Otago Scientists Take Top Honours Oceanography Centre Wins Prime Minister’S Prize Rutherford Medal for Professor Christine Winterbourn

UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO MAGAZINE 31FEBRUARY 2012

INSIDE: Otago scientists take top honours Oceanography centre wins Prime Minister’s prize Rutherford Medal for Professor Christine Winterbourn

PLUS:

Mothers’ darlings: the forgotten consequences of war Sir Lloyd Geering’s story of “heresy” and faith University of Otago Magazine A magazine for alumni and friends of the University of Otago Issue 31 February 2012 ISSN - 1175-8147

Editor Karen Hogg Designer Peter Scott Writers Simon Ancell James Higham Nicola Mutch Natalie Poland Amie Richardson Ainslie Talbot Rebecca Tansley Kim Thomas Mark Wright Nigel Zega Photographers Sharron Bennett Ross Coombes Ken Downie Alan Dove Bill Nichol Graham Warman Advertising Ryan Helliwell Cover Centre for Chemical and Physical Oceanography photo: Sharron Bennett Printing PMP Print Circulation Office of Development and Alumni Relations

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ISSUE NUMBER

4 Vice-Chancellor’s comment 31 5 Ocean masters The Centre for Chemical and Physical Oceanography wins the 2011 Prime Minister’s Science Prize

9 Consequences of war Historians uncover the stories of Pacific women and their babies born to US servicemen during World War II

12 Free thinking: radical results Free radical researcher Professor Christine Winterbourn receives the Rutherford Medal

16 A man of faith Otago alumnus the Rev. Emeritus Professor Sir Lloyd Geering shares his controversial story

20 Pioneer of inner space Distinguished Research Medal winner Professor Allan Herbison

23 A healthy appetite Masterchef winner and Food Science graduate Nadia Lim believes in “eating well”

26 Opinion Although the RWC was a success as an event, Professor James Higham believes an important opportunity was missed

34 Love of the Irish Peter Kuch, the inaugural Eamon Cleary Professor of Irish Studies

28 InBrief 42 Books Research highlights 44 Alumni news 37 Student life 50 Whatever happened to ... 38 UniNews … Disability Information & Support? 41 Hocken legacy

3 VICE-CHANCELLOR’S COMMENT

The Otago University Students’ in the relationship between OUSA and Over the next few years, I am looking Association (OUSA) has had a long and the University – a change that I see as forward to working with OUSA not proud history. Founded in 1890, OUSA’s extremely positive. In the past, OUSA only to provide the best suite of student initial responsibilities included voicing and the University have worked fairly services possible, but also to tackle student concerns and organising socials separately, maintaining a safe distance problems of mutual concern, including and activities that took place during from each other, even on issues of mutual the quality of housing in North Dunedin, Capping. More than 120 years later, concern. The new financial arrangement recycling and energy use on campus, things have developed substantially. brought on by VSM has required us to and the destructive bouts of antisocial OUSA is now a major business, providing work together and we have already begun behaviour that erupt from time to time. a wide range of student services including to combine our efforts in a number of Obviously, there will be times when the Critic and Radio One, advocacy important areas. OUSA and the University will not share and legal advice, sports, recreation and This new synergy will become the same views. Some have asked me how cultural activities. A number of former obvious during student orientation at the students will maintain their voice and OUSA presidents have gone on to do the beginning of the 2012 academic year. autonomy under their new contractual some amazing things, including Sir Historically, OUSA has taken primary agreement with the University. My Peter Buck, Sir Frank Holmes, Sir Bruce responsibility for providing a suite of answer to this is simple – students, like Robertson, Professor Murray Brennan activities to welcome students to the all other members of the University and Mr Grant Robertson. University. In 2012, the University and community will still be encouraged to All of this came under threat in OUSA will be trialling a number of new express their opinion on issues that cause 2011 with the passing of the Education initiatives designed to maintain the fun them concern. At Otago, we give students (Freedom of Association) Amendment while also providing additional academic outstanding training for their careers, Bill, commonly known as the Voluntary and pastoral information to both students but, equally important, we also give them Student Membership (VSM) Bill. This and their parents. Representatives from opportunities to develop as good citizens. new legislation prohibited compulsory across the University have been involved Part of good citizenship involves the membership in student associations in the planning process for Orientation willingness to speak out about important and OUSA’s primary source of revenue 2012. In addition, the Dunedin Mayor, issues. Over the next few years, my goal (compulsory student membership fees) Dave Cull, has provided his support is to provide students with more, not less, essentially disappeared. While the Bill and, like me and other members of the opportunity to have their voices heard. was debated in Parliament, both the senior management team, will participate As Vice-Chancellor, I welcome this University and OUSA opposed it. Despite in a wide range of activities including new opportunity to work with students. our efforts, the Bill passed its final formal speeches of welcome and informal The University motto, Sapere Aude, is reading in Parliament in September. meetings with parents. We will even cook “dare to be wise”. The OUSA motto, In order to maintain the high a sausage or two during Sports Day. Audeamus, is “We dare”. Together, we quality of student support at Otago, the Orientation is just one example of the can achieve some great things. Author University decided to contract OUSA to way in which the University and OUSA and lecturer Dale Carnegie once said, continue the services that were considered are putting their heads together. We are “When life gives you lemons, make important for the majority of students also expanding the traditional OUSA Art lemonade”. In terms of VSM, OUSA and and, in December, we established a Week so that new art will be displayed on the University of Otago have accepted service level agreement. With careful campus throughout the academic year. their lemons and, over the next few years, budgeting, we are likely to be able to We have established an advisory board we will be very busy making lemonade. maintain the same level of service that for the Critic and wider student media, students have typically enjoyed at the and I have invited a popular rock band University of Otago. of Otago graduates, Knives at Noon, to Behind the new arrangements, participate in undergraduate recruitment however, lies a more fundamental change activities for 2012. Professor Harlene Hayne Vice-Chancellor, University of Otago

4 FEATURE

Ocean masters

The importance – and success – of work the partnership with NIWA. “This is a joint Otago/NIWA honour. Without undertaken by Otago’s Centre for Chemical and collaboration probably neither of us Physical Oceanography has been recognised with would have got there on our own.” Before the centre was established, the 2011 Prime Minister’s Science Prize. NIWA had a government-funded oceans programme complete with a research Winning one of New Zealand’s most winning partnership between University vessel, facilities and staff, but lacked important science honours is a public and Crown Research Institute owes much expertise in ocean chemistry. Otago had triumph for the team at Otago’s Centre to its leaders. the chemistry and the desire, but only a for Chemical and Physical Oceanography “The longevity of the centre and shoestring budget. – and a personal triumph for its founding its ongoing successes are very much “It was a stroke of brilliance by co-director. a testament to the vision of the two NIWA’s CEO in 1996 to outsource For Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor directors, Otago’s Keith Hunter and their marine chemistry to us,” says Keith Hunter, the award of the 2011 NIWA’s Dr Rob Murdoch. They’re both Hunter. “The spirit of complementary Prime Minister’s Science Prize vindicates big picture thinkers.” collaboration has been there right his early efforts to set up Ocean Science It was Hunter’s dream on joining through and has worked out very well.” at Otago. the University in 1979 to establish an After just 15 years, the small team is The centre, a collaboration between oceanography centre, but it was an uphill recognised as a world-leading research the University of Otago’s Chemistry battle. centre, with an academic record to back Department and the National Institute “Chemical oceanography is highly its claim. of Water and Atmospheric Research unusual for a chemistry department,” Their award-winning project is one (NIWA), took the prize for the he says. “We are one of very few in the of a series exploring the interaction of international significance of its work on world. The department does mainstream oceans and atmosphere. interactions between oceans and climate. chemistry really well, but this prize Because understanding climate Principal scientist Professor Philip projects us onto the world stage, which change is so important to the planet, Boyd says getting the Prime Minister’s everyone is really pleased about. Boyd’s team investigated the contribution award was a surprise, not only because of “It’s the top prize in science in the made by tiny marine microbes called the standard of the competition, but also country and it’s an outstanding award for phytoplankton, which absorb carbon because it went to a lesser-known branch science at Otago. It’s a shining example dioxide from the sea and, consequently, of science. of what can be done even without CoRE transfer this greenhouse gas from the “Part of the idea behind the prize is to [Centre of Research Excellence] funding.” atmosphere to the ocean. publicise the sort of science that’s being It’s also an answer to early critics. In one of the world’s largest done in New Zealand. With that in mind, “Back in the ’80s a few people scoffed experiments, Boyd seeded huge areas of we are thrilled that it’s gone not only to at the idea,” says Hunter. “People said the globally significant Southern Ocean the environmental sciences, but to ocean New Zealand didn’t do this sort of thing. with iron to see if it could induce a science.” So now I’m personally delighted that we plankton bloom. The fertilisation was Boyd, who has been with the centre have been able to prove them wrong.” so successful that the results could be since its inception in 1996, says the Hunter stresses the importance of monitored by satellite.

5 Publications related to this and Following the centre’s successful trial much lower than expected and the costs subsequent experiments contributed to to induce phytoplankton blooms, Boyd’s of doing so were much higher than the University of Otago being ranked as team repeated the experiment to see if the predicted. And, although not all side the world’s top oceanography institution huge increase in plankton numbers would effects were clear, one was the release based on the numbers of citations to have a significant effect on capturing of other potent greenhouse gases such relevant papers produced between 2000 carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, this as nitrous oxide that would offset and 2010. time in the North Pacific. the climatic effects of the removal of NIWA ranked 13 in the same top- The results dashed hopes that the atmospheric carbon dioxide. 30 list, although, as Hunter points out, process might be used by geo-engineers The data have already saved the the two institutions share the science to reduce the amount of greenhouse country from investing in ineffective and there are plenty of crossovers in the gases. The quantity of carbon dioxide schemes touted as being able to combat papers. absorbed by the stimulated bloom was climate change, says Hunter.

6 and, in this case, it didn’t scale up. “Already the studies we have been “Engineers are marvellous people able to do here at Otago have completely who come up with the most simple and challenged the way we understand the elegant solutions, but sometimes that Southern Ocean. does not necessarily sit too well with a “These are changing times and there’s very complex and interlinked ocean- a strong possibility that we are going to land-atmosphere-ice system.” have a changing ocean in response to With governments and the world now climate change, so we need long-term taking notice, Hunter is keen to capitalise data to measure it.” on the $500,000 prize. For the last decade, the centre’s Dr “We’ve gained a lot of momentum Kim Currie has been running an ocean and favourable publicity, and we’d like to observatory project collecting base-line leverage that to go further. data to service future research and to tie “One of our key scientific findings is in with similar work around the world to that if you want to study the influence of build a global picture. chemicals like iron on organisms found It’s one of many wide-ranging in the Southern Ocean you really need projects run by the team, which includes to get them from that environment and Associate Professor Russell Frew, Dr keep them in that environment. You Robert Strzepek, Dr Sylvia Sander, Dr can’t just go out and get them from an Evelyn Armstrong and Dr Cliff Law. organism bank. Their expertise is equally wide- “We’ve been collecting Southern ranging, which is becoming increasingly Ocean organisms on a shoestring for important, says Boyd. the last 10 years, so the prize will help “By combining the resources of the us improve our facility so that we can University and NIWA, it’s good not only be certain we can deliver on our future for joint research, but also because we research promises.” can provide excellent opportunities for Boyd says being able to bring postgraduate scientists to get the skill sets Southern Ocean biota back to the they need to work in the coming decades. laboratory in Dunedin, made possible by “It’s very pleasing for us to be able to NIWA’s involvement, has been invaluable mix such a good research environment to the centre. with postgraduate mentorship across “This is probably one of only two disciplines. or three places in the world where you “As we’ve learned more about how can find such a culture collection of different aspects of the planet work, representative phytoplankton from close things are increasingly involving multi- to the Antarctic. and interdisciplinary science. What we “By isolating and nurturing them used to call earth science is now earth under conditions that mimic those of system science.” their natural habitat we can do detailed Boyd sees the Prime Minister’s Prize research on campus. as allowing the centre to evaluate a range

“One company got as far as sending scientists to New Zealand to meet government officials, but we were able to show their arguments didn’t stack up. “If it wasn’t for the sort of research “If it wasn’t for the sort of research we we have been doing, there’s a very have been doing, there’s a very reasonable reasonable chance that some companies chance that some companies trying to cash in on carbon credits might have trying to cash in on carbon credits might been able to go ahead on the basis of the have been able to go ahead on the basis limited evidence they had.” of the limited evidence they had.” Boyd agrees. “We looked at the feasibility of trying to engineer climate

7 This computer-enhanced satellite image of the Southern Ocean shows an elongated patch containing a high concentration of plankton, the growth of which was stimulated by iron seeding about two weeks earlier.

of new systems that have developed in “So if you’re start to warm things and recent poll found that the two main recent years. make them more acidic and reduce the concerns for Kiwis in 2050 were health “One of the big challenges with amount of nutrients, you’re going to need and the environment. responses to altered climate is that more to build a complex system of engineering “So with the strong cultural bond than one thing is going to change at the to create an incubation system where you we have with the seas that surround same time. In some ways, we are almost can actually test what that means. us and our strong maritime heritage, re-booting the ocean environment and “That’s where research is going – any stewardship we feel has to be we don’t know what’s going to happen. where multiple ocean properties will underpinned by strong ocean science.” “With increased carbon dioxide, the be altered at the same time. And that’s NIGEL ZEGA ocean is becoming more acidic. Ocean where we think we’ll put some of the warming is changing the density of prize money.” surface seawater, which can reduce the Hunter and Boyd are both confident effectiveness of the pump that supplies that more funding will follow the prize, all of the nutrients from the deep ocean and that New Zealand is an ideal place to the surface. We think climate change for ocean research. will mean fewer nutrients coming to the “New Zealanders have a strong surface. identity with the ocean,” says Boyd. “A

8 FEATURE

Consequences of war

Otago historians are researching the lives of “I started hearing about the pale children that were born,” she recalls. Pacific women and their babies born to US It was a line of enquiry she would servicemen during World War II. This project is ultimately follow to far-flung islands across Melanesia and Kiribati, subjecting attracting international media attention and a herself to “interesting” means of huge response from these now-grown children transport (she talks of being picked up by motorbike, without a seat, to be “driven” simply wanting to know who they are. to the airport) and into the homes of more than 30 people willing to tell their Secrets do not often make such a Yet these men and women, now aged stories. grand entrance. in their 60s, were conceived in unique It was a project Bennett and colleague Between 1942 and 1945, some two circumstances and their lives were Dr Angela Wanhalla have thrown million US servicemen were posted to shaped because of it. Their very existence themselves into with a kind of urgency, a the South Pacific, effectively doubling was the legacy of giant powers using sense that “time is running out”. the islands’ population. For four years, the Pacific as their theatre of war. They “The ‘children’ are now mature and these fit young fellows mingled with were “half-castes”, born out of wedlock any of their mothers who are still here communities across New Zealand, to mothers who would cope in varying to tell us of their war-time relationships Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, New Hebrides degrees with their situations. Few would are now very old, in their 90s.” Another (Vanuatu), the Gilbert Islands (Kiribati) ever know who their fathers were. decade and their stories would have been and Western Solomons. Now researching a book compiled lost forever. It does not take a cultural by all members of the project and the In the process, Bennett and Wanhalla anthropologist to describe what participants, Bennett hopes Mothers’ found themselves becoming a de facto happened next: several thousand mixed- Darlings: Children of Indigenous Women information agency, supporting families race babies were born in the Pacific. and World War II American Servicemen to search for their American relatives. Yet, despite the globally cataclysmic in New Zealand and South Pacific They are also helping people who may circumstances of their births, the Societies will provide these war babies not want to come forward to begin to decades that followed rendered the with a “place, a voice in history”. trace their fathers at the website Pacific war babies’ stories largely silent. Bennett admits her own interest in called “US fathers in the Pacific” “Histories of the war in the Pacific the Pacific children of US servicemen www.otago.ac.nz/usfathers/ focused on military strategy, great battles was initially something of a tangent. The project, for which Bennett and and men, diplomacy and economic Her previous book, Natives and Exotics: Wanhalla received Marsden funding, issues,” comments University of Otago World War II and Environment in has not only snowballed within the History Professor Judith Bennett. the Southern Pacific, examined the communities they are researching, “Women’s experiences are rarely environmental impact of war in the but has captured the attention of mentioned and the lives of the children Pacific. In so far as humans were part of international media. In August 2011, who were born as a result of the the environment, she became interested TVNZ’s Sunday programme followed the American intervention have been totally in the changing social demographics of story of Cook Islands-born Arthur Beren ignored.” the region. as he travelled to Michigan to meet his

9 “These were handsome young men, on an adventure, travelling to beautiful, warm locations where the locals were friendly. And they had plenty of money and nothing to spend it on, which made them very interesting to the island women.” sisters. His father had passed away, but particular themes resonate throughout Asians at this time, which is how Pacific had left many letters from, and photos of, their research, says Bennett. “Concepts Islanders were classed. Women had to his young mother. of fatherhood, social constraints in prove they were 51 per cent European Other stories tell of a very different island life, and silences.” and, while this was possible for some sense of resolution, says Bennett. “One Certainly, that so many children Mäori women, it was really out of the man from Wallis Island, living in were born to unmarried mothers within question in most of the Pacific.” Vanuatu, told me of being raised happily quite conservative societies created Problems with language, literacy by his mother and stepfather, and then some complications and shame, she and postal services to remote islands supported by a Catholic priest who acknowledges. Some communities – such posed further barriers to ongoing became a very great influence on his life. as the Cook Islands, where adoption communication. “Eventually, both When I asked him if he wanted to know among family members was relatively parents had to get on with their lives.” about his father he said, ‘No, why would widespread – accommodated the While Bennett’s research has I? I already have two wonderful fathers.’” circumstances more readily than others. focused on the war babies of the While many children, particularly It wasn’t that islanders suddenly took Pacific, Wanhalla has concentrated on in the Cook Islands and Samoa, grew leave of their traditional values, says the experiences of Mäori women in up aware of their parentage, others Bennett. But there was a sense in which, New Zealand and their half-American were taken by surprise. Doctors were during war, the normal rules of life may offspring. Otago’s Associate Professor mystified by one patient’s illness until have seemed somewhat less rigid. Jacqui Leckie is working with Dr Alumita it was eventually diagnosed as sickle “For the soldiers, it was party time. Durutalo, from the University of the cell anaemia, a condition mainly found These were handsome young men, on an South Pacific, among the Fijian offspring among those of African descent – his adventure, travelling to beautiful, warm of the Americans, while Dr Phyllis father had been an African-American locations where the locals were friendly. Herda, at the University of Auckland, is soldier. And they had plenty of money and researching the same for Tonga. Otago Other stories include painful details, nothing to spend it on, which made them doctoral candidate Marsa Dodson has some of attempted abortions and very interesting to the island women.” undertaken more than 35 interviews suicides. Yet the backdrop to this heady scene with Cook Islands descendants of the And, in places, the children’s births was devastating conflict, as nearby Americans. were not registered at all. “I encountered as the Solomons and Papua New In Samoa an Otago graduate, Louise a widespread fear in Kiribati that Guinea. Nihilism and hedonism are Mataia at the National University of Americans would come and take their old companions. “Why not have fun?” Samoa, is interviewing descendants there sons and force them into their armies.” comments Bennett. “Who knew what as well as in American Samoa. Further Some of the children’s own fathers had tomorrow would bring?” researchers are due to embark on a been conscripted, after all. This anxiety There is little doubt that some couples project to learn about Päkehä women’s was strong enough for some families to formed meaningful relationships and relationships and children – a trickier use it as a reason not to participate in their separation when the Americans subject to explore, believes Bennett. Bennett’s research. were sent home was painful for them “In the Pacific, children tended to be While the stories they have heard have both. But the odds were against them. raised by their extended families. Unwed been as diverse as the people telling them, “It was illegal for Americans to marry white women in New Zealand, however,

10 Professor Judith Bennett and Dr Angela Wanhalla: “… the lives of the children who were born as a result of the American intervention have been totally ignored.” Photo: Graham Warman would be much more likely to have adopted their children out. Their wider families may not have known they were pregnant. Tracking these women and their children now may be quite difficult. Certainly, very few names of fathers were recorded.” And although their book of these US children’s narratives is under way, Bennett is still not sure when her research will end. “We have had a huge response. People are still coming forward wanting to tell their stories. We’ve even been approached by lawyers offering to work on paternity claims. “But not one of the people we have interviewed has said anything about looking for citizenship or wanting to make a claim on families,” says Bennett. “They just want to know who they are.”

NICOLA MUTCH

11 FEATURE

Free thinking: radical results

Scientific curiosity coupled with hard work have “Professor Winterbourn has also been a firm advocate for science in New reaped rewards for Otago’s Professor Christine Zealand … and an excellent mentor to Winterbourn, the first woman to receive New numerous students and young scientists trying to forge careers in New Zealand.” Zealand’s highest science honour, the Rutherford The award acknowledges a career Medal. She talks to Kim Thomas. spanning 40 years, most of which has been spent at the University of Otago’s Christchurch campus. A cheeky smile flickers across the face to Professor Warren Tate (Department of Winterbourn came to Christchurch of the country’s top scientist, Professor Biochemistry). in the early 1970s after completing an Christine Winterbourn, as she ushers me In 2004 Winterbourn received the MSc at Auckland University, a PhD at into her tiny office. University’s own highest research award, Massey University and postdoctoral work “Welcome to the locker room,’’ she the Distinguished Research Medal, and in Canada. says. was also awarded an Anniversary Medal She began working with Professor And she’s not joking: she shares the from Massey University where she Robin Carrell, who was then head of tiny room, dominated by storage units completed her PhD. These awards add to Clinical Biochemistry at Christchurch containing lab coats and co-workers others she has received from the Royal Hospital and, later, a professor at the belongings, with a colleague from the Society and government over the years. University. University of Otago, Christchurch’s Free The Rutherford Medal recognises the “It was a very stimulating time for me. Radical Research Group. importance of Winterbourn’s work in Professor Carrell was prepared to ask Winterbourn is working from the free radical biology that paved the way the big questions and there was a sense temporary premises because earthquakes for ground-breaking research into links of creativity and freedom of scientific damaged her usual office. But her to diseases. enquiry. good-humoured acceptance of the hot, “Professor Winterbourn was one of the “Professor Carrell always said there cramped, make-shift office is typical of first scientists to demonstrate that our was no reason why we couldn’t make her unassuming, hard-working style. cells produce free radicals as part of their remarkable discoveries in New Zealand Winterbourn’s colleagues describe normal function,” says Royal Society and that made a big impression on me. I her as an impressive combination of of New Zealand president Dr Garth still think that.” exceptional intellect, coupled with an Carnaby. “She went on to characterise With Carrell, Winterbourn did make exemplary work ethic. some of the chemical reactions of free some remarkable early discoveries in the And it’s not just colleagues who radicals that we now know occur in field of free radical research. appreciate this quiet achiever. The Royal diseases such as cancer, stroke, coronary “We were studying haemoglobin, the Society recently awarded Winterbourn heart disease and arthritis. red blood pigment that carries oxygen the country’s top science and technology “Her mana extends well beyond New around the body. honour, the Rutherford Medal, making Zealand’s shores. She is recognised “We were looking at a patient whose her the first woman to receive the medal internationally as one of the founders haemoglobin contained a genetic in its 20-year history and the second of free radical research in biological mutation and we were interested in Otago scientist to win it in successive systems and a leading world authority in understanding why this caused her to years. In 2010 the medal was presented this field.

12 Professor Christine Winterbourn: “Science is an exploration: be curious and excited on a day-to-day basis.” Photos: Ross Coombes

13 “Her mana extends well beyond New the body, what damage they cause and Zealand’s shores. She is recognised how the body protects against them. Her Free Radical Research Group internationally as one of the founders of has developed tests to detect production free radical research in biological systems of oxidants in different diseases. For and a leading world authority in this field.” example, superoxide radicals and – Royal Society of New Zealand president chlorine bleach are produced by white Dr Garth Carnaby. blood cells to kill microbes that enter the body. Winterbourn and colleagues have characterised how this occurs and shown be anaemic. We found that her protein bodies and that we need protective anti- that the bleach can sometimes damage converted some of the oxygen to oxidants to control them.” host tissue. superoxide radicals, to a much greater This discovery stimulated her interest They have demonstrated how extent than normal haemoglobin. in superoxide radicals and set the this occurs in the immature lungs “This was one of the first direction of her subsequent career. of premature babies who need to be demonstrations that free radicals Winterbourn’s research over the on ventilators, with greater oxidative are generated in cells. It helped open years has made a major contribution to damage being associated with poorer the realisation that free radicals are knowledge about how free radicals and lung function. Assessment of how continually being generated in our other reactive oxidants are produced in different treatments affect the level

14 of injury enables the development of procedures that improve the outcome for the infants. “Nowadays, free radicals and antioxidants are terms many people are familiar with – we are told to eat our fruit and vegetables because they are rich in antioxidants and they protect against free radicals,” Winterbourn says. “But when I first started work on free radicals, the term was common in chemistry, yet the idea that free radicals might have an important role in health and disease was relatively untouched.” During her career, Winterbourn has also seen a growing number of women in science and senior research positions. She referred to this in her acceptance speech and commented on why she believed it had taken 20 years for a woman to receive the Rutherford Medal. “I thought about why it has taken this long, as people often bring up projects for up-and-coming researchers basis. A lot of major advances have come discrimination – but I don’t think to work on. when people are trying to satisfy their it’s really that. There are obstacles for “I was really fortunate in that three of own curiosity and their own burning women to overcome, but a lot of it is my PhD students [Professor Tony Kettle, interest. statistical. Obviously, the recipients are Associate Professor Margreet Vissers and “Science is unpredictable – you never fairly mature individuals and started Associate Professor Mark Hampton] have know in what direction it’s going to go. their careers when women scientists were stayed with me and become independent This is certainly true of research, but I much the minority. For example, in my scientists. think it is also true of careers. People MSc chemistry class, we were four of “Together our work has evolved into often end up in a direction that they about 30. It is very different now and I the Free Radical Research Group,’’ says never anticipated at the start. am sure I’ll be the start of a trend. Winterbourn who now leads this team of “I know a lot of young people agonise “Probably what was more of an issue some 25 researchers. long and hard about what do, but my for me in the early days was being a “We work together very much as a advice is make the best decision you can scientist in a medical world. Back then, group and I think that’s important for at the time – and see what happens. it was usual for the Medical Research the successes we’ve had. In New Zealand “I have enjoyed my life with free Council [later to become the Health it’s a small scientific community and the radicals and I hope I can keep instilling Research Council] to give grants to Christchurch community is even smaller. the value of curiosity in the talented medical staff and they would employ a So it’s really important to have a critical people who work with me.’’ scientist to do the work. We were seen as mass, not only for strength in numbers ‘support staff’ rather than leaders in our for getting the resources you need, but own right and were almost an invisible also to have people to bounce ideas off.’’ group within the University structure.’’ Winterbourn urges young scientists to This situation has gradually changed follow their dreams, as she has done. and Winterbourn’s success in attaining “Science is an exploration: be her own grants has helped provide curious and excited on a day-to-day

15 ALUMNI PROFILE The Rev. Emeritus Professor Sir Lloyd Geering: “I don’t feel I’ve diverged – I feel the church diverged from me. I was carrying on from where I started in theology. As knowledge changes, so you have to change your understanding.” Photos: Bill Nichol

16 A man of faith

Once famously accused of “doctrinal error”, He was told to finish his degree before entering Knox, so he happily did so the Rev. Emeritus Professor Sir Lloyd Geering and believes he took something of the continues to hold strong – even controversial – mathematician with him into his study of theology. views on church and religion. “Pure mathematics, in particular, has a beauty about it and I suppose it met It was a decade that changed the Geering remembers being sent to a particular facility I’ve got of being a world. Events such as the civil rights Sunday school for a few years, but logical thinker and sorting out one’s movement, anti-war protests and the his first real church influence came ideas,” he says. emergence of pop culture helped define while at university when he boarded “All of my life I have been trying the 1960s’ so it should be no surprise with a Roman Catholic family whose to fit together everything that I came that even a traditional institution in a devoutness impressed him greatly. to understand, or know, or feel about quiet corner of the world was unable to However, it wasn’t until a friend the universe. I mean the whole idea of avoid a shake-up. invited him to church and got him evolution was right down my alley and For the Presbyterian Church of New involved in the Student Christian helped to fit everything together, really.” Zealand, the challenge came from one Movement (SCM) that he began to take He began his three years at Knox of its own in the form of University of Christianity more seriously. So much College in 1940 and, as a theological Otago alumnus and then principal of so that, after barely a year, Geering student, he was exempted from serving Knox College Theological Hall, the Rev. surprised even himself by experiencing in World War II. Emeritus Professor Sir Lloyd Geering, an inner compulsion to train for the “I was a pacifist anyway by this stage. whose views on the resurrection, the church ministry. I took my Christian convictions so immortality of the soul and other “It was a strong sense of calling. I am seriously that I couldn’t reconcile them traditional theological tenets saw strongly anti-evangelical so I would never with being a soldier.” him charged with doctrinal error and have spoken of this as a conversion, but, Once out of Knox College, there was a disturbing the peace of the church. in a sense, it was a conversion – my life period of parish work in Kurow, followed Effectively, heresy. changed radically in that one year, 1937. by Opoho in Dunedin and, eventually, For the sprightly 93 year old, walking “I didn’t want to enter the ministry – Newtown in Wellington. up to the University’s Clocktower that’s the point. I sort of fought against Geering particularly enjoyed building during a recent visit was a that and I hoped they would turn me preaching and the process of thinking retracing of steps he took more than down. But they didn’t,” he adds with a through topics that would be of value seven decades earlier when, as a very laugh. to his congregation. He was less talented student of mathematics, he Asked where that sense of conviction comfortable with the pastoral side, but gained a Master of Arts degree with first- came from, Geering explains it in terms worked hard at it and describes himself class honours. of the way the SCM and church gave his as an assiduous visitor. University proved to be a formative life structure. One of the formative experiences time for Geering. He was brought up “What the church did was to give me came with the tragic death of his wife in Dunedin, attending St Clair Primary a sense of what life is about and how to from tuberculosis while at his first parish School then Otago Boys’ High School make something of life and to structure in Opoho. (1931–35), although his family spent four one’s life. I will always be grateful for “That got me thinking about the years in Australia from 1927–30. that.” finiteness of life and what goes on

17 afterwards, and I generally came to the people understand resurrection – which “The kinds of things I was saying conclusion that nothing goes on – life it doesn’t at all if you take it literally – it’s were freely being said and discussed is what we have here. The church’s a symbolic story. My saying that blew in theological journals and books all understanding of eternal life has to be everything open. around the world. Change had been rethought. It has to do with the quality “It was a tremendous shock to a lot going on for 80 years and it had never got of life here, not with some sort of life of people in the churches. Some were down into the pews, so the people in the after death.” delighted by it because it helped them to pews were left stranded.” It was only later, when he became a understand things better. Others rejected He left Knox in 1971, taking up a teacher himself, that some of the ideas he it. So that whole year there was a lot of post as Professor of Religious Studies became known for began to mature. discussion about that.” at Victoria University. He enjoyed “I don’t feel I’ve diverged – I feel the Then, at the beginning of 1967, the challenge of establishing a new church diverged from me. I was carrying Geering was invited to preach at Victoria department and having the opportunity on from where I started in theology. University where he preached on to read and explore his ideas further. As knowledge changes, so you have to Ecclesiastes. “In the course of that sermon “I didn’t have to be looking over my change your understanding.” I said, ‘Man has no immortal soul – we shoulder all the time because I was Teaching beckoned: first in just live in this life’. Well, that just blew working not in an institution training Queensland from 1957 to 1960 and then the thing open again. people for the ministry, but simply at Knox College where he was appointed “All of 1967, even in the bars up and exploring, along with the students, what principal in 1964. down the country, people were debating was happening in the modern world. I Geering continued to read widely and what happens to you when you die and was free to do a lot more and that’s when develop his ideas, but, when he came that sort of thing.” my books began to appear.” to express them to the wider church The controversy moved into overdrive Even today, in his 10th decade, community, he triggered an unexpected when two leading Presbyterians laid Geering continues to write. He has storm. charges against Geering. A dramatic, numerous book titles to his name It began when, in 1965, the editor two-day televised trial followed, but, in including Faith’s New Age – since of the Presbyterian church paper, The the end, the Assembly found that no reprinted in America as Christianity at Outlook, asked him to write an article for doctrinal error had been proved. The the Crossroads. Reformation Sunday in which he said it charges were promptly dismissed and the Speaking and teaching has also was time to go through a real rethinking case declared closed. continued to be a passion and one he of what Christianity is all about. As a theologian, Geering was happy shows no sign of giving up. “In the While it caused a bit of a stir, a to see these questions being discussed so last 40 years I’ve been conducting 10 follow-up article in 1966 for Easter on widely. to 15 seminars a year up and down the the resurrection brought a far stronger “I thought it was marvellous. In my country.” reaction when he began to draw on the defence I said the church is always Although a controversial figure, his work of other theologians such as Gregor complaining that there is never any place in New Zealand history has been Smith. publicity in the papers about what you’re recognised. He was made a Companion “He had made an interesting statement doing. Now it’s there you want to close of the British Empire in 1988, named in this book where he said, ‘The the whole thing down,” he says. a Principal Companion of the New Christian is free to say that the bones of “The long-term effect was that a lot Zealand Order of Merit in 2001 and then Jesus may lie still in Palestine. And until of people began to leave the churches. I admitted to the Order of New Zealand the Christian feels free to say that he was blamed for it, but, actually, it was in 2007. In 1976, he was awarded the hasn’t understood the resurrection.’ because the churches failed to respond honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity by “So I expounded this and talked about positively. They closed the discussion the University of Otago. the story of the empty tomb as simply down and tried to sweep it all under the Looking at the church today, Geering a lovely legend that was trying to help carpet. It is that which drove people away. sees what he describes as a conservative

18 “In the end I came to the conclusion that life is what you make of it. We’re the ones who give meaning to life. There’s no meaning out there to be discovered or to be revealed to us, as Christian tradition has long said.”

“fundamentalist rump” created because Asked what the church needs to be He believes that, in the end, religion liberal thinking people are leaving. today, Geering starts with people. “The has to do with making sense of life. His preference is to be involved with real value of the church as I see it is, first “In the end I came to the conclusion St Andrews in Wellington which is of all, in creating a fellowship of people that life is what you make of it. We’re the aligned with the Progressive Christian who help one another come to grips with ones who give meaning to life. There’s no Movement that started in the United life,” he says. meaning out there to be discovered or to States. “Secondly, what are the great issues be revealed to us, as Christian tradition “It’s trying to draw the rest of the before us today? In my view they are has long said. church into something more progressive, largely the same as what the green “Life is what you make of it and the up to date and relevant to the world movement is on about. They are issues extraordinary thing about the human we live in. But the backlash is the of conservation, of global warming, species is that we’re in the position where fundamentalism which is very strong in learning to share the resources of the we are able to do this.” the States.” earth instead of greedily taking them for MARK WRIGHT Geering is wary of fundamentalism ourselves. Learning to respect the earth in any form of belief. “It is the mental and not exploit it – these are the great mood that wants to cling to the past religious issues of the day. This is what because it feels safe with it.” the church’s thinking needs to be about.”

19 STAFF PROFILE

Pioneer of inner space

From early ambitions of exploring outer space, like standing up there as a kid looking at the stars. From my perspective, it’s the Professor Allan Herbison has dedicated his last frontier.” professional career to the inner complexities of In the field of medical science – specifically neuroscience – Herbison’s the human brain. His stellar work earned him the passion had been ignited. He sought University’s highest research honour for 2011, research experience at laboratories in the United States and Hungary while still an the Distinguished Research Medal. undergraduate and, by the time he was awarded his MB ChB in 1986, he had Like many of the wide-eyed All this is a long way from Herbison’s already been internationally published. youngsters who listened in 1969 as a childhood in Invercargill (although the A Commonwealth Scholarship to human stepped on the moon for the first university years he would later spend at Jesus College, Cambridge, to undertake time, Allan Herbison wanted to be an Cambridge never succeeded in erasing a PhD followed and his doctoral astronaut when he grew up. the Southland rolls from his “r”s). With research, defining and investigating Unfortunately for him, he grew up in space travel not an option, the young the gonadotropin hormone-releasing the wrong country. However, the United Herbison opted instead to explore neurons that control ovarian function, States’ loss has been New Zealand’s the realm of inner space when he first was so successful he was offered a choice gain, for the would-be space explorer entered the University of Otago in 1980. of college fellowships. This, he explains, has forged a stellar career pushing back And, while medicine would ultimately is one of the axioms of success for a frontiers of another kind – the innermost not be his career of choice, it would university like Cambridge. workings of the human brain. prove an invaluable basis for the fruitful “It’s a self-perpetuating system. [Places Professor Herbison’s particular foray into neurophysiology that would like] Cambridge are recognised as the best interest is the brain’s role in fertility follow. so they get the cream of students from all regulation and his decision to undertake By the third year of his medical over the world. They feed in high quality his ground-breaking mid-career work at studies, Herbison had become intrigued young individuals and then try to appoint Otago led to the establishment of what by the inner workings of the brain. So, the very best people from them. It’s a has become the largest reproductive under the guidance of Otago’s eminent phenomenally successful model.” neuroendocrinology research cluster in neurophysiologist, Professor John Herbison spent seven months on a the world. Hubbard, he took a year out to complete postdoctoral fellowship at a laboratory in The quality of the Centre for a Bachelor of Medical Science. Bordeaux, France, developing techniques Neuroendocrinology’s research is also “When you come to the human body, for visualising neurons, before returning acknowledged as world-leading, while going through medical school is the to a permanent position at the Babraham Herbison’s personal contribution has best,” Herbison says. “But once you get Institute in Cambridge, initially as the been nationally and internationally into it, then compared to the knowledge Lister-Jenner Fellow of the Institute of recognised, most recently with the we have about the heart, liver or kidneys, Preventive Medicine. But after 15 years at distinction of the University of you quickly realise the brain is so much Cambridge – and in what was considered Otago’s highest research honour – the more complicated. It is all chemicals and something of an academic coup – Distinguished Research Medal. electrical signals – it’s fascinating. It’s Herbison was lured back to Otago to a

20 Professor Allan Herbison: It [the brain] is all chemicals and electrical signals – it’s fascinating. It’s like standing up there as a kid looking at the stars. From my perspective, it’s the last frontier.” Photo: Sharron Bennett

chair in the Department of Physiology research groups. Herbison’s laboratory these neurons interact – via long with his research supported by the UK works in the area of electrophysiology – dendrites rather than across chemical Wellcome Trust. which uses minute electrodes to measure synapses – to send out at hourly intervals “There are something like 40 billion the electrical activity of brain cells – and the hormone that allows ovulation and cells in the brain and each cell probably transgenics, a technique used to identify puberty to occur. Herbison and his has 10,000 connections with other cells, different brain cells which Herbison co-investigators have also shown how and each of those cells has connections helped to develop. In particular, he is the brain’s synthesis of a molecule called with 10,000 other cells,” he explains. interested in further characterising kispeptin peaks at puberty and appears “You can see that the possibilities for how the function of the gonadotropin to work together with the neurons to a cell can interact with others is almost hormone-releasing neuron that he began enable puberty to occur and ovulation in limitless.” investigating at Cambridge. adult females. The Centre for Neuroendocrinology In 2009 Herbison and co-researcher Potential downstream possibilities (CNE) today comprises nine separate Dr Rebecca Campbell identified how arising from these findings include new

21 treatments for infertility and, conversely, “… if you don’t support fundamental new forms of contraception. For this discovery research you won’t discover reason, unsurprisingly, pharmaceutical companies pay close attention to CNE anything to develop!” findings. The CNE attracts postgraduate students, postdoctoral fellows and scientists to develop careers in New “It’s hugely limiting because we have senior scientists from around the world. Zealand because biomedical research open minds and a structure that allows Herbison enjoys postgraduate student science funding is, as he describes it, everybody to have their say and come up supervision and, judging from the School “now at an unsustainable level”. with ideas. We’re not a country where, if of Medical Sciences’ Supervisor of the “The big, big problem for New Zealand,” you’re a PhD student, you can’t have an Year award he recently won, he is good he says, “is that we spend a tiny amount idea. We have openness and creativity, at it. He says an Otago PhD in medical of our GDP on research – less than 50 but the amount of money available to sciences is among the best in the world, per cent of the OECD average, putting foster it and keep the creative base going but recognises the dilemma bright young us at the very end of the table along with is just too small.” students now face in choosing a place for Turkey, Greece and Mexico. Herbison urges New Zealand to at postgraduate study. “In New Zealand, at the moment, least double the base of money available “Really good students coming through you’re looking at a 5–7 per cent rate of for discovery research and laments the Otago come to see me about going funding, so just five out of every 100 disparity between the “discovery cycle” to Cambridge or Oxford or another research applications are being funded. of 10 to 15 years and the political term eminent university. I’m in a bind because Whereas in Australia or Canada, the of three years, resulting in only short- I went to Cambridge myself, but I equivalent research funding bodies are sighted policy. In the meantime, he remind them that there are now many funding between 15 and 20 per cent of continues to count his blessings every world-class laboratories right here at applications.” day for being able to work as one of the Otago. You no longer have to go overseas Herbison adds that within New funded New Zealand scientists who to be successful.” Zealand’s relatively small pool of money, “punch above their weight”. Herbison believes such students are the allocation for what is commonly Asked what he is most proud of so better off doing a PhD in New Zealand called “blue-sky” or discovery research is far, Herbison talks about the standing and then trying for a postdoctoral even smaller. of the CNE and the significance of the position overseas. “New Zealand is unique in the OECD work he and his colleagues have done on “Often, particularly somewhere like in that it channels the vast majority of kispeptin. He is clearly also tickled about Cambridge and Oxford, students go funding into projects and institutions receiving the supervisor award, but what into a high-powered laboratory as a very that might provide commercial return of the family of the boy who wanted to young scientist. The lab will be full of within a relatively short time frame. be an astronaut? people, with a supervisor whom they “That leaves only a tiny amount of “My parents still live in Invercargill,” might see just once a week (at midnight!). money for the innovative, creative Herbison says, “and when I was awarded Going to these big name universities science that doesn’t necessarily generate the [Distinguished Research] Medal is certainly not a guarantee of success. money immediately, but does generate there was a small item in the Southland Whereas, in New Zealand, students have discoveries. Times about it. I joke that my dad, who the opportunity to actually know the “Our government is so impressed by was a builder, thinks that I haven’t really lab. They can talk to people to find out Australia with all of its university spin- got a proper job yet, but, actually, I’m what the science is like, see how many off high-tech and biotech companies and pretty sure they’re both really proud of people are in it and find out how good wonders why we don’t have them in New me.” the supervisor is at supervising PhD Zealand. The simple answer is that if you REBECCA TANSLEY students.” don’t support fundamental discovery Herbison acknowledges, however, how research you won’t discover anything to difficult it is for emerging research develop!

22 ALUMNI PROFILE

A healthy appetite

2011 Masterchef winner and Otago alumna It’s not difficult to identify the origins of this character. Her paternal Nadia Lim talks to Rebecca Tansley about the grandparents moved for a better life importance of “eating well”. from China to Malaysia, where her father worked for three years just to save enough money for the airfare to New The “taste test” in the series’ final An array of pastries and cakes sit Zealand to attend university. Rationality episode exemplifies this: Lim and fellow temptingly between Nadia Lim and also runs in the family: her father and competitor Jax Hamilton had to decipher me. It’s morning-tea time and the high- brother are both civil engineers and her the 20 ingredients used in a bouillabaisse. energy foods are intended to fuel our mother is a computer programmer. Rather than being fazed by the profusion interview. Lim cuts them into bite-sized New Zealand-born Lim spent seven of flavours, Lim set about recreating pieces and urges me to try this one, then years back in Malaysia with her family the dish in her head, identifying the the next. and credits the experience with not only components she would have used as she “Aren’t they incredible?” she asks, eyes broadening her palate, but also her mind. went. She won the challenge, successfully wide with enthusiasm. My mouth is full “I’m really lucky to have experienced identifying 18 of the 20. of mille-feuille so I nod vigorously in both cultures in-depth. Food-wise it Lim denies a competitive personality, agreement. Just as well I don’t interview opened up culinary horizons because but is steely in resolve when competing New Zealand’s 2011 Masterchef winner you’ve got the Malay, Chinese, Indian with herself. every day of the week. and Portuguese influences. She tells a “beep test” story to show To be fair, Lim is better known for her “I became very familiar with a lot how well she can do something if she wholesome approach to food – although of Southeast Asian ingredients and I puts her mind to it. Little surprise, then, she prefers the term “eating well” to the include them in my cooking over here. that she entered Masterchef to prove to worthier sounding “healthy eating” – “I also love the Malaysian lifestyle, herself that she was a good cook. rather than her sweet tooth (although which is very family-oriented, and I “When it comes to something I want she is incredibly sweet in nature). But think I’m able to get on with people from then I’ll go for it,” she says. “I wasn’t the moment also illustrates that, even a wide variety of backgrounds because of going to enter this competition and not though she’s a dietitian by profession and my time there. I feel at home with New do well.” a strong advocate for diabetes prevention, Zealand Asians who have migrated here.” This strength of character must have she’s hardly puritanical about her When the family returned to helped Lim survive the months-long approach to food. Auckland, the 13-year-old Lim initial elimination process in which the “It’s about looking at the bigger discovered “food television” in the guise 25 finalists were gradually culled from picture,” she explains. “Eat whatever of Jamie Oliver’s series The Naked Chef. 1,500 would-bes, and the subsequent you want and enjoy it, but look at it in She identified with Oliver’s “honest” weeks of filming when Lim was housed context – how often are you eating it and food and irreverent approach, and with other contestants in an undisclosed how are you eating it?” decided she would one day feature in a location and forbidden physical contact This logic is typical of Lim, a dietetics show called “Food in the Nude”. with the “outside world”, including graduate who used her left-brain “Even when I was young I had the her family and fiancé. As one half of a thinking, wide-ranging experience of same concept as now,” Lim explains. “I mortgage-paying couple, she also took a ingredients and contagious enthusiasm used to think why do you need a packet big risk on 11 weeks’ unpaid leave from for tasty food to succeed in winning of flavoured rice when you can throw her work. New Zealand’s most arduous culinary some spices into rice and cook it up television contest.

23 yourself? That was the idea behind ‘Food their mindsets and their lives, and they Oriental pork belly with a swede in the Nude’ – it was about not having were so grateful. I’d see big results … I’m mash and smoked salmon waldorf salad to use food in packets dressed up with talking 20 kilos.” are a long way from the $1 of hot chips additives and preservatives.” Nadia’s Masterchef win put a Lim would occasionally fill up on in In Lim’s family, however, a university temporary hold on her work with the her poorer moments when waiting for education was considered mandatory. Auckland Diabetes Centre, but she is still the next StudyLink payment, but she Nutrition was the discipline closest to involved as an advocate and intends to wouldn’t change any part of her student cooking so, in 2005, Lim headed south re-commence clinics part-time this year. days. to the University of Otago and Hayward “Diabetes already affects 10 per cent Apart from her academic credentials, College. She spent a year in the college of the population and by 2025 almost a she credits her Otago experience with – where she missed cooking “terribly” – quarter of the population will have pre- giving her independence, tolerance of and then flatted. diabetes or diabetes,” says Lim, who has people and first-rate budgeting skills. After spending her placement year seen the effects of diabetes first-hand She does laugh about the lack of in Christchurch, she and fiancé Carlos and describes the economic cost to the cooking skills she encountered among returned to Auckland where she began country as “phenomenal”. some of her flatmates, however, some of work as a dietitian at the Auckland This background informs her cooking whom had evidently never even peeled a Diabetes Centre. It was here her “second” philosophy, but not in the way some carrot. education began. people think. “One day my flatmate asked me how “I was pretty confident I could change “My food is certainly not trying to be to cook frozen vegetables. I was, like, are people’s lives,” recalls Lim. “I had all low fat, low sugar, low salt – which is you serious?” the knowledge in the world about how what a lot of people think when they hear Lim believes that food television is different nutrients are needed for this I’m a dietitian,” says Lim, who believes playing an important part in educating and that, and how they affect your body, nutrition has become overly complicated, today’s younger generations about blood glucose and cholesterol. making people grapple with the likes of cooking and fostering in them a passion “But I got burned out trying to antioxidants or glycemic indexes. for eating well. convince people with information and “Instead of making nutrition “The biggest fans of Masterchef are not getting the results. complicated, it should be very simple. kids,” says Lim. “There’s huge interest “I realised that it’s not just about the Like eat your colours. Eat together round among kids in cooking. When those kids nutrients we eat, but rather an entire host a table. Snack from nature rather than get to university age they’re not going of factors, including how we eat. from a vending machine. Eat food that to have to rely on 2-minute noodles and “Eating a breakfast cereal that has comes from the ground, sea or sky. instant pasta snacks. added vitamins, minerals and fibre is not “I want to show people that eating “Now that I think about it,” says Lim. going to make you healthy, unfortunately. well – I don’t like calling it healthy eating “I honestly think MasterChef could help If a person thinks they’re being healthy because it conjures up images of rabbit change New Zealanders’ health down the by eating a bucket-load of that cereal food in people’s minds – means enjoying track.” with artificial sweetener and trim milk, your food. And, if Lim has anything to do with it, I’d say to them why don’t you just have “If you’re going to look after your it will certainly succeed. some oats with some fruit and nuts? health for the rest of your life then you “If you like the taste of full cream milk, may as well enjoy it.” go for that – I do: I think that trim stuff This “eating well” philosophy is is like water. Watch your portion size, sit showcased in Lim’s forthcoming down rather than eating in your car or at cookbook Nadia’s Kitchen, which takes a your desk, and take 10 to 15 minutes to seasonal approach – “letting the produce enjoy it. dictate what you cook” – to producing “I changed my whole focus and my a range of complete balanced meals patients were incredibly receptive. With following her simple, uncomplicated some people you really could change approach to eating well.

24 Nadia Lim: “Instead of making nutrition complicated, it should be very simple.” Photo: Ken Downie

“I want to show people that eating well … means enjoying your food. If you’re going to look after your health for the rest of your life then you may as well enjoy it.”

25 OPINION

RWC: an opportunity missed

Tourism was a major justification global economic recession and natural The result, according to the Tourism underpinning the Labour Government- disasters, RWC 2011 could not have Industry Association, New Zealand, backed bid to host the 2011 Rugby World come at a better time. is that RWC 2011 “turned what was Cup (RWC). Such thinking is commonly So how did we perform? looking like a flat year into a growth associated with major sports events. There is little doubt that the event year” for many tourism businesses The British and Irish Lions’ tour itself was a great success. It has been (TIANZ December 2011, np). (June–July 2005) apparently attracted widely acknowledged as a rare moment However, it is also true that many over 20,000 Lions’ supporters during of national historic significance. other tourism businesses in New the winter tourism low season, injecting International visitors in September Zealand experienced the displacement direct tourist expenditure that was 2011 increased by 26.3 per cent on the effects often associated with major “widely distributed across the cities and previous year. Spectacular sporting sports events. Tourist attractions and towns of New Zealand due to the spread action blended with the celebration of activities that appeal to independent of matches across the country” (Covec, Mäori and Pacific cultures; the interplay travellers generally benefited. October 2005: 1). RWC is the third of fans from New Zealand and around Attractions that feature in pre-planned largest global sports event as measured the world was transformative for all inbound tour itineraries suffered due to in cumulative television audience and involved. It was unfortunate that the competition for limited accommodation attendance. Tongan, Samoan and Irish teams (and during the timeframe of the event. The GDP and employment impacts their fans) narrowly missed progressing Price gouging caused reputational of such events are of considerable further in the tournament! damage – Australian rugby fans interest. So, too, are enhanced The action and atmosphere of the threated to fly in and out on match day destination image and profile in key event was projected in real time to to side-step inflated accommodation international visitor markets. The global audiences through television costs. Many restaurants and bars Ministry of Tourism noted in March and internet broadcasts and via media stood empty while fan zones bulged 2010 that RWC 2011 would provide reporting. Personal experiences were with partygoers. Traditional patterns New Zealand with “an unprecedented shared via Facebook, Twitter and of domestic tourism were greatly opportunity to promote itself globally; other social media. Long term “legacy” disrupted, particularly the school and to attract a large number of high benefits in the form of infrastructure holiday and skier markets. Indeed yielding international visitors to New investment and stadium development NZTIA (December 2011) reports that Zealand”. Given the recent challenges of were captured in many centres. approximately one third of its members described their business performance during the weeks of RWC 2011 as either “worse” or “much worse” than normal. “RWC emerged as an opportunity The upshot is that, for many, the to contribute to the rebuilding of lofty economic goals of RWC were almost certainly overestimated. Christchurch, and to revive the regional Economic goals aside, perhaps tourism economy that is so important to one particular opportunity was Canterbury and the wider South Island.” missed. Following the seismic events in Christchurch in September 2010

2626 Professor James Higham: “It was unfortunate that Christchurch and the South Island were excluded from the latter part of RWC 2011.” Photo: Alan Dove

and February 2011, RWC emerged as an opportunity to contribute to the rebuilding of Christchurch, and to revive the regional tourism economy that is so important to Canterbury and the wider South Island. More importantly, it offered a golden opportunity to boost the battered morale of the people of Christchurch – such a stronghold of domestic and All Blacks rugby in New Zealand. The reallocation of matches away from Christchurch and the relocation of quarter- finals from Christchurch to the North Island was clearly justified on financial grounds – given that ticket sales were required to offset the significant financial risks that arise from the International Rugby Board’s RWC hosting arrangements. It was unfortunate that Christchurch and the South Island were excluded from the latter part of RWC 2011. While temporary seating was constructed in many stadia to boost attendance and ticket sales (including Eden Park) more could, perhaps, have been done to retain games in the Canterbury region. The latter half of the tournament – and, therefore, much of the associated tourist activity – took place entirely in the North Island. Consequently, the “wide distribution of economic benefits in towns and cities across New Zealand” that occurred in 2005 was not repeated in 2011. An opportunity did exist to boost the morale of the people of Christchurch, as well as the regional tourism economy of Canterbury and the wider South Island. It is unfortunate that the opportunity was not captured.

Pofessorr James Higham Department of Tourism

27 INBRIEF

Whitehead says it is thought that teaching acceptance helps Diabetes self-management people to realistically address their condition and enables them to go on to focus on positive steps to control it. Between 80,000 and 200,000 New Zealanders are estimated Results are expected to be available in April. to be living with diabetes, but this number is expected to grow significantly in the future. Maintaining good glucose levels is paramount for preventing the progress of the disease. However, a substantial number of people with type 2 diabetes do not maintain their glucose levels within the recommended range. Researchers from the Centre for Postgraduate Nursing Studies are undertaking a research study to explore ways of supporting people to better self-manage their glucose levels. They are recruiting almost 200 Cantabrians with diabetes and testing the effectiveness of three interventions. Associate Professor Lisa Whitehead explains that one group is receiving the usual care – a yearly check-up with a GP nurse and a review of glycaemic control and lifestyle factors every three to six months. A second group receives education regarding nutrition, blood, glucose, self-monitoring and medication administration. A third group receives education, plus innovative ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) training, which focuses on Associate Professor Lisa Whitehead: Teaching acceptance helps accepting the physical and emotional distress associated with the people to realistically address their condition and … to focus on condition. positive steps to control it.

study of China and Southeast Asia, now with the help of a three- The passage of time year Marsden Grant. “With ultrafiltration we now have the opportunity to sort An Otago father and son combination is set to rewrite the out the basic chronology of the last 5,000 years,” says Charles origins of civilisations in Southeast Asia and China. Higham. Professor Charles Higham (Anthropology) has been studying “Matching that timing against the research we already have the prehistory of this region for more than four decades. should give us a handle on how quickly prehistoric societies One of his greatest challenges has been dating his finds to changed and civilisations emerged.” build a picture of social change over the millennia. Until now, radiocarbon dating has not provided sufficient accuracy for sound conclusions. But with new techniques developed at Oxford’s Radiocarbon Accelerator Unit, where Higham’s son Tom is deputy director, the margins of error have been substantially reduced. Professor Tom Higham completed his BA and master’s at Otago before a doctorate and an appointment at Waikato’s radiocarbon dating laboratory. After being invited to Oxford, he joined the team developing ultrafiltration techniques that ensure the purity of samples being radiocarbon dated. This makes it possible to pinpoint dates – even as far back as 3,000 years ago – to within plus or minus 25 years, or a couple of human life spans. While Tom Higham uses the new technology in Europe to date Professor Charles Higham: “With ultrafiltration we now have the Neanderthals, Charles Higham will be applying it to his lifetime opportunity to sort out the basic chronology of the last 5,000 years.”

28 settlers shifted in favour of the newcomers, the open exchange of Knowledge shared information, particularly about natural resources, diminished. While developing knowledge about the landscape was central A five-year project looking at the colonisation of Murihiku to colonisation, Ballantyne says the colonists placed real value on (the region of the South Island south of the Waitaki River) learning. “They really believed reading and writing changed the has revealed the importance of literacy and the sharing of world.” knowledge among Kai- Tahu and Pakeh- a- settlers. The project, led by Professor Tony Ballantyne (History), aimed to chart Kai- Tahu’s encounter with European learning and examine the development of colonial knowledge. With Marsden funding and drawing on a wealth of material from local archives and libraries, the project has so far produced more than 80 research outputs. One of the key findings was the rapid uptake in literacy and appreciation for words on paper among Kai- Tahu as early as the 1840s as a result of their interaction with early whalers and sealers. Kai- Tahu quickly adapted to the use of paper for the dissemination of their own knowledge and actively engaged with new forms of knowledge they encountered as the Pakeh- a- population expanded. Ballantyne says the colonial settlements seem to have been obsessed by knowledge, with letters, postal records, newspaper distribution records and pamphlets indicating a thirst for useful knowledge, intellectual stimulation and “mutual improvement”. At first, aiK- Tahu shared their knowledge of the land with Professor Tony Ballantyne: One of the key findings was the rapid - new settlers, but as the equal footing between local hapu- and the uptake in literacy … among Kai Tahu as a result of their interaction with early whalers and sealers.

people can really engage with it?” Science/art interface For Rock, this is a key challenge for climate change communication, and integrating the arts and humanities with Science and art may seem worlds apart, but Dr Jenny Rock science is critical to the solution. (Science Communication) is working to bring them together in a “When you recognise that aesthetics are important in the way that goes beyond simple aesthetics. formation of the paradigms and process of science as well as art, “There’s a really exciting and not often talked about cognitive then the barriers come down and you have reached productive role – how the way art can make us think, then affects our actions.” common ground for problem-solving.” Rock says both education theory and neurophysiology show that being sensorily engaged with something leads to better cognitive processing and retention. “It boils down to our physical, aesthetic and sensory interaction with the world – texture, weight, temperature and colour – and how these things affect how we think, how we process and how we value things.” Much of her own research as a biologist investigated temperature adaption – from fish and crustaceans in the Arctic and Antarctic, to geckos in Central Otago – understanding how non-mammalian organisms adapt to temperature change. “There is no empathy between mammal and non-mammal in terms of temperature. We don’t understand that 2–4°C for an insect, fish or lizard has enormous effect on how long they take to digest something or how fast they can move or grow or reproduce,” she says. Dr Jenny Rock: “When you recognise that aesthetics are important in the formation of the paradigms and process of science as well as “The question is how do we communicate this in a way that art, then the barriers come down …”

29 INBRIEF

all living cells. Cook was involved in identifying the essential role Battling bacteria of an enzyme already being targeted by a new class of drug, but his team is now focusing on understanding the enzyme’s Bacteria that thrive in extreme environments are providing molecular structure so they can improve such drugs. important insights for a new generation of drugs to fight old “If we can understand how bacteria are metabolising in host enemies such as tuberculosis (TB). tissue, we can design drugs that target that process. So this is the Professor Greg Cook (Microbiology) has been awarded a new area for drug discovery – looking at metabolism as a drug James Cook Research Fellowship to explore the molecular biology target.” of “extremophile” bacteria, which live in environments too extreme for normal life. “If you look at disease-causing organisms such as pathogenic bacteria, you find these micro-organisms are also surviving in extreme environments. Our bodies have many defence mechanisms that are used to kill pathogens – so it can also be considered an extreme environment.” Each year TB kills two million people, with 10 million new cases worldwide. “The greatest threat to human health is the lack of new drugs to combat extensively drug-resistant TB strains. We have reached a point where we have no new drugs in our arsenal so there is a desperate need to discover new ones.” The focus is on understanding how to disrupt the metabolism of disease-causing bacteria by targeting ATP synthase - the process by which they create ATP, an energy-carrier that powers Professor Greg Cook: “We have reached a point where we have no new drugs in our arsenal so there is a desperate need to discover new ones.”

The study finds many GPs want to maintain a relationship Reticence in raising AOD with their patients and their family, and can be reluctant to raise the issue of drug or alcohol dependency, unless it is raised by the Research by the Department of Primary Health Care and General patient. Practice in Wellington has revealed that some GPs don’t readily Other factors contributing to the lack of AOD discussion raise the issue of alcohol and drug problems with their patients. include the management of routine screening time, funding The study, recently published in the international journal for primary care, referred service availability for AOD needs, Family Practice, reflects international findings and analyses the eligibility criteria and waiting lists. interactions of 15 GPs with 56 male and female patients, in which dialogue relating to alcohol and other drugs (AOD) occurred. AOD-related key words were used in one third of 171 video- recorded consultations in the wider data set, although extended discussion was not common. When those key words were found, some AOD-related dialogue did take place in 75 per cent of consultations – that is, in almost 25 per cent (42/171) of all consultations. Researcher Dr Maria Stubbe says a key reason for AOD matters not being raised is that patients come to GPs with specific health problems, usually not directly related to alcohol and other drugs. “This means that in relatively short consultation periods AOD matters tend not to be the clinical priority, even though they may have relevance. “Another reason for lack of extended discussion in this area is Dr Maria Stubbe: “In relatively short consultation periods AOD some GPs are not used to questioning patients about alcohol and matters tend not to be the clinical priority, even though they may drug abuse.” have relevance.”

30 have stored their sperm. One of the other innovative aspects of Are old males still good males? the research will be the use of molecular assays to explore what might be responsible for sperm function decline. It is one of nature’s little paradoxes, but it seems that in many Johnson says the number of human fathers over the age of species females show a preference for older males. 35 has increased 16 per cent since 1980 so understanding how Dr Sheri Johnson (Anatomy) who has been awarded a Fast- fertility changes with age is increasingly relevant. Start Marsden grant for her fertility research, says the theory is “This applies directly to understanding human infertility issues that older males are preferred because they have proven survival which is, for me, one of the important parts of the research.” ability. “So females mating with those males should also reap the benefits of those good genes.” But, as males age, they also accumulate mutations and their fertility and sperm quality decline, something that is apparent in human fertility. It is a contentious area because the results of female preference experiments have varied. So, to get a clearer picture, Johnson is beginning a 28-month longitudinal study using zebrafish to track male sperm quality over time to see how reproductive success changes. At the end of the experiment, choice tests will be used to see whether the females prefer older or younger males, or show no preference. In vitro fertilisation will then be used to see if it relates to the competitive success of their sperm. The longitudinal study will also examine factors such as Dr Sheri Johnson: “Tests will be used to see whether the females mating history and the impact on sperm quality for males who prefer older or younger males, or show no preference.”

around with those, you increase the potential for fans to pull True colours away.” While the Highlanders’ board hopes to use the feedback to For many southern rugby fans, 2011 was a year of two halves. help keep the fans on side, the researchers will be analysing wider On the plus side, the All Blacks nailed rugby’s greatest prize. variables from the questionnaire. On the negative side, the Highlanders’ abrupt change from Footnote: As an incentive to take part in the survey, there traditional regional colours to green induced widespread angst. was an optional draw for a signed 2012 Highlanders jersey – colour The Highlanders’ board asked Dr John Guthrie and Associate unspecified. Professor Ken Deans (Marketing) to survey fans to find out why the change of strip generated such vitriol. Their online survey attracted more than 2,000 responses, some 85 per cent predictably in favour of retaining blue, gold and maroon as the team colours. The big surprise to the board was the passion of the fans’ reaction to the change. “With a new team coach and a new stadium, the board felt a new strip was the way to go,” says Guthrie. “What they didn’t take into account was that the fans felt they should have been consulted.” While the survey was in part a peace offering, it also gave Guthrie and Deans insight into the thinking of supporters. “There are a number of motivational factors driving fans’ involvement with their team,” says Guthrie. “Top of the list is performance, but colours and venue are Dr John Guthrie and Associate Professor Ken Deans: “… colours right up there in terms of what is important to a fan. If you play and venue are right up there in terms of what is important to a fan.”

31 INBRIEF

“If this works out the way we think it might, it could highlight Ambitious analysis new directions for future drug development and potentially valuable clinical applications. What makes one person a go-getting type A personality, while “Drugs could possibly be developed to stimulate the ACC in others are more content to cruise? clinically depressed patients who don’t want to do anything or, Dr Kristin Hillman (Psychology) is trying to find out, with a on the flip side, mitigate the behaviour of obsessive-compulsive three-year Marsden Fast-Start grant to study the neuroscience disorder patients who are putting too much effort into futile behind ambitious behaviour. activities.” Hillman is focusing on a region of the brain’s prefrontal cortex that could hold the key – the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). “We’re looking at how the brain makes decisions, particularly decisions that involve effort,” she says. “What is it in the brain that differentiates type A and type B personalities?” Early work with rats suggests that, at a neural level, the ACC has a strong role to play in influencing competitive behaviour such as working harder for appropriate rewards. “We’re trying to identify if this region of the brain really is the lynch pin of ambitious behaviour and, if it is, does its function translate across a range of different behaviours?” Hillman believes this is the first time this kind of activity has been studied from a neuroscientific standpoint. With a doctorate in pharmacology, she sees potential for her research to go far beyond expanding our knowledge of the brain. Dr Kristin Hillman: “What is it in the brain that differentiates type A and type B personalities?”

consumer advertising is diminishing, while the growth of social Marketing value media, such as Facebook and Twitter, is challenging the supplier- dominant communications balance in business relations. As the economic and social repercussions of the 2008 financial “Marketing managers can, of course, continue to make crisis continue, Associate Professor of Marketing David exciting promises to attract customers, but if these promises are Ballantyne argues that changes to traditional business thinking not fulfilled consistently, Twitter and YouTube will report on it. The are essential, particularly as the rapid growth of social media bigger the defaulting firm, the more likely its brand value and provides new challenges. corporate reputation will catapult into the hands of social media.” “While the most successful businesses are engaging with customers, focusing on value given and received, too many large corporations are still thinking in terms of ‘business as usual’ with a short-term view of profits and productivity.” Ballantyne and his colleagues in the Business School argue for business practice based on service and value, such as the service- dominant logic pioneered by American Professors Steve Vargo and Bob Lusch. This was the subject of the third Otago Forum, sponsored by the Business School in December. “Value is determined when customers interact with business, or use purchased goods – when goods serve us,” Ballantyne explains. “All business transactions are really exchanges of mutual service. Value is not embedded in the goods purchased, but is a judgement made in their use.” While this concept appears to promote a return to old- Associate Professor David Ballantyne: “Marketing managers can, of fashioned values, Ballantyne says today’s social and business course, continue to make exciting promises to attract customers, but environment is more complex. “The effectiveness of traditional if these promises are not fulfilled consistently, Twitter and YouTube will report on it.”

32 “For example, we don’t know much about the spiritual care of Defining spirituality the tens of thousands of people in aged care. “Hospitals often don’t have enough time or money to worry A University of Otago study offers a definition of spirituality about spirituality and most of us die in hospital or aged care. to help health-care professionals understand its importance However, by ignoring the spiritual dimension there are whole for those facing sickness and death in an age when terminal aspects of person-centred care that are missed; needs can be illnesses are often prolonged. missed.” “What is spirituality? Evidence from a New Zealand Hospice Study”, by Dr Richard Egan, Associate Professors Chrystal Jaye and Joanne Baxter, and Professors Rob McGee, Peter Herbison and Rod MacLeod, has been published in the journal Mortality. Egan (Preventive and Social Medicine) says spirituality has largely been ignored within medicine and health care, and yet this study shows it is important to a vast majority of people at end of life. “Spirituality means different things to different people,” he says. “It may include a search for one’s ultimate beliefs and values, a sense of meaning and purpose in life, a sense of connectedness, identity and awareness, and, for some, religion. It may be understood at an individual or population level.” The study is based on 52 interviews and a survey of 642 patients, most near the end of their lives. Researchers also spoke to family members and staff from 25 hospices. It will provide a Dr Richard Egan: This study shows that spirituality is important to a platform from which more research will be conducted. vast majority of people at end of life.

Thompson-Fawcett says results are best when relationships Planning and engaging between iwi and local authorities are strong and the commitment from local authorities is high. Since the Resource Management Act 1991 expedited the way for “What it all boiled down to in the end was the issue of iwi management plans, the effects have been vastly different relationships. Iwi management plans can be a really useful tool, around the country. The Department of Geography’s Associate but the value of them is highly dependent on the kind of ongoing Professor Michelle Thompson-Fawcett, in conjunction with relationships that are established.” Jacinta Ruru (Law) and Gail Tipa (Kai- Tahu ki Otago), has been examining the plans’ effectiveness. “Iwi management plans have grown hugely in number, but they are diverse in the sorts of issues they cover, their audience and whether they sit at a philosophical level or get into detail.” Thompson-Fawcett became involved after southern runanga- began reflecting on the process of developing iwi management plans and whether the plans were achieving the outcomes iwi wanted, given the resources required to develop them. “There was also the question of whether the outcomes were being achieved in a way that was consistent with traditionally- based, but contemporary, iwi modes of operation, or were plans too tied to a Western style of thinking and working? “We found that the plans are very useful for iwi in terms of setting down their priorities and working out processes of developing priorities. They’re also useful for establishing a Associate Professor Michelle Thompson-Fawcett: “Iwi management practice of engagement between iwi and local authorities, and plans can be a really useful tool, but the value of them is highly other environmental managers and resource users.” dependent on the kind of ongoing relationships that are established.”

33 DEVELOPMENT

Love of the Irish

Australian-born Peter Kuch, the inaugural His next job – at the University of New South Wales – lasted 16 years, where Eamon Cleary Professor of Irish Studies, he began an Irish Studies programme came to Dunedin tasked with establishing (officially launched by then Irish President Mary Robinson at the Opera Irish Studies in a town that “prides itself on House) which, in addition to courses in its Scottish heritage”. Despite the challenges, literature and history, featured an Irish Film Festival in Sydney and Melbourne. Kuch has successfully created Australasia’s In an all-time coup, he also managed only programme offering an undergraduate to secure the rights to perform the play written by Oscar Wilde’s grandson, minor in Irish Studies. Merlin Holland, on Wilde’s famous trial. Staged at Sydney’s Justice and Growing up in Gippsland, Australia’s “While I was there, I read Richard Police Museum to celebrate Wilde’s idyllic farming region in Victoria, where Ellmann’s biography of James Joyce and 150th anniversary in 2004, Kuch was unspoilt beaches, lakes and mountains thoroughly enjoyed it,” Kuch says. able to assemble a formidable cast. frame a rich rural community, you might “The works of Yeats, Synge, O’Casey Merlin Holland played his grandfather. expect farming to be in Professor Peter and Heaney also proved exciting Australian QC Francis Douglas Kuch’s blood. And it is. discoveries. uncannily a distant relative of Wilde’s But the only son of the youngest of a “I love that lively intersection between enemy, the Marquess of Queensberry, family of five farming brothers had other individual lives and language, and the played prosecutor Edward Carson. plans for his future. The young Peter politics, the history and the culture of Justice John O’Meally played the loved to read. the day that great Irish literature offers.” presiding judge, Justice Henn Collins. “My escape was to say I was going to After finishing an honours degree at “The phones jammed within an hour do medicine,” says Kuch, the inaugural Wales, Kuch went to Oxford to complete of tickets going on sale. It was just an Eamon Cleary Professor of Irish Studies. an MLitt and, later, a doctorate, studying incredible event,” says Kuch. “It is one of “I started first year, but felt with Richard Ellmann – who instilled the highlights of my career, so far.” uncomfortable and left. I was very in the young academic a further love of Then to Dunedin, where Kuch was young. I said to my parents, ‘I think it Irish literature. attracted by the challenge offered by would be good if I had a year overseas’. While working at Newcastle the newly-established Eamon Cleary My mother’s English and my father’s University, Kuch was invited to give Chair in Irish Studies. That, and the ancestry is German, so they agreed.” a lecture at the Princess Grace Irish University’s culture and “magnificent The rest is history – or at least, history Library in Monaco – where he was library” – further improved by a in the making. offered a job at the University of Caen in generous $5,000 donation from the On arriving in London, Kuch cashed France. A year later, and another guest Dunedin University of the Third Age in his return ticket and, after a stint lecture – this time at the Australian the centre’s first year for books on Irish travelling around Europe, applied and National University – Kuch was offered Studies – proved irresistible. was accepted at the University of Wales a visiting fellowship. Clearly, he is an “The first night we were here, we were to study English literature. impressive speaker. in the Executive Residence and it was O

34 Week. It was bitterly cold. There was a nasty wind blowing and the students were out partying and shouting in the street. I said to Liz, ‘I have to come here. This is great.’ “In many ways, it’s like Oxford – a small collegial, university town. A lot of things we have here – such as morning tea every week in the English Department – have vanished from other universities. It feels like a real community here.” If every academic’s motto is to “publish or be damned”, Kuch is far from ruin. The author of some 50 refereed articles, book chapters and books on Yeats, Joyce, Eliot, Irish theatre, Irish and Australian film, literary theory, Australian literature and Australian history, Kuch is also commissioning editor for The Irish Studies Review and is on the editorial board of several other prestigious journals. For fun – and the extra challenge – he also organised an Irish Film Festival in Auckland and Dunedin, and still finds time to host student classes every year for dinner. With a career filled with such prestigious academic conquests, it’s no wonder that Kuch’s appointment was mentioned in the Irish Parliament and that he received letters of congratulation from Seamus Heaney and other great Irish poets and writers. Professor Peter Kuch: But, despite his success, being “A lot of things we have an Australian starting an Irish here – such as morning Studies programme in a Kiwi town tea every week in the that prides itself on its Scottish English Department – heritage has proved a challenge. have vanished from other “As I said to the then Vice- universities. It feels like a Chancellor and Pro-Vice- real community here.” Chancellor, Humanities, ‘I can Photo: Alan Dove come in and say this is how we

35 It is also one of the few Irish Studies departments in the world with its own building – perfectly located with a bottle store, pub, fish-and-chip shop and pizza joint all within easy reach.

should do this’ but I would prefer to find has been inspiring, while getting to busyness of the modern world. All of out what people would like to do. So, know Irish businessman Eamon Cleary these things relate to people’s lives.” we called everyone together and asked – who, through the University’s Leading Kuch has also recently graduated them. And that’s how the Irish Studies Thinker’s initiative, generously endowed his first postgraduate student. Within programme and the centre came into the Chair of Irish Studies – has been a a few years, five others will complete being.” highlight. doctorates in a range of subjects – from What resulted was Australasia’s only Above all, the student response has Irish literature to music – while his Irish Studies Department offering an been fantastic. Not only does Irish postdoctoral fellow has just completed a undergraduate minor in Irish Studies Studies have a vital postgraduate culture, book. – officially opened in 2007 by Irish but it has a strong undergraduate So, what will the next five years bring President Mary McAleese, who received following, with an average of 25 to 30 for a centre already punching above its an Honorary Doctorate from the students in any one year enrolled in weight? University. each of the nine papers that make up “I would much rather reinforce It is also one of the few Irish Studies the minor in Irish Studies. For example, sensible growth with consolidation. I departments in the world with its own Joyce’s Ulysses, once strictly the domain would like to be able to come back in 25 building – perfectly located, Kuch laughs, of only the most dedicated literature years and find the centre, not only bigger, with a bottle store, pub, fish-and-chip student, is now being studied by pupils but as strong and as vital as it is presently. shop and pizza joint all within easy reach. majoring in medicine, sciences and even The brief is very much growth with When the centre was extended to commerce. consolidation. include Scottish Studies – with Liam “Ulysses is generally studied in terms of “That’s about improving opportunities McIlvanney being named the inaugural its experimentation with form, with an for students, such as named scholarships Stuart Professor of Scottish Studies and emphasis on theory – and we certainly for students, including travel Angela McCarthy appointed as Professor cover that. But it’s also a book about scholarships. For instance, the more of Scottish and Irish History – it became how a husband copes with his wife named prizes I can attract for essays in the Centre for Irish and Scottish Studies. having an affair. About how a husband courses, the better. For a student population of some and wife re-establish their relationship “We’ve had a great five years. We want 22,000, appointing three professors when they have lost a son. About how to continue to build on what we have and granting them a building for their they cope with a daughter gaining achieved so far.” centre, signals a major investment by the her independence – the empty nest AMIE RICHARDSON University and the community. It’s an syndrome! It’s about male friendship, investment we are keen to honour, says about how a person copes with bigotry Kuch. and prejudice, death, ageing, doubt, He says the support from the Irish feelings of inadequacy, about how we Consul-General, Rodney Walshe, fellow respond to the pressures of advertising academics, staff and the community and consumer culture, the bustling

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

36 STUDENT LIFE

Students volunteer for islands clinics

University of Otago dental students will once again be giving up their mid- year holidays this year to take part in a volunteer dental-care project in the Cook Islands. Six senior students were selected from more than 40 applicants to accompany their supervisors, Dr Jonathan Leichter and Dr Colleen Murray, to the island group. They will be providing free dental care, donating dental supplies Otago dentistry and taking part in an oral health-care student Jessica Po promotion programme for the people with one of her of Rarotonga, Mauke and Aitutaki. This young Cook Islands programme has been running for seven patients. years and has established a long-term partnership with our Pacific neighbours. The Cook Islands has a population of approximately 12,000 people and there is a high prevalence of periodontal disease, dental decay, diabetes and cardiovascular supplies and has provided health-care to provide care in a culturally-sensitive disease. Geographically, the islands are education for the children of the Cook manner for the rest of their working widely dispersed and access to dental Islands. careers. care is limited. The outer islands have no “We want this to be an enduring “The Cook Islanders receive excellent resident dentist and infrequent visits from collaboration. We want to leave the Cook free dental care and oral health-care dental therapists. Islands this year better off in terms of education from our students under the Leichter, the group leader and a supplies and in terms of dental education. supervision of their tutors and the Cook senior lecturer at the School of Dentistry, I hope we can continue our work on an Islands Dental Service receives much- and Murray, a professional practice fellow, annual basis,” he says. “Students from needed supplies and equipment to allow visited the Cook Islands as part of a World next year’s senior class are already them to carry on treatment when we Health Organization-sponsored continuing submitting expressions of interest in being return to New Zealand,” says Leichter. education programme for dentist part of this project next year.” “I am able to provide a series of and dental therapists in 2004. They This year’s six students were selected continuing education programmes to the established contacts with the Director of on their clinical, academic and personal few remaining dental providers in the Dental Services and the Ministry of Health skills. Leichter says they are all excited Cook Islands, to allow them to better treat in order to establish a co-operative effort and feel privileged to have been chosen their citizens. And lastly, New Zealand between the University of Otago and the for this unique opportunity. “Past student wins, as we have better trained, more Cook Islands. volunteers say that volunteering in the experienced, and community-minded Liaising with the Director of Dental Cook Islands was the highlight of their dentists who are likely to be active in Services for the islands, a framework dental school experience. They have volunteer projects for the rest of their for this project was created. Relying on all expressed a strong interest in being working lives.” donations from charitable organisations involved with future volunteer projects.” and the New Zealand dental community, Everyone wins with this project. Leichter says the project has treated “The students gain invaluable clinical innumerable children and adults, has experience. They have an amazing cultural donated tens of thousands of dollars in immersion experience that allows them

37 UNINEWS

Otago staff shine in Circulation, Dr Pemberton and colleagues Pacific Research Protocol uncovered evidence of a new biomarker The University has launched a new national research awards for early-stage myocardial damage. Pacific Research Protocol that sets out The outstanding achievements of four Professor Robert Poulin (Zoology) guidelines researchers should consider Otago researchers were nationally was awarded the Royal Society’s when they interact and collaborate with recognised by the presentation of Hutton Medal Pacific peoples as part of their projects. medals last November, including for excellence in The document is available to all New Zealand’s highest science and animal sciences. Otago researchers and for other New technology honour, the Rutherford Professor Poulin Zealand universities to use, if they Medal. was cited for his wish. Its primary purpose is to ensure The awards were presented at the leading research that research is conducted in a manner Royal Society of New Zealand 2011 in the field of that is sensitive to the cultural ways Research Honours event at Parliament. parasitic diseases, and protocols of individual Pacific Professor Christine Winterbourn especially for his communities. (Pathology, University of Otago, work in ecological University Vice-Chancellor Professor Christchurch) was awarded the parasitology, an area of particular Harlene Hayne says the guidelines are Rutherford Medal for seminal discoveries relevance to New Zealand’s marine and designed to foster research with Pacific in free radical biology, promotion of freshwater ecosystems. rigorous standards in research and peoples and to maximise the outcomes fostering excellent scientific education Salvation Army and for both researchers and participants. (see story pages 12–15). This is the second University sign MOU “The development of these guidelines year running that an Otago researcher represents a significant step forward The University and the Salvation has been awarded the medal, with for our University, at a time when ties Army have signed a memorandum of Professor Warren Tate (Biochemistry) between Otago researchers and people understanding aimed at ensuring the winning it in 2010. in, and from, the Pacific are very strong,” agency’s social services are based Emeritus Professor Jim Flynn Professor Hayne says. on the best possible national and (Politics) received the Royal Society’s Key points in the document include international research. inaugural Humanities Aronui Medal for the need for respect, cultural competency The agreement will see some of his work in political philosophy, with and protection of values, as well as Otago’s leading academics team up with particular recognition of his world- cognisance of the Christian faith. the Salvation Army to evaluate its current renowned work on IQ that led to his Otago has a thriving Pacific Research social programmes, provide rigorous discovery of what has become known as Cluster and Pacific health is taught in all international research-based evidence for the “Flynn Effect”, the phenomenon of of the health professional courses. those programmes, and help inform the IQ scores increasing over time in many policy debate around social deprivation, University’s stadium countries. alcohol and gambling, mental health and Dr Chris Pemberton (Medicine, presence family violence. University of Otago, Christchurch) was Students are now benefiting from the Salvation Army Territorial presented with the Health Research outstanding facilities in the University’s Commander Commissioner Don Bell Council of New Zealand’s Liley Medal. The recently completed building adjoining says the University of Otago was chosen medal recognises research that has made Dunedin’s new stadium. because of the “independence and an outstanding The four-storey, Oamaru stone-clad research prowess of its professorial, contribution building is located on the western side of research and academic staff”, and to health the Forsyth Barr Stadium at University because its achievement in the areas of and medical Plaza. social, health and theological research sciences. In a As well as being the new home of aligned closely with the work of the paper published Unipol Gymnasium and Recreation Centre, Salvation Army’s social programme in the leading and the University of Otago Language department. cardiovascular Centre and Foundation Year Programme, research journal, it also features the family-friendly Plaza

38 collaborations with international peers. To donate to the campaign or to find out more, go to www.chairofneurosurgery.org.nz Appointments Mr Philip Kearney as the University’s Director of Development and Alumni Relations. Mr Kearney, who graduated from Otago with University Plaza Building One adjacent to Chair in Neurosurgery a Bachelor of the Forsyth Barr Stadium. Commerce in The recruitment search has begun for 1984, comes to the recently announced Neurological Café on the ground floor that is open to the University Foundation Chair in Neurosurgery. the public all year round. from the New The professorial position will be split The new Unipol facilities are spread Zealand Charities evenly between academic work at the over three floors and include two full- Commission University and clinical duties at Dunedin sized gymnasiums on the first floor, where he was Hospital. Supported by the ANZ National two smaller gyms on the second floor, General Manager, Bank, the Otago Daily Times and the changing rooms and fully equipped cardio Education. He succeeds Associate Southland Times, a public campaign, and weight training areas. Professor David Gerrard, who has launched by the Neurological Foundation The building has been designed returned to the Division of Health of New Zealand in conjunction with and constructed on environmentally Sciences after three years in the position. the University of Otago and Southern sustainable principles, including Dr Elaine Webster as Director of DHB, aims to raise $3 million to fund the features such as solar hot water heating, the University of Otago Summer School position in perpetuity. rain water harvesting, and using and Continuing Education. Dr Webster Working alongside the recently certified timber and materials with low was formerly the University’s Research announced senior lecturer, British environmental impact. Advisor, Humanities, and has held neurosurgeon Mr Reuben Johnson, the academic positions in Sociology and professor will ensure the continued Otago’s Marsden funding Clothing and Textile Sciences at Otago. development and growth of neurosurgery Otago researchers gained $17.8 million She succeeds Dr Claire Matthewson who and all neuroscience in Otago and to undertake 26 leading-edge projects is retiring after 10 years in the role. in last year’s Marsden Fund round. Southland. Last year, an expert panel The highly competitive Marsden Fund set up by the government recommended Achievements establishing an academic unit for is regarded as a hallmark of excellence, The Prime Minister’s Science Prize neurosurgery based in Dunedin. Academic allowing New Zealand’s best researchers was awarded to the Centre for Chemical units already exist in Canada, the USA, to explore their ideas. and Physical Oceanography (see story UK and Australia, and the panel hopes For the seventh successive year, pages 5–8). The centre is a collaboration a similar New Zealand unit will form the Otago researchers gained the largest between the Department of Chemistry and nucleus for an academic neurosurgical share of funding available in the round. NIWA, and is based at the University. The centre of excellence here at Otago. The research topics they are addressing team of scientists, led by Professor Philip The unit will play an essential role in range from delving into the physics of Boyd, won the $500,000 prize for their delivering neurosurgical services to the ultra-cold atoms to critically examining investigations into how the ocean controls community and will also add significant the notion of “informed choice” in young the Earth’s climate and evaluating ways to value to neurological research in New adult smokers. reduce greenhouse gases. Zealand. The Neurological Foundation Eight of the Otago projects are Professor Allan Herbison Professor in Neurosurgery will be Fast-Start grants designed to support (Physiology) received the University’s supported to establish programmes in outstanding early-career researchers. highest research honour, the both laboratory and clinically-based Distinguished Research Medal, in research stemming from Otago, and bring recognition of his outstanding scholarly

39 UNINEWS

achievements in investigating how the Fellowship New Year Honours brain controls fertility (see story pages Alumni and staff recognised in the 20–22). Professor Greg Cook (Microbiology New Year Honours included: Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and and Immunology) was awarded a Order of New Zealand (ONZ): Sir Enterprise) Professor Richard Blaikie and prestigious James Cook Research Ralph Hotere, for services to New Professor Gerald Tannock (Microbiology Fellowship to pursue research Zealand. and Immunology) were elected Fellows involving bacteria that thrive in Knight of the New Zealand Order of of the Royal Society of New Zealand. extreme environments (see page 30). Merit (KNZM): Sir Graham Henry, for Professor Blaikie is a leading international Professor Cook also recently had one services to rugby. contributor to the rapidly developing such bacterium named in his honour, Companion of the New Zealand Order field of nanoscale optics and Professor Amphibacillus cookii sp. nov., which of Merit (CNZM): Mr Malcolm Farry, for Tannock is a world-leading authority on flourishes in the hot and highly salty services to the community; Dr Bruce gastrointestinal microbes and their role in environment of the Great Salt Lake in Hadden, for services to ophthalmology; health and disease. Utah. It was named to acknowledge his Mr Martin Snedden, for services to Mr John Harraway (Mathematics and contributions to the microbiology and sporting administration; Mr Ian Taylor, for Statistics) has been elected president bioenergetics of extremophilic bacteria. services to television and business. of the International Association for Officer of the New Zealand Order of Statistical Education. The association Obituary Merit (ONZM): Mr Ulu Aiono, for services seeks to promote, support and improve Emeritus Professor James Laurence to business; Professor Michael Ardagh, statistical education at all levels around (Laurie) Wright (96). A Professor of for services to emergency medicine; Dr the world. Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Arie Geursen, for services to science; Professor Andrew Geddis (Law) and Otago Medical School from 1951 until Professor David Lamb, for services to Associate Professor Fiona McDonald his retirement in 1981, he was a leader health. (Physiology) received Fulbright New in promoting maternal and perinatal Member of the New Zealand Order Zealand Senior Scholar Awards, and Ms mortality documentation and review to of Merit (MNZM): Dr John Angus, for Jacinta Ruru (Law) gained a Fulbright- improve clinical safety. services to the state; Dr Timothy Carey- Nga- Pae o te Maramatanga- Senior Scholar Smith, for services to palliative care; Dr Award. The awards support them to New professors John Carnachan, for services to medicine undertake three to five months of study Fourteen of the University of Otago’s and the community; Associate Professor in their fields of interest at institutions in leading academics have been promoted Merata Kawharu, for services to Maori- the United States. to full professorships. education. Professor Martin Kennedy They are: John Broughton (Oral Queen’s Service Medal (QSM): Dr (Pathology, University of Otago, Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences, Ralph Allen, for services to conservation; Christchurch) received the Life Preventive and Social Medicine); Mrs Metua Bates-Faasisila, for services Technologies/New Zealand Society of Vicky Cameron (Research Professor – to the Cook Islands community; Mrs Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Medicine, Christchurch); Marie Crowe Gaynor Brown, for services to education; award for his research into genetic (Psychological Medicine, Centre Mrs Kitty Chiu, for services to the factors behind mood disorders such as for Postgraduate Nursing Studies, community; Mr Paul Ferris, for services depression and bipolar disorder. Christchurch); Andrew Day (Paediatrics, to education; Mrs Jean Rutherford, for Professor David Lont (Accountancy Christchurch); Catherine Day services to the community. and Finance) has become the New (Biochemistry); Bernadette Drummond New Zealand Distinguished Service Zealand president of the Accounting and (Oral Sciences); Robin Gauld (Preventive Decoration (DSD): Squadron Leader Keith Finance Association of Australia and New and Social Medicine); Juergen Gnoth Bartlett (Royal New Zealand Air Force). Zealand. (Marketing); Ken Hodge (Physical Professor Mark Stringer (Anatomy) Education); Brian Hyland (Physiology); was named Lecturer of the Year at the Ian McLennan (Anatomy); Ted Ruffman OUSA teaching awards and Dr Gill (Psychology); Struan Scott (Law) and Rutherford (Education) won the Disability Jean-Claude Theis (Surgical Sciences). Awareness and Inclusive Teaching Award.

40 HOCKEN LEGACY

Looking “Back Word”

leading exponent of contemporary Maori- art in this country. His work has consistently explored the themes of colonialism, the landscape and the power of words. Back Word is also autobiographical in that it pays tribute to many prior bodies of work, each a milestone in Cotton’s enduring and prodigious artistic career. The painted words atop the landscape recall the artist’s major series, Artificial Curiosities (1994), which first brought Cotton widespread acclaim. The stack of horizon lines echoes the striated appearance of the paintings that Cotton created during his fellowship year and his Heke series of the following year. The idea for this structure originates in the patterns on the rafters of the wharenui or Maori- meeting house. The composition of Back Word reflects Cotton’s ongoing interest in presenting “alternative histories”, challenging the presentation of history as a fixed, linear narrative. The left to right action of reading through the title, “Beneath Thy Protection”, encourages a downward glance to the simultaneous presentation of the landscape’s surface and the underground, shown as solid black bands overdrawn with marks alluding to the Manaia. The Manaia, which Cotton describes as “conceptually ambiguous, mysterious and transitory”, undermines the notion of fixity. Further illusions to history-making can be seen in the way the bands of Back Word have taken on the appearance of shelves in a museum display. A range of motifs from the Virgin Mother of Nazareth and exotic anthropomorphic blue stones to a reference to Fouquet’s Mother and Child c. 1450 painted on a contemporary billboard, have become historicised “collected” objects. In conjunction with this purchase, Cotton has gifted a recent work, Diamond and Pearls II (2011), to the Hocken.

Shane Cotton, Back Word, 2011, acrylic on linen, 2200 x 1500 mm. NATALIE POLAND Image courtesy of the artist and Hamish McKay Gallery. Curator, Hocken Pictorial Collections A painting by Shane Cotton has been on the “to buy” list of the Hocken Collections since 1998, when he was the recipient of the University of Otago’s Frances Hodgkins Fellowship. The acquisition of works by past fellows and artists of Maori- descent HOCKEN GALLERY – who are currently under-represented in the collection – are seen as a priority for the development of the Hocken Pictures. Art acquisitions are bought using funds from the Hocken EXHIBITIONS Endowment Trust and successive Hocken Librarians, Stuart Until 20 February Strachan and Sharon Dell, have allowed a surplus of interest Ralph Hotere: Zero to Infinity payments to accrue so that such a significant painting might 25 February – 14 April eventually be purchased. All Things to All Men: Kushana Bush Back Word was created for an exhibition of Cotton’s 21 April – 30 June paintings titled “The Treachery of Images” at the Hamish Ship Shape: Portraits of Ships from the Hocken Collections McKay Gallery, Wellington. Cotton is widely recognised as a

41 BOOKS

I whanau- au ki Kaiapoi / I was born in Kaiapoi The story of Natanahira Waruwarutu as recorded by Thomas Green Edited by Te Maire Tau, December 2011

Natanahira Waruwarutu was a child at The story in this book is not a Ngai- Tahu the time of the capture of Kaiapoi Pa- by Te “grand narrative”. As Te Maire Tau says, Maori- Rauparaha’s Ngati- Toa warriors in 1832. The history simply does not work like that. Rather, it early years of his life, recounted here in a is one narrative by a survivor of the period that transcription of the original Maori- text and “recollects the reality of what he saw as a child; parallel English translation, were a turbulent on this basis, it is a superb example of an oral time for the Maori- communities of Waitaha tradition”. (Canterbury) and Akaroa. The author has included a chapter on the Ot- akou- leaders set aside Moeraki, further south, historical context of the Waruwarutu manuscript for Kaiapoi refugees and Waruwarutu moved and annotations for both Maori- and English between the two places until he died in 1895. texts. A further chapter presents in Maori- with Before his death, he passed on to scribe Thomas English translation a text recorded by scribe Green, himself a Ngai- Tahu elder, a substantial Charles Creed that supplements Waruwarutu’s body of material that now defines modern account of his induction into the Kaiapoi whare understanding of the traditional history of Ngai- pur- akau- (house of learning). It is one of the few Tahu. This manuscript was part of that material manuscripts that provides a glimpse into a world and, as Te Maire Tau describes in his introduction, that no longer exists. has a history of its own.

Early New Zealand Photography Images and Essays Edited by Angela Wanhalla and Erika Wolf, December 2011 As participants in an ever-more visual The writers include photographers, museum culture, we rarely give thought to the ways curators, academics and other researchers. that photographs shape our experience and They explore a host of issues related to the understanding of the world and historical past. development of photography in New Zealand. Looking at a range of New Zealand photographs World War I is the end point, as it coincided with up to 1918, the contributors to this book analyse profound cultural shifts, with the expansion of the them as photo-objects, considering how they mass illustrated press and the rise of consumer were made, who made them, what they show photography, as well as a change in New Zealand’s and how our understanding of them can vary place in the world. or change over time. This emphasis on the materiality of the photograph is a new direction in scholarship on colonial photographs.

Tuhituhi William Hodges, Cook’s Painter in the South Pacific Laurence Simmons, December 2011 This book follows the progress of Cook’s Each chapter focuses on the close reading of a voyage on the Resolution, for which William significant painting of a South Pacific location by Hodges was hired as official artist, a “landskip Hodges and opens fresh theoretical perspectives painter”. In the Pacific, painters like Hodges on the representational problems raised by these found themselves staring again and again in early Pacific works. The final chapter considers disbelief at landscapes and seascapes that the important influence of Hodges’ work on a stretched 18th-century conventions of painting series of paintings by the major 20th-century New (such as the “picturesque”, the “sublime” and Zealand painter Colin McCahon. the “beautiful”).

42 Dunedin Soundings Place and Performance Edited by Dan Bendrups and Graeme Downes, December 2011 The “Dunedin Sound” of the 1980s is a ways in which these supposedly separate music phenomenon known throughout the world. But fields have the potential to inform and stimulate what does Dunedin music-making sound like in each other. the 21st century? The theoretical idea behind the book is The “soundings” in this book are from that performance and composition practices musicians, composers and scholar/practitioners. constitute a process of research. The writers are They discuss genres as diverse as brass band, practitioners who are recognised nationally and opera, classical, Indonesian gamelan, jazz, rock internationally for their contributions to New and more, the intricacies of the composition and Zealand music across genres, including composer lyric-writing processes, digital remixing, and Anthony Ritchie, the Verlaines’ Graeme Downes scoring for film and TV. Together, they reveal the and Emmy-award nominee Trevor Coleman.

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

Books by Otago alumni

The Lighthouse Kids of Maatsuyker The Spirit of the Past: Essays on Hilary and David, by Laura Solomon, Island, by Jonah Wiltshire, Evie Wiltshire Christianity in New Zealand History, Proverse Publishing, Hong Kong, and Sheryl Hamilton, Forty Degrees edited by Geoffrey Troughton and Hugh November 2011. South Pty Ltd, October 2010. Morrison, Victoria University Press, 2011. Anthropology at the Front Lines Instant Messages, by Laura Solomon, Empire and Environmental Anxiety: of Gender-Based Violence, edited Proverse Publishing, Hong Kong, 2010. Health, Science, Art and Conservation by Jennifer Wies and Hillary in South Asia and Australia, 1800– Haldane, University of Vanderbilt Press, The Travelling Restaurant, by Barbara 1920, by James Beattie, Basingstoke: 2011. Else, Gecko Press, April 2011. (IBBY New Palgrave Macmillan, 2011. Zealand 2012 Honour Book for Writing.) Historical Portraits of Women Home By Birdlight, poems by Sue Wootton, Scientists: The University Of New Desert Surgeons, New Zealand’s Mobile Steele Roberts, October 2011. Zealand, 1911–1947, by Tanya Fitzgerald Surgical Unit in World War 2, by Michael and Jenny Collins, Cambria Press, 2011. Shackleton, Ngaio Press, June 2011. Ewan McDougall: Paintings, edited and published by David Marks, foreword At the Heart of Sport: The New Zealand Trauma and Transformation at Ground by David Eggleton, poetry by Sarah Olympic Committee and the History of Zero: A Pastoral Theology, by Storm McDougall, Art ‘n’ Stuff Publishing the Olympic Movement in New Zealand, Swain, Fortress Press, August 2011. [London] October, 2011. 1911–2011, by Geoffrey Kohe, New Zealand Nation Dates, by Wendy McGuinness and Olympic Committee, Wellington, 2011. Trust God, Keep the Faith, by Bartha Hill, Miriam White, Sustainable Future Institute, Inheritance Publications, Canada. Singing the Sacred, by William L Wallace, Wellington, September 2011. World Library Publications. Young Man, Go South: A Doctor’s Janet Frame: In Her Own Words, edited Memoir (1931–1963), by Johannes (Hans) Historical Portraits of Women Home by Denis Harold and Pamela Gordon, Swier, Longview Publications. Scientists: The University of New Penguin Books (NZ), October 2011. Zealand, 1911–1947, by Tanya Fitzgerald Great Mates, edited by Barbara Fishing the Remote Coast, by Andrew and Jenny Collins, Cambria Press, Else, Random House, 2011. (Andy) Macleod, Bateman. December 2011. In Vitro, by Laura Solomon, HeadworX, 2011. Hetero-Aromatic Nitrogen Compounds: The Azoles, by K Schofield, M R Grimmett Health Professionals and Trust: The Alumni: and B R T Keene, Cambridge University Cure for Healthcare Law and Policy, by Press, Cambridge (UK) and New York. Mark Henaghan, Routledge-Cambridge, If you have published a book lately October 2011. email the editor at [email protected]

43 ALUMNI NEWS

A word from the Head Supporting Otago 2012 marks the beginning of my Alumni Appeal sixth year as Head of Alumni Relations. Once again Otago alumni have shown There have been many changes over the their willingness to support their alma support. Receiving this scholarship has past five years, including the merger of mater with an outstanding response to been such an honour and a gift. It has the Alumni and Development offices the 2011 Alumni Appeal, launched in allowed me to settle into my new home into a single entity and the introduction November. As in 2010, nearly half of the down here in Otago and to achieve results I of NetCommunities. This web-based communications were sent by email and a am proud of.” communication platform that enables growing number of donors chose to make For more details on research projects alumni to network directly with their gift electronically using the online and scholarships supported by alumni each other has proved popular and donation page or via internet banking. donations, or if you would like to donate we encourage those who haven’t yet In total, 725 gifts had been received by to the University, please visit registered to take a look. You might also the end of 2011, with an average sum of www.alumni.otago.ac.nz/supportotago want to sign up for an @otagoalumni $173 per gift – an excellent response. A email address. sincere thank you from the University to www.alumni.otago.ac.nz all who have contributed. Otago’s international International alumni activity has Projects supported by the Appeal in networks increased over the past five years, 2011 include scholarships for students Alumni of the University of Otago with flourishing networks in the USA, in their first year of study, as well as in America, Inc (AUOA) UK, Malaysia, Australia and Canada. research projects from each of the four The board of the AUOA continues to Members of these groups organise academic divisions: devote time and energy to promoting formal and informal social functions, • The National Centre for Peace and the University in the United States. Its fundraising campaigns, local support for Conflict Studies (Humanities) membership was augmented in 2011 exchange students and other activities • The Alpine Fault Seismic Imaging by the appointment of Nevada-based that reflect their pride in their alma Study (Sciences) alumnus Nigel Bain (BSc (Hons) 1977). mater. The University owes a debt of • The Sir John Walsh Research Institute The following projects were supported by gratitude to these alumni whose steadfast (Health Sciences) the board in 2011: commitment and support enhances • The Centre for Entrepreneurship • Scholarships for deserving first-year Otago’s reputation all over the world. (Commerce). students were awarded to Wangying Since 2009 the Development and Alumni funded scholarships enabled (Claudia) Dong (Palmerston North Alumni Relations Office has been led 16 young people to pursue first-year Girls’ High School) and Zarina Miller by Associate Professor David Gerrard, studies at Otago. The following comment (Rangitoto College) for study in who was seconded from a senior position from one of the recipients sums up Health Sciences. in the Medical School to establish the the real difference that winning the • The AUOA launched an Endowment role of Director. David’s term expired in scholarship makes in their lives. Fund in 2011 to provide scholarships January and he has now returned to the “The Alumni Appeal Scholarship that in perpetuity for first-year students. Medical School to continue his research supported me through this first year of The first scholarships from this fund and teaching activities. As a popular my degree has been extremely valuable. will be awarded at the end of 2012. public figure, David made a significant Due to my family’s situation my parents • AUOA Student Exchange Awards contribution to the work of the office were unable to assist me financially and provided grants to 15 Otago exchange and I know that alumni will join me in being awarded the Alumni Scholarship has students attending US partner thanking him and wishing him well for relieved my family and me of much stress institutions in 2012. the future. and worry. I must thank the Alumni of • Contributed to the School of Physical the University of Otago for their generous Education Smithells Undergraduate

44 Scholarship, established in honour of recognise the work of Dr Neville Bain, The University of Otago Canadian the founding director of the School of who last year stepped down from the role Network Physical Education. The scholarship of Treasurer after being involved with the Last year the Canadian Alumni will allow for an annual award to be group since the early 1990s. Neville has Network assisted three Canada-bound made to a student beginning their had a very successful career in business, Otago exchange students with a grant third or fourth year of study. and has written extensively on strategic of $NZ2,000 each and, in 2012, three • EMAN Student Prize (Oien Award). management and corporate governance. more students will be helped thanks Future energy shortages will present He is a proud alumnus of the University to the generosity of Canadian alumni. the world with a set of difficult and received an Hon LLD in 1994. A Hannah Harland, enrolled in a BSc, is challenges for the future. The Oien scholarship in his name is awarded heading to Dalhousie University; Griegan prize encourages the best energy annually to an outstanding MBA student. Panckhurst, studying for a BCom/ management students at Otago to rise DipGrad, is enrolled at the Schulich to these challenges. School of Business at York University; • Geology Field Projects fund is used to and Shane Turner will study at the support field-based research projects University of British Columbia as part for senior students who need to work of his Otago BCom. The Otago Global in remote areas. Student Exchange Programme is grateful • Musgrave Scholarship is a for the support of Canadian alumni in Department of Philosophy initiative assisting students to study in Canada. to raise funds for a scholarship, to The Canadian Network is also attract high calibre international co-ordinating efforts to connect local students to study for a master’s UK and Europe Alumni Committee alumni with students to help them to degree in Philosophy. The scholarship (left to right): Alistair Wishart, Kirsty settle into their new homes. If you are honours Professor Alan Musgrave. Fiddes, Mistelle Jack, Sir Paul Beresford, interested in participating, please contact Louise Holding, Dr Neville Bain. The board of the AOUA continued Brian Merrilees at brian.merrilees@ its fundraising efforts in 2011 with The University of Otago utoronto.ca telephone 416 489-4300. an appeal launched in November last Foundation for Malaysia To contribute to the Canadian Alumni year. The University is grateful for their The University of Otago Foundation Travel Award scheme please visit the commitment to supporting research and for Malaysia continues to work to support University’s secure payment website at scholarship at Otago. alumni in Malaysia, as well as Malaysian https://secure-www.otago.ac.nz/alumni/ For more information, please visit students currently enrolled at Otago. donations/ and follow the instructions. www.alumniuoa.com At the 2011 AGM held in Ipoh Alternatively, you may send a money in June, foundation members voted order in New Zealand dollars to the UK and Europe Alumni Network unanimously to continue funding for Development and Alumni Relations Alumni activities in the UK and the student award set up in 2009. This Office, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054. In each Europe are co-ordinated by a committee year’s recipient is second-year student case you will receive a receipt acceptable of dedicated alumni, headed by chairman Yang Safia Binti Mior Azli who is to Revenue Canada and the Canadian Sir Paul Beresford. The committee majoring in English and TESOL. She dollar equivalent on your credit card or organises an annual reception in London has made an outstanding contribution bank account will be tax-deductible. for alumni and friends and, in 2011, this to the Malaysian student community For further information visit www. took the form of a black-tie dinner in the as a member of the Malaysian Students’ alumni.otago.ac.nz Members’ Dining Room of the House of Association. The University of Otago is For information about regional alumni Commons. very grateful for the generous donation networks please visit the Alumni and The reception also provided an from the foundation that makes this Friends website opportunity for the University to prize possible. www.alumni.otago.ac.nz/regionalgroups

45 ALUMNI NEWS

Alumni events 2011 Edmonton, 25 October, home of Dr Christopher and Mrs Beverley Hoskins

Toronto, 2 November, University of Toronto Faculty Club

Philadelphia, 5 November, Hotel Palomar Ballroom

London, 10 November, House of Commons

46 Upcoming celebrations, MB ChB class of 1972 reunion MB ChB class of 1963 reunion 30 March–1 April, Nelson. Contact 15–18 March, Wellington. Contact events and reunions Karen McLean at karen@encore-events. Peter Dukes at [email protected] 2012 net.nz School of Physiotherapy centenary MB ChB class of 1967 reunion BDS class of 1964 reunion and conference April (date tba). Please 1–4 March, Nelson. Visit 5–7 April, Dunedin. Contact Denis contact [email protected] www.classof67reunion.co.nz or contact Cosgrove [email protected] School of Pharmacy’s 50th jubilee Stuart at [email protected] University of Otago, Christchurch April. Please email MB ChB class of 1970 reunion School of Medicine 40th anniversary [email protected] 1–5 March, Nelson. Contact John 5–7 September, Christchurch. Visit Arana College 70th anniversary Emanuel at [email protected] www.otago.ac.nz/christchurch/about/ Date tbc, Dunedin. Contact MB ChB class of 1962 reunion anniversary212/index.html or contact [email protected] 6–9 March, Queenstown. Contact Allan Virginia Irvine at virginia.irvine@otago. 2015 at [email protected] or Mary ac.nz or phone 03 364 0038. MB ChB class of 1964 reunion Miller at [email protected] MB ChB class of 1997 reunion 8–11 April, Dunedin. Contact Colin MB ChB class of 1959–60 reunion 19–21 October, Dunedin. Contact Fitzpatrick [email protected] or Alex 9–11 March, Napier. Visit www. Rochelle at [email protected] Dempster [email protected] otagomed59-60.co.nz or contact Michael Dominican Hall reunion Studholme College centenary Fogarty at [email protected] 6–7 October, Dunedin. Contact celebrations and reunion Hayward College anniversary [email protected] Date to be advised. Contact (invitation only) Physiotherapy class of 1960–62, 50-year [email protected] 10 March, Dunedin. Contact Pauline reunion 10–11 November, Dunedin. Further information about reunions Donovan on (03) 479 5523. Contact Molly Fulton at and other events can be found on the BDS class of 1966 reunion [email protected] or Judy Alumni and Friends webpages at 15–18 March, Christchurch. Contact Wilson at [email protected] www.alumni.otago.ac.nz/events or contact Freerk Kempkers at [email protected] 2013 us at [email protected] or MB ChB class of 1953 reunion MB ChB class of 1955 reunion phone 03 479 4516. 23 March, Wellington. Contact Graeme 8–10 March, Christchurch. Contact John Sharp at [email protected] Musgrove at [email protected]

Years of Research and Teaching 1973–2012

UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO, CHRISTCHURCH Keynote speaker: Sir Michael Marmot, world-renowned health inequalities In 2012 the University of Otago, Christchurch researcher and advocate celebrates 40 years of research and teaching. Wednesday 5 to Friday 7 September: Scientific Sessions Christchurch alumni, be part of the celebration. Thursday 6 September: Alumni Reception 5–7 September, 2012. Friday 7 September: Anniversary Dinner The celebrations will also be an acknowledgement of For more information and to register: the impact of Canterbury earthquakes on staff and go to www.otago.ac/christchurch students, and recognising our bright future. or email [email protected]

47 ALUMNI NEWS

Alumni in the news Hal Weston (MBA 1) and Manish Sawadkar (MBA 34) represent the Assil Russell (BDS 2011) was still oldest and youngest Otago MBA in high school when she dreamed of graduates and capture the changing face establishing a charity to assist children of the Otago MBA over its impressive 35 in Iraq, the land of her birth. Now, with years. the assistance of her parents, Hanan Manish, who hails from Vashi, Navi and Amir Russell, and her brother, Mumbai, was recruited as part of Otago Mahmood, she has established I Care, MBA’s Six Continent Selection Strategy, a charity for poor and orphaned Iraqi which aims to reinforce the programme’s children who are in desperate need of global perspective. The Otago MBA medical and dental treatment. is New Zealand’s leading full-time, “I Care’s long-term goal is to send campus-based MBA. teams of New Zealanders to Iraq for a Since joining the Royal New Zealand week or two each year to perform the Infantry Regiment Territorial Forces surgeries,” says Assil. The first medical in 2006, Peter has received the New and dental volunteer mission travelled to Zealand Operational Service Medal Iraq last December to deliver health-care and Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal after products, hold education sessions and tours of duty in the Solomon Islands contribute their skills to communities in and Timor-Leste. He has also served in need. To find out more about I Care, go the Defence Force contingent that was to www.iraqicare.com deployed to Christchurch in the wake of the September 2010 and February 2011 earthquakes. In civilian life, he works as an accountant with Ernst and Young. Hal came from a background in radio Robert Bell (BCom 2004) won first and television. He was in the first intake prize for Best Payments Initiative in the of Otago MBA students and graduated 2011 Financial World Innovation Awards, in 1981. Manish now works as an ICT held in London in December. Robert technical consultant for Objective runs a New Zealand-based currency Corporation in Wellington. exchange service company, KlickEx, that Hal and Manish met recently during has also recently won a prize for business the Otago MBA alumni road-show initiative sponsored by the University of entitled World Future, NZ Future, MBA Assil was a recipient of the Alumni Auckland Business School. Future held in Wellington, Auckland and Scholarship in 2007. Dunedin. Peter Archer (BCom, BSc 2011) was awarded the Defence Force’s Reservist of the Year title in July 2011. Lance Corporal You can activate your own Archer beat a field of representatives from @otagoalumni.ac.nz email address by registering as a member of Your Otago the 11 major Army, Navy and Air Force Link. Visit the Alumni and Friends Reserve units from all over New Zealand webpages at www.alumni.otago.ac.nz in a test of skills that included weapons handling, first aid and physical fitness, as well as public speaking.

48 Marama Hall was the venue for a special 90th birthday celebration for alumnus Emeritus Professor John Ritchie in October. Ritchie graduated from Otago in 1944 with a Bachelor of Music and pursued a distinguished career in music as an academic, conductor and composer. He was Head of Music at the University of Canterbury, served on numerous international music organisations, founded the Christchurch Civic Orchestra, was musical director for the 10th Commonwealth Games in 1974 and the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1986, and has guest conducted both the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and the New Zealand Ballet. To mark his 90th birthday, the New Zealand String Quartet performed two of Ritchie’s own compositions, String Quartet, written in 1962, and Turkey in the Straw. The String Quartet featured a new last movement, composed by Ritchie in 2006, following the death of his wife, Anita. His son, Dr Anthony Ritchie, who is an associate professor at Otago’s Department of Music, wrote his own piece for the occasion, Episode for String Quartet, which he dedicated to his father. Following in his father’s footsteps, Anthony Ritchie arranged the choral parts for all 20 national anthems performed during last year’s Rugby World Cup and conducted those played in Dunedin and Invercargill. Atoll Records has also released a CD of his recent chamber music pieces, entitled Octopus, performed by

members of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and Warman Graham Photo: Australian flutist Alexa Still. Dr Anthony Ritchie and Emeritus Professor John Ritchie, with the New Zealand String Quartet.

The University of Otago Magazine is available KEEP IN TOUCH online at www.otago.ac.nz/news/otagomagazine/ and is sent – by post or email – to Otago alumni and friends wherever Address for correspondence they are in the world. Development and Alumni Relations Office University of Otago Please email [email protected] PO Box 56 Dunedin 9054 • to update or change delivery address Physical address • to read the Magazine and other alumni communications Alumni House, 103 St David Street, Dunedin electronically Tel 64 3 479 4516 • to receive an email notification when a new issue of the Email [email protected] Magazine is placed online Web www.alumni.otago.ac.nz • to receive just one “household” copy of the Magazine.

49 WHATEVER HAPPENED TO …

… Disability Information & Support?

When Donna-Rose McKay (Disability “One of the interesting things about “I found I was really enjoying working Information & Support – Head of it was that the University put this role with students. So, when the research Service) was a student at the University of in place prior to people with disabilities project finished, I moved straight into Otago in the late 1970s and early ’80s her even having human rights in New student advising.” experience was vastly different to that of Zealand,” she says. Holt stayed in the role for several students with disabilities today. “It was even before the Ministry years as the services grew, but left at the Sitting in her wheelchair outside the of Education mandated that tertiary end of 2000 as she began a family. Upon Registry building, in the rain, waiting for institutions needed to consider the her return in 2009 she immediately her bursary cheque to be brought out was needs of disabled people – so Otago was noticed changes. pretty much the norm. ahead in both areas. It says a lot about “I was thrilled to see that the team “My long-suffering friends pulled me the University and for DAG who were had grown in number and was providing up two or three flights of stairs twice fighting like mad at a time when there a much more professional service. The a week to the top of the Quad Geology was nothing to support them.” impression I got was that the University building to my stats lecture because they By 1998, increased funding saw a was really supporting the office as it refused to move the lecture to somewhere project officer and an administrator could see that much-needed support and more accessible.” added, allowing McKay to begin information was being offered.” But attitudes were changing and, in establishing formal systems and start McKay and her nine dedicated staff 1992, McKay was taken on as a part-time strategic planning. cater for a wide range of needs, from disabilities co-ordinator, making 2012 “Until then we didn’t think about medical conditions and physical mobility the 20th anniversary of the Disability processes: we just thought about who was impairments, through to specific learning Information & Support (DI&S) office. at the door, who you were sitting down disabilities and mental health conditions. The then equal employment with, what they needed, how to get it – Demographic data for 2010 showed opportunities co-ordinator Kris and, sometimes, where the money might that 1,413 students, or 6.38 per cent of Smith had been helping students with come from.” the student population, were identified disabilities and, with the support of One of the people who was there in as having a disability. Of those, 852 had a other staff and students, had formed a those early days is student advisor Emma disability that affected their study. DI&S group called DAG – the Disability Action Holt who originally started out as project resourced 653 students providing more Group. It was a huge help as McKay officer, taking on a research project than 25,500 hours of learning assistance. developed her fledgling role and, by 1996, focusing on postgraduate students. Services range from employing note- the position was full-time. takers to organising alternative test and examination arrangements, which can vary from providing a computer to having someone to write for them. Other “… the University put this role in place services include providing interpreters, prior to people with disabilities even having tutors and research assistants, or human rights in New Zealand.” arranging the alternative formatting of printed material.

50 The Disability Information & Support team: (back row from left) Emma Holt, Eileen O’Regan, Helen Ingrams. (Front row from left) Jenny Week, Donna-Rose McKay, Kim Daufratshofer. Photo: Graham Warman

… Disability Information & Support?

Full-time student advisers, based at themselves. A lot of advocacy can be the tools and the confidence to do that. the new DI&S offices in the Information around things such as helping a student “A common misconception is Services Building, are available for get an extension for an assignment that students with disabilities all cost students to discuss their requirements or concerns about having difficulty money – they don’t. In the majority of with and they will work with students to accessing information. situations, what is required is a change put in place a learning support plan. “It may involve getting together in process, of attitude and the way you During the course of the year DI&S with people in that department and possibly do things.” employs between 300–350 casual staff to brainstorming about ways to meet the McKay says that having lecturers who take on these roles. Most are students, student’s needs. teach inclusively and cater for a range of but they also have graduates and former “We do have a philosophy of ‘nothing learning styles makes a big difference. staff involved. They are trained and get about me without me’ so, if we are going “If the way they teach meets the needs supervision and feedback to help them to be talking about student issues or on of all the students in the class, including develop. behalf of a student, then the student is disabled students, that would take so Half of the budget is funded by the always involved in that.” much work off our shoulders.” Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) But DI&S does need to advocate in It is a formula that is still developing and the remainder comes through the wider sense when policy changes and evolving, but over the years DI&S the University which also funds other are proposed, to make sure they have a staff have seen some amazing success disability-related initiatives. positive rather than negative impact on stories with students going on to achieve While learning support services students with disabilities. highly in their chosen fields, yet McKay are a core function, there are times McKay’s own role now has moved deflects any credit. that advisers need to help the students away from hands-on operational work “The bottom line is that the students advocate for themselves or, with the to a more strategic one, looking at how did the work themselves: we supported student’sStudents permission, advocate barely for them. raise theyan caneyebrow make the campus even more them and they are continuing to achieve Actingto learning the artsupport in manager their midstinclusive. … in their paths.” Jackie Fox says it can be as simple as “The aim is to give departments MARK WRIGHT liaising with a department because greater responsibility to support students, the student is anxious about doing it but, at the same time, provide them with