Fortnightly newsletter for University staff | Volume 40 | Issue 16 | 3 September 2010
Seminar series exploits diversity Key events Parenting The Equity Office, in response to staff requests, has organised an informal workshop entitled “Are you thinking of combining parenting and a career at the University?” This will be held from 1-3pm on Thursday 9 September in the Presentation Room (204), Level 2, ClockTower. For more information see “In brief” on page 3. Health HealtheX 2010 will see more than 100 entrants in the fields of biomedicine, population health and medicine competing for $8,000 worth of prizes. The student-organised conference is in its third year and the 2010 event is shaping up to be the best yet. The aim of HealtheX is to promote research activity Left to right are Dr Swarna Gamage with Dr Genevieve Evans and Dr Shaun Lott, who are collaborating on the and presentation among both undergraduate “Chemical validation of a drug target in M. Tuberculosis.” Photographed by Warren Jones and postgraduate students associated with the wider Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences. What do you get when you gather a roomful of and drug creators from inside and outside the HealtheX 2010 will be held on 10 September eminent researchers in diverse but related University. Their questions and comments made us at the Grafton Campus, FMHS. For more disciplines and invite one group to present to the think in complex ways and from new perspectives.” information, see www.fmhs.auckland.ac.nz/ others on their current investigations? One direct outcome for the team has been two faculty/healthex What you get is a rich environment for valued contacts. During the discussion there was generating knowledge, inspiring discussion mention of an Auckland District Health Board Innovation and laying the base for future contacts group involved in tuberculosis testing and a Dr Rick Boven, Director of the New Zealand and collaborations. researcher from Harvard University (already Institute, and Professor Cris Shore from the This is the highly successful format of an known to Shaun by repute) who is also Department of Anthropology will speak on ongoing seminar series introduced by Biopharma investigating enzymes implicated in the disease. Wednesday 15 September on “New Zealand’s Thematic Research Initiative, one of three Shaun and his team have since made contact untapped potential: The innovation agenda”. University of Auckland TRIs officially launched by with both. This will be the third in a series of free public Vice-Chancellor Professor Stuart McCutcheon Presenting the second seminar in the series, lectures entitled “New Zealand: Realising our at the Celebration of Research Excellence held held on 13 August at the Medical School in potential”. Associate Professor Michael in May. Grafton, were Professor Jillian Cornish, Professor Mintrom (Political Studies), coordinator of the As confirmed by participants, the format works Ian Reid and Associate Professor Andrew Grey Master of Public Policy Programme, says: extremely well. (School of Medicine) and Professor Bill Denny “Auckland, New Zealand’s soon-to-be Super Dr Shaun Lott (School of Biological Sciences), (Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre), City, has the opportunity to become the who presented at the first seminar, said he found speaking on “Milk-derived fatty acids as potential powerhouse where New Zealand’s most the exchanges intellectually challenging and bone resorption inhibitors – a novel class of significant policy thinking occurs. This ongoing extremely valuable in “sparking new thoughts” in anti-osteoporotic drugs?” seminar series reflects the University’s role as relation to the team’s work on possible new The subsequent discussion, stimulating, lively conscience and critic of society and highlights therapeutic approaches to TB. and robustly in tune with the aims of the series, its place as a centre for non-partisan, “The seminar brought together a huge range of included not only agreements but disagreements, big-thinking, agenda-setting policy meetings.” expertise,” said Shaun. “Among those attending requests for clarification or qualification, The seminar will take place from 12.30-2pm were eminent chemists, microbiologists, clinicians competing hypotheses and questioning of logic. in the Women’s Federation Room at Old Government House. story continues on page 2
University news is published by Communications and Marketing, Fisher Building In this issue 18 Waterloo Quadrant, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142 email [email protected] www.auckland.ac.nz/universitynews 2 Mayoral candidates Editor Judy Wilford 3 Equity in Engineering Photography Godfrey Boehnke, Kathryn Robinson 6 Tribute to Sir Graham Liggins Design AND PRODUCTION The University of Auckland From the Vice-Chancellor Capacity crowd for candidates
Although our Strategic Plan objective of doubling external research income to $270 million per annum over the period 2005 to 2012 is extremely challenging, we have done very well in making progress towards that target. As reported recently to Council and Senate, we anticipate reaching $210 million this year, despite the difficult environment for public and private expenditure created by the global financial crisis. A further impediment to reaching that goal – which is not really about money, but about our ability to grow our research capability and outputs to those of the leading universities internationally – has been the policies of Left to right are Andrew Williams, Simon Prast, Len Brown and John Banks. successive governments which have continued to shrink the pool of truly contestable funding. Four key Super City mayoral candidates John Prast looked for access to the waterfront, This has made it much more difficult for the Banks, Len Brown, Andrew Williams and Simon reliability of public transport and a desire to make excellent research delivered by our staff and Prast presented to a capacity crowd in the recent Auckland the Cannes of the Southern Hemisphere. students to compete on the basis of quality Towards a new Auckland debate hosted by the His mantra was one of striking a balance between and relevance. School of Architecture and Planning. the four well-beings: social, economic, cultural Thus, if we are to continue to grow the scale Tabled for discussion were questions on the and environmental. and quality of our research endeavour, we will retention of talented people, plans for Auckland’s Williams touted repeated examples of practical need to engage more actively with international waterfront and Queens Wharf, the place of rapid initiatives quietly rolled out over the Shore, private and public research users. We have transport, affordable housing, heritage and considered the whole of Auckland’s coastline and already had some success in this area – our culture, and management of an ethnically and harbours, not merely the CDB, and called for annual offshore research income is about $33 economically polarised city. smarter thinking – pointing out misguided million per annum and growing – but we must Amongst the quips, jibes and political banter the priorities such as “Auckland council spent millions also be aware that building relationships with debate proved an entertaining evening for the on sand while sewage still spills out on the international agencies is very different from audience, which was quick to respond with Eastern beaches.” operating in our traditional domestic scene. applause and jeers. Brown promoted Auckland as the largest Pacific Generally speaking, offshore institutions will Leading candidates Banks and Brown at times city in the world, a cosmopolitan city of fusion, and only fund “outside their comfort zones” (their deferred questions on spatial development to Banks held steady to a mantra of measured own countries or countries in which they do possible future appointments: “I am exploring the affordability, dialogue and ambition. business) if we are able to offer them a unique concept of a city architect – charged with advising Questions from the floor included concern over research capability. the Mayor on architecture and design,” says Banks the continuation of eco-city initiatives under the For that reason, I was very pleased to – while Brown says: “I will have a housing adviser Super City amalgamation, tree protection rules, announce on 25 August the winners of in the Mayoral Office.” and the place of events in Auckland. International Research Team Development All candidates were unanimous on the Jenny Dixon, Dean of the National Institute of Awards following an open call for applications importance of an integrated transport system, Creative Arts and Industries, says: “The event was earlier in the year. These awards, which are though promises were cast under the shadow of a a wonderful opportunity to host and direct debate intended to support teams in developing their financially constrained future and cautious public on the future of Auckland’s built environment in a capability to enhance international spending. Sewage, storm-water, an increased focus public forum. It allowed the candidates some collaborations and attract offshore research on tourism and a reduced focus on commercial scope for good old-fashioned campaigning and funding, represent an investment by the shipping were all discussed. was a fascinating evening.” University of $1.6 million over the next three years. Covering such diverse areas of research as advanced composite materials, industrial optimisation, robotics, human nutrition, health story continued from page 1 and biodiversity, they reflect just some of the Associate Professor Rod Dunbar, Director of the A further initiative already under way is extraordinary research expertise that exists at Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery Biopharma TRI’s “Pipeline Development Fund”, our University. Each of the projects will receive and Academic Co-Director of Biopharma Thematic created to provide short-term targeted funding to direct funding and professional support to build Research Initiative (with Bill Denny), said: enable existing projects to access expertise outside their international collaborations and “Development of human therapies and diagnostics the project team. understand better how their relevant offshore is where you need diverse input. We are privileged Diana says the aim is to help accelerate the funding agencies and clients operate. The in this University to be in the company of so many progress of early-stage research projects towards award winning teams are to be congratulated outstanding experts in such diverse fields.” the “grant-ready” stage where they are highly likely on their He adds that this experience is seldom possible to be supported by external research grants. commitment to in research environments outside of universities. Dr Deborah Hay and colleagues were recently build their “This is a great opportunity to make good use of granted $75,000 for their “Discovery programme international the university’s ‘universality’.” for small molecule antagonists to the AM-1 profiles. I wish Dr Diana Gash, the Biopharma TRI Programme receptor”. Dr Shaun Lott and his team were them well. Manager, says that based on her work experience awarded $60,000, which has allowed them to in global pharma and biotech, the focus moves to collaborate with medicinal chemist, Dr Swarna product development rather than discovery as Gamage from ACSRC. companies increase in size and complexity.
2 3 September | 2010 Capacity crowd for candidates Outstanding effort helps others In brief... Career and parenting Are you thinking of combining parenting and a career at the University? The Equity Office, in response to staff requests, has organised this informal workshop to be held from 1-3pm on Thursday 9 September in the Presentation Room (204), Level 2, ClockTower. The office has been asked to provide information to support decision-making about having children as well as a career at the University. The workshop will cover current research findings on fertility and work life balance. It will also include information about University support for parents, such as parental leave, breastfeeding, early childhood education and flexible work. Fifth from left is Kepa Morgan, who attended as a staff member on a recruitment tour – the SPIES Pacific Tour 2010 – Professor Cindy Farquhar (Department of organised by Marcia Murray from the Faculty of Engineering, involving visits to communities and secondary schools in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine) Samoa, Fiji and Tonga. Twenty-six staff and students attended during the inter-semester break. The photo was taken at will share her expertise as an internationally Puna wharf in Nuku’alofa, Tonga. recognised practitioner and academic in women’s health and infertility. The Faculty of Engineering paid a glowing tribute to enhancing prospects for Māori and Pacific Trudie McNaughton, Pro Vice-Chancellor to Dr Te Kipa Kepa Brian Morgan as he students' efforts in 2003. The team was again (Equity) will provide a context for discussion. In approaches the end of his term as inaugural distinguished in 2007 with another Equity Award addition, a number of University staff will share Associate Dean (Māori). for the contribution the SPIES Pacific Tour made for their relevant experiences. At a morning tea held at the Waipapa Marae recruiting students in the Pacific. Kepa was To register for this workshop please contact on 11 August, the Dean of Engineering, Professor awarded with the Australasian Association of Margaret Freeman, [email protected] Michael Davies, staff and students expressed their Engineering Educators Excellence in Inclusivity ext. 88316 by 6 September gratitude to Kepa for his loyalty and dedication to Award in 2005 for his particularly impressive improving the opportunities for Māori and Pacific impact on first-year Māori enrolments. students within the Faculty of Engineering. Kepa’s progress was further acknowledged in Stern lectures filling fast Kepa first joined the faculty in 1998 as Tutor. In the New Zealand Universities Academic Audit Unit Registration for the Sir Douglas Robb Lectures this role he was integral in establishing a academic audit report on The University of by Lord Nicholas Stern on 8, 9 and 10 mentoring and tutoring programme for Māori and Auckland which was produced in August 2009. September is essential. Pacific students in the Faculty of Engineering. In The report commends “the effective impact of There were still seats left when University 2000, he moved to the role of lecturer before the Faculty of Engineering equity strategies... News went to press. Register at www.auckland. being appointed as the inaugural Associate Dean ”The panel was told about the Faculty of ac.nz/robb (inquiries to 0800 UNICONTED, (Māori) in 2002. Engineering equity strategies on access and 0800 864 266). When he first arrived at the University, Kepa support for Māori students and of the effective The lecture venue (Fisher & Paykel Appliances was faced with a tremendous challenge to increase impact they were having. The panel encourages Auditorium) will open at 6pm for the 7pm the participation rates of Māori and Pacific the University to examine the Faculty’s approach lectures and attendees should bring their students in engineering. He has faced this and to encourage other parts of the University to registration forms. Once the venue reaches challenge with courage and passion and this has learn from these initiatives as they might be capacity later arrivals will be directed to resulted in some remarkable achievements. appropriately adapted.” neighbouring lecture theatres linked by video. Dean of Engineering, Professor Michael Davies Kepa was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy in There is evening parking for $5 in the lower says the academic results of Māori and Pacific 2008, becoming the first Māori to be awarded a levels of the Owen G. Glenn Building. students in recent years has been “absolutely PhD in Civil Engineering from The University of Lord Stern’s three lectures will address the outstanding and is a tribute to the hard work Kepa Auckland. As a result, Kepa received the Tohu topic "Managing the risks of climate change, has put in”. Kairangi Academic Excellence Award in 2009. overcoming world poverty and creating a new The student pass rate in 2009 for Māori SPIES (South Pacific Indigenous Engineering era of growth and prosperity: The challenges for students in the Faculty of Engineering was 90.2 per Students) performed a haka as a tribute to Kepa at global collaboration and rationality". cent compared with the University average of 83 the morning tea. Kepa has been heavily involved in His three-day visit to the University will begin per cent. The Pacific Island students also the organisation which was formed in 1993. The with a powhiri at the John Hood Plaza. He will performed at an exceptionally high level with a group was set up to provide support for Māori and give a media conference, attend two lunches pass rate of 91 percent compared with the Pacific Island students studying engineering at The (one for staff and students, the other hosted by University average of 72.2 per cent. The retention University of Auckland. the Trans Tasman Business Circle), and address rate in 2009 for Māori and Pacific students from J’aime Laurenson, who became the first Pacific a climate change seminar for invited guests. Part I to Part II of the Bachelor of Engineering was student to receive conjoint Law and Engineering an exceptional and perfect 100 per cent. degrees at the 2010 Autumn Graduation, credits The programmes developed by Kepa and his much of his academic success to the support he staff were acknowledged with the Inaugural received through SPIES and from Kepa. He is Excellence in Equity Award in 2003, which also the first student ever to receive honours in recognised the outstanding effort and dedication both degrees.
story continues on page 4
The University of Auckland News 3 Research news Hood Fellow inspires
No FRST funding round Well-intentioned and progressive-sounding curriculum reforms designed to address crowded FRST announced in August they will not run curriculums and disaffected students are leading their main contestable rounds (covering their to an evacuation of content from classrooms project and programme funding for 2010/11) and are undermining the concept of the this year. The foundation will extend contracts “knowledge society”. that mature on 30 September 2011 for up to That’s the view of Emeritus Professor of one year. The Foundation will negotiate the Education Michael Young of the University of contract extensions on a case-by-case basis and London, who visited the Faculty of Education the annual funding on extended contracts will recently as a guest of the Lion Foundation and the be reduced by approximately 4 percent. faculty’s School of Critical Studies.... Rutherford Discovery Fellowships For the full story, see the staff intranet (www. These support New Zealand’s most talented staff.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/for/staff/) on “News” early- to mid-career researchers. This is a new or “More news”. fellowship scheme which aims to attract top researchers with international research experience back to New Zealand. Competition is anticipated to be very high for Historic victory the ten fellowships awarded each year. Receipt “The best of the best” is how Microsoft New of a Rutherford Discovery Fellowship is Zealand described the Team One Beep project expected to have significant value in the future which took out third place at the world finals of career of a researcher. The fellowship will the Microsoft Imagine Cup in Poland earlier • provide support for ten early- to mid-career this year. researchers each year (defined as being In a special event held at The University of between three and ten years post-PhD) Auckland, Scott Wylie, Director of the Developer • support the recipients for a five-year term and Platform Group for Microsoft New Zealand, • provide competitive funding, up to said making it to third in the world was a huge $200,000 a year achievement for Team One Beep, the University • develop excellent researchers in and New Zealand…. New Zealand. For the full story, see the staff intranet (www. Applicants will hear in early November if staff.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/for/staff/) on “News” they will be on the “short list” selected or “More news”. for interview. Lottery Health Research Grants Sixty researchers and 15 PhD scholars from the Camouflage exercise in University recently submitted applications totalling $7.7 million to the Lottery Health Fund. In 2009, 34 applications were submitted Auckland undergrowth totalling $4.7 million and 14 applicants were Paramilitary-style masks were being constructed successful recipients of funding totalling $1.2 in a back room in Central Auckland for an million. Results are to be announced from the operation in the urban undergrowth. Research Office between 4 and 24 November, The exercise formed part of a video-art after which all applicants will be advised. installation exploring the visual, political and Inquiries should be directed to psychological potency of human masking - a [email protected] recurrent interest of current Elam International Support for cancer research Artist in Residence, Jemima Wyman.... For the full story, see the staff intranet (www. University researchers, with external staff.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/for/staff/) on “News” collaborators, have received a Health Research or “More news”. Council Programme Grant of $4.5 million for a programme entitled "Vaccine-based immunotherapy of cancer". This will run for five years from 1 October, and will incorporate a clinical trial in melanoma patients beginning in story continued from page 3 2012, with all components in the vaccine manufactured in New Zealand. SPPEEx (South Pacific Professional Engineering vision and passion in that role will be missed,” The programme is a collaboration between Excellence) President Randall Ah Mu says Kepa he says. the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research in has done a lot to establish the SPIES organisation “Fortunately he is staying on at the faculty with Wellington (led by Dr Ian Hermans), IRL (led by and it will be the end of an era when he leaves his his role as a lecturer in the Civil and Environmental Dr Gavin Painter), Cancer Trials NZ (led by position as Associate Dean (Māori). Engineering Department so I’m sure he will still be Professor Mike Findlay) and The University of “Kepa was a founding member of SPPEEx and a great influence on those students he comes in Auckland (led by Associate Professor Rod was the first president so he was a real pioneer in contact with. Kepa’s replacement will have big Dunbar and Professor Margaret Brimble). the organisation’s early days. shoes to fill so I wish whoever takes the reins all “Kepa is a real role model for a huge number of the best in their new role.” young Māori and Pasifika engineers so I’m sure his Renee Girven
4 3 September | 2010 Major web Viewpoint resource Banning the Burqa An interactive web 2.0 resource established to The recent decision by the French National whom identifying with cultural or religious groups boost the language, culture and heritage of Tai Assembly to ban the wearing of the full-face has been regarded as contrary to French Tokerau marae was launched at Hokianga on covering burqa or niqab in public is hard to republicanism, and as leading to social 20 August. fathom from the context of a multicultural disintegration and extremism. It’s ironic that these Te Wehi Nui.com provides text information, society like New Zealand. recent bans have focused on public dress, when it images, photos and filmed interviews for tamariki What seems like a draconian restriction on might well be argued that women wearing the (children) to use at school. It also aims to increase individual freedom passed with overwhelming burqa in public are asserting their right to traditional knowledge among Māori in each region, support from across the political spectrum: only participate in public life, while maintaining their and to further encourage them to be involved in one Assembly member voted against it. religious and cultural traditions, rather than opting their tribal marae. In the lead-up debate, political and community for segregated seclusion. It arises out of a project co-led by Dr Merata leaders on the Right and Left, as well as prominent French critics of the burqa also make much of Kawharu, Research Director of the James Henare feminists and some Muslims endorsed the ban. the argument that it demeans women, implying Māori Research Centre. Although the bill must still be approved by the that their bodies are offensive, and that they are The Foundation for Research, Science and French Senate, and faces challenges under forced to cover up by men. We might question Technology is funding the $400,000 project, which European human rights law, there is no whether the free-for-all display of women’s and is investigating the links between youth success in questioning its broad popular support. girls’ bodies, which we have become used to in Tai Tokerau and tribal marae, values and language. Like France’s 2004 legislation preventing western culture, necessarily signifies freedom Four pilot regions have been involved, including Te wearing the hijab or head-scarf in public for women. Rarawa and Ngapuhi marae in north and south institutions (like schools), the so-called burqa ban But in any case, the evidence is that many burqa Hokianga, Te Uri o Hau in north Kaipara and nowhere specifies Muslim dress or Islam – in fact it wearers are young women whose mothers did not Patuharakeke at Takahiwai. is entitled “the bill to forbid covering one’s face in wear the dress, and who have chosen to wear it The website contains material on the region’s public”. Nevertheless, several non-religious and to express their religious and cultural identity histories, customary knowledge, iwi/hapu exceptions have been permitted, and it’s very clear in public. If the French government were really heritage, language forms, marae values, artefacts from the debate that the bill targets wearers of the concerned about women’s rights, it might and music. burqa or niqab – gowns which cover all the face simply criminalise those who coerce young There will also be an overview of current except for the eyes. These are worn by only around women, whether over religious dress or other challenges brought about by youth dislocation and 1900 out of France’s population of Muslims – cultural customs, rather than also arresting the poor knowledge. One focus of Te Wehi Nui will be estimated by the government at around 5 million. women themselves. to gauge knowledge levels among Māori youth of Reports suggest that most women who wear them This ban is less about liberating Muslim women dialects, marae values and heritage, highlighting are second or third generation French citizens, and or protecting French security, than it is about the knowledge areas that are new to them. that they tend to be young. limits of expressing cultural difference in France. Employing new generation technologies, users The bill’s supporters argue that the burqa That’s why in many European countries which have will be able to add their own stories and comments challenges the essentially secular character of also not embraced multiculturalism, support for as well as explore the easy-to-use site. France, by publicly asserting Muslim identity. similar burqa bans is strong. But in countries with “This resource will be unique in New Zealand,” Secularism is deeply engrained in modern French a more open attitude to cultural diversity, there’s says Merata. “It will be introduced into schools and national identity – the product of a long history of no move to prohibit religious dress. to iwi/hapu who have their own websites.” struggle between the Catholic Church and the The issue of secularism has arisen here in New The site will have controlled access and state. Laïcité – the separation between church and Zealand recently, over a controversial Human ultimately other organisations may be able to use state in France – is strictly applied and is Rights Commission decision to remove a statement Te Wehi Nui, with the permission of those who understood to mean not that the state must in a report that New Zealand is a secular state, participated in the project. remain neutral towards religions, but rather that and religion is a concern of the private sphere. The The NZ Police are keen to use the Māori maps religious expression is prohibited in any public Catholic Church here has argued that such a component to guide their policing practices in space associated with or supported by the state. definition limits the role of religion in public life. In identifying marae locations, key people and values. (In fact, it is illegal to ask any questions about fact, whether or not New Zealand is officially The cultural information on Te Wehi Nui might also religious affiliation in the census in France.) That described as secular, it’s very unlikely that religious be linked into justice rehabilitation and mental might explain the ban upon wearing the hijab in groups and believers would be prevented from health programmes to support Māori youth. public schools. participating in public life. The website name comes out of the traditional But the more recent ban extends into all public An essential aspect of multicultural New stories. Io (creator of all) assigned roles and tasks life, and reflects deeper concerns about Zealand, absent from France, is the visible to all stars of the heavens and to the constellation assimilation and French cultural values. presence and robust participation of a range of Te Wehi Nui a Mamao was given the task of being Countries with policies that support cultural and religious groups in our public life. guardian of all the stars. multiculturalism tend to recognise that maintaining This website is a repository of traditional minority cultural and religious traditions in public knowledge, a place central to the cultural life can go hand in hand with – and even reinforce Dr Katherine Smits identity of the people that represents their hopes – commitment to a shared national identity and Political Studies and aspirations. liberal democratic political values. France, however, “Te Wehi Nui might also be considered as the has never recognised or supported multiculturalism physical reaction experienced when Tawhirimatea – unlike, of course, immigrant societies such as (Ancestor of the climates) sends his winds to call the United States, Australia, Canada and family members back to their marae. In this sense New Zealand. the website acts as a calling for descendants to France has always assumed that immigrants will reconnect with their own marae,” says Merata. assimilate – and this includes not only The launch ceremony took place at the conservatives, who tend to support assimilation in Copthorne Hotel in Omapere, Hokianga. all countries, but also those on the liberal Left, for
The University of Auckland News 5 Liggins Institute farewells a scientific hero University of Auckland was named, following his importance of the unexpected,” added Professor death in Auckland on 23 August. Cutfield. “We hope that at an appropriate time in Professor Wayne Cutfield, Director of the the future we shall have the opportunity to publicly Institute, said the contributions to modern celebrate Mont’s many achievements. He remains medicine of Sir Graham, affectionately known by an inspiration to the researchers at our Institute, many simply as ”Mont”, “rank amongst the most for he was more than a brilliant scientist – he was significant breakthroughs of the twentieth century. a man of great humanity and humility. “The staff and students of the Liggins Institute “Above all, he was a man for whom family was extend their sincere condolences to Mont’s family of primary importance. We at the Liggins Institute and close friends. I am sure that I also speak for extend our support and deepest sympathy to Sir the many thousands of prematurely-born children Graham’s family in their time of grief.” (and their families) world-wide who owe their lives Adding his tribute the Vice-Chancellor, Professor to the treatment that he developed. His work Stuart McCutcheon, said: “As a young scientist virtually transformed clinical neonatology.” working in fetal physiology I was very aware of Professor Sir Graham Liggins was pre-eminent Mont Liggins' many achievements. He was an amongst a handful of medical scientists whose outstanding New Zealand scientist and we are pioneering work in the 1960s and 70s established privileged to be able to continue recognising his Auckland’s National Women’s Hospital as a work through The University of Auckland Institute world-leading centre for the care of mothers and that is so appropriately named after him.” babies. Amongst his many innovations and The Liggins Institute, set up in 2001, was The achievements Sir Graham is best known for his University of Auckland’s first Large Scale Research discovery that giving steroids to women Institute. It is a world leading centre for research experiencing early labour accelerated infant lung on fetal and child health, the impact of nutrition on Sir Graham Liggins development enough to enable premature health throughout life, epigenetic regulation of newborn babies to breathe independently. growth and development, breast cancer, and Tribute has been paid to Sir Graham Liggins, the “His career was marked by innovation, insight evolutionary medicine. man for whom the Liggins Institute at The and an extraordinary ability to grasp the Power of dance
opportunity to gain powerful new insights into “So dance becomes a deliberate and public Palestinian culture through a public lecture and language or means of representing histories at video presentation by its author, Dr Nicholas Rowe various levels and documenting significant events – a senior lecturer in Dance Studies and Associate in the lives of people. Dance becomes the people’s Dean (Postgraduate) in NICAI. medium for conveying particular values and views Raising Dust, published by I.B. Tauris (London in times of conflict and oppression. and New York) in a beautiful and sumptuously- “What Nicholas has achieved in this book is the illustrated edition, provides a compelling cultural capture and documentation of diverse stories that history of dance in Palestine, tracing Nicholas’s would have likely gone untold. The book makes a own journey into Palestine’s past and present significant contribution not only to our through historical archives, the memories of understanding of the role and importance of dance dancers and the contemporary performing in Palestine as a means of political expression but arts scene. also more broadly to the international literature on Inspiration for this rigorously researched the significance of dance in society as a vitally publication arose from his eight years working with important creative art.” local dance collectives and arts institutions on The Auckland launch was the third for this book, dance performance and education projects in which was also launched in London and in cities, villages and refugee camps across the Ramallah on the West Bank. turbulent West Bank and Gaza Strip. Nicholas is a graduate of the Australian Ballet As an outspoken commentator for marginalised School who subsequently worked as a and traumatised societies, Nicholas explores dance choreographer and dancer with the Australian Nicholas Rowe with his book. Photo John Turner. as a tool of the establishment, used to homogenise Ballet, the Sydney Dance Company, the Finnish culture and legitimise power and domination, and National Ballet, Ballet Philippines, the West Nicholas Rowe conversely as a tool to challenge those structures, Australian Ballet, Modern Dance Turkey and allowing space for expression and transfer of ideas. Nomad Dance Theatre. He completed his PhD on “Dance, its history and stories allow us to His work portrays the history of dance in Palestine Palestinian dance through the London connect with and understand diverse global as complex and contentious, weaving dance and Contemporary Dance School. communities and in turn empathise with politics into a cultural narrative that is both Says Ralph Buck: “Nicholas is internationally different points of view,” says Associate personal and collective. renowned for his rigorous and dynamic research Professor Ralph Buck, Head of Dance Studies in “What becomes evident when you read the and is published in the world’s leading dance the University’s National Institute of Creative book,” said Professor Jenny Dixon, Dean of NICAI, research journals. He serves as an exemplary role Arts and Industries (NICAI). He was speaking of at the launch, “is the powerful positioning of dance model for emerging researchers.” an important new book, Raising Dust: A Cultural in a highly fraught political history. Dance can be History of Dance, Political and Social Change used very effectively as a political and social in Palestine. device to express views in ways that cannot Those who attended the launch of Raising Dust otherwise be easily communicated without fear at the Gus Fisher Gallery on 29 July were given an of retribution. Photo: John Turner
6 3 September | 2010 From the collection Arts
A few years ago, that seemed to Baskett’s article notes that Perry contributed an be the end of the search for Alach, index of artists to Richard Wolfe’s 1997 book All short of ringing all 20 Alachs in the Our Own Work: New Zealand’s Folk Art, which phone book, which is hardly a doesn’t include any work of Alach’s but does have priority given the minor nature of an entry in Perry’s section. Perry puts Alach as this painting. But in July on the living c.1896-1980 and has him also working as Auckland Art Gallery’s relaunched a land agent, in a fish shop and running a website it was noticed that the E.H. boarding house. McCormick Research Library has Two works are said to be owned by the an artist file on Alach. Onehunga Library, while Lopdell House curator, In it are three newspaper Kate Wells, has in her exhibition records reference clippings; a 1967 article in the to five paintings at the Onehunga Library - an Central Suburbs Leader on the initial call to the library doesn’t confirm the artist’s second exhibition, held at presence of any paintings, although it is suggested the Giotto Gallery, a New Zealand that they may now be in the community centre. Herald review by T.J. McNamara of Also in the Elam Archive is a small typed the same exhibition, and another catalogue from the exhibition at the Giotto (undated) review by McNamara of Gallery, which was run on Queen Street by a subsequent show. Franciscan monks. From these fragments, we can In this publication, Alach says: “I think it is the establish a sketch of who the nicest thing in one’s life to create something artist was. beautiful. I know my pictures are not perfect in any The Central Suburbs Leader way, but they give me pleasure to paint them, and I article has a photo of Alach, hope they might please someone else.” describing him as a Sandringham As to why the work was gifted to the General resident who decided to teach Library, that remains a mystery, as does the reason himself to paint after his retirement he painted a portrait of New Zealand poet five years earlier. James K. Baxter. He is Yugoslavian, came to New Baxter did live briefly in Grafton in the late Zealand when he was 17 and 1960s, although it seems unlikely that the retired Amongst the more than 1000 artworks in The worked in the gumfields of Northland. He briefly Alach would have been amongst the druggies that University of Auckland Art Collection, there are returned home after World War I and then frequented his Boyle Crescent squat, and some whose origins aren’t always clear, and it is dabbled in a range of jobs including hand- biographer John Newton has no recollection of often fascinating to track down who they’re by colouring photographs. Alach being amongst those in the Jerusalem and how they ended up with us. Although he hasn’t been home for many years, commune Baxter established next. Although every work officially purchased for the most of his work depicts Yugoslavian scenes, In 1972 Baxter, in poor health, left Jerusalem for collection has been well documented by Keith mostly from memory but some are from magazine Auckland, where he died in a small commune, but Sinclair, Robert Chapman, Michael Dunn and Peter images or of New Zealand subjects. it is probably the subsequent headlines about the Simpson, who curated the collection for most of its McNamara notes that Alach’s drawing is not passing of this renowned poet that caught Alach’s first four decades from 1966, there are other works very good and that the scenes painted from attention for the portrait he painted soon after. that have been bought by various departments memory, seen “with his inward eye”, are better Elam Senior Lecturer, Sean Kerr, has also taken with University funds, or received as gifts, for than those that are copied. an interest in Alach’s portrait of Baxter and which we have very little or no record. In the later review, from the inaugural exhibition “remixed” it into a multimedia installation that has One such mystery work is a portrait of poet of the Spiral Gallery in Dominion Road, he is the late Baxter talking to fellow poet Sam Hunt, as James K. Baxter by Joseph Alach, which was gifted described as a prolific primitive painter but the portrayed by Robin White. to the General Library in 1975, presumably by the reviewer wonders about the distinction between You can see this work in Sean Kerr’s survey artist, and is now cared for as part of the what is truly naive and what is just badly drawn exhibition, which opens on 3 September at the Gus Art Collection. with unsophisticated colour and composition. Fisher Gallery and Artspace. Alach does not appear in any significant books Tantalised by this new information, we undertook on New Zealand, in any of the main library a renewed search, including the online Index of databases, or the National Library’s Papers Past New Zealand Art (INZART), launched by the Elam Andrew Clifford website which makes it possible to do an online Fine Arts Library in 2008 as a database of search of major New Zealand newspapers and periodical articles. periodicals published from 1839 to 1945. In it, there are two references to Alach – Nor does a Google search reveal much; the McNamara’s 1967 review and a 1998 Herald online Australasian Art Sales Digest shows that article by Pat Baskett titled “The good the bad and another 1973 painting, titled Ostend, Waiheke, the folksy”, about an exhibition of folk art at was put up for auction at Webbs, in 2005 but not Lopdell House Gallery. sold; and the New Zealand Electronic Text Centre The latter story mostly focuses on exhibition has digitised the publication Book and Print in New curator and folk art collector, John Perry, but also Zealand: A Guide to Print Culture in Aotearoa, talks to Dick Lyne, a 70-year-old who also took up which contains in the section on Croatian painting in his retirement. It notes that two works publishing a mention of two short-lived in the exhibition, including one by Alach, were Joseph Alach (c.1896-1980) newspapers, Jedinstvo (Unity) and Vjesnik previously owned by the late Tony Fomison, who Portrait of James K. Baxter, 1973 (Messenger), published and edited by Joseph Alach was a renowned painter and champion of Acrylic on board, 605 x 410mm in 1942 and 1946 respectively. “naive” artists. The University of Auckland Art Collection
The University of Auckland News 7 9.15am-4.30pm OGH. Enrol at a forum for thinking and talking about WEDNESDAY 15 SEPTEMBER What’s on www.cad.auckland.ac.nz/workshops or doing higher education research, with Computer Science seminar phone CAD reception on ext 88140. a special focus on researchers who Friday 3 SEPTEMBER Bob Doran, retired CS Professor and ex- Innovation in manufacturing and are new to this field. Free to HERDSA HoD, UoA: What I did on my holidays. NZSSES Forum materials workshop members and open to others for the 12-1pm CS Seminar Rm 270, Bldg 303S. 9am-12noon Case Room 4, Owen G. 3pm Rm 503, Bldg 404. Would you like price of the annual membership fee This is an illustrated talk about aspects Glenn Bldg. Dr Bob Lloyd, University of to find out what other researchers in the (please note numbers are limited). For of computer history including: Otago, School of Physics. Followed by a University are doing in manufacturing a registration form, please contact • Visits to the Computer History panel discussion, with panelists: Assoc and materials research? The workshop Deborah Hill at CAD on Museum and ‘Digibarn’ in California Prof Basil Sharp, HoD of Economics, is intended to aid in the development [email protected] • NZ-made computers Business School, UoA; Prof Peter of ideas and to assist you in making Exhibition talk • Recent discoveries about totalisator Malin, Director of the Institute of Earth contact with researchers with Jonathan Bywater, Critic and machines in the early 20th century. Science and Engineering; and Associate complementary interests. Come along Programme Leader in Critical Studies Master of Public Policy seminar Professor Carol Boyle, Director of the and share your existing research or your at Elam School of Fine Arts, responds to NZ’s untapped potential: The innovation International Centre for Sustainability potential concepts at the meeting. Each Sean Kerr’s exhibition. 1pm Gus Fisher agenda. 12.30-2pm Women’s Research. RSVP to [email protected] researcher will have five minutes to Gallery, 74 Shortland St. Visit Federation Rm, OGH. Three Minute Thesis Competition: present their research to the group, and www.gusfishergallery.auckland.ac.nz Featuring Dr Rick Boven, Director, NZ Grand final and prizegiving posters can be displayed as well. Please Institute and Prof Cris Shore, Dept of 4pm Lecture Theatre 260-098, Owen G RSVP to [email protected]. Anthropology, UoA. Glenn Bldg. Department of History seminar Sunday 12 SEPTEMBER Watch the top eight Three Minute Thesis Prof Martin Van Gelderen, European contestants battle for the ultimate prize University Institute, Florence: Researching Higher Education in front of three celebrity judges Rembrandt, Grotius and the Jews: Symposium THURSDAY 16 SEPTEMBER Day two. Engineering Building and CAD, Visit www.auckland.ac.nz/3minutethesis Accepting the ‘Other’ in the Dutch School of Environment seminar 76 Symonds St. For a registration form, Republic. 4pm Rm 59, History Dept. Dr Marc-Andre Brideau: Landslide at the please contact Deborah Hill at CAD on Queries to [email protected] north end of town: What is the hazard [email protected] Second 2010 Sir Douglas Robb to Dawson City, Canada? 1-2pm HSB saturday 4 SEPTEMBER Lecture 429. Portfolio workshop at Elam Lord Nicholas Stern of Brentford: Policies Queries to [email protected] 10am-12noon projectspace B431, for low-carbon growth and development: MONDAY 13 SEPTEMBER Visit www.env.auckland.ac.nz/ Ground floor, Main Fine Arts Bldg, 20 Creating a new era of progress and seminars/2010/Brideau_160910.pdf Whitaker Place. prosperity. 7pm Fisher & Paykel NZ Asia Institute/Europe Institute To apply for admission to the BFA Appliances Auditorium, Owen G Glenn seminar programme you must provide a portfolio Bldg, 12 Grafton Rd. Prof Sung-Hoon Park, Korea University: of your work. Get help on how you Visit www.auckland.ac.nz/robb The Korea-EU Free Trade Agreement and possible implications for NZ. Classifieds prepare your portfolio and present it Numbers are limited. You must register ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE professionally. Ph 373 7599 ext 86623 at www.artsfaculty.auckland.ac.nz/ 12noon-1pm Rm 325, Level 3, Owen G or email [email protected] special/robb/ Glenn Bldg, 12 Grafton Rd. Visit A one-bdrm apartment is available www.nzai.auckland.ac.nz or Exhibition talk in The Aucklander, Rutland St, City, Kate Montgomery, senior curator, www.europe.auckland.ac.nz just behind the Public Library. Fully City Gallery, Wellington discusses the Monday Night Jazz Series: Alan furnished, immaculate, everything temperamental interactions of Sean friday 10 SEPTEMBER Brown Trio included. North-facing, sunny and warm. Kerr’s recent work. 1pm Gus Fisher Welfare forum 8pm Studio One, Kenneth Myers No smokers. $300 pw. Contact Bryan Gallery, 74 Shortland St. Visit Rethinking welfare for the twenty-first Centre, 74 Shortland St. Cost $15/$10. on 480 5857. www.gusfishergallery.auckland.ac.nz century: Beyond the terms of reference. Featuring Alan Brown (Hammond House-sitter wanted: Responsible, 8.30am-5.15pm OGGB5, Owen G organ), Dixon Nacey (guitars) and mature professional couple or individual Glenn Bldg, 12 Grafton Rd. Josh Sorenson (drums). required to house-sit Ponsonby, Auckland villa from 24 December Hosted by UoA Retirement Policy and WEDNESDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2010 to 15 January 2011. Very handy Research Centre, Public Policy Group to shops and cafes. No kids, no pets, University Teaching and Learning and Department of Sociology, and TUESDAY 14 SEPTEMBER no smokers. In return for security and An intensive 3-day course. Day one: the Child Poverty Action Group. The Dissolving sugar garden watering only cost will be $100 8.45am-4.30pm Waipapa Marae. aim of this Welfare Forum is to move Exhibition by Elam MFA students Carolin contribution towards power. Reference Mandatory for new-to-teaching beyond the narrow terms of reference Casey, Matt Heays, Vicki Ormond, required. Phone (09) 378 8883 or (021) academic staff, offered twice a year, this of the Welfare Working Group, and Mathew Teirney and Sarah Williams. 637-887. Email [email protected] programme introduces early career make recommendations that recognise 11am-4pm George Fraser Gallery, 25 academics to key concepts and the current economic climate, and Princes St. Until18 September. MISCELLANEOUS strategies at the UoA. Enrol at foreground the needs of children. Cost Department of Psychology seminar Early childhood vacancies for under www.cad.auckland.ac.nz/workshops or $50/$30. Registration essential. Assoc Prof Lynne Hillier, Australian two-year-old children. The University phone CAD reception on ext 88140. Email [email protected] Research Centre in Sex Health and Infant and Toddler centres have School of Counselling, Human University Teaching and Learning Society, La Trobe University, Australia: vacancies. Centre hours are 7.45am- Services and Social Work seminar An intensive 3-day course. Day three: The creation of self as a work of art: 5.15pm. Very competitive rates. High Eileen Munro, Professor of Social Policy 9.15am-5pm CAD, Level 5, 76 Symonds Truth games, care of the self and same adult to child ratio. City Campus, at the London School of Economics: St. Enrol at www.cad.auckland.ac.nz/ sex attracted youth. 1pmHSB 604. Alten Road Early Childhood Centre, 3 Contemporary issues in child protection. workshops or phone CAD reception on Queries to [email protected] Alten Rd - phone Teresa on 923 5121 4.30-6pm Room N414, N block, Faculty ext 88140. School of Asian Studies seminar or email [email protected] of Education, Gate 4, 60 Epsom Ave. Third 2010 Sir Douglas Robb Lecture Prof Kyeong-ju Park, College of Grafton Campus, Park Avenue Infant RSVP to [email protected] Lord Nicholas Stern of Brentford: Humanities, Wonkwang University, and Toddler centre, 28 Park Ave - phone First 2010 Sir Douglas Robb Lecture Progress towards a global deal. 7pm Research Fellow School of Asian Studies, Jenni on 923 7755 or email ecc- Lord Nicholas Stern of Brentford: Fisher & Paykel Appliances Auditorium, and Dr Changzoo Song, UoA: The [email protected] Managing climate change and Owen G Glenn Bldg, 12 Grafton Rd. identity questions of Korean Chinese in Lost on campus: gold necklace and promoting development: Risks, scale and Visit www.auckland.ac.nz/robb their relationship with South Koreans a gold ring (threaded together) on values. 7pm Fisher & Paykel Appliances Numbers are limited. You must register and Han Chinese: Viewed from post- Tuesday 17 August. Great sentimental Auditorium, Owen G Glenn Bldg, 12 at www.artsfaculty.auckland.ac.nz/ 1990s novels. 4pm Patrick Hanan Rm value. Please contact Tamra George on Grafton Rd. special/robb/ (021) 900-922 or 306-6569. Visit www.auckland.ac.nz/robb 501, Arts 2. Bioengineering research seminar Travel. I have 12 years experience in Numbers are limited. You must register booking all aspects of personal travel at www.artsfaculty.auckland.ac.nz/ Harvey Ho, Auckland Bioengineering saturday 11 SEPTEMBER Institute: Computational modelling of for university staff and lecturers. I pride special/robb/ myself in ensuring that your travel the cerebral circulation and aneurysms. Researching Higher Education plans are sourced at the lowest possible 4-5pm Level 5 Seminar Rm, UniServices Symposium costs and are tailor-made to your THURSDAY 9 SEPTEMBER House, 70 Symonds St. Day one. Engineering Building and CAD, requirements. Contact Karen on University Teaching and Learning 76 Symonds Street. Karen.embleton@ mondotravel.co.nz or An intensive 3-day course. Day two: This symposium is designed to provide 940 0064 (wk) or (021) 188 7781.
For a full list of The University of Auckland events see: Please email classified ads to [email protected] nine days before www.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/home/events publication. Cost $20 (incl GST).
8 3 September | 2010