Fortnightly newsletter for University staff | Volume 39 | Issue 14 | 7 August 2009

Early Childhood Education Key events provision seen as vital Shape of the future Professor Rod Gover (Mathematics), in his inaugural lecture, will speak of how geometry has a key role in the quest for understanding “Life, the universe and everything”. To understand this we need to throw away the idea that geometry is just about points and straight lines. In fact, the very idea of what geometry and shape means is evolving rapidly. The lecture will take place from 7-8pm on 13 August at Lecture Theatre 1.439, School of Engineering. Electoral challenges In the first of five sessions in the series “Big challenges for a small nation: Setting the 2010 agenda” the Department of Political Studies invites you to hear “The future of electoral politics in New Zealand” with Associate Professor Raymond Miller (Political Studies) and political organiser Matt McCarten, chaired by Dr Jennifer Curtin (Political Studies). This will Lynda Florian works with children at a University ECE centre in Symonds Street. take place from 12.30-2pm on 13 August at Old Government House. See www.arts. A recent review of Early Childhood Education In addition the team received academic advice .ac.nz/mpp for further information. (ECE) at The highlighted from the Faculty of Education on ECE research and its importance not only to the welfare of families training, and from the University’s Department of and the career advancement of individual staff Statistics on the survey development and analysis. Evolution and purpose and students but also to the strategic objectives Kim Hope said one pleasing aspect of the Does evolution by natural selection rob life of of the University as a whole. review was the degree of support for quality its purpose? On 19 August in a lecture entitled ECE was identified as vital for recruitment, provision of ECE from across the University, “Evolution, art, science and purpose”, the third retention and success of staff and students, with including from those who had no direct personal in the Liggins Institute’s Seasons of Life series, particular relevance to women, Māori, Pacific and need for the services. Distinguished Professor Brian Boyd will argue postgraduates, and with the potential to meet the The Women Returning to Work Report (2007) the contrary view. He will show how needs of older staff and students with identified access to ECE centres as the single evolutionary thinking has lately expanded first grandparenting responsibilities. greatest priority for women returning to work after into the social sciences and recently into the Links to professional training and to the taking parental leave. The report noted the humanities and the arts, and how, in a very University’s research goals were also seen as importance of retaining highly skilled women after real sense, evolution creates purpose. The highly relevant. they had taken leave, and the benefits this had for lecture will be at 6pm in the Robb Lecture Led by Trudie McNaughton, Pro Vice-Chancellor the organisation. Theatre, 85 Park Road. It is free and open to (Equal Opportunities), with external consultant Kim “Our approach was to engage very broadly, the public but bookings are essential. Hope as reviewer, the review team’s working group both in the composition of the group and its Email [email protected] or included students and staff, two unions – the spread across the campuses,” says Trudie tel 09 303 5972 or ext 83372. Association of University Staff (AUS now TEU) and McNaughton. “We worked very hard to get a New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) – as well diverse range of views and expertise.” as the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Māori), Property Kim Dirks, Auckland Branch President from the Services, the Pacific Reference Group, Student TEU, said: “The whole process was so positive and Administration and Human Resources. story continued on page 2

University news is published by Communications and Marketing, Fisher Building In this issue 18 Waterloo Quadrant, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142 email [email protected] www.auckland.ac.nz/universitynews 2 Biotechnology incubator Editor Judy Wilford 3 Oral histories Photography Godfrey Boehnke, Kathryn Robinson 4 Recycling waste Designer Vanda Tong From the Vice-Chancellor ‘Giant leap’ for biotechnology Construction of an innovative new research He quoted Sir William Jervois, Governor of New From 27 July to 3 August, I presented to staff on each campus (and will present to the space at the University to house an incubator for Zealand, at the opening of the University in 1883. University Council on 17 August) the outcomes biotechnology companies began on 28 July, with "The work in which we are engaged – placing the of the 2009 Staff Survey. Although the Survey the Honourable John Banks, Mayor of Auckland advantages of a university within the reach of participation rate was down slightly from the City, turning the first sod. every man and woman of Auckland – is one the first Survey in 2007 (49 percent vs 53 percent), The Institute for Innovation in Biotechnology – importance of which it is almost impossible to the results nonetheless give us a very useful the first such incubator in New Zealand – brings over-estimate. It is work that will, I trust, influence insight into how staff view the institution. together academics and industry in one location. not merely the immediate neighbourhood and the In all but one of the Survey categories The new purpose-built annex, designed by present generation, but also indirectly the whole (Satisfaction with the work), there was a Stephenson & Turner, will increase the existing colony, and that for all time." statistically significant increase from 2007 in research space and facilities to over 10,000 square “It’s extraordinary that on this day in 2009 we the proportion of staff who had a positive view metres, giving the Institute a permanent home and are repeating these words, and it’s wonderful to of the University. This change was most allowing its expansion. see that the Governor’s vision continues to benefit apparent in the categories of: Leadership (+10 percent); Employee engagement, “The concept is very simple – it’s about inviting the not just this city but the nation,” said John Banks. Communication and career development (all biotechnology industry to work alongside University +7 percent); and Working relationships and scientists,” said Professor Joerg Kistler, Director of the collegiality, Image and reputation, and Work Institute, explaining that it would allow companies to organisation and Operating efficiency (all +6 share costly equipment as well as encouraging the percent). Lesser (3-5 percent), but still flow of information between scientists. significant, improvements were recorded in “There are also many benefits for the University. Innovation and empowerment, Immediate Additional research projects will come from manager and Reward and recognition. industry – there are already examples of this with The Survey also allows us to make industry internships – and it’s a way to grow the comparisons with the Global Applied next generation of biotechnology scientists.” and Academic Researcher Norm calculated John Banks quipped that this start of by the survey company, Towers Perrin-ISR, construction was “one small step for this using responses from staff in international Mayor John Banks turns the first sod, with Joerg Kistler, research and educational institutions. great University and a giant leap for the Stuart McCutcheon, director of Property Services Peter University of Auckland staff were more biotechnology industry”. Fehl, and Chancellor Roger France. positive than the international norms about their institution’s environment for communication and reward/recognition, but story continues from page 1 less positive in areas such as leadership, image and reputation, and the opportunity forward-looking; that was what made it so provision of high-quality ECE on each campus); for innovation in the working environment. successful.” quality (for example, by providing non-contact time, While improvements since 2007 are Alex Sims, also from TEU, added that the pay parity and professional development for ECE encouraging, there are several potential availability and quality of ECE is extremely staff); communication (for example, improved confounding effects in a study of this kind. important, to the extent that it “makes a accessibility of information and establishment of Following the last Survey we worked hard to difference to whether people can continue to work online registration); accessibility (for example that improve staff knowledge of and interaction at the University”. the ECEs reflect the University’s standard hours of with the Senior Management Team (something Prue Toft, EEO Manager, also noted that high 8am till 6pm and should open at least from that was noted as a particular area of concern) quality and affordable ECE centres aid staff 7.30am to 6.30pm); and service provision (for and that appears to have paid off in terms of recruitment. Many staff are “dual career couples” example, that the University investigate the how staff view University leadership and feel and may not have family living locally to provide feasibility of campus school holiday programmes). engaged with the organisation. On the other hand we have also, since 2007, entered a back-up. Good facilities on campus can support The review recommends that the University worldwide recession with increasing their decision to work at The University of continue to provide both Kōhanga Reo (with total unemployment and therefore perhaps a Auckland. immersion in Te Reo Māori) and Kōhungahunga tendency for staff to feel more positive about The major outcome from the review is a set of Centres (providing instruction in Māori language). an organisation that provides a relatively strong and comprehensive recommendations, It also recommended investigating the feasibility of stable employment environment. Future building on the excellent work already being done provision of a Pacific Island language nest. surveys may help us to understand the relative in ECE and closely in accord with the University’s Trudie McNaughton’s own family “has magnitude of these effects. Meanwhile, each strategic objectives. benefited in the past”, she says, “from very Dean and Service Division Director will be These recommendations are already approved high-quality early childhood education from provided with results for their area so that they in principle by the Vice-Chancellor and the dedicated ECE staff at the University including can discuss them with colleagues. Action plans University’s Senior Management Team. the iconic Elaine McCulloch”. will then be developed and incorporated into “We can now move towards the development Her overall vision for ECE provision is that it be Annual Plans to make the University an even of a business case and an implementation plan,” of highest quality, that it support the strategic better working environment for staff. says Trudie. objectives of the University including high-quality She is pleased that the University’s Campus research, growth in postgraduate studies, and Development Plan gives a “wonderful opportunity training for ECE professionals, that it support our to align the review’s recommendations with future commitment to Māori and Pacific communities, planning”. and that it assist in recruitment of talented staff Among major recommendations are that the and students. She says that while the University commits to the “provision of high-quality recommendations of the Review are ambitious, she ECE centres utilising research and teaching is sure that they are achievable over time. expertise and opportunities”. The review is available on www.auckland.ac.nz/ The full set of recommendations covers planning uoa/home/about/eo-equal-opportunities/ (for example, that the University commits to eo-updates-and-events

2 17 MayAugust | 2009| 2009 Significant stories preserved Mäori and Pacific participation and research also grew over the years, as did female participation in traditionally “male” subjects. Trailblazer Professor Charmian O’Connor recalls how she became a junior lecturer in Chemistry at the tender age of 20 in 1959. This was in spite of the era’s attitudes which prohibited females from applying for most scholarships, forbade male and female hostel dwellers to mix apart from on Sunday afternoons and didn’t allow for childcare facilities. But by the 1980s a liaison officer was appointed who encouraged women to take engineering and science subjects – a very positive move according to Charmian O’Connor, who is pleased to report during her interview that the male:female ratio for chemistry students has changed to about 50:50. She also talks about her work establishing the Equal Opportunities Office and Staff Development Office (now the Centre for Academic Development) while she was Assistant to the Vice Chancellor. Judge Mick Brown (Chancellor 1986-1991 and Megan Hutching (left) with two of her interviewees: Warwick Nicoll (right) and Jock Brookfield. Pro Vice-Chancellor (Mäori) 2002-2005) and Stories of the most important twists and turns in Business and Economics 1998-2008) talks about Professor Nicholas Tarling (rotating Deputy the University’s history over the past 50 years – the Owen G. Glenn building, officially opened in Vice-Chancellor, among other posts, 1978-91) remembered by those who led the changes – are February 2008. discuss the time the University, with the aim of now on record, thanks to the 125th Jubilee oral Of particular significance in the growth of the defending academic freedom, took the history project. University were the establishment of the Medical Government to court in the late 1980s over Historian Megan Hutching was commissioned School in 1968 – discussed by founding staff proposed education legislation. The case was last year to interview 16 former senior members Professor Sir John Scott and Professor settled out-of-court when the University was administrators about their early lives and their Jack Sinclair – and the opening of Waipapa assured of certain safeguards such as the Senate. time at the University. The results – more than 50 Marae 20 years later, recalled by Professor Light-hearted moments and colourful characters hours of recordings featuring a veritable “Who’s Ranginui Walker, first Pro Vice-Chancellor (Mäori), pop up in between explanations of administrative who” of University decision-makers – have now Professor Dame Anne Salmond, first Pro Vice- matters such as governance structure. Warwick been lodged in the Library’s archives. Chancellor (EO), and others. But expansion wasn’t Nicoll talks about his job of signing every single More students! More buildings! is a recurring always smooth – regarding the Human Sciences degree and diploma for every single graduation theme of the interviews, which cover long periods Building, built in the late 1970s, long-time until the advent of electronic signatures in 2001. of University expansion. The establishment of the Registrar Warwick Nicoll quips: “At one stage Jack Sinclair remembers that Cecil Lewis, first Tamaki Campus, Maidment Theatre and student during its construction, it was further from Dean of Medicine, had learned how to break Recreation Centre are discussed by several completion than when it started.” quarter-inch bolts with his hands while working in interviewees including Sir Colin Maiden (Vice- The increasing importance of research – and circuses in his youth (studying melanoma in lions). Chancellor 1971-94). Others, such as Professor Pat research funding – is highlighted by recollections He willingly demonstrated this strongman ability Bergquist (Head of Zoology 1986-92) and Dulcie of the founding of Auckland UniServices Ltd in the for Medicine’s staff and visitors. McNaughton (North Shore Teachers College Dean 1980s to manage applied research funding. The Other interviewees include Jock Brookfield 1960-80), recall their own days as undergraduates firm, recognised world-wide, is now probably “the (Professor of Public Law 1985-93), Ray Meyer in the 1940s and 1950s, when the ClockTower and most successful university spin-off commercial (Assistant Vice-Chancellor, Tamaki, 1991-97), Old Choral Hall were practically the only company in Australasia”, says Warwick Nicoll, who Warren Moran (Dean of Arts, 1993-97) and Jack permanent buildings on campus. Fast-forward 60 also talks about the development of Auckland Woodward (rotating Deputy Vice-Chancellor, years, and Professor Barry Spicer (Dean of University Press as one of his “joys”. 1982-1991). University wins at Montana Awards , an acclaimed New Zealand fiction and next year she will work as an MCW adviser. ). The judges said the book’s “editorial writer and member of the Department of MCW is a one-year full-time programme in which intelligence marks it as an anthology that adds English, has won the top prize in this year's students who are interested in writing a novel, short something significant and new to the work as it Montana New Zealand Book Awards. story or poetry collection, cross genre/multimedia has appeared thus far”. Novel About My Wife (Bloomsbury UK; work, or other approved project, explore both the Sam Sampson, who earned a masters distributed in New Zealand and Australia by Allen theory and practice of writing. Participants degree in Philosophy from the University & Unwin) was awarded the Montana medal for undertake first and second drafts of their project in and tutored for some time in ethnomusicology, fiction or poetry. The book, about a grieving seminars, research their writing subjects and genres, won the NZSA Jessie Mackay Award for Best husband reconstructing events that led to his wife's and work under the guidance of academic staff and First Book of Poetry. The judges said his collection, death, was described by judges' convenor Mark professional writers. Everything Talks (Auckland University Press), Williams as “highly assured fiction by a writer Esteemed writer, poet and literary critic Emeritus “displays an uncompromising effort to make working at the height of her powers”. Professor C.K. Stead (English) won the Montana language work intensely, to generate excitement Emily Perkins is currently enrolled in the Medal for Reference and Anthology for his and involvement from the reader, and to toy with University’s Master of Creative Writing programme, Collected Poems 1951-2006 (Auckland University access to meaning”.

The University of Auckland News 3 Waste not

As well as renegotiating recyclables. In the lower-use contracts with waste collectors areas, matching bins are placed and bringing the cleaners on board together, while in the public spaces the project involved research and inside buildings, smaller paired trialling of several possible bins bins are used. and systems. This three-tiered system is now When blue wheelie bins were being put in place in all campuses. introduced for cans and bottles in Lesley acknowledges the tireless the open areas, the results were work of many people in this disappointing, with high levels University-wide initiative. The waste of contamination from waste of and recycling team is made up of other kinds. However, the working staff from Property Services - group discovered that by placing Emmett Mackle, facilities manager, the “bottle-and-can” bin beside one Kieran Pollard, campus services for general waste, the level of manager, Michael Steves, contract contamination then dropped administrator, Doug Oliver, Transport officer Doug Oliver with one of the new “double station” bins. dramatically – to around nine transport officer, Bob Koosache, percent. “But wheelie bins remain superintendent, Tamaki and Epsom, “This is something people have Lesley. “We found that 22 percent problematic because they can be and Stanley Jones, grounds and been wanting for years and it’s of the waste stream by weight was moved around and people are so precinct manager. Also involved really great that it’s happening bottles and cans, with another 12 used to just using them to dump have been the waste management now,” says Environmental percent paper, so we set about things in. If a recycling wheelie bin and cleaning contractors, the Coordinator Lesley Stone. finding effective ways to get them gets separated from a general cleaning staff “who have been very Lesley was speaking of the new out of the waste stream in both the waste bin, it tends to get trashed,” supportive”, and the thousands of recycling system for bottles and common areas and offices.” says Lesley. staff and students who have helped cans now being rolled out across The result after two years of work By trial and error the team with the trials. AUSA’s Albie all campuses. and trialling is a set of internal and discovered also that the shape and Morsley and Tom O’Connor, and A survey of 1,000 staff found external bins that enable bottles, position of openings made a their team, have played a that 94 percent of those surveyed cans, paper and cardboard to be difference: “If both types of bins significant role in trialling and would like to see the University separated in all the main common had open tops, the rate of effecting a workable system for recycling its waste. areas, and in increasing numbers of contamination went up.” high-use areas such as the main After two and a half years of departments and units. For offices, The final decision was to use student quad. research, preparation and trialling, a system of desktop cubes and stainless bins with a rubber flange The new bins are now working the University’s waste and recycling paper trays is now being used by for bottles and cans - which reduced very well in high-use areas, says team is satisfied that the system more than 2,000 staff and is contamination to 0-6 percent – and Lesley. Intensive monitoring will chosen for University-wide roll-out helping to reduce by up to 60 to use three different recycling continue as the team streamlines has been proven to work well. percent the paper sent to landfill. combinations in different the system and works out where The research began with a look at When the team, made up of staff environments around the University. more bins are needed. It’s now just what comprised the University’s from Property Services, first In high-use areas – for example over to students and staff to make waste. “We took eight tonnes of the discussed recycling, it seemed fairly close to the cafeterias – large sure the work of the team pays University’s waste, had it dumped straightforward. “But that turned out purpose-built double stations have off in terms of a cleaner on a concrete pad and took a to be famous last words,” says Lesley been installed, with different environment for the University one-tonne sample from it,” says with a laugh. apertures for rubbish and and for the wider world. Stories without end (History) in a packed lecture Responding to the award, she before it was lost. These aims have theatre at the Department of delivered an address entitled been widened over the years to Māori Studies on 22 July. “Stories without end”. First she include “scholarly studies of the The medal, first presented in entranced her audience with past and present” New Zealand 1970, recognises “outstanding stories of nineteenth-century gift Māori and other Pacific peoples scholarly work on the New Zealand exchanges between Tühoe and and their cultures. Māori…. in the fields of ethnology, representatives of the Crown that In addition to the quarterly social anthropology, archaeology, featured such exotic items as a Journal of the Polynesian Society, prehistory or linguistics”. rooster and a billy-goat. Then she an international journal now in its Like pioneer ethnologist Elsdon explored the way these stories 118th year, the society publishes Best, Judith Binney has worked for have been repeatedly retold, other works, such as a new edition many years in close co-operation adapted to changing of Apirana Ngata’s four-part with the Ngāi Tūhoe of the circumstances, in later contexts. collection of Māori waiata, Urewera. In three groundbreaking Her address will be published in produced in association with books, Mihaia, Nga Morehu – the the Journal of the Polynesian Auckland University Press Survivors and Redemption Songs, Society later this year. (2002-2007). Judith Binney. she developed scholarly methods The Polynesian Society was Since 1980 the Polynesian for handling oral sources and founded in in 1892 with Society has been based at The President of the Polynesian Society, demonstrated convincingly that the aim of interpreting and University of Auckland, where Dr Dame Joan Metge, presented discrepancies between multiple preserving the traditional the Departments of Māori Studies the Elsdon Best Memorial Medal versions of the same events are knowledge of the Māori and other and Anthropology provide support to Emeritus Professor Judith Binney both meaningful and illuminating. indigenous peoples of Oceania and facilities. 4 7 August | 2009 Urban spaces Viewpoint has been a professor in Brazil, Argentina and Cuba, says his favourite city in Latin America is Foreshore and Buenos Aires, which he places on a level with the seabed Review – all great cities of the world. “I have taught in New York, in Paris, in this expense to say Buenos Aires – I love all three – for the life of the city, the intensity of the experience, the what was evident environment which creates the support for a Despite international United Nations bodies vibrant urban life.” finding the Foreshore Seabed legislation as Professor Segre’s interests are strongly focused discriminatory to Māori and despite the hikoi on architecture as an expression of cultural on Parliament (May 2004), in reflection of the values and a creator and reflector of aesthetics. overwhelming majority of submissions made He therefore gives his attention not only to the to the Select Committee opposing the past but also to current cultural trends and the Foreshore and Seabed Bill, the Foreshore and ways these will need to be accommodated in the Seabed Act was enacted vesting title of the architectural and urban spaces of the future. foreshore and seabed in the Crown. “Over the last 50 years, young people are This Bill was the catalyst for establishing present in the cities much more, because of the Māori Party. In my opinion there is no changing lifestyles and changing patterns of doubt that this current review of the Foreshore family responsibilities. To stay healthy, they need and Seabed Act would not have arisen if the room to move. They need places to play sports Māori Party had not advocated for a review. and games. Old people, who now comprise a This is provided for in the Confidence and Supply Agreement between the National Roberto Segre at the School of Architecture and Planning. higher proportion of the population, also want to be out in the squares and gardens.” Government and the Māori Party. The Hood and Seelye Fellowships aim to Issues of space will also preclude cars as A panel was established comprising former promote a stimulating exchange of scholastic transport for individuals in the future. “Sao Chief Judge of the Māori Land and High expertise between The University of Auckland Paolo now has 15 million cars. There is simply Court Justice, Eddie Durie, historian and and other parts of the world. not enough space to keep accommodating academic Associate Professor Richard Boast, The advantages of the visits always flow their increase.” and cultural and Māori language expert both ways: visitors bring knowledge at the “In the 1980s and 1990s there was a Hana O’Reagan. highest levels; but they also take benefits away privatisation of public space,” says Professor After national hui and feedback the panel with them. Segre. “Now there is a move to reclaim the provided responses to the four areas within its In the case of Seelye Fellow, Professor Roberto centre of cities as public space.” terms of reference. Segre, hosted last month by NICAI School of The message he would like to leave behind Confirming the legal views espoused in the Architecture and Planning, and the NZCLAS about Latin American architecture is that even Ngati Apa decision, that native or aboriginal (New Zealand Centre for Latin American Studies) in a continent we think of as having limited title existed unless it was evident that this the reciprocal advantages of the visit are resources, there is immense creativity in its title had been clearly and plainly especially clear. architectural approach to sustainability and in extinguished, the panel offered a raft of Not only is Professor Segre the first historian of creating living and cultural spaces that will options to respond to the Ngati Apa case. architecture to visit New Zealand from Latin continue to serve people’s needs for a satisfying This included negotiating with Māori a America, bringing a lifetime of knowledge at the life as we move into the future. nationwide settlement and substituting highest level of expertise, he is also experiencing a special statute. the architectural environment of this part of the The panel also noted that the Foreshore world for the first time, and is keen to pass on his Attention staff and Seabed Act was discriminatory, failed to impressions when he returns home. Please help to create an inclusive learning enhance mana whenua, and advanced the He has observed a similarity here between environment for students with impairments. general public interest at the considerable Latin American and New Zealand architecture, The University of Auckland’s EO Office is expense of Māori interests. particularly in the recent experimentation with asking for the participation of all general and After reviewing various models, the panel new materials, novel spaces and combinations of academic staff in completing anonymous online provided various realistic options available, different elements, for example of wood and surveys between now and Friday 14 August. favouring a “mixed” model, to recognise and metals. “Both share a search for what is We are committed to providing all of our provide for customary and public interests in different.” He also notes the increasing use of students, including those with impairments, the coastal marine area. These options innovative locally-produced materials. with the best possible opportunities for require a repeal of the Foreshore and Seabed “There has never been a publication in educational success. We know all staff – Act and the enactment of new legislation. Brazil featuring New Zealand architecture,” he general and academic – have the potential to Given the initial reaction to this legislation says. “I have seen many interesting buildings support students with impairments. from Māori, the courts andInternational here and would like to write an article to be Please help us and go to bodies and the public, although it is hardly published there.” www.stat.auckland.ac.nz/survey/eo surprising that the panel has reached this Says Dr Rosangela Tenorio, senior lecturer in The questionnaire is anonymous, will only decision, it is encouraging. Architecture: “Professor Segre’s visit is take about 15 minutes and any questions not This will provide a test case as to whether enormously important for us as architects. applicable to you can be skipped. a “compromise” can be met over a space Usually we look to Europe for our architectural Thank you for your assistance in making that all New Zealanders perceive as their influences. Latin America is a continent of rich this project a success. own, a test case that perhaps should have contrasts to which Roberto has applied a deep Trudie McNaughton been made in 2004. critical analysis. During this visit he has helped Pro Vice-Chancellor (EO) Valmaine Toki (Law) raise our awareness of Latin American traditions Any enquiries contact Vicki Watson ext and connections with the New Zealand context.” 84923, or [email protected] Professor Segre, who was born in Milan and

The University of Auckland News 5 Books Notable feat in creative writing

Murray Edmond. Lisa Samuels (left) with Selina Tusitala–Mash.

Michele Leggott holding the book and CD.

In a remarkable burst of creative endeavour, five current and former academics from the English Department have had volumes of poetry published this year. In addition, a former staff member, C.K Stead, has won a Montana award for his Collected Poems of 2008. “To have books of poetry published by so many English staff members in a Albert Wendt. single semester is remarkable, and indicates our continuing strength in and commitment to creative writing and New Zealand literature,” says the head of English, Professor Tom Bishop. Marsh’s Fast Talking PI, both published by Auckland University Press. All of the books have either appeared on the books pages of University Still to come are Associate Professor Murray Edmond’s The Fruits Of (with News or will appear in forthcoming issues. Already featured have been images by Joanna Forsberg), published by Holloway Press, Emeritus Professor Associate Professor Lisa Samuels Tomorrowland, published by Shearsman, Albert Wendt’s Adventures of Vela, a novel in poetry published by Huia Associate Professor Michele Leggott’s Mirabile Dictu, and Dr Selina Tusitala Publishers, and Lisa Samuels, Throe, published by Oystercatcher Press.

6 7 August | 2009 Art From the collection

The large silvery ball of ferns that – there is a large example floating floats above Civic Square in between floors in the Aotea Centre. Wellington is possibly one of New Produced two years after the Zealand’s most iconic sculptures. 18-metre Chalice that has become It was produced in 1998 by Neil a landmark in Cathedral Square, Dawson, who has created similarly , Chevron was created spherical works in Paris for the for The University of Auckland Art Centre Georges Pompidou, as well Collection in 2003 as a special as Manchester, Melbourne, Kuala commission for the Kate Edger Lumpur and Hastings. A student amenities complex. Both Christchurch-based artist with an these works anticipate his Bomber international reputation, he has also Command Flybuy, 2005, which had works installed in Osaka, Hong shoots into the sky like a spotlight. Kong, the Australian National Chevron, like all of Dawson’s Gallery and the entrance for the works, is solid yet ethereal, produced Stadium of Australia for the 2000 from steel but appearing weightless, Sydney Olympics. even when fixed to the ground.I t is Initially trained as a teacher at hard but transparent, integrating with the , the environment and accentuating its Dawson later completed a graduate height with the exaggerated diploma in sculpture at the Victorian perspective effects that make many College of the Arts in 1973. His first of his works appear to sit in the air as suspended sculpture, Echo, was if he was sculpting with sky. produced in 1981 for the A remarkable piece of Christchurch Arts Centre, a line engineering, Chevron transforms drawing of a building that seems to flat sheet materials into complex invert itself as you walk around it, three-dimensional geometry, in this

much like an Escher drawing. case a triangular stainless steel TNETT

Architectural forms, especially beam bent to form a chevron shape AR H stairs into the sky, continue to with a dissolving lattice at the top. AM appear in many of his works, As Dawson described the work in S O: including Throwback (1990), the his preliminary design report, the T large upturned arch that resides sculpture “will be angled from O PH behind the Auckland Art Gallery in vertical by 20 degrees and will bend Neil Dawson (b.1948), Chevron, 2003, stainless steel. The University of Auckland Albert Park, forming a giant back 40 degrees upon itself at Art Collection. signature “D” but also a monument ‘knee’ point at a height of to Auckland’s architectural history approximately five metres.… The section progressively open up, accentuated on an autumn evening. which suffered so much in the upper section will be perforated, helping the cantilevered structure The University also owns a small 1980s. Along with foliage, feathers with the density of perforations balance. This also makes the work wall-piece, Skywalls, purchased in are another favourite motif of increasing with height.” seemingly evaporate into the sky, an 1987 which resides in the School of Dawson’s, emphasising the lightness Precision-cut by laser, the effect that is particularly dramatic Music. suggested by his suspended works hexagonal lattice forms of the upper when its flame-like lighting is Andrew Clifford

Winter Week gets bigger and better

A record enrolment for this year’s Winter Week on Campus was presentations this year was extremely high. “Ground–breaking research was a very positive start to the Centre for Continuing Education’s semester outlined, previously accepted knowledge and opinions were challenged, and two programme. current directions of politics, medicine, and the environment were reassessed. Over 240 keen adult learners, from as far away as Wellington, who relish Both participants and lecturers enjoy the Winter Week experience.” the opportunity to access the expertise of University lecturers in their chosen To quote one participant: “It is a privilege to have hugely complex material field, spent the week of 6 -10 July on campus. They attended lectures in such presented by people so steeped in their topic that it is easy to grasp, and diverse topics as “Ancient Greek mythology and the encoding of culture” relevant to life experience”. (Professor Anne Mackay, Classics and Ancient History), “Antarctica: The frozen For others the best aspect of Winter Week is that it offers a fascinating continent” (Associate Professor Clive Evans, Biological Sciences), “America and window into some of the world-class research being done at the University. the rest of us: The Obama effect” (Associate Professor Steve Hoadley, Political Lindsay Diggelmann (History) enjoys teaching for CCE at Winter Week Studies) and “Europe transformed: Pre-modern to the present” (Lindsay and says: “The adult students are really keen to learn. They ask intelligent Diggelmann, History). Afternoon sessions entitled “Celebrating Darwin” and questions and are a very responsive audience.” “Medical matters” were presented by academic staff from the Faculties of Some were so inspired by Lindsay Diggelman’s lecture series that they Science, Arts, and Medical and Health Sciences. enrolled as non-credit students though CCE for the “Body and blood: Continuing Education programme managers, Libby Passau and Jo Davies, Religious cultures and conflicts” C50-1650: CCE course which Lindsay enjoy designing a new programme of lectures each year and say the quality of co-teaches in semester two.

The University of Auckland News 7 by Jennifer Curtin, Dept of Political Centre, Auckland International and MISCELLANEOUS What’s on Studies. WAVE/AUSA. Administrative assistant. Dept of Obstetrics Confucius Institute free movie friday 7 AUGUST Visit www.arts.auckland.ac.nz/mpp and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Faculty Inaugural Lecture 2009 Kekexili. 6.30-8pm Lecture Theatre of Medical and Health Sciences. We are Department of History postgraduate Prof Rod Gover, Dept of Mathematics, 3.402, School of Engineering, seeking a positive, enthusiastic and proactive student workshop UoA: Geometry and the shape of the 20 Symonds St. Queries to individual to provide administration Dr Tim Rowse, University of Western future. 7-8pm Lecture Theatre 1.439, [email protected] assistance. This role will support the work of Australia: ‘Inside’/‘Outside’: Writing School of Engineering, 20 Symonds St. the National Coordinator for the Perinatal and indigenous history. 2-4pm Rm 43, 7 Maternal Mortality Committee and the NZ Wynyard St. Please register for this event Classifieds Cochrane office. The successful candidate will to receive readings and for catering SATURDAY 15 AUGUST ideally have excellent communication skills, ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE the ability to prioritise and work under purposes to [email protected] University of Auckland interfaculty Dept of Philosophy research seminar City/University. Apartment, Brooklyn pressure, and be capable of working rugby tournament autonomously. Applicants would need to have Prof Mohan Matthen, University UoA Rugby Football Club, Colin Maiden Building, Emily Place near Law School. Generous one bedroom, separate living, proven administration experience preferably of Toronto: Memory and Park, 85 Merton Rd, Glen Innes. kitchen, bathroom. North-facing corner, within a tertiary and/or health environment. justification. 3-5pm Patrick Hanan Rm Match day one: Commerce v Law and This is a fixed-term appointment for two 501, Arts II. whiteware. No carpark. $280 pw. Email Medicine v Engineering [email protected] or years, part-time, 30 hours per week (0.8 FTE). Bye: Property. [email protected] or phone Closing date is 12 August 2009. For further saturday 8 AUGUST Queries to Tim Brightwell, 64 9 521 0486. information and to apply please visit phone 027 223 5345 or email Kohimarama: Sunny three-bdrm house, www.auckland.ac.nz/opportunities. Māori and the city workshop For a limited time: $20 hearing tests This workshop will bring together a [email protected] two and a half bthrms, study, hobby room, laundry, dble internal garaging and off street, available for children aged from six months to growing number of Māori researchers five years. Please call the Hearing and Tinnitus tuesday 18 august alarm, underfloor heating in lounge and interested in both historical and HRV system, private outdoor area, modern Clinic, Tamaki Campus for an appointment. contemporary issues related to Māori Essential skills for managers décor, desirable quiet neighbourhood, very Phone 373 8791 (ample free parking). and the city such as urban Māori 8.30am-4.30pm Rm 336, Level 3, Bldg close to Kohimarama Primary School, shops HRC - supported PhD opportunities in heart, lung and gastrointestinal research communities; Tangata Whenua spaces 810, 1-11 Short St. Two-day course and waterfront. $690 pw. Available after 31 at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute in the city; working, playing, and designed for UoA managers/team July for long-term rental. No smokers or pets. (ABI). Several PhD studentships are currently praying in the city; city-inspired Māori leaders to explore key management Phone Bill on (027) 596 6596. art, waiata, and architecture; and available in the ABI, as part of three major concepts. Part two on Tuesday 25 research projects recently awarded funding comparative indigenous experiences. To August. Enrol via PeopleSoft HR accommodation required by the Health Research Council. The research register your interest or for more Employee Self Service (code HRIMP). For projects will suit students with a keen interest information contact Aroha Harris, queries phone ext 89630. Do you wish to rent your home for a in the quantitative study of the physiology and [email protected] Fifth Winter Lecture year? A professional couple (approaching pathophysiology of the heart, lung or digestive Dr Bronwyn Dalley, Deputy Chief retirement) have sold and are looking to rent system. Some but not all of these projects will for a year from early October. We will take Executive, Ministry for Culture and require a strong undergraduate degree in tuesday 11 AUGUST good care of your home. We have a small, Heritage: Writing NZ history in the engineering or applied mathematics. These Fourth Winter Lecture well behaved cat. References available. twenty-first century: Some old stuff: funded studentships include tuition fees of Dr Aroha Harris, Dept of History, UoA: Remuera, Parnell areas. Minimum three Engaging a public past and present for $5,000 per annum plus a stipend of $25,000 Writing NZ history in the twenty-first bdrms. Phone (021) 297 5426. per annum for three years. Applications the future. 1-2pm Maidment Theatre, century: This is not a renaissance. 1-2pm are invited from interested students who 8 Alfred St. Queries to Bill Williams, ext Maidment Theatre, 8 Alfred St. Queries are eligible to undertake PhD study at The 87698 or [email protected] overseas Accommodation to Bill Williams, ext 87698 or University of Auckland. The cutoff date for Visit www.auckland.ac.nz/winter Greek apartment: Study leave or holiday. [email protected] applications is 14 September 2009. Students School of Music research seminar An Auckland academic’s retreat is available Visit www.auckland.ac.nz/winter must discuss the projects in person with John Coulter: Creative practice as to rent any time. Located within three hours School of Music research seminar the project supervisors prior to making an research. 1-2pm Music Theatre, School of Athens Airport, Tyros is an ideal base for application. For further information on the David Nalden: ‘But the violin is so of Music. study leave in Europe. It is well served by projects and the application process please unnatural!’: Causes and avoidance of Health Research Council of New buses to Athens. The Tyros apartment is brand contact Dr Merryn Tawhai (Acting Associate performance-related pain and injury. Zealand (HRC) Roadshow new within a classic Peleponnese village with Director Postgraduate, ABI), m.tawhai@ 1-2pm Music Theatre, School of Music. 1.30pm Rm 730-207, Tamaki Campus. its bay and beach-front tavernas. Visit the auckland.ac.nz Bioengineering research seminar website www.tyrosapartment.com Email The presentation will include information I am a postgraduate student looking David Nickerson, Research Scientist, [email protected] for a babysitter for my two and a half on opportunities for HRC funding. Auckland Bioengineering Institute: Olympics in Vancouver/summer in year-old daughter. We are looking for a kind- Queries to Denise Greenwood, ext A Physiome standards-based model Auckland house swap: Are you an Olympics hearted, intelligent person; fluent English and 83562 or [email protected] publication paradigm. 4-5pm Fifth Floor fan with dreams of attending the Vancouver experience with children are essential; studies Bioengineering research seminar Seminar Rm, 70 Symonds St. Winter Games? A lovely family home (three in child development or related subject are a Dr Yanxin Zhang, Dept of Sport and bdrms, two bthrms and a guesthouse-cum- plus. We live in in Parnell. Pay is from $15 per Exercise Science: A review of three- office in the backyard that can sleep more) hour. Phone Irina on (021) 059 5637. wednesday 12 AUGUST dimensional motion analysis techniques. located with easy access to Olympic venues Research Cooperative. School of Asian Studies seminar 4-5pm Fifth Floor Seminar Rm, 70 (UBC ice rink, downtown Vancouver opening http://cooperative.ning.com, an international Bonnie S McDougall, Emeritus Professor Symonds St. ceremonies, Richmond Oval), airport (less than NPO and network for research students, in Chinese, University of Otago: State School of Asian Studies seminar 10 minutes away), Cypress Mountain (30 mins researchers, science writers, technical communicators, illustrators, editors, sponsorship or gift exchange: Two Bonnie S McDougall, Emeritus Professor by car) and Whistler Mountain (less than two in Chinese, University of Otago: hours away) is available for house swap from proofreaders, translators, and publishers. All models of translation transactions in languages, topics, countries. Volunteer or Marginal benefits: Post-colonialism, end of January through early March, 2010. modern China. 6.30pm Rm OGGB5, The house features mod-cons and is very airy paid services. Administration contact Owen G. Glenn Bldg, 12 Grafton Rd. multi-culturalism and identity in Hong and comfortable. Owner and his daughter [email protected] Kong fiction and poetry. 6.30pm Rm are keen athletes/windsurfers so a house that The Zukerman Experience. A giant of OGGB5, Level 0, Owen G. Glenn Bldg, is close to Auckland beaches, great outdoors classical music, violinist Pinchas Zukerman thursday 13 AUGUST 12 Grafton Rd. and urban amenities would be ideal. Contact makes his NZ debut. Presented by the NZSO NZ Governance Centre: Small and [email protected] and Chamber Music NZ. medium enterprises and family wednesday 19 august Programme of events: business conference 1) Edward Elgar’s masterpieces. 6.30pm, 13 2009 Philosophy lecture series Until 14 August. There will be an PROPERTY FOR SALE August. Prof Tim Mulgan, Professor in Moral academic workshop today for St Ronans – an academic retreat. 2) A celebration of Brahms. 6.30pm, 14 and Political Philosophy, University August participants followed by the conference 30 minutes from Auckland CBD, this three- of St Andrews: Ethics for a broken 3) The Beethoven violin concerto. 3pm, 15 tomorrow. Keynote speakers include: bdrm, two-bthrm, single-garage with single world. 6.30pm Rm OGGB5, Owen G. August Prof Joe McCahery, University of carport home is a blend of 1920s character Glenn Bldg, 12 Grafton Rd. Zukerman Chamber Players. 8pm, 15 August. Amsterdam; Prof John Farrar, UoA; with today’s modern conveniences. Master bedroom has 180-degree views to Auckland Visit www.nzso.co.nz/concerts/concerts_and_ Prof Jean Jacques du Plessis, Deakin City, the harbour and beyond. The property tours/the_zukerman_experience University. Queries to thursday 20 august has a fully detached dble-bdrm studio with Travel. I have 12 years experience in booking [email protected] its own power and phone connections with all aspects of personal travel for university Doctoral morning tea staff and lecturers. I pride myself in ensuring Dept of Political Studies seminar 10-11am iSpace, 4th Floor, Kate Edger views to Auckland City, the harbour and Assoc-Prof Raymond Miller, UoA and beyond. Part of the original house boasts that your travel plans are sourced at the Information Commons. This is a chance lowest possible costs and are tailor-made political organiser Matt McCarten: Big some Waitakere Ranges heritage as it was for all doctoral students to mingle, talk to your requirements. For more information challenges for a small nation: Setting the Rendezvous Tea Gardens between 1949 and share common issues. This event contact Karen on Karen.embleton@ the 2010 agenda: The future of electoral and 1953. Phone Lawrence Stevens on (09) is supported by the PGSA, Graduate mondotravel.co.nz or phone 940 0064 (wk) or 827-4824. $529,000. politics in NZ. 12.30-2pm OGH. Chaired (021) 188 7781. For a full list of The University of Auckland events see: Please email classified ads to [email protected] nine days before www.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/home/events publication. Cost $20 (incl GST).

8 7 August | 2009