographs, Valley Candle from the we apprehend a woman who is incandescent but 2008 series Dawn of Gland was made using a unconfident, an incarnation of the candle in the large-format camera and tripod in her studio, wind of Elton John’s tribute song to the tragedy using transparency film. Photoshopping blends two and celebrity encompassed by the life and death of views of the same woman in the same image to both Marilyn Monroe and Princess Diana. make it appear as if she is regarding her own Determinedly blonde with a Californian tan, her reflection critically in a mirror. The subject’s unease natural habitat might be the Valley of the Dolls of Yvonne Todd (b.1973), Valley Candle, 2008, lightjet is ironic given that the Bob Mackie gown she wears Jacqueline Susann’s pulp fiction, or a cabaret. print, 1590 x 1200mm was formerly owned by a woman known for her Linda Tyler

Youth views articulated Graduation at Aotea Centre The times and the venue of Autumn Graduation have changed this year. The academic procession on the three graduation days – Monday 4 May, Wednesday 6 May, Friday 8 May – sets off from the Alumni Marquee in Old Government House grounds at 9.30am and enters Bowen Avenue at 9.45am, 15 minutes earlier than in the past. The 11 ceremonies are being held in the ASB Theatre at the Aotea Centre instead of the Auckland Town Hall. Times differ slightly from the norm and full details can be found on the front page of the University website. Some 5747 students will receive a total of 6313 degrees and diplomas.

Dr Pita Sharples (left) with Governor General Sir Anand Satyanand.

Senior secondary school students have delegates' statements of belief on 16 topics. It Partnerships Office sponsored the event, which delivered a powerful message at the highest covered issues ranging from poverty, health, was attended by nearly 100 students from across level after a recent weekend conference at education and justice to defence and national New Zealand. The University of Auckland. security, and national and international Careers Services at the University aims to help At the closing session they handed a 24-page trade. University of Auckland students move students from “campus to career” and “Youth Declaration 2009” to the Governor-General, facilitated each discussion. realise their potential, says director Marshall Sir Anand Satyanand (right), Maori Party co-leader “We hope the declaration (which can be found Barlow. “We were keen to hear the insights of Dr Pita Sharples (left) and other dignitaries. at www.unyanz.co.nz) will inform the policy young people, many of whom would soon be at The conference, on 18-19 April, was organised decision-making of those who value the insights of University. We found their thoughts on the by the Auckland Region of the United Nations young New Zealanders,” says Zebedee Stone who development of the economy and the need for Youth Association of New Zealand. will graduate next week with a conjoint BA/BSc. sustainable careers particularly useful.” The “Youth Declaration 2009” document set out The University's Careers Services and Schools

The University of Auckland News 7 the English proficiency requirements for Seminar Rm, 76 Symonds St. Followed close by. References required. Inquiries What’s on professional registration. 12 noon Rm by wine and snacks. RSVP to Tessa to [email protected] 210, Level 2, Fisher Bldg. Sillifant, [email protected] Nelson holiday house rent or swap. friday 1 MAY Department of Psychology seminar Department of Psychology seminar Iconic Nelson character home on eight Improving our University’s Dr Donna Rose Addis, Research Centre Prof Taeko N. Wydell, Centre for acres, fully equipped and conveniently environmental performance for Cognitive Neuroscience, UoA: Cognition and Neuroimaging, Brunel situated half-way between Nelson City 9–11am Presentation Rm, Level 2, Beyond the past: The broader functions University, UK: Neural unity but and Abel Tasman National Park, ClockTower, 22 Princes St. For staff. of autobiographical memory. 4pm behavioural dissociation in an English- available to rent for holidays, or on a Find out why it’s important to reduce (refreshments from 3.50pm) HSB 604. Japanese bilingual with monolingual longer basis. Could possibly swap for our University’s environmental impacts, dyslexia. 4pm (refreshments from use of house in Auckland for holidays or what we are doing and how you can thursday 7 MAY 3.50pm) HSB 604. Queries to longer term. Careful, responsible people. help. Enrol via PeopleSoft HR Employee [email protected] Email [email protected] Self Service (HRUEP). For queries phone Confucius Institute free movie Peter Gibbons Memorial Lecture Remuera. Fully-furnished home in ext 89630. Perhaps Love. 6.30-8.10pm Lecture Series 2009 - Computing: From Auckland available from end of June to Department of Philosophy seminar Theatre 3.402, School of Engineering. theory to practice. early September. Two minutes walk to Dr Wayne Waxman, National University Email [email protected] Prof Charles Colbourn: The the bus on Remuera Rd or 15 minutes of Ireland, Maynooth: Unknown Graduation Gala Concerto combinatorics at the heart of the walk to Orakei train station. Two bdrms, apperceptions: The two neglected Competition 2009 problem. 5.30pm Conference Centre. two bthrms, office available. $450 pw. pre-categorial roles of Kant’s most A concert featuring some of the School This is the first lecture in a series of four. No pets. Phone (09) 524 6867 or email fundamental notion. 3-5pm Rm of Music’s top young musicians. 7.30pm [email protected] 207.303, Arts II. Auckland Town Hall. Free. Queries phone 373 7599 ext 87707. thursday 14 may Saturday 2 MAY Promoting significant learning in accommodation required students Are you looking for a mature, Bus tour of Mrkusich-designed friday 8 MAY Join the Head of the Student Learning reliable, non-smoking house-sitter to murals and windows Graduation procession Centre in a discussion of ‘significant look after your property while you A bus tour of Auckland modernist For Engineering and Science. 9.30am. learning’ experiences, and explore ways are on sabbatical leave? Dr Jocelyn buildings which feature Milan Mrkusich- Leaves from the Alumni Marquee, Old of facilitating this kind of learning in Dow is a recently-retired Glasgow designed murals and windows. Government House grounds and crosses our students. 1.30-4pm CAD Seminar University academic hoping to spend the 1-5pm. $20, bookings essential. Email Princes Street to enter Bowen Avenue at Rm, Fifth floor, 76 Symonds St. Please winter in Auckland preferably from early/ [email protected] 9.45am. enrol through Peoplesoft HR or call CAD mid-June 2009. Property needs to be Pacific Graduation Dinner monday 4 MAY reception at ext 88140 (PRSLST). fully-furnished and she would be willing Join us to celebrate the success of our Department of History seminar to pay a small rental so that owner’s Graduation procession Pacific graduates. 6.30pm University Sally Bolitho: Is seeing believing? costs would be covered. Opinions For Arts, Creative Arts and Industries, Graduation Marquee, Old Government Contemplating the soundscape of could be sought from cousins who are Law, Medical and Health Sciences, House Lawns. $35 includes a buffet Medieval English mysticism. 4pm Rm members of staff in Mathematics at and Theology. 9.30am. Leaves from dinner and live band. Tickets may be 59, History Department, 7 Wynyard St. UoA. Please contact Jocelyn on Jocelyn. the Alumni Marquee, Old Government purchased from Marilyn Gabriel, ext Queries to [email protected] [email protected] House grounds and crosses Princes 85893 or email m.gabriel@auckland. Street to enter Bowen Avenue at 9.45am. ac.nz Please RSVP and pay by Monday 4 May. Maximum of 200 tickets available. Holiday Accommodation Tuesday 5 MAY No door sales. Entry by ticket only. Classifieds South of France, between Provence and Communiqué ’09 lunchtime seminar Graduate gowns are optional. ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE the Cevennes. Ancient chateau offers B&B. Historic area, wonderfully varied, Alexandra-Jayeun Lee, graduate Charming, beautifully renovated Tuesday 12 may vibrant markets, pretty villages, great architect and co-founder, the Auckland settlers’ cottage in historic walking and canoeing. Reasonable rates. Chapter of Architecture for Humanity: Communiqué ’09 lunchtime seminar Devonport Village. Short walk and Contract [email protected] Architecture for humanity. 12-1pm Fiona Jack, Elam School of Fine Arts, ferry ride to Auckland city centre and Exhibition Studio, Level 3, School of UoA: Two recent collaborations. University. 3-4 bdrms; two bthrms; two Architecture and Planning, 26 Symonds 12-1pm Exhibition Studio, Level 3, living rooms and conservatory. Central MISCELLANEOUS St. Queries to Kathy Waghorn, ext School of Architecture and Planning. fireplace/heating system, upstairs deck Carpenter/builder available. Over 30 89150 or [email protected] Queries to Kathy Waghorn, ext 89150 with view of Rangitoto; gorgeous private years experience. Lots of renovations and School of Music seminar or [email protected] garden with fruit trees, fishpond and historic places. References. Phone Chris Dr Greg Booth: Making ‘western’ music School of Counselling/Human fountain. Available fully-furnished for six on 828 2298 or (027) 293 2279. in Mumbai: Composers, Christianity, Services and Social Work workshop months from mid-June 2009. $580 pw + For a limited time: $20 hearing tests jazz and the construction of the Prof Irwin Epstein, City University of utilities. Email Veronica at available for children aged from six ‘Bollywood’ background score. 1.05-2pm New York: Clinical data mining: The link [email protected] or phone months to five years. Please call the Music Theatre, School of Music. between practice and research. 64 (9) 446 6071. Hearing and Tinnitus Clinic, Tamaki Bioengineering research seminar 1-4pm Room 730-220, Population Greenlane villa - fully-furnished, Campus for an appointment: 373 8791 Katja Oberhofer, Auckland Health, Tamaki Campus. Queries to attractive, spacious with garden, OSP (ample free parking). Bioengineering Institute: Anatomically- Margaret Barnett, 623 8899 ext 48565 and handy to public transport. To rent Speight’s Podiatry can take care of based, subject-specific modelling of or [email protected] short term 21 May-5 August. $500 pw. your feet. Walking around campus, or lower limb motion during gait . 4-5pm School of Music seminar Suit professional couple. Phone a runner, and your feet are killing you? Fifth floor Seminar Rm, 70 Symonds St. Dr Dean Sutcliffe: Expressive 524 5870, email [email protected] We can help. No doctor’s referral is ambivalence in Haydn’s symphonic slow Hillsborough house to rent, July to required. Podiatrists are the masters of WEDNESDAY 6 MAY movements of the 1770s. 1.05-2pm December. Spacious family home on non-surgical treatment for all foot pain. Graduation procession Music Theatre, School of Music quiet cul-de-sac, with sea views, four 2nd Floor, 43 High St, Auckland. Phone For Business and Economics, and Bioengineering research seminar bdrms + study, two living spaces and 306-4006. Students and staff discount Education. 9.30am. Leaves from the Dr Angus McMorland, University of dble garage. On main bus route to (new and existing patients) for general Alumni Marquee, Old Government Pittsburg: Cortical control of movement: University and variety of secondary consultation $65 instead of $80 for House grounds and crosses Princes From hypothesis to prosthesis. 4-5pm schools, close to airport. Available fully 2009. Must quote ‘Next Week’ for Street to enter Bowen Avenue at Fifth floor Seminar Rm, 70 Symonds St. furnished. Suit visiting academic with special rate. www.speightspodiatry.co.nz 9.45am. family. Contact (09) 625 6016. or email [email protected] Technology and privacy forum: wednesday 13 may House-sitter required. We are looking Travel. I have 12 years experience in Sensible sensors: Private and smart Department of Applied Language for a house-sitter and cat minder for booking all aspects of personal travel sensor technologies. 10am-12noon Studies and Linguistics seminar our modern Mission Bay house for the for university staff and lecturers. I Seminar Rms, KPMG Centre, 18 Viaduct Dr Tan Bee Tin, UoA: Views on creativity period 30 August to 22 October while on pride myself in ensuring that your Harbour Ave. RSVP to Amir Shrestha, ph from an Indonesian perspective. 12noon overseas sabbatical. Contact r.wilton@ travel plans are sourced at the lowest 302 8680 or Rm 210, Level 2, Fisher Bldg. auckland.ac.nz for further information. possible costs and are tailor-made to [email protected] CAD seminar for doctoral students House/cat-sitter required, 2-25 June, your requirements. For more information Department of Applied Language and supervisors St Heliers district. Quiet house and contact Karen on Karen.embleton@ Studies and Linguistics seminar Prof Sandra Acker, University of Toronto: garden, good study facilities. Easy access mondotravel.co.nz or phone 940 0064 Assoc-Prof John Read and Dr Rosemary A future in academe? A case study of to Tamaki Campus and city (bus and (wk) or (021) 188 7781. Wette, UoA: Opening the gate: Meeting doctoral students in a Canadian train). Suit overseas visitor, postgraduate university department. 3-4.30pm CAD or mature student. Shops and beach

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 1 May | 2009