UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO MAGAZINE 44APRIL 2017

INSIDE Alumnus Professor Robert Webster Avian flu, ethics and the future

Planning for the ‘Age of Ageing’ Politics and dignity Arts fellowship celebrates 50 years University of Otago Magazine A magazine for alumni and friends of the University of Otago Issue 44 APRIL 2017 ISSN - 1175-8147

Editor Karen Hogg

Designer Peter Scott

Writers Kevin Clements Kim Connelly Ian Dougherty Laura Hewson Karen Hogg The Amie Richardson Stephen Sowerby Sam Stevens University of Otago Fleur Templeton Kim Thomas Mark Wright Magazine Nigel Zega

Photographers Sharron Bennett has its Alan Dove Sheena Haywood Michael Roberts own website Graham Warman Cover Professor Robert Webster Photo: Alan Dove

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2 CONTENTS ISSUE NUMBER

4 Vice-Chancellor’s comment 44 5 Age CARE The Collaboration of Ageing Research Excellence brings together research expertise to help plan for our ageing population 9 The remarkable sharing of Woolshed Bay Queenstown farmers have gifted their Woolshed home and property to the University of Otago 12 ‘Influenzial’ career Otago alumnus Professor Robert Webster and the Webster Centre for Infectious Diseases

16 Being the change University of Otago, Wellington Dean Professor Sunny Collings 19 What if? Professor Jeremy Waldron discusses the complexities of modern politics 22 Hormone test wins grant A new simple-to-use test offers potential in the fight against breast cancer

24 Pacific realities Otago alumna Sala Muliagatele Georgina Bonin 26 Opinion Professor Kevin Clements, Director of the National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, on dignity and politics 28 Artistic endeavour Otago’s Frances Hodgkin’s Fellowship celebrates 50 years 32 On board Student Ryan Jones is the youngest local body representative in New Zealand 44 Dental alumni grab seats Former students support the Dental School redevelopment project

31 Otago Magazine survey 48 Alumni news 34 InBrief 54 Books 40 UniNews 55 Whatever happened to ... 46 Hocken legacy the Larnach Castle ball of ’67?

3 VICE-CHANCELLOR’S COMMENT

ach year during Orientation my husband Michael and I currently live extremely appreciative of the amazing Ewhen I am speaking to students I was a gift from Annie Stevenson who opportunities that it will afford. As a highlight the relation between privilege, gave her family home to the University University community, we share their obligation and gratitude. For Otago of Otago on the proviso that the Vice- vision that their lovely home will become students, privilege comes from the gift Chancellor always live there. We are the a place where world-class scholars come of education – a gift, that for many of only university in New Zealand where to meet, to think, to discuss, to debate them, will change their lives and lives the Vice-Chancellor has such a stately and to solve some of the world’s most of their children forever. That privilege residence to reside in and host functions pressing problems. also comes with a price tag and I remind and visitors on behalf of the University. The other thing that makes this gift students that the bulk of that price tag for Our Leading Thinkers Chairs and the particularly remarkable is that I know domestic students is covered by the New two major equipment items that were what this property means to the Jardines. Zealand taxpayers. I remind them that provided through Leading Thinkers The land has been in their family for with the privilege of education comes Initiative were also made possible by generations. I also understand the vision the obligation to be grateful, to say thank gifts from organisations and individuals and the blood, sweat and tears that it you in multiple ways, to give back to the – many of these donors are successful took to turn the bits and pieces of a community that supported them, and to alumni or family members of alumni smelly old woolshed into a magnificent do great things with the gift they have who got their start at Otago and who piece of art that you can live in. The been given. have expressed their gratitude by giving house and the property have been a In January this year, I found myself back to us. Each of these gifts has allowed labour of love and the University of with the opportunity to practise what us to do great things. And just before Otago is incredibly grateful to be the I preach. As you will read in this Christmas, we were gifted a series of beneficiary of that labour. edition of the Otago Magazine, Dick stunning Paul Dibble sculptures from the The American architect, Frank Lloyd and Jillian Jardine have gifted their Stewart Halls Residence Council. These Wright once said, “The mother of art is amazing property on the shores of Lake graceful pieces of outdoor art will help architecture. Without an architecture of Wakatipu to the University of Otago. On us to maintain our position as one of the our own we have no soul”. I know how January 10, the Chancellor and I had the most beautiful campuses in the world. much of Dick and Jillian’s souls have privilege of attending a function in their Every one of these gifts and gone into Woolshed Bay. On behalf of the home where the official announcement many, many more were generous and University of Otago, I promise that we was made. I would like to express my remarkable, but for me, two things will be faithful stewards of the property sincere gratitude to the Jardines for their make the Jardines’ gift particularly in perpetuity. amazing generosity and I promise that generous and remarkable. Unlike we will do great things with their gift. many of our other gift-givers, the It turns out that many of the special Jardines have no prior affiliation to the things we have at Otago originally University. They have taken a major started with a gift – the Vice-Chancellor’s leap of faith by entrusting us with Professor Harlene Hayne Residence or the University Lodge where this spectacular property and we feel Vice-Chancellor, University of Otago

4 FEATURE Age CARE As people live longer and healthier lives the concept of old age needs to be redefined. Otago’s Collaboration of Ageing The Research Excellence (CARE) brings together local, national facts and international research In 2001 those aged 65 and older comprised 11 expertise to help us plan better per cent of New Zealand’s population. By 2051 that’s forecast to more than double to 24 per for the “Age of Ageing” and its cent, some 1.22 million people. implications for communities, The numbers of those aged 85 and older are expected to increase sixfold, from about health care and public policy. 50,000 in 2001 to almost 300,000 in 2051.

he human body does not arrive with a user’s manual giving The questions T instructions as to how to get the best out of it. Is screening for falls and frailty in general But we do know a lot about caring for it when it’s new and practice effective for identifying people at risk? maintaining it as we age, and we’re getting better at fixing it when Do all older adults want to stay in their it goes wrong, even down to making and fitting replacement parts own homes and what is needed to make and providing social support. this possible? So, in most of the developed world, we are living healthier and How many choose to move to retirement longer lives than ever. That’s a plus for individuals, but presents villages and do we need more? society with a number of new challenges. Who should decide how retirement villages We have reached the “Age of Ageing”, says Associate Professor are designed and staffed? Debra Waters. And although ageing populations now feature in the How do we train, pay fairly and support care media and on government agendas, we still have much to learn. workers, including family members? Waters is Director of the University of Otago’s new research How do we attract doctors and other health theme CARE – Collaboration of Ageing Research Excellence – professionals to specialise in geriatrics? with five years’ funding to study all aspects of ageing. CARE grew from the establishment of the Network of Ageing Why do some people age better than others? Research at Otago University (NAROU), which joined the How do we start a conversation about International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics (IAGG) providing dignity in death? and the Global Ageing Research Network (GARN) in 2011 – and from Waters’ role as the Director of Gerontology Research.

5 With initial funding from Health Similarly, the numbers of those aged Otago, as well as many other age-service Research South at the University of Otago, 85 and older are expected to increase agencies including Otago Partners for Waters and colleagues rebranded the sixfold, from about 50,000 in 2001 to Elders’ Needs, Arthritis New Zealand, network to CARE. In its first year it grew almost 300,000 in 2051. the Otago Pacific Trust, the Dunedin from 25 researchers to 60, with local, “People are living healthier, longer City Council and the Southern District national and international connections, lives and that’s what CARE wants to Health Board. Other CARE members leading to CARE earning research theme see,” says Waters, “but it means we are have similar connections in Canterbury, status and support in 2016. having to revisit our definitions for Christchurch, Wellington and the Waters’ says that without the excellent older people. We tended to define people Auckland region. work of CARE’s steering committee over 65 as old, even using the pejorative Local collaborators and researchers and advisory group, it would have taken term ‘elderly’ to refer to them. Now even are drawn from Otago’s biomedical much longer to get to this point. the oldest old, those 85 and older, are sciences, clinical practice, public and What started as a network of people challenging stereotypes and changing the indigenous health, the social sciences, working loosely together has now way we think about ageing.” population and community health, rural united Otago’s research talents across So is 60 the new 40? “That may be health and health service providers. public health, policy, sociology and a stretch, but maybe 75 is the new 65. With such a line-up of expertise basic sciences with investigators from We’re already working with the concept and experience, are we likely to see not only all the Otago campuses and that people might not be considered CARE promoting top 10 tips for ageing Otago Polytechnic, but also universities older adults until 75 plus. Some recently gracefully? Is there a guide for older in Auckland, Australia, the USA and funded research in New Zealand is people to get older still? Waters says it’s Canada, and across Europe including using this definition, although this is not already happening. France, the Netherlands and the UK. necessarily the case for those of Māori or “Age Concern already does a really Waters’ service to multiple Pacific Island descent, who tend to age nice job of that. And ACC is now gerontology organisations has helped younger. This is a disparity we would like talking about wellness in holistic terms. foster many long-term collaborations. to see change.” General practitioners, researchers and She is currently vice-president of the New Another impending change that needs policy-makers are starting to work Zealand Association of Gerontology, and to be addressed is retirement. “With living together on how to help support people on the management team of the Ageing longer and having fewer children, we are to age well and live in their own homes Well National Science Challenge led by likely to be seeing people working past independently for longer. Otago’s Professor David Baxter. current retirement ages if they are to keep “Age Concern Otago’s Steady As You Waters’ own research strengths going both physically and financially.” Go falls prevention exercise programmes parallel CARE’s main aims, particularly Research shows that keeping busy is are run by peer leaders in local investigating ageing relating to physical crucial to living the good life. “We need communities and are effective as well as health and the loss of skeletal muscle and to stay active in retirement, whether we very sociable. But you have to take exercise function (sarcopenia) and interventions are still in paid work or not. seriously. You can’t just do a programme to reverse frailty. “Keeping physically and mentally fit for 10 weeks and then stop and expect Many people today are keeping and socially connected makes all the the benefits to stay with you. You have to healthier and living longer, and babies difference. It’s important not just to keep make the effort to keep it going.” born today have the potential to live longer active in body – you also need to keep Fortunately, programmes such as still. With fewer children being born, your mind engaged for as long as you can. Steady As You Go and Tai Chi have current and future populations will become “The University of the Third Age is been very successful in retaining increasingly skewed towards older people. a great concept for continuous learning participants, with some classes running New Zealand records show that in throughout your life. And volunteerism is since 2003. “What keeps people coming 2001 those aged 65 and older comprised a fabulous thing – Age Concern survives back? The social connection. It’s just 11 per cent of the population. By 2051 because of it.” one of the benefits of group physical that’s forecast to more than double to 24 In the Otago/Southern region CARE exercises. Participants see the dramatic per cent, some 1.22 million people. has close connections with Age Concern improvement in their function and want

6 Associate Professor Debra Waters: “We’re already working with the concept that people might not be considered older adults until 75 plus.” Photo: Alan Dove

7 “With living longer and having fewer children, we are likely to be seeing people working past current retirement ages if they are to keep going both physically and financially.”

to maintain it. Classes are fun, social honest answers, maybe we might need to villages are designed and staffed? How and keep the brain active. Even ACC ask different questions. do we train, pay fairly and support care appreciates that there are important “We have been having many workers, including family members? social benefits as well as physical. conversations about this because it could How do we attract doctors and other “Another element that is gaining change the way a lot of ageing research health professionals to specialise in attention is the importance of spirituality is done. geriatrics? Why do some people age as we age. That’s not a religious concept, “International co-operation helps us better than others, and how do we start but could be described as finding to see how research in one environment a conversation about providing dignity something that nurtures your soul, compares with others and what might be in death? such as the peace some people find in different. Research in rural Southland “These questions and many more cut a garden or in nature or in going for a equates to rural elements in other parts across all cultures in multicultural New walk, nurturing mental and emotional of the world such as France, where there Zealand.” health. We are fortunate to have leading is an active outdoors culture. Urban CARE’s research is expected to bring researchers in this area as part of the research is more likely to equate to significant benefit to New Zealand CARE steering committee and network.” some big cities that were never built to in understanding health and the Waters is discovering new challenges. encourage getting outdoors. ” health sector, public policy and local As part of her investigations into body Finding the right topics to investigate communities. CARE’s international composition and physical function is crucial. “We have to ask ourselves exposure is building the profile of during ageing, she was involved with what are the most important questions. gerontology at Otago, attracting screening for pre-frail participants for To do that we talk to stakeholders and researchers to New Zealand and students a multicentered trial in regions around community members to find out what to Dunedin. Auckland and in Invercargill. matters to them. When they realise you “What is so exciting is that the “We were somewhat surprised to find want to hear what they have to say – you networks we started continue to expand it very hard to recruit subjects who are want to answer the questions they have and bring together not only researchers, over the age of 75 and fit the inclusion – you get instant buy-in. It’s an exciting but stakeholders and other organisations criteria for pre-frailty. They wanted to time to be engaged with research that is in the area of ageing,” says Waters. “Our be in the trials, but many were not frail a collaboration with older people, elder goal is to graduate to Centre of Research enough.” service providers and policy-makers. Excellence status, which would allow us Discussions with Waters’ colleagues “We’re learning a lot about what to expand our knowledge and resources in France led to scrutiny of how we need to focus on in the next 10 and attract more science collaborators questions about frailty were being asked, years. There are going to be some huge and more stakeholder and community despite there being many validated questions that we have to deal with and investments. questionnaires. understand better. “We also want to future-proof by “Frailty research has been quite “Is screening for falls and frailty in getting more students into gerontology. focused on a ‘deficit model’ that asks general practice effective for identifying We need younger people because sooner people what they are not capable of or people at risk and for increasing referrals or later we’ll be joining the ageing how they have lost capacity. We wonder to appropriate intervention? Do all population ourselves – and it’s important if we should have been asking what they older adults want to stay in their own to continue the positive energy and were capable of. It’s natural not to want homes and what is needed to make this commitment of all those currently to admit to being a bit frail, which has possible? How many choose to move to working in this area to help New obvious implications for whether or not retirement villages and do we need more? Zealanders age well.” you can still live independently, so to get Who should decide how retirement NIGEL ZEGA

8 DEVELOPMENT

The remarkable sharing of Woolshed Bay Queenstown farmers Dick and Jillian Jardine have gifted their Woolshed Bay home and property to the University of Otago to be used as a research retreat.

ay “Otago” and “University” and the kitchen door is a large potager – woolshed. During this time, the couple Sthe institution’s iconic Clocktower abundant with berries, stone fruits, established the landscape which would building on the banks of the Leith espaliered French pears, and overflowing attract native birds. springs to mind – but now, thanks to with vegetables, herbs and flowers. Reputedly used by Rees himself, this the generosity of a Queenstown farming Adventure activities such as woolshed was an essential part of high- family, it will also be linked with a skydiving, windsurfing, rock climbing, country farming life, big enough to hold spectacular high country homestead on biking, fishing and hiking all take place about 800 woolly ewes. With no road the shores of Lake Wakatipu. nearby on the station. and no Kawarau Bridge, the steamship In late 2016, Remarkables Station Since 1922 the Jardine family have Earnslaw linked the property to the owners Jillian and Dick Jardine gifted farmed in the Wakatipu area, including outside world. While the steamer today their four-hectare Woolshed Bay the land of Kawarau Falls and Lochlinnie ferries tourists around Lake Wakatipu, property to the University of Otago’s Stations. This was once a part of an her cargo then included sheep, cattle Foundation Trust, including the old extensive merino sheep run farmed by and supplies. The boat would dock at the shearers’ quarters and a magnificent William Rees, an early European settler, nearby jetty to transport wool from the Woolshed house. Wakatipu explorer and surveyor who station to Kingston and on to market – The Woolshed house sits only metres brought large-scale pastoralism to the the jetty posts are still visible from the from Lake Wakatipu and is surrounded area in the early 1860s. On Remarkables homestead. by beautiful gardens, which have become Station, the Jardines have farmed sheep, In more recent years the old woolshed a haven for native birds. With spectacular cattle and, more recently, deer. was also a place where shearers 180-degree lake and mountain views Dick and Jillian Jardine took over cooked and staff lived, and it became a – from the Remarkables to Cecil Peak Remarkables Station 32 years ago, living temporary happy house for a Glenorchy and beyond – the property has many in the homestead on the eastern side of family forced to leave their home by the features, including a productive olive the station until the 1990s when they 1999 historic flood of Wakatipu. The grove and a miniature vineyard. It is moved to Woolshed Bay. There they lake rose two metres, but the woolshed situated in a microclimate which allows created a home from a collection of old remained high and dry. even cold-sensitive plants such as feijoas, huts and the shearers’ quarters, before However, Jillian had a vision for lemons and limes to grow. A step from moving into the transformed and historic the woolshed and employed a talented

9 Dick and Jillian Jardine: “The Wakatipu has been very good to our family for several generations and this gift to the University of Otago is our way of acknowledging that.” Photos: Sheena Haywood

draughtsman and creative builders who It is a comfortable and social place, with gifts Otago has received” and says the worked with her to make this vision a large spaces and secret corners, an ideal University is looking forward to working reality: by 2007 the old woolshed had place to think and to share and to discuss with the Jardine family to develop their become an extraordinary home. – a very special place that the Jardines vision for the property. The new house follows the footprint want to preserve. “Leading researchers could come from of the old shed, with some materials “The Wakatipu has been very good to all over the world to spend a week or two salvaged for re-use. Tin and shingle our family for several generations and together to debate, discuss and present from the original roof now line the this gift to the University of Otago is our data to solve the world’s big problems. ceiling high above the foyer, featuring way of acknowledging that,” they explain. It will give them access to an extremely a suspended glass walkway above the “The area is changing so quickly: we valuable, but intangible, commodity – art gallery. Old gratings have been wanted to secure the future and integrity time. repurposed into shutters and floors. of the land and buildings.” “Leaving the hubbub of your email, Timbers still bear graffiti scribblings by The Jardines wanted Woolshed Bay the phone, students and research rousies, and recycled jarrah beams and to carry on its story, growing into its laboratory for a place where you can flooring were obtained from Perth. Local full potential. They have long admired literally get away from everything will stones have been set in concrete and the world-class research undertaken by provide an unprecedented opportunity old telephone poles provide structure the University of Otago, particularly for researchers to get the time they need in the living room. Recycled metal is in medical fields, and wanted to help to take the next step in their work.” comfortably juxtaposed with modern the University fulfil its wider vision of Professor Hayne says Otago is very steel and glass. producing research that benefits our aware of the Jardines’ “leap of faith” True to its origins, this beautiful country and the world. Thus, the idea of in entrusting care of the property to homestead reflects enterprise, using Woolshed Bay as a research retreat the University, which is even more imagination and hard work. It is also a was slowly born. remarkable as the Jardines are not place where guests from all walks of life University of Otago Vice-Chancellor alumni, but have always admired the are made welcome, where the past has Professor Harlene Hayne describes the work of the University. “The gift is very been preserved, but not frozen in time. donation as “one of the most significant personal because it is a home they have

10 created with their own hands. Although it would have considerable value in commercial terms, the family’s vision – which the University shares – is that the property be held in perpetuity. “This illustrates their desire for stewardship and, as is the case with all our gifts, the University is absolutely committed to protecting both their vision for its use and the special nature of the property for many years to come,” says the Vice-Chancellor. University of Otago Chancellor Mr John Ward adds that the Jardines appreciate the University of Otago’s commitment to conserving its heritage buildings. “This is an extraordinary gesture and Otago feels very privileged to be charged with its future preservation, as well as making the most of the opportunities that prevail. We have received many positive comments about this gift: the response has been overwhelming.” While the homestead is “absolutely perfect” for use in the short-term, Mr Ward says there is scope for development as future needs are ascertained. “The University is continuing to explore several strategic opportunities for further involvement in the area and this wonderful gesture provides us with another catalyst.” The Jardines have donated another special part of Remarkables Station to the QEII Trust – the Jardine Boulder Field, gifted for community use to “protect its uniqueness”. World-renowned, its bus-sized boulders, good access roads and dramatic surroundings have made it a popular tourism and rock-climbing destination. Dick and Jillian will leave their Woolshed Bay home and property with pride and pleasure.

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“Leading researchers could come from all over the world to spend a week or two together to debate, discuss and present data to solve the world’s big problems. It will give them access to an extremely valuable, but intangible, commodity – time.” Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne

11 FEATURE

‘Influenzial’ career A beach littered with dead birds provided a “eureka” moment for Otago alumnus Professor Robert Webster who, over the following decades, became a world authority on avian flu, its transmission and its implications for the future.

outh Otago, the Great Barrier Reef, Animal Research Centre where, as New to the Webster Centre for Infectious Sthe live bird markets of Hong Kong, Zealand’s first veterinary virologist, he Diseases and the Webster Family Chair and St Jude Children’s Research Hospital began to isolate viruses in many local in Viral Pathogenesis at Otago. in Memphis may all seem like completely animals and also completed a master’s That unexpected new direction also unrelated places – until, that is, you align degree, researching the ORF poxviruses produced a lifelong collaboration with them with a long and illustrious career. in sheep. leading Australian biochemist Graeme For Professor Robert Webster, his The opportunity to go to Canberra Laver. more than 60-year journey from being and work with poxvirus authority A beach walk provided a “eureka” one of a family of 13 children on a farm Professor Frank Fenner in a new School moment when they found the shore near Balclutha to being an international of Microbiology at the Australian littered with dead mutton birds and authority in avian influenza has been full National University appeared too good wondered if they had died from avian flu. of twists and turns. to pass up. However, his career path was “We’d just had the 1957 Asian flu Having initially followed his older about to take another twist. pandemic and the big question was where brother into studying Chemistry at the “I can remember sitting in his office did these pandemics come from? University of Otago, Webster’s career the day I arrived and he said: ‘I’m going “There were two possibilities. Either path took its first unexpected turn when to get you to work on influenza’. It was a the virus simply went through massive Molly Marples, wife of Zoology Professor great disappointment,” the 84-year-old mutations or it came from another Marples, spoke to the chemistry Webster adds with a wry smile. “But what source. Our idea was that it probably did club about the new Department of did I do for the rest of my life? I worked come from another source because there Microbiology she was heading up. on influenza.” were influenza viruses showing up in “She talked about microbiology – Webster embraced his new direction, pigs and chickens and ducks around the micro-organisms, bacteria, viruses, yeast going on to publish more than 600 world, but no one had really connected – and captured me, as it were, to the idea original articles and reviews on influenza them.” of putting together chemistry, disease viruses. He was made a Fellow of both World Health Organization (WHO) and animals. So I moved my focus to the Royal Society of New Zealand and funding allowed them to go to the Great microbiology.” the Royal Society of London, and a Barrier Reef where they identified healthy Armed with a BSc in Microbiology, member of the US National Academy seabirds carrying antibodies related to Webster headed to the Wallaceville of Sciences. He has also given his name the pandemic strain.

12 “Many animals, such as sheep, don’t get influenza, so what are the genes that prevent them from getting it? Could you put those genes into the pig, into the chicken and create genetic resistance? That will happen.”

“It showed two important things: flu other birds in Hong Kong’s live markets NIH developed six centres for research, was present in perfectly healthy seabirds as a source. Authorities closed the each with a multi-million dollar budget. and, secondly, you got the virus out of markets, stopping its spread there, but it Their work has proved vital in the the poop, not the respiratory tract. We survived in ducks in China and remains development of more effective vaccines. proposed that this was the source of the a problem today. They have also served as the WHO influenza viruses that went into pigs and The virus, now known as H5N1 (bird Collaborating Center for Studies on the humans.” flu), has become endemic in South-East Ecology of Influenza in Animals and Webster moved to Memphis, Asia, Indonesia, Vietnam and China and Birds – providing information on animal Tennessee, to continue his work, has spread to Europe. viruses that pose a threat to humans. confirming that aquatic birds are the Generous funding from the United Although Professor Webster has reservoirs of influenza. By the early 1990s States National Institutes of Health retired from his role, he recruited Dr interest in the flu was waning – that is (NIH) enabled the formation of the Richard Webby, another Otago graduate, until six young people in China died in Centre of Excellence for Influenza who now heads up the programme of 1996 and the world suddenly took notice. Research for Hong Kong and Memphis excellence for influenza research. Detective work by a team recruited (St Jude Children’s Research Hospital), urgently by Webster identified ducks and headed initially by Webster. Eventually

“The question with bird flu is would these viruses ever have the ability to transmit human to human? If they transmit from chickens to humans they kill 60 per cent.” Professor Robert Webster Photo: Alan Dove

13 What would it take for a bird flu like H5N1 to not only jump to humans, but also be transmitted human to human?

Although the work of Webster and others in the field means influenza is far better understood, that troubling question remains. Epidemics such as the Spanish flu of 1918, which is now known to have had avian origins, provide a deadly example of what could happen. DNA segments from bodies buried in the Arctic permafrost enabled the sequencing of the 1918 virus and scientists have remade it in high Pandemic flu, containment facilities. tuberculosis and Although a controversial step, it is one Webster is happy to defend because it helps them understand crucial things about the virus. antimicrobial “Why were they so virulent? Why were they so lethal? To understand that we need to understand the mechanism. If you want resistance are to have drugs and strategies to control it you have to have access to important areas these bad viruses,” he says. “The question with bird flu is would these viruses ever have the of focus for ability to transmit human to human? If they transmit from chickens to humans they kill 60 per cent.” scientists at the Research has now established that if three specific molecular Webster Centre changes occur in the virus it can transmit from one ferret to another. All three changes have been found in nature, but never together. for Infectious Webster says “all hell broke loose” when the researchers who did

the work tried to publish. The National Science Advisory Board for Infectious research Diseases. Biosecurity (NSABB), the group concerned with bioterrorism, said it was too dangerous. t may be 60 years since Professor Robert Webster “Eventually it was decided it was so sophisticated that enviro- left the University of Otago, but there is a lasting terrorists wouldn’t be able to do it,” he says. I “They published, but strict rules were put into place for scientists legacy in the form of the Webster Centre for Infectious working with these organisms.” Diseases, named after him and his wife Marjorie. Their However, in 2015 several accidents – including The Centres for endowment to Otago includes the Webster Family Disease Control mistakenly sending H5N1 to a lab and the army Chair in Viral Pathogenesis. sending out live anthrax – resulted in the US Congress halting the work “Marjorie was very much responsible for talking me while guidelines are rewritten. into setting that up,” explains Webster. “She is a Home Webster believes that it is urgent to resolve the guidelines for gain- of-function research because countries like China do not face such Science graduate from Otago and we felt we owed restrictions. something back to the University.” “It needs to be examined carefully because the rest of the world Professor Kurt Krause (Biochemistry) is the is going ahead much more quickly,” he says. “There are huge ethical Director for the Webster Centre which is now in its decisions to be made in biology.” 10th year. On the flipside, research like this could open the way to a universal “We’re a ‘virtual’ centre, meaning we don’t have vaccine for flu. “You could have a universal vaccine in one shot, like with the a building, but we’re a collective of scientists and measles. Influenza vaccines are only 50 per cent effective so we need clinicians who are interested in infectious diseases – much better vaccines.” how to identify them, how do they work, how to treat New drugs are also needed because currently there is only one them, how to prevent them, how to understand them.” effective drug for flu, while there is a plethora of HIV drugs. While the majority of the Webster Centre researchers There is also scope to learn more from the genomes of hosts to understand, for example, why ducks show almost no sign of the disease are at Otago, a number of scientists from other research while a chicken will die from the same strain, he says. institutions participate, including more than 60 experts “What’s the difference? We now know the chicken, during genetic from four universities and several Crown Research development, lost the RIG-I gene – a gene that makes interferon. The Institutes such as AgResearch and ESR. duck does it, the chicken doesn’t, so the chicken dies. Krause says the centre has four main aims – “This is just one of a whole host of genes. Many animals, such as facilitating research in infectious diseases, training sheep, don’t get influenza, so what are the genes that prevent them from getting it? Could you put those genes into the pig, into the students, maintaining a workforce with expertise chicken and create genetic resistance? That will happen.” in infectious diseases and building collaborations

14 Professor Kurt Krause: “We’re interested in translational research including the development of vaccines and diagnostics, but we also have a strong interest in mechanism – how do viruses and bacteria and other microbes work?” Photo: Alan Dove

to address national infectious diseases caused by multidrug-resistant called One Health Aotearoa, based at issues. tuberculosis,” says Krause. the University of Otago, Christchurch, “New Zealand needs strength in “If you have multidrug-resistant with the Webster Centre providing a all these areas to be ready for future tuberculosis your odds of death, even mechanistic focus. challenges in infectious diseases like with treatment, are over 50 per cent, so “The idea of One Health is that pandemic flu or antimicrobial resistance. new antibiotics are sorely needed.” the health of people, animals and the It is important to remember that after Allied with that is a crisis in environment are linked together and a crisis appears it is too late to begin to antimicrobial resistance which, in 2016, should be thought of as one unit,” says develop a response. We need to be ready to was called the next great global challenge Krause. respond immediately,” he says. by the United Nations. Webster Centre “In a way, it may mean a little bit less “At the Webster Centre, we’re scientists are now trying to design new independence for the Webster Centre, but interested in translational research antibiotics and come up with new forms in another way it is a nice coincidence including the development of vaccines of treatment. because Professor Webster himself was and diagnostics, but we also have a Deputy Director, Professor Andy an early advocate of the One Health strong interest in mechanism – how Mercer (Microbiology and Immunology), concept. do viruses and bacteria and other who holds the Webster Family Chair “One of the things he championed was microbes work? The development of new in Viral Pathogenesis, is currently that the flu we get every year is passed effective treatments is catalysed by an looking at beneficial aspects of viruses, between birds and livestock and people, understanding of the basic biology and examining how during infection they are which is a direct affirmation of the One disease mechanisms of infectious diseases. able to turn down inflammation. Health Concept.” “Some of our main interests at Otago Krause says that inflammation, which In the future Krause would like to see include tuberculosis, antimicrobial is helpful during viral infections, can an infectious disease Centre of Research resistance and poxviruses.” be damaging in human autoimmune Excellence (CoRE) with the Webster Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading diseases such as arthritis and lupus. name on it. cause of death worldwide and is a major “So scientists in the Webster Centre are “We already have the MacDiarmid focus for Webster Centre scientists, studying the molecules that viruses use CoRE and the Maurice Wilkins CoRE, including Professors Greg Cook and to reduce inflammation to see if they can and Robert Webster is very much in that Frank Griffin (Microbiology and be used to help people with autoimmune group in terms of international impact.” Immunology). disease.” MARK WRIGHT “Over a million people die each year The centre is now entering a new

and there are 480,000 TB infections phase by becoming part of a larger entity Photo: Alan Dove

15 PROFILE

Professor Sunny Collings: “You can’t solve the big issues and problems if you have people who all have the same experience and think Being the the same way.” Photo: Michael Roberts change An abiding curiosity and longstanding belief in the importance of diversity continue to motivate University of Otago, Wellington Dean Professor Sunny Collings.

16 hile Sunny Collings was doing her what I can do to enhance and shape Now as Dean, she works to foster W postgraduate clinical training in the future of the University of Otago in collaborative research between departments. psychiatry in London in the late 1980s, Wellington.” “Co-supervision of PhD students can she had the chance to do a research The UOW campus hosts around 300 help, as it generates naturally occurring fellowship with Professor Michael King undergraduate medical students (in their research collaboration between staff.” at the Royal Free Hospital about the 4th, 5th and 6th years of training) each For example, Denise Steers, whose PhD eating disorder bulimia nervosa. That was year, and New Zealand’s only Radiation is being co-supervised by Collings and her first scientific paper and she found Therapy undergraduate degree. In paediatric endocrinologist Associate she “really, really” enjoyed the research. addition, there are about 350 research, Professor Esko Wiltshire, is researching “I’m a very curious person. That’s clinical and teaching staff in nine health what happens in clinical decision-making what drives my work and why I became science departments, and more than 21 for infants born with intersex conditions. a researcher. I’m particularly curious different research groups with nearly 700 “We came to it because we are about things that don’t fit existing silos postgraduate students. interested especially in the mental health of knowledge – what is happening in the Collings has worked at UOW in consequences for people down the track. grey areas; on the edges of disciplines, joint academic and clinical roles for 25 This way you get a real cross-pollination social, cultural and clinical practices. years. First appointed Dean and Head of disciplines. This is a fascinating area, That has driven a lot of my research of Campus in February 2011, she is now full of complexity and controversy. and is a binding theme in my life,” says into her second five-year term. The high- “A spin-off of this project has led Professor Collings. level commitment to the Dean’s role to me considering our commitment to Since that time, Collings has means her personal research strategy diversity at UOW in a different way. It’s published on a wide range of topics, from is now “about mentoring others and re-energised a commitment I’ve always food security to ethics and authorship sustaining a balanced research team”. had, for example, to gender equality. issues, with many focused on suicide, “I still like to be learning something Originally I’d thought I could make the self-harm and mental health in primary I don’t know about and to be stretched, most difference by simply being a senior care. otherwise I get bored. I’m not sure if this woman in academic medicine, when Now the Dean and Head of Campus is generally a prerequisite for research, there used to be so few.” When Collings of the University of Otago, Wellington but it is for me. Feeling intellectually was a student there was only one woman (UOW) and Deputy Dean of the extended is my happy place,” she says. professor in the whole of the Otago Otago Medical School, Collings is a Her research career began while she Medical School. consultant psychiatrist and director of was doing her postgraduate training in “As humans we tend to group things the Suicide and Mental Health Research London: she decided she “wanted to have into boxes, but I’ve always been interested Group / Te Rōpū Rangahau i te Mate a go at it” and got the six-month research in people who sit outside the boxes or on Whakamomori me te Hauora Hinengaro, fellowship with Professor King. Once the margins, both in my research and in a multidisciplinary team of researchers she’d qualified as a psychiatric consultant human social phenomena. For example, and clinicians in suicide prevention, she then questioned whether that was in my clinical work, I see people with mental health and illness. what she wanted to do for the rest of her personality disorders who are often seen Although it appears a demanding working career and decided to take the as not ‘conforming’ to straightforward portfolio of roles, Collings says she likes path of academia instead – “a perfect mix diagnoses. having such a varied job and sees the for me of research and clinical work”. “Now I try to work on the things that roles as complementary to each other. “Also, at that time, I was pregnant only a Dean can do and let others take “My workload is actually comparable and we knew it would be tough in the on different roles in the team. Giving to that of many senior clinical academics UK with a young family and no support, voice to diversity is important to me: at the University of Otago. It’s a privilege so we returned to New Zealand.” we need to have diversity where there is to be the Dean at UOW. I see it as a Collings was appointed senior lecturer in influence.” leadership and stewardship role – doing Psychological Medicine at UOW in 1991.

17 “As humans we tend to group things into boxes, but I’ve always been interested in people who sit outside the boxes or on the margins, both in my research and in human social phenomena.”

Collings says her Suicide and Mental “I am very proud that Dr Jenkin has Korowai project. A special Korowai, or Health Research Group is a fantastic recently been awarded a Marsden Fast- traditional Māori cloak, is being woven team of staff and students doing Start grant to investigate acute mental to reflect the significant relationship important work. With suicide being one health units from a design point of view.” between UOW and mana whenua – and of the leading causes of death in New Recent research from the team has MoU partner for Wellington – Ngāti Toa Zealand, research and interventions to looked into suicide investigations by Rangatira. tackle mental health issues are becoming New Zealand coroners and studied the “The Korowai takes the place of the more urgent than ever, she says. They feasibility of formal review of suicide academic gown or can be worn over the have a steady stream of PhD enquiries deaths, the latter funded by the Health top as a symbolic gesture that unites and currently have about six doctoral Quality and Safety Commission on us with our mana whenua. We’ll wear students. Recent student topics have behalf of the Ministry of Health. it at ceremonies such as our Student included: clinician treatment of suicidal “We’re currently working on some Awards Ceremony / Hui Whakanui patients, cyber-bullying, Pacific mental papers in the area of suicide in the Tauira and our Inaugural Professorial health services, men’s mental health media and, particularly, pertaining to Lectures. When not in use it will be and self-harm attendance in emergency social media. It’s important to get media displayed securely as a work of art on the departments. reporting on suicide right as it can Wellington campus. “For our team, I deliberately wanted influence vulnerable people and careful “This is symbolic and important for to have a second-in-charge who comes coverage is probably helpful. That’s a fine us. We were very proud last year to have from a different discipline. Our deputy balance,” Collings says. our largest number of Māori doctors [19] director, Dr Gabrielle Jenkin, is a “I have always been very interested graduating from UOW out of a record social scientist with a whole different in multidisciplinary approaches. Our total of 45 from the University of Otago.” framework for looking at the world: team has such a variety of backgrounds Collings recognises that her position she thinks about social systems and and research interests and that’s what of influence as Dean brings a real power relationships, whereas I am more excites me about this research and keeps opportunity to “be the change you embedded in the world of psychiatry. me going with it, even while juggling the want to see”, and just being present as a “We are lucky – she is an outstanding other roles. The different perspectives of woman and permissive in a senior role is deputy, managing the group’s work my team give me new ideas and eventually insufficient. day to day and we come in with new we’ll find new solutions together. “You need to actively change things ideas and approaches and spot different “I do have to be strategic about the and most management decisions have opportunities. Our different backgrounds research. It’s not possible to run a very the potential to move towards a diverse generate fertile ideas. large group so we focus on medium-sized or more inclusive direction. Diversity “You can’t solve the big issues and external contracts and our PhD students. among decision-makers and leaders is problems if you have people who all Research students are important important, because we as a society all have the same experience and think the contributors to the group. In the last have a stake in this. It’s an investment in same way. There’s increasing evidence of five years, publications have focused on the kind of society we want to create,” that: for example, the National Science suicide and self-harm, and management she says. Challenges have collaborative teams of of mental health care in primary care.” FLEUR TEMPLETON people from all sorts of backgrounds A current campus-wide project that trying to solve the big science issues. Collings is championing is the UOW

18 PROFILE

WhatIndividual liberty versus personal safety; drone if strikes and? targeted killings; the denigration of parliamentary processes: Otago alumnus Professor Jeremy Waldron discusses some of the legal and philosophical complexities of modern politics.

n insurgent detonates a roadside School of Law. In 15 books and maker, becomes whether it’s lawful to A bomb on Thursday, but is killed numerous articles he has explored target that person when they are not doing his civilian job by a missile from a range of questions on political engaged in lethal activity. a foreign power’s aerial drone on Friday theory, constitutionalism, the rule “On the one hand, drone strikes or morning – this distinctly 21st century of law, democracy, torture, security, operatives on the ground protect the method of “targeted killing”, says homelessness and international law. state’s national interests, and the safety of Professor Jeremy Waldron, adds extra Post 9/11 and the US invasion of Iraq, its citizens, but it has to be done in a way complexities to centuries-old debates on his work – such as his 2010 book Torture, that allows states to maintain the moral where criminal law and the rules of war Terror and Trade-Offs: Philosophy for high ground. It presents many interesting intersect. the White House – has delved into the legal questions.” Discussion on this and other legal opaque world of interrogation and In recent years, as the Obama regime “blurrings” has underpinned much of torture to explore how public safety can stepped up targeted killings, questions of his academic career, which began with a be maintained in a way that protects the legality were increasingly asked, he says. Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy) and LLB inviolate rights of the individual. The BBC reported White House figures (Law) at Otago in the mid-1970s. His He has most recently discussed showing US drone and air strikes killed interest in law and philosophy pre-dated individual-liberty-versus-public-safety between 64 and 116 civilians outside war undergraduate study. themes in the context of state-sanctioned zones between 2009 and 2015 – human “There were five children in our “targeted killings”. rights groups argued the number of non- family and we always received volumes A primary concern is that while the combatants killed was far higher. of the Oxford Junior Encyclopaedia. We rules for conventional warfare – where While others discuss the broader got the set pretty quick – I got one called the chess pieces of two opposing powers moral dilemmas these strikes present, ‘Law and Order’,” he laughs. line up to fight “symmetrical” battles – Waldron focuses on providing clarity on Otago furthered his intense interest in are well-defined by various international legal issues. the “intricacies of the whole legal process conventions, laws surrounding counter- “It would be easy to say, ‘if only we and systems, and the ideology of the rule insurgency and killing by drone or death could resolve issues around sovereignty, of law”. squad are more fluid. or limiting collateral damage or doubt He has since lectured at several “Terrorists – or insurgents, if you about the identity of targets’ – but that prestigious universities including support their cause – only do it part- would be a distraction, for me, from Berkeley, Princeton, Columbia and time. The question, about someone who talking about where counter-terrorism Oxford, and now New York University’s is a part-time mechanic and a bomb- measures sit on the cusp between law

19 Professor Jeremy Waldron: “If we purport to occupy the moral high ground in the war against terrorism the indispensable part of the strategy must be transparency and recourse to international laws.” Photo: Alan Dove

20 “The question, about someone who is a part-time mechanic and a bomb-maker, becomes whether it’s lawful to target that person when they are not engaged in lethal activity.”

enforcement and military engagement increasingly dictated that Special Forces, “We have to think about the checks and whether the lethal logic of the under the military chain of command, and balances, and maintaining rigorous war model could, or should, work in would control targeted killings. legal systems. Counter-terrorism, for combination with the individualised “This was a way to challenge the instance, requires greater scrutiny logic of the crime control model.” multiple difficulties it was facing legally because it improves our security by A key question is whether the use – he wanted to make them look more making other people more vulnerable – of lethal force becomes dependent on procedural. But the notion that the US we trade off the liberty of a minority for the ability of the main protagonists to will maintain a death list of 300 to 400 our security. When we do that there are rationalise their actions – or if “fire can people is always going to look somewhat important distributive questions about be fought with fire”. anomalous.” the equity of benefits and burden.” “The Israeli Supreme Court is one Aside from writing on terrorism, And what if the rules from the “war of the most articulate defenders of the Waldron’s work in New Zealand over on terror” are arbitrarily applied to position and says their state must defend the past 20 years has been to return to fight the “war on drugs” in the US, itself with one hand tied behind its “scream a little bit” at the denigration and targeted killing became part of a back. In 2006 it said targeted killing was of parliamentary processes that ideally domestic strategy for crime prevention? permissible when armed apprehension involve many MPs, but which end up Ultimately, Waldron says, justice must and capture of insurgents wasn’t a “being browbeaten and dominated by the prevail. possibility. But US courts see this as a executive”. “In a democracy, there’s always that political question.” “It’s mitigated somewhat by the interplay between popular pressure This distinction was tested in 2010 committee system, but you don’t have the – because when you say popularism when Nasser Al-Awlaki appealed to US different layers of scrutiny in place that you refer to the people whose lives are courts for his son Anwar’s name to be you have in the US, especially after the affected by terrorism or drugs – and the removed from a death list: the courts second chamber was abolished in New requirement to maintain the rule of law. decided they would not hear the case Zealand in the 1950s.” “If we purport to occupy the moral because it was a constitutional issue, Apart from theatrics in the House, the high ground in the war against terrorism Waldron says. erosion of a robust process – he cites a the indispensable part of the strategy Anwar, a US citizen who the Obama rule which allows members of parliament must be transparency and recourse to regime said had links to terrorist groups to not be present in the chamber when international laws. To put it another way, and individuals linked with terror plots, voting on issues – means parliament we would seriously discredit the struggle was killed in the Yemen by a missile fired can be seen as a “talking-shop” by a against terrorism to the extent to which from a CIA-operated drone in 2011. disengaged public and portrayed as we descend into the unconstrained use of But has increased use of drone strikes “comedy hour by the news media”. lethal force.” seen them become publicly normalised, The ultimate danger with all SAM STEVENS despite their precarious standing in safeguards gone is “effectively elective international law? dictatorship – a system in which cabinet “Just as he was anxious from the controls all agendas”. outset to move away from the prisoner Whether it is parliamentary process detainee model that had damaged or terrorism, Waldron’s work explores an President Bush, President Obama important “what if?”

21 COMMERCIALISATION

Hormone test wins grant A new simple-to-use test for measuring estrogenic levels in women’s blood offers significant potential to monitor existing breast cancer patients and as a screening tool to help save more lives.

he widespread presence of chemicals Their first test is for the management “The first product will be a medical T that mimic estrogens, the primary of breast cancer, which will be evaluated device used by clinical practitioners to female sex hormones, has far-reaching in collaboration with clinical oncologists monitor estrogenic levels in the blood of consequences for fertility, health and at Dunedin Public Hospital. patients,” says Heather. “Clinical trials cancer management. Breast cancer is a major cause of death have shown that estrogenic activity Recognising this significance, a new for New Zealand women, many of whom is elevated two years prior to breast test devised by Professor Alison Heather relapse after their initial treatment. cancer diagnosis and so could be used to and her team from Otago’s Department “Estrogens have profound effects identify high-risk people. For example, it of Physiology to measure estrogens – and on the development, progression and may be useful to monitor women at high their estrogen-like imposters – won the recurrence of this disease and current risk of primary breast cancer due to a 2016 Translational Research Grant. therapies block estrogen production family history of the disease.” The $50,000 award will help the to prevent new tumour growth,” says If the estrogenic bioassay proves its researchers commercialise their Heather. “But, sadly, being ‘disease-free’ worth not only as a monitor for recurring technology and fund critical work does not stop recurring disease in some disease, but also a screening tool for new leading to patents and scientific papers. cases.” disease, it could add significantly to the Otago Innovation Ltd will provide This occurs when “estrogen screening techniques currently used, intellectual property management and imposters” – or estrogenic molecules saving more lives. business advice to ensure the needs of – mimic the structure of estrogen, The Translational Research Grant is potential investors or licensees are met. activating molecular signalling cascades an annual competition offered by the The new hormone test leverages in cells and driving new tumour growth. Division of Health Sciences with the cell-based assays already developed by “Having a quick and reliable test for primary goal of assisting researchers in Heather. However, as these tests are estrogenic molecules will provide an the pursuit of research that translates too cumbersome and expensive for use early warning for potential relapse,” she into societal benefits. A written outside the laboratory or for high-volume says. application is followed by a Dragons’ applications, Heather and her team The estrogenic molecules include Den-style pitch to a panel of experts. have dissected and extracted the key naturally-occurring plant-derived STEVEN SOWERBY molecular machinery from inside cells to phytoestrogens, fungi-derived develop a new portable, inexpensive and mycoestrogens and a range of synthetic simple-to-use test to show the presence compounds that are found in many of molecules that activate the estrogen consumer products. Many of these hormone response. compounds can accumulate naturally.

22 Professor Alison Heather: “Having a quick and reliable test for estrogenic molecules will provide an early warning for potential relapse.” Photo: Sharron Bennett

23 PROFILE Pacific realities Alumna Sala Muliagatele Georgina Bonin is applying the knowledge she gained at Otago to her work at the Apia-based United Nations Development Program, helping to improve the lives of people in the Pacific.

isitors to the Pacific often see the Development Report based on a formula the public and private sectors don’t V carefree tropical idyll but, says that measures development using gross have enough jobs for them. Many are Otago alumna Sala Muliagatele Georgina domestic product (GDP) and enrolment leaving the education system without Bonin, many people living across this rates in primary schools, income per the necessary skills, so our priority is vast geographic region often face less capita and longevity. to get young people to create business than ideal economic realities. As a result, development initiatives opportunities for themselves, rather than The Apia-based United Nations have sought to address factors that stop trying to find jobs that aren’t there.” Development Program (UNDP) assistant people achieving a good quality of life. In response, the UNDP has connected resident representative works in the “The UNDP programmes are the government and relevant youth and organisation’s Governance and Poverty about putting humans at the centre of social development and international Reduction Unit to “improve the lives of development,” she says. agencies in public-private partnerships people in the Pacific” by implementing And, increasingly, it is the Pacific’s (PPPs) to implement programmes that and managing UNDP-funded projects. young that are most in need of assistance: assist young people in starting micro- Sala Georgina’s role is far-reaching over 60 per cent of the Samoan businesses. in a literal sense – the UNDP has offices population, for instance, is aged between These schemes build on regional in Samoa, Papua New Guinea and Fiji 15 and 33 and, within this demographic, strengths, such as agriculture or –and the organisation’s political clout 16.5 per cent are unemployed. tourism, so that locals benefit from and resourcing frequently mean that it This burgeoning group could producing globally desirable products. is uniquely placed to create partnership undermine Samoa’s efforts to consolidate A recent example is UNESCO’s Food opportunities. the hard-won economic upgrade that and Agriculture Organisation initiative “We are often pivotal in taking the saw it recently shed its “least developed focused on increasing production of development ideas proposed by regional country” status. Accordingly, when organic produce, such as coconut oil, governments and bringing in other the UNDP’s five-year development which is in demand in the Pacific and global agencies or private-sector partners project cycle began in 2013 the worldwide. to make them a reality. It’s the UNDP’s Samoan government identified youth “A good example of a PPP at work is convening power to bring organisations unemployment and gender inequality as the Samoa-based Women in Business together that makes projects happen.” priority issues. Development group project, which helps Since the early 1990s, the UNDP “More than 3,000 young people primary producers reach high-value has produced the Global Human leave the school system every year and markets. For the last 10 years, group

24 “ The UNDP programmes are about putting humans at the centre of development.” Sala Muliagatele Georgina Bonin

members have grown organically- Sala describes studying social certified virgin coconut oil for the Body anthropology at Otago as a vital Shop in Europe.” “springboard” to an enduring personal The model’s success is established and and professional interest in human now, with US soap and beauty product development. Lecturers such as Professor supplier Dr Bronner expanding into Peter Higgins’ insights into objective Samoa, new opportunities to supply research and community tendency materials for cosmetic and health-care analysis led her to value a highly products can only have good outcomes “applied” model for community work. for local producers, she says. with these initiatives is adding value to “I apply much of what I learned in my Central to her UNDP work is young people’s products and services, own work now. I have a master’s in safety the concept of partnership and and connecting them with employers. science, too, and so I would advocate empowerment at all levels. The benefits extend beyond the purely for people to have a double degree, or a “At the third International Conference financial. degree that includes the arts, because that on Small Island Developing States in “Tuition in traditional art is paired side really opens you up to analytical and 2013 one of the main outputs was a drive with small business enterprise centre lateral thinking.” for real and lasting partnerships. Small training, so young people learn how to Her Bachelor of Arts also provided states don’t want overseas donors coming make their art more marketable. We are specific knowledge required to work in and telling them what to do. They want also developing an app to connect them an international organisation with broad their sovereign rights to be recognised, with training providers and employers. areas of involvement. and for the UNDP and all actors to help And we work with the Samoa Culture “When you work in the Pacific you make their dreams a reality. Centre, who are training 20 young people must be mindful of similarities and “And for the producers, our priority in arts and crafts.” differences, both cultural and historical, is empowering young people by giving The demand for traditional craft is or the context that’s led to so much recent practical assistance with the complete high and 20 women who were recently change. For instance, the development agricultural or horticultural process trained in tapa cloth production and project might be in an area where they – from growing crops through to design immediately found jobs. don’t have a stable parliament, or in an marketing products to domestic or In time, the cumulative effect of these independent country or territory. international markets.” “beacon” initiatives may be to improve “But, with experience, I’ve learnt to Aside from providing the basis for the lot of local communities and help the analyse and interpret things in my own economic stability in farming areas, nation’s economy address its negative way and to look at what’s on the ground training at education centres such as trade deficit: in 2014 its exports – 90 per using various cultural perspectives. It’s the Asia Pacific Technical Training cent of which were from the agricultural about finding what’s real to the people Centre in Apia, is aimed at addressing sector – were $52.6 million against I’m dealing with.” a skill shortage in an array of trades imports totalling $458 million. SAM STEVENS and the tourism industry. The priority

25 OPINION

Dignifying politics by according dignity to all

e are living in interesting and deeply positive rather than negative, and how a withdrawal from the EU which W worrying times. The neo-liberal to build a world that is empathetic and many believe to be one of the major world order and the democratic project are cosmopolitan. This means acknowledging achievements of post-war Europe. With both under severe threat. our global interdependence, species all its flaws and inadequacies there is no While neo-liberalism has many solidarity, and recognising that none doubt that the EU has kept the peace in critics – myself included – it did generate of the major problems confronting the Europe for the last 60 years. trans-national openness, more porous world are capable of being resolved at Now the UK government has to work boundaries between nation states and national levels alone. Unfortunately there out relationships with the EU from gave impetus to positive and negative are some who choose to respond to the the outside rather than in, which will globalisation. Positive globalisation is negative consequences of globalisation generate many problems in terms of about national and regional problems with a retreat to atavistic nationalism. regional unity, energy, climate change, being seen in one-world terms. Negative The first big shock of 2016 was the economic regulations, 21st century globalisation is about growing inequality British referendum on the European concepts of sovereignty and new foreign and poverty (nationally, regionally Union which went in favour of exit. policy positions. But perhaps the biggest and globally) and the world being seen While there are many explanations for downside of Brexit is that it also activated through the optics of markets, trans- the vote, the fact is that post-referendum a permissive environment for old-style national finance and corporations. All of Britain is in a state of political and bias, prejudice and racism. Withdrawal these dynamics are linked. economic uncertainty. from the EU is being associated with The challenge confronting humanity The consequence of Brexit is that the a promotion of white English/British is how to ensure that globalisation is UK government now has to negotiate privilege.

“ The political leaders of the Brexit movement and Donald Trump have created environments in which prejudice rather than respect, hate rather than empathy, fear rather than fearlessness, and dishonour rather than dignity are shaping attitudes and behaviour.” Professor Kevin Clements Photo: Alan Dove

26 “The Western democratic project will unravel unless we start treating friends and foes alike with dignity and respect.”

The second big shock was the election do not accord dignity to others we run minds in safe spaces. Sixth, fairness of Donald Trump as the 45th President the risk of forfeiting the right to be is critical to dignity. We have to treat of the United States. His personality, treated humanely ourselves. I would others as equals and work within agreed campaign pronouncements and actions go so far as to say that the Western laws and rules. Seventh, we need to treat since his inauguration have generated democratic project will unravel unless others as independent and free; eighth, high levels of systemic unpredictability as we start treating friends and foes alike empowered; and ninth, understood. his office and administration advances an with dignity and respect. This is a pre- Finally, Hicks argues that we should America first, isolationist, protectionist requisite for civilised, humane behaviour treat people fairly according to agreed and assertive stance towards friends and and for rule-based politics. Without it laws and rules. They should also be enemies alike. our kith and kin in the UK and America independent and free, empowered, He won the election with a politics will be seduced into thinking that the understood and treated as trustworthy. of fear and seems intent on maintaining only future they have is one in which This means starting from the premise that fear even if the “facts” don’t support diversity is eradicated in favour of “tribal that others have good motives and are him. The refugee and migrant ban was solidarity” with the white Anglosphere. acting with integrity. the most egregious manifestation of these These are the deeper negative In all of this, each one of us needs to tendencies, but on other issues such as consequences of both Brexit and Trump. be accountable for our actions and, if we the New START Treaty, climate change, So what do we need to do to bring violate the dignity of the other, we need multilateralism, free trade, co-operative back respect and dignity into our New to apologise and make a commitment to security, arms control and disarmament, Zealand politics and, more importantly, change our hurtful behaviour. relations with Iran, and sustainable to US and UK politics? Hicks has the If these are the elements of dignified development, the prospects are gloomy. following suggestions. exchanges between people we are a long After the Presidential election the First, we need to accept the identities way from the ideal in both the UK and Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists moved of others so that they can express the US at the present time. On almost the Doomsday Clock to 2½ minutes to their authentic selves without fear of every criterion, both Nigel Farage midnight in acknowledgement of the negative judgement. There is no place and Donald Trump, for example, are President’s unpredictability, nuclear for prejudice, bias or discrimination pursuing undignified and undignifying challenge and fears about climate change. on any grounds. We must assume that policies of disrespect, hate, bias and But, here again, the major casualty of each person has their own integrity and prejudice. this election has been the generation of nurture that within them. Nothing will unravel the Western a permissive environment for naming Second is recognition. We need to democratic project faster than a and blaming others, for bias, prejudice validate others for their talents, hard reassertion of 19th century imperial and hatred against people of colour, work and thoughtfulness, giving them intolerance, a disrespect for human rights foreigners, and those who don’t conform credit for their ideas and wisdom. and the rule of law, and a Manichaean to some mythical notion of how an Third, we accord people dignity dualistic division of the world into them “ideal” American should look and act. by acknowledgement and attention. and us, good and bad, included and The political leaders of the Brexit Listening to other people’s concerns and excluded. movement and Donald Trump have histories is another way in which we This is a recipe for violence, insecurity, created environments in which prejudice dignify the other. Fourth, we need to injustice, unfairness and unpeacefulness. rather than respect, hate rather than practice inclusion rather than exclusion. It has to be resisted and stopped now empathy, fear rather than fearlessness, We dignify by making people feel that so that there is a flickering chance the and dishonour rather than dignity are they belong within their own families, democratic flame might be rekindled and shaping attitudes and behaviour. All of communities, organisations and nation. justice and peace will indeed kiss each these attitudes generate deep insecurity, Fifth, we dignify by making people other. anxiety and discontent. feel safe rather than insecure. We do this Professor Kevin P. Clements Donna Hicks argues in her 2011 by ensuring no possibility of bodily harm Director, National Centre for Peace and book, Dignity: The Essential Role it and by not shaming or humiliating, but Conflict Studies University of Otago Plays in Resolving Conflict, that if we by encouraging others to speak their

27 FEATURE Artistic endeavour undreamed For New Zealand artists, a year of financial support and studio space to solely focus on their artwork is invaluable for their development. But it’s what they give back to New Zealand’s artistic scene that shows the legacy of the University of Otago’s Frances Hodgkins Fellowship.

his present line of work is good,” “T Dunedin-born artist Frances Hodgkins writes in a letter to British gallery owner Lucy Wertheim from Flatford Mill, in 1930. “I have got well into the spirit of the place and it is yielding up riches – undreamed of, at first sight.” It’s a game changer in the life of an artist. The combination of financial support with an inspiring new environment in which to work is what most artists only dream of. But these lines written by Hodgkins describing the prolific creative period brought on by her experience at the painting retreat was an opportunity replicated by the founders of the Frances Hodgkins Fellowship years later. Fifty years – and 49 fellows on – the fellowship continues to thrive. Widely thought to be the brainchild of Dunedin writer and publisher Charles Brash who believed that a visual residency would help foster the country’s cultural identity, the fellowship was established at the University of Otago in 1962, with a group of anonymous philanthropists helping to fund it. With the Burns Fellowship set up several years before, and the Mozart Fellowship (for musicians) following a few years later, the University of Otago became a centre of artistic endeavour. Created to “encourage artists in the practice and advancement of their art” by providing them with a studio and a year’s stipend, at the time the fellowship was created it was the only artist’s residency of any substance in New Zealand – and remains the most generous fellowship for New Zealand artists today. Frances Mary Hodgkins. Ref: PAColl-5567. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/23207459

28 Artistic endeavour undreamed

Applicants are selected based on their printmaking, photography and digital track record, commitment to their work, media. The two works side-by-side also and their ability to demonstrate how the showed the journey and growth of the residency will provide opportunities to artist. A book on the same subject – build a sustained substantial practice and co-written with Andrea Hotere (the forge positive directions in their work. daughter of past fellow Ralph Hotere) – Candidates usually provide a proposed will be released later this year. project outline, but, given the potentials Pitts says the value of the fellowship Michael Smither, Children at Breakfast Time, for creative invention, selectors take can be measured not only in what the 1970, oil on board, 73/211, Hocken Collections, Uare Taoka o Ha- kena. into account that the project may grow artists bring to the city, but also in what and change through the year of the they contribute in the following years to appointment. the national art scene. To date, 49 artists have benefited “Bringing people into Dunedin from the residency, which began with enlivens the art scene here in the city, painter Michael Illingworth – known for inspiring new artists and engaging more his distinctive landscapes and figurative people in art and design in general. works – awarded the first fellowship in “But the overall success of the 1966. Other well-known artists awarded fellowship can be measured in what those the residency include Ralph Hotere, artists go on to achieve and contribute Julia Morison, Fiona Pardington, Joanna to New Zealand’s art culture. Out of the Paul, Christine Webster, Shane Cotton, 49 artists given an opportunity to make Grahame Sydney, Marilynn Webb, work here, three have died, two are not Michael Illingworth, Adam and Eve, 1965, Michael Smither and Gretchen Albrecht. making work any more, but the rest are oil on canvas. Courtesy of the Frances Around 20 to 30 New Zealand artists still working and contributing to our Hodgkins Fellowship Trust Collection, Uare Taoka o Ha- kena. from a variety of media apply each national art scene.” year for the highly-sought-after prize, However, the fellowship has not been which also has the positive effect of without its challenges, says Pitts. establishing Dunedin as a centre of art “When the fellowship was initially set and innovation. up, it was aimed at bringing the visual Former Dunedin Public Art Gallery arts into the University of Otago, but, as director, and now freelance curator the University did not have an art school, and writer, Priscilla Pitts has recently it was not really aware of the impact of curated “Undreamed of…50 years of having an artist in its midst. the Frances Hodgkins Fellowship”, an “In the early days, they didn’t realise exhibition hung in both the Dunedin how artists work – and how noisy and Public Art Gallery and the Hocken that messy they can be. The first studio offers an insight into the extraordinary space was very cold initially and many contribution of the fellowship to New artists complained, particularly when Zealand’s cultural landscape. faced with a Dunedin winter. Sculptor It included a work of art by each Marte Szirmay – who had the residency fellow created during the fellowship in 1971 and 1972 – talks about her wax alongside a more recent artwork, moulds being chewed by rats, which she highlighting a rich diversity of artists obviously wasn’t too happy about. and art practices supported by the “It was a steep learning curve in the residency including painting, sculpture, beginning and it was difficult securing Shane Cotton, Back Words, 2011, acrylic on linen, Hocken Collections, Uare Taoka o Ha- kena.

29 “Without exception, the fellows have brought a new sense of inventive vision to our communities. They enrich our different worlds.”

the funding, but they persevered and the frameworks and their practices. Fellows changer” for 49 artists, giving each an fellowship now thrives.” give public talks, exhibitions, student opportunity to expand professionally and Frances Hodgkins Fellowship sessions and have contributed to the rich personally. It has contributed enormously selection committee convenor David Bell collections of the Hocken.” to New Zealand’s artistic voice – and says much of that success is due to the Bell says not only does the residency the impression of New Zealand art to ongoing support of the University and allow artists dedicated time to work the world. But moreover, says Bell, it city. without financial pressures, this time also has contributed to “the legitimisation of “Making decisions between so offers creative flexibility, where many the visual arts as a realistic professional many deserving and highly committed artists explore new mediums. pathway, rather than a privileged candidates is never easy. The outcomes “For many artists, the opportunity pursuit”. have all been successful, however. The for a full-year residency, on a substantial Says Bell: “The fellowship has been fellowship has enjoyed the positive salary, and with a dedicated studio and – and remains – the most prestigious support of the University and city institutional support, offers potentials residential award in visual arts practice communities – and this wide support has both for an immersion in their work and in New Zealand and, beyond its ensured the success of each residency. for risk-taking explorations they would enrichment of our own local arts scene “Without exception, the fellows have struggle to experience while balancing and the refreshing cycles of change brought a new sense of inventive vision their art work against the demands of through each year’s appointments, to our communities. They enrich our part-time jobs.” the cumulative effect of the residency different worlds. They have responded For Bell, the achievements of the first has been to secure the careers of two positively to the opportunities to work 50 years of the fellowship extend well generations of professional artists in this industriously, to take risks in their work, beyond the original brief to “encourage country.” to build new professional relationships artists in the practice and advancement AMIE RICHARDSON and to re-invigorate their conceptual of their art”. It has been the “game

Gretchen Albrecht, Whisper, 2013, acrylic and oil on Belgian linen: 1050 x 1750 mm, V2016. Joanna Paul, Rose of Barry’s Bay, 1983, oil 16.1, Hocken Collections, Uare Taoka o Ha- kena. on canvas, 780 x 560 mm. Courtesy of the Frances Hodgkins Fellowship Trust Collection.

30 Otago Magazine readership survey Late last year we undertook an online survey of Otago Magazine readers to find out more about your perceptions of the Magazine, what you want to read and how you want to read it. The survey was sent to a random sample of readers of all ages, both here in New Zealand and around the world. Thank you to all who took part: this is what you told us.

Features 92% Profiles 75% Alumni news

92% of you rate the quality of the 75% of you – and 85% of international Magazine as good or very good. The subjects you most want to read respondents – agree that the Magazine about are research, issues of national strengthens your connection to Otago, or international concern, and medicine helping you to feel more in touch with and health care. the University and other alumni, and reminding you of your own 88% Feature stories are most popular, experiences here. followed by profiles, alumni news and the “Whatever happened to?” section. It is a preferred source of University While 64% of you want to continue to information: 47% of you receive all or most receive a print version of the Magazine, – and a further 41% receive some – of your 36% now prefer to read it online. 78% information about the University from the Magazine. 78% have taken some positive action 64% as a result of reading the Magazine, from discussing a story or visiting the 79% University website, to recommending the University or making a donation.

79% regard it as a generally credible source 36% of information.

The Otago Magazine has its own website: otago.ac.nz/otagomagazine All of the stories available in the print issue can Otago If you would prefer to read all alumni communications easily be read online. A pdf version of the Magazine electronically and receive Magazine email alerts, can also be downloaded from this site and older Magazine please let us know: issues are archived. ONLINE email [email protected] or The Magazine website is updated at the same time telephone 64 3 479 4516 as each print issue is delivered by mail. Email alerts of this are sent out to all those who have opted to receive alumni communications electronically.

31 STUDENT LIFE On board 19-year-old Ryan Jones is a very busy young man. He is a father, a third-year Politics student and the youngest local body representative in New Zealand.

hird-year Politics student Ryan Jones “I was quite surprised by the news, “A lot of my classmates are by no T is putting his studies into practice as many of the other 11 candidates were means in a similar situation. I think my this year as he settles into his new role more prominent in the community. But own path is pretty unique. of West Harbour Community Board I felt good. All the work I had put in had “At high school I didn’t really have member. been translated into votes – democracy a path into tertiary study. I was sort of He was elected to the board at the in action!” thinking I’d leave school and get a job. end of last year, making him, at 19, the Jones, who is majoring in Politics with Becoming a father was a huge part of my youngest elected representative in New a minor in Māori Studies, is enjoying the decision to pursue higher education and Zealand. opportunity his new role gives him to put it remains a strong driver of mine today,” “My age undoubtedly played a role in his studies to the test. he says. the campaign,” he says. “Some folks said “I am lucky to be able to incorporate In 2014, Jones completed a Foundation I was too young for such a position and much of what I study with what I practise Studies course that gave him NCEA others were pleased to see ‘fresh blood’ in my community board role and my Level 2 and confirmed his desire to study stepping up.” wider role as an activist. Whether it is further. As he was so young, Jones didn’t the networking skills I’ve developed “At that time I was starting to have have the profile that many of the other on campus or the analytical skills an interest in politics and one of my candidates had and knew he had to get I’ve learned in the classroom, they all classmates suggested I should go to the himself known. He handed out leaflets, contribute to my public service roles. University of Otago. I was advised to do a door knocked, met as many people as he “In terms of study, there are clear Foundation Year there, which is designed could and even put up hoardings. benefits with what I’m involved in and, to prepare you for university – essay “A lot of people thought I was running in terms of life skills, I feel like I’m pretty writing, structure of lectures etc ... It’s for the Dunedin City Council. They’d well equipped for a 19-year old.” perfect.” never seen someone doing that for a Jones’s road to university was not a Now in his third year of a Bachelor community board.” traditional one. He left school in Year 12 of Arts, he is planning to continue his He was celebrating his son’s third and became a father, something that has education with a master’s degree in birthday when he received the call to say given him a different perspective to other Politics. He will also continue working he had been elected. students his age, he says. on key local issues, such as a more affordable public transport system for Port Chalmers, the creation of a dog park and the completion of the cycleway. Jones, who was born and raised in “I am lucky to be able to incorporate much of what West Harbour, has long been interested I study with what I practise in my community in issues affecting his town. His road to politics began after he joined a campaign board role and my wider role as an activist.” to prevent the downgrade of the Port Chalmers New World Supermarket. He

32 then went on to campaign against a really encouraging. These were people I studies, being a father and his part-time representation review investigation into looked up to such as former [Dunedin jobs, it promises to be a busy time. reducing the size and role of community City and current Otago Regional] “It’s up to individual board members boards. councillor Andrew Noone and [West how much they bring to the job,” he says. Through these campaigns and Harbour Community Board chairman] “I’m pretty keen to bring as much as through his studies, he met a range Steve Walker. But the most important possible.” support came from friends and family of people who supported his ideas LAURA HEWSON and encouraged him to run for the and, without that, I couldn’t have given community board. it my all.” “The initial support from elected Jones’s term as board member is representatives in the community was for three years and, combined with his

Ryan Jones with his three- year-old son Jordan: “Whether it is the networking skills I’ve developed on campus or the analytical skills I’ve learned in the classroom, they all contribute to my public service roles.” Photo: Sharron Bennett

33 INBRIEF

White says that nothing like this eruption’s scale, information Explosive research about it, or intensive multinational follow-up study, has occurred with previous explosive submarine eruptions, and the study Two University of Otago geologists are taking an unparalleled will gain a rigorous understanding of how explosive volcanism opportunity to study the biggest explosive submarine volcanic operates in the deep sea. eruption known in history. Professor James White and PhD student Arran Murch (Department of Geology) are being supported by the Marsden Fund to research the massive 2012 volcanic eruption on the seafloor in the Kermadecs that rivalled the 1980 Mt St Helens eruption on land. White, who specialises in the study of volcanoes, explains that eruptions to the surface from such depths were unknown, yet this eruption produced a 400-square-kilometre pumice raft and a plume of vapour seen from satellites. White and Murch were on board a United States-funded research ship in 2015 that launched remote-controlled submarines to produce what White describes as an “amazing” topographical map of the volcano and collect an “extraordinary suite of samples” as big as buckets. He says that they will be conducting experiments on some of those samples as part of a multinational project that also embraces scientists from the United States, Australia, Japan and the United Kingdom. “We are going to remelt rocks from the eruption and explode them again to look at the fragments, and then measure the heat Professor James White: “We are going to remelt rocks from the transfer and plug that into models to understand how it all works.” eruption and explode them again to look at the fragments … to understand how it all works.”

haven’t changed over the last few years indicates to me that we Pacific youth health have to come at it from a different perspective.” The Health Research Council and the University of Otago Research by medical student Hilla Fukofuka on links between Medical School have funded the research. mental illness and diabetes in Pacific youth could reduce the incidence of both conditions. Fukofuka explains that Pacific adolescents have the highest rates of mental illness in New Zealand, and are a particularly high- risk group for type 2 diabetes, which is a rising epidemic in this country. She worked with data from a Dunedin study of Pacific adolescents that had been analysed by her supervisor, Dr Mele Taumoepeau. The analysis showed that young Pacific people who had a higher sense of well-being were less likely to have risk factors that could lead to diabetes, either through the direct effect that a sense of well-being can have on the body, or indirectly through increased healthy behaviours. This prompted a further study, led by Fukofuka, to identify specific barriers to the well-being of Pacific youth in Dunedin. She says that such knowledge has the potential to help fight poor mental health and diabetes by tailoring new interventions to this high-risk group. Dunedin-born, of Tongan and Niuean descent, Fukofuka says that she became passionate about the subject through her medical studies in Dunedin. “It is heart-breaking when you hear about such poor health Hilla Fukofuka: “It is heart-breaking when you hear about such poor statistics of people of your own ethnicity, and the fact that they health statistics of people of your own ethnicity … we have to come at it from a different perspective.”

34 Stephenson notes that the raising of the coastal land by about Kaikoura’s coastal impacts a metre will offset the predicted effects of climate change and associated sea level rises in the region. Although the Kaikoura earthquakes have devastated the region, they have provided a spin-off benefit for research by a University of Otago geographer who specialises in the development of rocky shorelines and shore platforms. Dr Wayne Stephenson began monitoring 55 inter-tidal platform sites around the Kaikoura Peninsula in 1993, and inherited data for a few of the sites dating back a further 20 years. Stephenson says that he will now remeasure the sites over the next couple of years to see how the erosion rates change following the raising of the platforms by about a metre. He explains that each site has a triangle of bolts fixed deep into the rock and, each time he goes back, he precisely fits to the top of the bolts a device called a micro-erosion meter that measures tiny increases in the distance to the eroded rock below. He says that one of the things he is keen to discover is how long it takes before the bases of cliffs raised above the sea by the ’quakes are once again exposed to wave erosion. “The opportunity to observe the impact of uplift on a coastline like this is really quite fantastic,” Stephenson enthuses. “Shore platforms comprise about 30 per cent of the world’s coastlines, so anything that increases our understanding about how these shorelines develop is important.” Dr Wayne Stephenson: “The opportunity to observe the impact of uplift on a coastline like this is really quite fantastic.”

and collaborations with New Zealand companies such as Ossis and Bio-ink breakthrough Enztec who pioneered the 3D-printing of patient-specific titanium implants. CReaTE is also part of the MedTech Centre of Research The Christchurch Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering Excellence (MedTech CoRE), a research collaboration aimed at (CReaTE) group has developed a bio-ink that allows them to developing applications for economic growth and health-care 3D-print large, engineered implants matching a patient’s anatomy. outcomes. Bio-inks are gel-like substances that carry living human or stem cells and degrade over time in the body to help regenerate damaged or diseased tissues. The University of Otago, Christchurch- based group has developed a novel visible-light bio-ink that, unlike most other bio-inks, does not need exposure to ultra-violet light to “harden” into 3D-bioprinted bone or cartilage shapes. CReaTE leader Associate Professor Tim Woodfield says “our bio-inks give significantly higher stem cell viability because visible- light technology is gentler and more cell-friendly than ultra-violet light”. Research Fellow Dr Khoon Lim, who led the work, says the novel bio-ink enables the 3D-bioprinting of high-precision large, engineered implants that match patient anatomy. “This is an impressive feat with important clinical impact as approaches using ultra-violet light are not able to achieve this scale, and few groups have been successful in bioprinting the large, thick constructs needed in surgery.” The technology, invented by Lim and Woodfield, has been provisionally patented. Woodfield says New Zealand researchers are at the fore of the rapidly growing field of bioprinting. CReaTE’s strengths Associate Professor Tim Woodfield and Dr Khoon Lim: “This is an include its collaborations with clinicians; multidisciplinary nature; impressive feat with important clinical impact …”

35 INBRIEF

institutions are increasingly expected to seek alternative sources Milk of corporate kindness of funding, and schools are beginning to rely more heavily on corporate support and financial assistance. Schools need guidelines on corporate marketing to children, The research results have been published in the Journal of according to Associate Professor Robert Aitken and Dr Leah Consumer Affairs. Watkins (Department of Marketing). The pair surveyed more than 2,000 members of the public online and interviewed nine Dunedin primary school principals on their perceptions of “corporate strategic giving” in schools using, as an example, the New Zealand dairy company Fonterra’s introduction of free milk in schools in branded Anchor cartons. Aitken says that, although most members of the public feel that such initiatives are a good thing, there is a surprisingly high level of cynicism over the motives of companies and concern at the targeting of children, who are more susceptible than are adults to advertising. He says that school principals tend to be more pragmatic, particularly in lower-decile schools, and focus more on the benefits to the children, although they are generally concerned that there are no policy guidelines to assist them in making decisions about in-school marketing. Aitken and Watkins agree and have called for the introduction of formal government guidelines regulating commercial activities that target children in schools, as happens in countries such as Scotland. They say that the need for such guidelines is all the more Associate Professor Robert Aitken: They are calling for the introduction of formal government guidelines to regulate commercial important in a political environment in which educational activities targeting children in schools.

have a compelling interest in protecting freedom of religion and Primary beliefs relief, and that part of protecting religious freedom is ensuring that all citizens are informed and educated about other religious A University of Otago graduate is calling for the inclusion of and non-religious world views. education in religions and beliefs within the New Zealand state “I, therefore, advocate education in religions and beliefs within primary school curriculum. the school curriculum.” Helen Bradstock recently completed her PhD in the Department of Theology and Religion on the subject of “religion and governmentality” in state primary schools. She interviewed teachers, parents, Bible-in-Schools volunteers and representatives of key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Education, the Human Rights Commission and the Churches Education Commission. Bradstock says that she was surprised, when she arrived in New Zealand from the United Kingdom in 2009, that religion was taught by Bible-in-Schools volunteers during times when schools were deemed legally closed, and was absent from the mainstream curriculum. She argues that New Zealand is a religiously diverse, bicultural, liberal democracy, and that this needs to be reflected in its education legislation, policy and practice. “There are considerable problems surrounding voluntary religious instruction in state schools, where children now represent a variety of religious and non-religious family backgrounds,” Bradstock maintains.“Constraints on the opting-out process mean that human rights are not protected and coercion into attendance is likely. For this reason, among others, I conclude that Bible-in-Schools should not take place in state schools. Helen Bradstock: “There are considerable problems surrounding However, she believes that liberal democratic nation states voluntary religious instruction in state schools …”

36 Hillman, research fellow Blake Porter and a future PhD Quit or persist? student, will undertake the three-year research project, which is supported by the Marsden Fund. Why do our brains sometimes tell us to stop doing something, Hillman says that the research stems from her fascination with even when we know that we will be better off if we continue? why some people work hard at their jobs or personal hobbies, and It is a question that Dr Kristin Hillman (Department of others do not. Psychology) hopes to answer in her research on “the neural mechanisms of forfeit behaviour”. Hillman explains that we all quit minor tasks from time to time, but giving up during more important undertakings can adversely affect our personal and professional lives and, in excess, characterise clinical disorder. Hillman says that the research involves using laboratory rats to test the hypothesis that quitting relates to two specific regions of the brain talking to one another. “We think that the anterior cingulate cortex provides a ‘keep going’ signal after it decides that effort will pay off, and the anterior insula provides a ‘quitting’ signal as things start to get tough and tiring and frustrating.” Hillman says that, if this turns out to be the case, it could enable the development of therapies to reduce detrimental quitting behaviours and increase well-being. For clinical disorders, she says that this could involve drug or behavioural therapies but, for most people, it could be as simple as getting some daily exercise. Dr Kristin Hillman: Her research could enable the development of therapies to reduce detrimental quitting behaviours and increase well-being.

The study findings, written up by Horwath and colleagues Breaking the weight cycle from Otago and the United States, have been published online by JMIR Research Protocols. A web tool developed and tested by University of Otago Horwath says that more work is needed to enhance further researchers could help middle-aged women break out of a the experience for women using the programme, before the online chronic pattern of dieting, binge eating and weight gain. intervention is tested in a randomised trial. Associate Professor Caroline Horwath (Department of Human

Nutrition) says that mid-life women are at risk of weight gain and associated health problems and, although dieting produces short- term weight loss, it is largely unsuccessful for long-term weight management. Horwath led a research team in designing and evaluating a prototype web-based programme, “Mind, Body, Food”, that applies two promising approaches to weight-gain prevention. Horwath explains that the first, “intuitive eating”, involves eating when hungry and stopping when full, rather than eating in response to emotions and external cues. The second, “acceptance and commitment therapy”, develops skills to cope more effectively (through awareness and acceptance) with emotions, thoughts or cravings that might otherwise trigger overeating. The researchers enrolled 40 overweight Dunedin women in the programme: most rated the tool as appealing, useful and easy to use. Horwath’s team concluded that the tool appeared to be useful in helping women learn “intuitive eating” and “acceptance and commitment therapy” skills, improve mental well-being, reduce binge eating and prevent weight gain. Sara Boucher (left) and Associate Professor Caroline Horwath: They have designed two promising approaches to weight-gain prevention.

37 INBRIEF

McCabe says that she intends to write a book and academic Keeping it in the family articles based on her research, host a workshop at Otago involving international and New Zealand scholars who are working Are people who inherit family farms more likely to care for the on rural history, and disseminate her findings in public and land? community forums. This is one of the questions that Dr Jane McCabe (Department of History and Art History) is seeking to answer in her “cross- cultural history of land and inheritance in Aotearoa”. McCabe has been awarded a Marsden Fund Fast Start grant for the research project that focuses on two farming districts: Taieri in the south and Hokianga in the north. McCabe, who grew up in Mosgiel on the Taieri Plain, says that she chose the two rural districts partly because they provide a diversity of cultural backgrounds: notably Scottish and Chinese on the Taieri; and Maori- and Dalmatian in the Hokianga. “I want to look at farming families in a wider sense: different kinds of land use and different cultural perspectives,” McCabe explains. The lecturer plans to put on her gumboots and talk to family members about the practices and problems of transferring land to the next generation. “My overarching concern is the connection between people and land. Inheritance practice is a meaningful way of exploring how people attach to the land and of assessing the pros and cons of familial land transfer as we move increasingly towards corporate ownership models.” Dr Jane McCabe: “My overarching concern is the connection between people and land.”

McLean is writing a book on the Porter family, and he and Porter family values postdoctoral fellow, Dr Ruth Knezevich, are editing a collection of Jane’s letters. They also organised a recent symposium at the The Bronte sisters and Rossetti siblings are fairly well known, University of Otago on British 19th century literary and artistic but another 19th century British family deserves wider family connections, and curated a related Special Collections recognition. exhibition. That is the view of Dr Thomas McLean (Department of English and Linguistics) who has been studying how three members of the Porter family – novelists Jane and Anna Maria and artist Robert – shaped 19th century literature and art. McLean, whose research has been supported by the Marsden Fund, argues that the Porters influenced and altered some of the major literary and artistic movements of the British Romantic and Victorian eras. McLean says that his research reveals Jane’s importance in the development of the popular historical novel – before the likes of Walter Scott and Leo Tolstoy – including her long-forgotten best sellers Thaddeus of Warsaw and The Scottish Chiefs. He describes Robert as a pioneering war artist and an important figure – as a world traveller and collector – in archaeology and the development of museums. McLean says that we often imagine the writer or artist as a solitary genius, but the collaborations between the Porter siblings, and their associations with the wider literary and artistic world, illustrate the importance of family and global networks in the creation of cultural works. Dr Thomas McLean and Dr Ruth Knezevich: Their work highlights how the Porter family helped shape 19th century literature and art.

38 The pair says that, if the technology works, it feasibly could be Squishy skin treatment applied to any skin-related conditions, including melanomas. The three-year research project is being funded through the A novel drug-delivery technology being developed at Otago Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. could revolutionise the treatment of some skin conditions. Dr Eng Wui Tan and Sean Mackay (Department of Chemistry) are researching a topical treatment for non-cancerous tumours of the vascular system, commonly called strawberry birthmarks, and for other related disfiguring conditions such as wounds with excessive scar tissue, known as keloid scars. The pair explain that the technology will deliver very small, soft, skin-penetrating capsules that are loaded with drugs and are able to change their shape and squeeze between gaps in skin cells directly to the affected areas. “The skin works very well as a natural barrier,” Tan notes, “so we are having to overcome the skin’s ability to keep these things out.” They have named the new technology “squish” because of the way the capsules or nanoparticles “squish” their way between the skin cells. They say that current treatments for such conditions include surgery and oral drugs that can take a long time and have adverse side effects. Mackay says that the research came about after he heard the former professor in plastic surgery at Otago, Dr Swee Tan, talking about problems using beta-blockers to treat strawberry birthmarks. Mackay thought that his PhD research on drug Dr Eng Wui Tan and Sean Mackay: Their new drug-delivery delivery systems could be applied to improve the treatment. technology could feasibly be applied to any skin-related conditions.

The BLITZ study is part of the wider Porirua Social Sector Youth vision Trial established four years ago to trial new approaches to social sector change through inter-agency collaboration, co-ordination A University of Otago, Wellington, study has found that youth and communication to targeted communities. in Porirua City need better co-ordination, collaboration and The results of the study have been made available to Oranga increased funding for amenities. Tamariki (Ministry for Vulnerable Children). The BLITZ study, led by Dr Ramona Tiatia (He Kainga Oranga/ Healthy Housing Research Programme), developed an app to survey around 100 children and youth, 100 whanau,- and service providers. “We surveyed youth on whether they saw themselves living, working and building careers in Porirua in the next decade, and whether they and their whanau- were being supported well enough by public and community services,” says Tiatia. Smoking, bullying/cyber-bullying and alcohol were identified by youth as the biggest problems, whereas adults thought that boredom/not enough to do, lack of affordable activities, and not enough art or cultural activities were significant issues. “Porirua’s a strong community which takes pride in its city with youth groups, churches and schools often co-ordinating services and activities, but they do not have enough funding or resources. To achieve social sector change, the city’s youth need better facilities and affordable activities,” says Tiatia. With a higher youth population than other New Zealand cities, (26.2 per cent under 15, compared to 21.5 per cent for all New Zealand, and a median age of 32.6 compared to 35.9), Porirua was Dr Ramona Tiatia: “We surveyed youth on whether they saw ideal for this study. themselves living, working and building careers in Porirua in the next decade …”

39 UNINEWS

Dunedin Study Director Professor Richie Poulton accepts the 2016 Prime Minister’s Science Prize from the Prime Minister, the Rt Hon. Bill English.

Science Prize awarded to Oranga/Housing and Health Research lives and well-being, from mental health Programme, led by Professor Philippa to cardiac fitness and respiratory tests. Dunedin Study Howden-Chapman; and to scientists from University of Otago Vice-Chancellor The University of Otago’s the University and the National Institute Professor Harlene Hayne says she is internationally-acclaimed Dunedin of Water and Atmospheric Research in delighted that the Dunedin Study now has Study has been awarded one of New 2011. new premises that reflect the importance Zealand’s most important science Dunedin Study members were also of the study to the University, and its honours, the 2016 Prime Minister’s recently presented with the University national and international significance. Science Prize. of Otago’s 2016 Research Group - The $500,000 award was presented Award, recognising the efforts of all Maori medical graduates to the team, led by Professor Richie the researchers, support staff and create history Poulton, in March. participants, and the study’s outstanding Forty-five Maori- medical students – Officially known as the Dunedin record of publication and its impacts on the largest number in New Zealand’s Multidisciplinary Health and Development society in New Zealand and overseas. history – graduated from the University Research Unit (DMHDRU), the team has This was only the second time the award of Otago in December in what was a been engaged in a ground-breaking has been presented. significant event for the graduates, longitudinal study for the past 45 years, A comprehensive story about the their wha-nau, the University, iwi Maori- tracking the lives of 1,037 children born Dunedin Study will be featured in the and the New Zealand health workforce. at Queen Mary Maternity Hospital in October issue of the Otago Magazine. For the first time at Otago, Maori- 1972-73. Of these, 961 study members are representation within the total number still participating, representing 95 per New premises for DMHDRU of medical graduates equated to the cent of those still alive; 38 have died. A purpose-built home for the proportion of Maori- in the New Zealand Arguably providing the most-detailed Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and population. data on human development ever Development Study, was officially Professor Peter Crampton, Pro-Vice- amassed, the study has led to hundreds opened by Tertiary Education Minister Chancellor (Health Sciences) and Dean, of international studies with results that the Hon. Paul Goldsmith in January. University of Otago Medical School, says have informed policymakers, changing – The new building, on the corner New Zealand’s medical workforce is on and saving – the lives of people around of Union Street and Anzac Avenue, is the verge of rapid and exciting changes the world. designed with the members of the Study in both the number and proportion of This is the third time Otago in mind. Every few years study members Maori- doctors. researchers have won the Prime return from all corners of the globe to be “This graduation of 45 new Maori- Minister’s Science Prize: in 2014, assessed, with intensive interviews and doctors marks a significant inflection it was presented to the He Kainga testing covering every aspect of their point – we expect at least this number

40 of Maori- doctors to graduate each year The Tertiary Education Commission’s Marsden Fund success from now on.” Educational Performance Indicators University of Otago researchers have for 2015 examine areas such as overall been awarded more than $13.7 million PM announces partnership course and qualification completions, in the latest annual Marsden Fund In October, then Prime Minister the Rt retention rates and progression to higher round to undertake 23 world-class Hon. John Key announced an important levels of study. The usual four indicators research projects. The innovative Otago memorandum of understanding between were supplemented by a new indicator projects will be led by researchers from the University and a prestigious looking specifically at first-year retention 14 different departments across the educational institute in Bombay to and a revised qualification completion University. foster a new teaching collaboration indicator. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research between the two organisations. Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene and Enterprise) Professor Richard Blaikie This is an opportunity for Otago Hayne welcomed the release of the says it is very pleasing that nine of the and BSE Institute Ltd, a wholly-owned indicators, saying Otago’s stellar results Otago projects are Fast-Start grants subsidiary of the Bombay Stock reflect the excellence of the teaching and designed to support outstanding early- Exchange, to teach business-related learning environment that the University career researchers. postgraduate programmes together, to offers students, and the efforts those “From these up-and-coming encourage student mobility between students put into their studies. researchers will come the University’s India and New Zealand, and to foster research leaders of tomorrow so it is stronger links for future research Otago MBA among best wonderful to see their important work between the two academic communities. Otago Business School’s MBA degree recognised and supported through the “Initially, the collaboration will focus has been judged amongst the world’s fund.” on postgraduate programmes at Otago’s best in the latest QS Global 250 The Marsden Fund supports excellent School of Business, including several Business Schools report. investigator-initiated research in science, taught master’s programmes and the Otago’s MBA is the only one in New engineering, mathematics, social sciences MBA,” says Otago’s Director International Zealand to be included in the report and the humanities in New Zealand. Mr Simon Chu. and was ranked 28th in the Asia-Pacific region for graduate employability. Partnership renewed Otago tops national The analysis recognises the top The University recently renewed measures MBA degrees for both employability and an important memorandum of academic standards across all major The University of Otago has topped all understanding (MOU) with Te R-unanga world regions. but one of the key indicators measuring o Toa Rangatira. The MOU was signed at educational performance of students at a ceremony at the University of Otago, New Zealand’s universities.

The new Dunedin Study building with Deputy Vice- Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) Professor Richard Blaikie, Tertiary Education Minister Paul Goldsmith and Vice- Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne. Photo: Sharron Bennett

41 UNINEWS

Wellington, by Te Taku Parai, chair of the recently released 2017 QS World research programme will investigate how Te R-unanga, Sir Matiu Rei, Te R-unanga University Rankings by Subject. observations of fault rocks can be used Executive Director, and Mr John Ward, Otago was ranked seventh to infer their mechanical behaviour. Chancellor of the University. internationally for the study of Sport Dr Roslyn Kemp (Microbiology and Dean and Head of Wellington Campus and sport-related disciplines, the highest Immunology) won Professor Sunny Collings said that Ngati- ranking achieved by any New Zealand the inaugural Toa Rangatira has always been in the university for any subject area in these Roche Translational forefront of innovations in whanau- ora, rankings. Four further subjects were Research primary care and health promotion – placed inside the top 50: Anatomy Fellowship for her developing health and social services (24th), Dentistry (29th), Archaeology work investigating that are Maori-led- and benefit the whole (40th) and Development Studies (44th). the immune community. Anthropology, Geography, History, Law, response within “They are well known for their Medicine, Performing Arts and Psychology cancer cells to determination and strong track record were also ranked in the top 100. improve treatment outcomes for patients in improving access to low-cost primary Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) with bowel cancer. health care for residents of Porirua Professor Vernon Squire says the A three-year grant from the Bill & and Wellington. We acknowledge their results are a pleasing independent Melinda Gates Foundation will support contribution to the education of health acknowledgment of the breadth and Professor John Crump (Centre for professionals, including our dental and depth of the University’s teaching and International Health)) and collaborators medical students,” she says. research excellence across a range of at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre disciplines. and Duke University to study severe Major artwork unveiled typhoid fever in northern Tanzania. In a significant contribution to culture Awards/Achievements National Poisons Centre Honorary in Dunedin, an artwork worth half a The outstanding achievements of Fellow Dr Ian Hall has been awarded million dollars and standing around two University of Otago researchers the Friendship Award by the Chinese 3.2 metres tall has been gifted to the were recognised at the 2016 Research Government for his contribution towards University by the Stuart Residence Honours Dinner. China’s economic and social progress. Halls Council to celebrate its 75th History researcher The award recognises his work at the anniversary. Professor Tony Lhasa-based Tibetan Academy for Pathways, by internationally Ballantyne Agriculture and Animal Science. renowned New Zealand sculptor Dr FRSNZ (History Professor Alison Heather Paul Dibble, has been placed in a busy and Art History) (Physiology) has been awarded the pedestrian area – at the junction of Union was awarded Translational Research Grant from the Walk and Castle Walk, between the Union the Humanities Division of Health Sciences to assist her Lawn and the Clocktower Building. Aronui Medal for with the development of a new bioassay Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene innovative work of outstanding merit to detect estrogenic compounds in blood Hayne says the gift is a very generous in the humanities. Professor Hamish samples. (See pages 22-23.) contribution to the University’s strategic Spencer FRSNZ (Zoology) received the Dr Karl Iremonger (Physiology) and aim to provide outstanding campus Callaghan Medal for his outstanding Dr Tracy Melzer (Medicine, Christchurch) environments and a salute to the contribution to science communication are among several Otago researchers country’s accomplished arts community. and raising public awareness of the value who gained funding to pursue innovative “The University is proud of the of science to human progress. projects in the Neurological Foundation’s strong and vibrant relationship it has Associate Professor Nigel Dickson latest grant round announced late last year. enjoyed with the council during the past (Preventive and Social Medicine) was one Professor David Bryant 75 years and grateful for the personal of five people recognised by the New (Mathematics and Statistics) won the commitment various members of the Zealand AIDS Foundation late last year, New Zealand Mathematics Society council have volunteered over that period receiving honorary Life Membership – the Research Award in recognition of to enriching the University on so many highest honour the organisation bestows. his work developing mathematical, different levels,” she says. Drs Federico Baltar (Marine Science) statistical and computational tools for and Virginia Toy (Geology) have evolutionary biology, and work drawing QS subject ranking received five-year Rutherford Discovery on evolutionary biology to develop new success Fellowships. Dr Baltar’s research theories in mathematics. The PIPI (pre-diabetes intervention The University of Otago has been programme will investigate the role that package in primary care) project won placed among the top 50 institutions microbes play in the biogeochemistry an Excellence in Innovation award at in the world in five subject areas in of oceans in waters that are rich in nutrients but low in plankton. Dr Toy’s the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board

42 Health Awards. Based around identifying New Year Honours brought wisdom, encouragement and those at risk, encouraging weight loss laughter to her colleagues and her Alumni recognised in the New Year and offering continued support to these many students. In 2013, she became the Honours include: people in order to prevent diabetes, its first New Zealander to be awarded the Knight Companion of the New complications and associated costs, the Derrick Rowley Medal for service to the Zealand Order of Merit (KNZM): project is being led by Otago’s Edgar Australasian Society of Immunology. Distinguished Professor Richard Lewis Diabetes and Obesity Research Centre in Emeritus Professor Douglas S. Maxwell Faull, for services to medical partnership with Health Hawke’s Bay and Coombs who joined Otago in 1947, research. Sport Hawke’s Bay. becoming professor in 1956 and headed Officer of the New Zealand Order of the Department of Geology for more Merit (ONZM): Mrs Beverley Rae Duff, Appointments than three decades. His research for services to women and education; Mr Professor Richard Barker, who interests included mineralogy and John Ioane Fiso, for services to sport, holds the Chair in petrology of metamorphic and igneous education and the Pacific community; Statistics in the rocks, and New Zealand tectonics. Professor Donald Malcolm McRae, for Department of Emeritus Professor Brian Cox services to the State and international Mathematics and who joined Otago in 1963, becoming law; Ms Linda Marie Penno, for services Statistics, is the a professor in 1978 and Head of the to women’s health and reproductive next Pro-Vice- Department of Computer Science from rights; Dr Neil Andrew Sinclair, for Chancellor of the its founding in 1984 to his retirement services to local government; and Ms Division of Sciences in 2000. Prior to that, he served as Vanessa Clare van Uden, for services to for an 18-month Director of the Computing Centre (now local government. period. He took up the role at the start ITS). Member of the New Zealand Order of of the year. Emeritus Professor Richard Dowden. Merit (MNZM): Dr Stuart Whitaker Brown, Leading educational leadership A Fellow of the Royal Society of New for services to children’s health; Ms researcher, Professor Ross Notman, Zealand, he joined Otago in 1966 Bernadette Hall, for services to literature; is the next Dean of the College of and, during his lengthy career in the Mrs Robyn Hickman, for services to Education. Professor Notman takes up Department of Physics, founded the education; Dr John Chirnside Hyndman, his position in April 2017 after Professor Space Physics Research Group. He also for services to health and innovation; Ms Lisa Smith completes her term as Dean. played a major role in founding the World Elizabeth Mason Sinclair, for services to Dr Mele Taumoepeau has been Wide Lightning Location Network. the State; Mr Desmond Gerald Smith, for appointed as inaugural Associate Dean Emeritus Professor Peter (P.K.) services to rugby and the community; and (Pacific) in the Division of Sciences. Grant who joined the Department of Mrs Alison Thelma Wilkie, for services to Dr Taumoepeau will fulfil this role in Chemistry as a lecturer in 1962, and health and education. addition to her position of senior lecturer was appointed to a personal chair in Companion of the Queen’s Service within the Department of Psychology. Chemistry in 1980. He retired in 1991. He Order (QSO): Mr Richard Gerald is remembered within the department by McElrea, for services as a coroner and to Professorial promotions the P.K. Grant prize, which is awarded to Antarctic heritage. Seventeen leading academics were a fourth-year honours student. Queen’s Service Medal (QSM): Dr promoted to full professor, effective Dr Ted Nye who joined the James Richard Paul Kay, for services to 1 February: Margaret Briggs (Law), Department of Medicine in 1960, retiring polo; The Reverend Peter Brian Sykes, Hallie Buckley (Anatomy), Anthony as Associate Professor of Medicine in for services to the community; and Butler (Radiology, University of Otago, 1990. He directed research in the Lipid Reverend Pelu Tuai, for services to the Christchurch), Neil Carr (Tourism), laboratory (later named the Hunter-Nye Pacific community. Nicholas Chandler (Oral Rehabilitation), Lipid laboratory) and maintained contact Gerard Closs (Zoology), Alison Cree Emeritus Professors with the research clinic until his death. (Zoology), Gregory Dawes (Philosophy), Associate Professor John Burke The University Council has recently Shelley Griffiths (Law), Robert Hancox (retired) joined Otago’s Department of awarded the following academics the (Preventive and Social Medicine), Accounting and Finance in 1985 and also status of Emeritus Professor: Professor Janine Hayward (Politics), Jing-Bao held two different roles in the Business Helen May (College of Education) and Nie (Bioethics Centre), Ross Notman School’s MBA programme, including as Professor Brian A Darlow (Paediatrics, (College of Education), Nigel Perry MBA director from 2000 to 2002. He Christchurch). (Chemistry), Susan Pullon (Primary was a stalwart of the Dunedin rugby Healthcare and General Practice, Obituaries community and was a life member of the University of Otago, Wellington), John Otago University Rugby Football Club. Emeritus Professor Margaret Baird, Reynolds (Anatomy), and Rachael a committed biomedical scientist who Taylor (Medicine).

43 DEVELOPMENT

Dental alumni grab seats Otago dental alumni have put their money where it counts, buying lecture theatre seats to support the school’s redevelopment project.

o you remember the seat you used to “This is similar to that of booking is an easy decision for many colleagues, D like to sit in while attending lectures an airline seat and was promoted at the and that the rebuild is an exciting and at the University of Otago? conference so that dentists could book – long-awaited project. Well it seems the Faculty of purchase naming rights – to a particular “I believe that advancement in oral Dentistry’s alumni certainly can. They seat and ‘sit’ among classmates. health care, dentistry and community have been snapping up the opportunity “So, yes we have the usual ‘front row’ well-being, rely heavily on a fully-trained to buy the 126 seats of the Blue Lecture and the usual ‘back row’ personalities now workforce, on research, on clinical Theatre as part of a fundraising with their named seats. They all sold – $500 excellence and community contribution. campaign run in association with times 126 seats as this year’s contribution The profession and dental care rely on the New Zealand Dental Association towards the new Dental School.” us as dentists, and on our dental school (NZDA) and launched at the 2016 NZDA During the conference sessions there to be the resource we and our future Annual Conference in Wellington. was a banner running across the screen colleagues need. Faculty Dean Professor Paul Brunton updating how many seats had gone, which “The school provided me with the says it was an idea he put forward generated a lot of interest, says Brunton. required knowledge and the clinical after having used it successfully while “The NZDA produced the app for no skills, with the ability to be a dentist, the fundraising for a postgraduate centre in a cost and did the marketing for no cost so, beginnings of strong lifelong connections dental school in the UK. basically, all the money will come to us to with colleagues and with the foundation “We’re refurbishing the Blue Lecture use as we wish, which is fantastic. to contribute to the health of my Theatre as part of our redevelopment “This is the only dental school in the community, to earn a living and to live project, so I suggested the idea of selling country. Most of the dentists in New the lifestyle I live.” the seats here.” Zealand went through this building at Further fundraising is in the pipeline It was an idea the NZDA was keen some point and so they are very, very with the Faculty of Dentistry and NZDA to support, going as far as producing an proud of it and very loyal.” agreeing to have a new campaign at each app so people could go online and choose Crum voices similar sentiments conference. Although nothing has been their seat, as CEO David Crum explains. explaining that giving back to the school decided, Brunton is keen on the idea of selling the dental chairs and cubicles in the clinic at the next conference in August. “This is the only dental school in the country. “My suggestion was $5,000 a chair with a little plaque in the cubicle saying Most of the dentists in New Zealand went through who it is sponsored by. Obviously we’re this building at some point and so they are very, not going to sell them all – we have 250 very proud of it and very loyal.” of them – but it all helps.”

44 “ This will give us funding for the things that we might have rather than what we must have.” Professor Paul Brunton Photo: Alan Dove

Brunton describes the alumni with the school, even if they graduated fundraising as “above and beyond” 40 years ago,” he says. Dental School’s funding. “It was about the people. The “I liken it to a hospital ward for building’s fantastic, but actually it’s all redevelopment children. The hospital provides the about the people. at a glance beds, the treatment, the doctors, the “You can have the worst building in nurses, but they don’t pay for the toys the world, but if you’ve got great people A new 8,000 square-metre building is in the waiting room and the things that you can do great things. You can have being built next to the existing Walsh make it a bit more personal, friendly the best building in the world, but if Building to house clinical services, including radiology, oral surgery, and child-focused. you don’t have great people you don’t paediatric dentistry, undergraduate “This will give us funding for the do great things. clinics and orthodontics. things that we might have rather than Alumni can still contribute through what we must have. We have already the NZDA website (nzda.org.nz) and a 218 new dental chairs will be installed. used some of the funds raised for our new initiative will be launched at the e-learning project and our uniform next NZDA conference in August. Construction should be finished about change for the students,” he says. Some individual NZDA branches mid-2018, allowing the Walsh Building “Primarily it wasn’t about the are also making contributions to the to be vacated and refurbished money – it was about engaging with project. The southern branch has been to house research laboratories, the profession over the project and quickest off the mark with $20,000 for a academic offices, student support and showcasing what we’re trying to achieve piece of artwork, in the form of a Māori teaching spaces. here.” kite, to go in the new glass atrium of the A 1,425-square-metre glass atrium will With the help of the company building. link the two buildings. manufacturing the dental chairs they Brunton is hopeful other branches produced a promotional video for the will make a similar contribution. Enrolments are expected to lift NZDA conference, which got people “It might be a piece of equipment, it from 85 to 96 new students, with excited about the project and the might be a piece of art, or it might be more than 600 undergraduate and concept of sponsoring the chairs. a studentship or something like that: graduate students in total. “The video was about the school and things that we can’t really afford to do the people and the journey students ourselves.” go on and the profession within New MARK WRIGHT Zealand. People could connect back

45 HOCKEN LEGACY

In 2019 the University of Otago will celebrate its 150th anniversary. As this Women physical educationalists training milestone approaches, the University at the School of Physical Education. of Otago Magazine is looking back over (B0X-184-013) the years, drawing on photographs from the Hocken Collections. In 1949 a series of promotional photographs were taken at the University by the then Prime Minister’s Department, showing life on campus at that time.

1949

A chat between lectures. (BOX-184-015)

46 A group of students study anatomy under Dr W. D. Trotter. (BOX-184-014)

Quiet study in the University of Otago Library – now the Council Chamber. (BOX-184-012)

After a lecture outside the Physics Block. A busy time of day in the (BOX-184-008) 60-chair Dental School surgery. (BOX-184-010)

A lecture in progress in the Chemistry Lecture Gallery. (BOX-184-009)

47 ALUMNI NEWS

shaping the future together This year’s Annual Appeal is raising funds to support seven special projects that are making a difference to families and communities throughout New Zealand, translating academic endeavour into real-world solutions for better and healthier lives. Every dollar counts. Your contributions – large and small – all help us in this important work. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Global Student Exchange Aquavan for marine conservation Blood tests to detect Alzheimer’s Programme Led by marine educators and scientists, With improved health care and better the Aquavan programme will engage nutrition, people are living longer This programme enables students to schools, teachers and community and enjoying healthier lives. Yet with spend one or two semesters at one of groups in the diversity of New Zealand’s longer life comes an increased risk the University’s 100-plus international marine flora and fauna, enabling a of Alzheimer’s disease. This disabling exchange partners as part of their better understanding of the wider condition requires better means of Otago degree, giving them life-changing ecosystem and how land and freshwater early detection – a recent discovery by experiences, new connections, lifetime management affects our coastal the Brain Health Research Centre may friendships and personal growth. environment. address this.

Advances in child cancer research Aspire programme for youth confidence Every week, three New Zealand children are diagnosed with The Aspire Programme is a student-led community initiative in cancer. These children often undergo intensive treatment which Year 8 pupils from low-decile Dunedin schools are hosted for prolonged periods of time. Te Aho Matatu,- the Centre on the Dunedin campus by University of Otago student volunteer for Translational Cancer Research (CTCR) is aware of the coaches. Using interactive learning activities, the coaches spend need to personalise these treatments as closely as possible their Friday afternoons working alongside the school students, to each patient’s disease. Working with Healthier Lives and helping them to develop greater confidence, better relationships REACH Child Cancer, CTCR is extending its research on and unlock learning through fun and engaging experiences – and personalised cancer markers to include child cancer. demystifying the University environment.

48 shaping the future together Yes! I would like to support the University of Otago and its ongoing programmes. Your gift can be directed to any one of the following areas: Alzheimer’s Research Project Aquavan Marine Conservation Project Childhood Cancer Research Project Global Student Exchange Programme Legal Services Mapping Project Student Volunteer Aspire Programme Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships Other

Amount of gift $50 $100 $250 $500 $1000 or my choice is $

Payment options:

1. Make a one-off donation or set up a monthly donation using our secure giving page at: alumni.otago.ac.nz/annual-appeal-donate

2. Charge my credit card: Visa Mastercard Legal services mapping project Card number Around one in three New Zealanders experience a Expiry date / CVC# problem that may require legal services each year. Finding help can be difficult. One problem is the lack of Cardholder’s name a centralised source of information. The Legal Services Mapping Project will provide vital resources about the accessibility of legal services in New Zealand. Signature

3. Pay by cheque I enclose a cheque payable to “The University Foundation Trust”

For residents in the UK, please send this form and your donation to: Chapel & York PO Box 50 Lingfield RH76FT United Kingdom For residents in the USA who wish to make a tax deductible donation, please visit: Alumniuoa.com Or email, Mr Neil Matheson [email protected] For residents in New Zealand and Rest of the World, please send this form and your donation to: Development & Alumni Relations Office University of Otago PO Box 56 Undergraduate entrance scholarships Dunedin 9054 New Zealand Every year a new group of young, gifted students emerge with exceptional academic potential, but also Should you require any further information please follow this link: otago.ac.nz/alumni/donate/annual-appeal real financial barriers to attending university. Course or contact us at email: [email protected] and tuition fees, residential college costs and living expenses quickly add up. These scholarships aim to Name directly address this issue. Address Email Thank you for your support. 49 ALUMNI NEWS

2017 Saturday, 6 May - London Sunborn London Yacht Hotel For alumni with a medical interest 5.30-7.30pm Wednesday, 10 May - London Merchant Taylor’s Hall 30 Threadneedle Street All alumni and friends welcome 6.00-6.30pm start Saturday, 13 May - Frankfurt Venue tbc All alumni and friends welcome Early evening Phys Ed class of 1967 reunion 14-16 June, Dunedin Dental class of 1967 reunion 14 -16 June, Dunedin Larnach Ball 50th anniversary reunion 8-9 September, Dunedin Medical class of 1977 reunion 21-24 October, Wellington Alumni get-together, Hong Kong, 12 January, 2017. Find out more about the Medical class of 1967 reunion Hong Kong alumni chapter activities at www.facebook.com/otagoalumni.hk 4-8 December, Dunedin Medical class of 1980 reunion date tbc, Wellington 2018 Medical class of 1964 reunion 22-25 March, Tongariro National Park Dental class of 1968 reunion 22-25 March, Dunedin Medical class of 1983 reunion 23-25 March, Hawkes Bay Selwyn College 125th anniversary reunion 23 - 25 March 2018, Dunedin Please contact Selwyn warden Ashley Day at [email protected] to indicate your interest in attending. Medical class of 1998 reunion The Friends of Otago reception at the Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) of the 4-6 May, Dunedin American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), 16 February, 2017, San Antonio Medical class of 1968 reunion Texas: From left: Dr Cathy Chapple, Dr Catherine Patla, Professor Leigh Hale 27-29 November, Dunedin and Dr Stanley Paris. 2019 Unicol 50th anniversary reunion November, Dunedin For more information WHERE IN THE WORLD ARE YOU? Visit: otago.ac.nz/alumni/events We want to stay in contact with you wherever you are. Email [email protected] For reunions, email: Visit uoalumni.otago.ac.nz/where-in-the-world-are-you to find out [email protected] where other Otago alumni are living. For events, email: [email protected] Phone: +64 3 479 4516

50 ALUMNI NEWS Photo: Chris Sullivan Phys Ed class of 1977 reunion, Dunedin, 27 January 2017.

Hayward Rose To mark its 25th anniversary this year, Hayward College is launching its own rose. The Hayward College (SOMausred) has been bred for the college by Rob Somerfield, of Glenavon Roses, Tauranga. It is a medium-height bushy rose, with dark glowing red blooms in an old–fashioned style – one to a stem in small clusters. College warden Pauline Donovan says the rose was selected in November 2015 and will be available in time for bare-root rose deliveries in June/July 2017. It can be purchased from Tasman Bay Roses, by either mail order or online (tbr.co.nz), and in Nichol’s Garden Centres in Dunedin, Invercargill and Cromwell via their 2017 Rose Catalogue (nicholsgroup.co.nz). Officially opened in 1992, Hayward College was developed from the former Queen Mary Maternity Hospital and named after brother and sister Otago alumni Jock and Vera Hayward, in recognition of their services to education and health in Otago. Jock Hayward OBE held the position of University Registrar from 1948 to 1974. A formal rose planting ceremony will be held in the college grounds in June/July to celebrate the 25th anniversary. otago.ac.nz/hayward

51 ALUMNI NEWS

Working for Otago

Making connections in the UK The UK/Europe Alumni Network provides a welcoming Leighton Cassidy (BSc, LLB, 1997) environment for Otago graduates. It actively recruits alumni, Leighton is a partner at international updates its membership register, circulates relevant university law firm Fieldfisher, where he heads the information and hosts University-themed events. It fosters close intellectual property protection team. He links with the Development and Alumni Relations Office, and loved his time at the University of Otago other chapters worldwide. and playing rugby for the University A Kirsty Fiddes (BDS, 1993) team. After graduating from Otago’s Dental “Involvement with the UK alumni chapter has allowed me School Kirsty worked in Wellington for five to connect with a new generation of Otago alumni and those in years before joining The Dental Surgery in Otago’s impressive network of alumni working in leading UK and London in 1999. She is an active member international businesses. We should be proud of the successes of of the New Zealand Business Women’s our alumni in the UK and I have been delighted to play a small Network and a founding member of the part in maintaining our wonderful network.” New Zealand Dental Society in London. Sir Paul Beresford (BDS, 1970) Studying at Otago continued a family tradition for Kirsty, and Sir Paul is a Conservative Party politician she now enjoys being Chair of the Otago Alumni UK/Europe and MP for the Mole Valley constituency, Chapter and fundraising for University projects. Her involvement and was knighted in 1990 for services to stems from a belief that “being part of the University family inner city rehabilitation. He now sits on involves reinforcing its common beliefs and goals”. 13 parliamentary committees, chairs the House of Commons Jennifer Moates (LLB, 1981) Administration Committee and is a member of the House of Jenny developed a love of the law of tort Commons Commission. He was Parliamentary Under Secretary while at Otago and has spent the last 30 of State at the Department of the Environment from 1994 to 1997. years putting it to good use as a lawyer in He is also a former chairman of the Otago UK alumni chapter. Sir the City of London, predominately advising Paul continues to practise dentistry part-time, “thanks to an Otago the insurance industry. She heads the BDS with a special interest in restorative cosmetic dentistry”. catastrophic injury team at BLM and has Alistair Wishart (LLB, BA (Hons) 2000) been instructed in a number of high profile As a student Alistair was actively involved fatal accident and catastrophic injury claims. with the OUSA, and is now a counsel She is committed to raising the profile of Otago University in at Vinson and Elkins LLP, advising on the UK, as well as assisting alumni to establish their careers and energy, petrochemical, water and other lives there. Jenny is secretary of the Otago University Trust UK. infrastructure projects. He is ranked in the Chambers UK Guide and Legal 500 UK. Duncan Blaikie (MB ChB, 2000) “The UK is a long way from Otago, but many alumni pass Since 2009, Duncan has been a solicitor through or settle here. It is always nice spending time with Otago at Slaughter and May, London, working people and our alumni events are a great way to maintain ties.” in intellectual property and technology law. Duncan trained in medicine at Otago Dr John Zinzan (BDS, 1969) and worked at Dunedin Public Hospital After qualifying John moved to London to before heading to Cambridge University, work in dentistry; in 1974 he established the where he transitioned to law. He was a Zinzan Dental Practice in Knightsbridge. professional rugby player, for the Highlanders and Chiefs. In 1990 he invited more than 700 UK “All Otago alumni I speak with look back fondly on their time and Europe-based graduates to the first at the University, and most mention the people they met as a Otago Alumni event at New Zealand particular highlight. The UK chapter helps alumni develop and House, and subsequently helped maintain a database of maintain links to the wider Otago network, and provides a focal UK-based alumni and hold regular Otago events. In 2003 he point for their re-engagement with the University.”

52 was the inaugural recipient of the University of Otago Medal for Outstanding Alumni Service. “I spent five exceedingly happy years in Dunedin, meeting lifelong friends. With alumni numbers growing Alumni benefits it seemed a very good idea to set up a committee here in London to organise annual meetings of Otago eNewsletters for Otago alumni graduates and to help maintain similar friendships.” There are a range of departmental e-newsletters available for Otago alumni. These include: Kyla Chapman (BCom (Hons), BA, • Classics • Economics 2001). • History and Art History • Music Kyla is technical operations leader • Law • Otago Business School for International with the global • Anatomy • Pharmacy broking and advisory firm Willis • Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences. Towers Watson and, since 2013, has Please email [email protected] also been treasurer of the Otago University Trust (London), involved in the running GoinGlobal: career development for alumni of the annual fundraising event held at historic UK The University of Otago brings its Going Global landmarks. subscription to Otago alumni, students and staff, offering “I enjoyed my time at Otago immensely and made access to 80,000 pages of career and employment many lifelong friendships. I love being able to work information on topics such as: with other like-minded people in London in keeping the • current employment outlook memory of those days alive and hope to benefit future • hiring trends generations in the process.” • job search resources • executive recruiters To contact the association, please email • staffing agencies [email protected] • work permit regulations • salary ranges • resume/CV writing guidelines • professional and social networking groups • trade associations • interview @otagoalumni email address • cultural advice. Unfortunately, due to circumstances You can join GoinGlobal by visiting beyond our control, the alumni email otago.ac.nz/alumni/benefits forwarding service provided via Development and Alumni Relations’ Connect with Otago Alumni and Friends on social Your Otago Link will be discontinued media from 1 July 2017. facebook.com/otagoalumni Access to Your Otago Link is linkedin.com/groups/79350 not affected. instagram.com/otagoalumni If you have created and used an @otagoalumni.ac.nz email forwarding eConnect newsletter address, please let your contacts Stay up to date with the latest alumni news, events, know an alternative address. profiles and competitions delivered to your email inbox. If you have any questions, Sign up for eConnect by emailing please email [email protected] or phone 0800 80 80 98 and ask to update your details. [email protected]

53 BOOKS

Manifesto Aotearoa 101 political poems Philip Temple and Emma Neale, editors New Zealand poets from diverse cultures, young for empathy, for action and revolution, even for and old, new and seasoned, from the Bay of a simple calling to account. Islands to Bluff, rally for justice on everything Philip Temple is an award-winning author from a degraded environment to systemically of fiction and non-fiction, often on subjects embedded poverty; from the long, painful legacy associated with New Zealand history and the of colonialism to explosive issues of sexual natural world. Emma Neale has written six consent. novels and a number of poetry collections, Communally these writers show that political and has edited anthologies of both short poems can be the most vivid and eloquent calls stories and poetry.

Doctors in Denial The forgotten women in the “unfortunate experiment” Ronald W. Jones When Dr Ron Jones joined the staff of public inquiry in 1987, Judge Sylvia Cartwright National Women’s Hospital in Auckland in 1973 observed that an unethical experiment had been Professor Herbert Green’s study into the natural carried out on large numbers of women for over history of carcinoma in-situ of the cervix (CIS) 20 years. had been in progress for seven years. This However, since that time there have been study of women with CIS – without their consent attempts to cast Green’s work in a more – involved observing, rather than definitively generous light. Jones, a now-retired obstetrician treating them. Many women subsequently and gynaecologist and former clinical professor, developed cancer and some died. is setting the record straight by telling his story In 1984 Jones and senior colleagues Dr – a story of unnecessary suffering, misplaced Bill McIndoe and Dr Jock McLean published loyalties and of doctors in denial of the truth. a scientific paper that exposed this and, in a

For further information: Otago University Press | otago.ac.nz/press | [email protected]

Books by Otago alumni Harry Holland, Robert Burns: Poet and Collaborative and Indigenous Mental Media Exposure During Infancy and Early Revolutionist, edited by Dougal McNeill, Steele Health Therapy: Tataihono – Stories of Childhood: The Effect of Content and Roberts, August 2016. Maori- Healing and Psychiatry, by Wiremu Context on Learning and Development, edited A Magpie Collection: Neighbours with NiaNia, Allister Bush, David Epston, Routledge, by R. Barr and D.L Linebarger, Springer, New Feathers, by Liliane Parkinson, self-published, December 2016. York, 2016. September 2016. Digital Leisure Cultures: Critical Perspectives, The Miles Between Me, by Tony Nealie, Africa’s Media Image in the 21st Century: from edited by Sandro Carnicelli, David McGillivray, Curbside Splendour Publishing, April 2016. the “Heart of Darkness” to “Africa Rising”, Gayle McPherson, Routledge 2017. In Pastures Green: North Taieri Presbyterian edited by Melanie Bunce, Suzanne Franks, Chris An Intelligent Career: Taking Responsibility Church 1866-2016, edited by Huia Ockwell, Paterson, Routledge, London 2016. for your Work and your Life, by M.B. Arthur, Mosgiel North Taieri Presbyterian Parish, Getting It Right: Poems 1968-2015, by Alan S.N. Khapova and J. Richardson, Oxford September 2016. Roddick, Otago University Press, September 2016. University Press, January 2017. The Grand Electrification of the South, by Biogeography and Evolution in New Zealand, Rock and Roll: Selected Poems in Five Sets, Gay Buckingham, The Power Company Limited, by Michael Heads, Taylor and Francis/CRC, by Mark Pirie, Bareknuckle Books, Brisbane, Invercargill, December 2016. Boca Raton FL, September 2016. Australia, 2016. Tonsils to Toenails: the Life of Pat Cotter, An Unfinished Portrait: A Journey around Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing Butterfly: Christchurch Surgeon and Tree Farmer, by my Mother, by Miriam Frank, Minerva Ornithoptera alexandrae, by David K. Mitchell, Claire Le Couteur, The Cotter Medical History Productions, November 2016. Southdene Sdn. Bhd, Malaysia, May 2016. Trust, December 2016. 35 Short Poems, by C.A.J. Williams, The Springer Handbook of Bio-/Neuroinformatics. Alumni: edited by N. Kasabov, Springer, 2014. Buttress Press, Wellington, December 2016. If you have recently published a book email [email protected]

54 WHATEVER HAPPENED TO … … the Larnach Castle ball of ’67?

eadlined in local media at the time as the ballroom where huge log fires were Hthe “social event of the year, if not the burning. The banquet was provided by the decade”, three University of Otago students University Union caterers and transported hosted a hugely successful ball at Larnach to the castle as there were no suitable Castle in September 1967 – the first formal kitchens on site. Crayfish, chicken and ball held at the castle since 1906. suckling pig were served on the castle Now, 50 years on, a reunion ball is to balcony. The attire was formal with men in be held on the same September date – the black tails and most women in long gowns 9th – coinciding with and celebrating 50 with white gloves. years since Dunedin’s Barker family took “It was a magical night that we have ownership of the castle. never forgotten,” Sir Eion says. Built by William Larnach in the Scottish Larnach Castle Executive Director baronial style, the castle is located high on Norcombe Barker says the family was Otago Peninsula. It took 200 men three years very grateful for the work the students did to complete the shell of the structure by to bring the ballroom up to a standard 1876, and craftsmen continued working for a suitable for holding this event, the first further 12 years embellishing the interior. in what was to become a new tradition of However, by the time Margaret and balls at the castle. An annual winter ball is Barry Barker bought the castle in 1967 it now held in the castle’s beautifully restored was in state of near ruin with significant ballroom, with guests in Victorian attire. water damage to the once stately interior. “So, in planning our year of 50th Undeterred, the three enterprising students anniversary events, a reunion of this first – Eion Edgar (now Sir Eion), Alistair ball seemed a very appropriate – and Edmond and Russell Davis (now deceased) – exciting – celebration. I contacted Sir Eion decided it would be the perfect setting for a and was very pleased that he agreed.” ball, and they set about making this happen. With no guest list and only a few old With an army of willing helpers – and photos to hand, Sir Eion and Alistair with the blessing of the Barkers – they Edmond have been working to track down spent weekends at the castle cleaning and as many of the former ball-goers as possible. painting the ballroom which had, until “The response has been brilliant – very quite recently, been used to pen sheep! enthusiastic,” Sir Eion says, “but there Toilet facilities were especially installed by are still a few places left so we would Mr Barker just in time for the event. The be delighted to hear from anyone else guest list of about 400 comprised students interested in reliving this event. It will be a and a few old school friends who travelled wonderful night.” from around the country to attend. If you were at the 1967 ball and would While it was expensive at $12 per ticket like to attend the reunion, please contact – compared to the usual $3 or $4 for a Sir Eion Edgar on 021808099 or student ball – it was a “splendid occasion”, email [email protected] says Sir Eion. Guests were collected by The ball will be preceded by an informal buses from their pre-ball events, driven to get-together on Friday 8 September. the castle where they drank sparkling wine, KAREN HOGG enjoyed a banquet meal and danced to live music until 4am. Student hostels granted special late passes for the event. In true baronial style, the ball began otago.ac.nz/otagomagazine with pipers leading a grand march into

55 Master your professional development… with a coursework master’s degree

otago.ac.nz/postgraduate