This issue 3 NIWA agreement 4 Cumberland obituary 5 Opera star

University of news for staff | Vol 41 | Issue 9 | 16 June

Fast track to success Photo: Iain MacDonald Photo: Dr Debbie Hay with technician Richard Bailey

A biologist from the School of Biological blood and lymphatic vessels which in turn feed The chemists (Associate Professor Mike Hay Sciences and chemists from the Auckland tumour growth. and Dr Jack Flanagan) are working specifically to Cancer Society Research Centre are tracking “We’re looking for a compound that will block redesign blockers of a closely related receptor to down an important hormone implicated in the AM1 receptor that is activated by this AM1. This strategic approach puts the project on cancer growth thanks to the University’s hormone,” explains Debbie. “No one has ever the fast track to success. biopharma “thematic research initiative (TRI)”. generated one of these molecules before and so “Seeing new collaborations across the University develop between researchers working Set up last year to more effectively link and that’s what the purpose of this grant is: to in different disciplines is very exciting,” says develop existing research capability across the produce a drug that blocks the actions of Biopharma Manager, Dr Diana Gash. “So far, University, the TRI’s pipeline development this hormone at its cell surface target - the ten projects have been funded by our biopharma funding rounds enable early-stage projects to AM1 receptor. “ ‘pipeline development’ fund and they are all drive forward over a relatively short time frame. As a result of the pipeline funding, Debbie has progressing well as are the new relationships Dr Debbie Hay, a Senior Lecturer in been able to start working directly with chemists with UniServices which grow as the projects Biochemistry, was an inaugural recipient of a in the Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre progress. We’re aiming to support at least as biopharma TRI grant of $75,000 last year and employ a research technician to screen many projects this year.” which she has used to develop her research compounds against the AM1 receptor target. Applications for the next funding round for into adrenomedullin, a key hormone that She hopes the project will eventually lead to an 2011 close on 2 July. Contact Dr Diana Gash promotes the growth and development of important new cancer therapy. [email protected]

University news is published by Communications and Marketing, Fisher Building,18 Waterloo Quadrant, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142. EMAIL [email protected] www.auckland.ac.nz/universitynews Editor Tess Redgrave Photography Godfrey Boehnke Design AND PRODUCTION The From the Vice-Chancellor

During April and May I attended, together Takutai moana with PVC (International) Chris Tremewan and other staff of the University, the annual For beginner photographer Josie McClutchie, it and the grandson of a Māori Studies colleague, Presidents’ meetings of all three of the was a dream come true. Mere Gilman), had loads of patience as she networks of international research The audio-visual production manager at Ngā sought to capture the perfect image. As Denzel universities to which we belong. This Pae o te Māramatanga has just returned from played in the surf, Josie snapped around 100 provided an interesting opportunity to New York City, where one of her photographs shots. The result was the photo,“Takutai Moana” reflect on how we can best get value from was selected for an indigenous photo exhibition (Foreshore and Seabed). the relationships that these networks enable. at the tenth session of the United Nations “My father is a fisherman who for many years supplied kaimoana (seafood) to our tribe, Ngati The Association of Pacific Rim Universities Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues of the Porou, particularly to the kaumatua of the (APRU) is unusual in having a strong United Nations. district and for community hui such as geopolitical focus. This allows its 42 members The theme of the exhibition was “The right to tangihanga - so I have a personal relationship to concentrate on issues relevant to the water and indigenous peoples”. Although most with the sea,” says Josie. countries which border the Pacific, and it has of the photos focused on issues of access to fresh “With this picture, I wanted to create the the potential to become the leading provider of water, Josie (Ngāti Porou, Rongomaiwahine, context for a broader discussion about Māori research in that region. I am confident that Rongowhakaata) wanted to highlight indigenous customary title and access to the foreshore and focus, and the benefits of the network, will concerns about the Marine and Coastal Area seabed and how uncertain that access has increase as Chris Tremewan takes on the role (Takutai Moana) Bill, which at the time of her recently become for many Māori coastal of Secretary-General of APRU, commencing in submission had just passed its second reading communities with the passing of the new Marine early June. in Parliament. and Coastal Bill. I also wanted to highlight that Universitas 21 does not have a regional Josie submitted a photo she had just taken at Māori have had an inseparable connection with identity but rather comprises 24 research- Auckland’s Ōkahu Bay during an experimental the moana (ocean) since time immemorial, one intensive universities from around the world. It, session she had set up to practise her that has fostered an enduring responsibility of too, is adopting a more strategic focus, in this photography skills. guardianship, protection and care.” case a focus on developments in research- She recalls her subject, seven-year-old Denzel informed teaching and learning, in Hakopa Timu (a descendant of Ngati Whatua Amber Older development of early career staff, and in student mobility (currently about 3,000 students study annually in a country other than their own under U21 auspices). The network we have most recently joined, Logging on newbies Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), has occur concurrently with the signing of an as its core activity four global research New employees can now log onto their employment contract. CIP then found the challenges – Globalisation of Higher Education computers from their very first work day, “owners” for that particular problem and worked and Research, Understanding Cultures, thanks to Communications Manager closely with Alan Ward in Human Resources Adapting to Climate Change and Public Health Gabriella Davila. and Janene Markwick in ITS to try and, “come (Non Communicable Diseases). The Climate Since the early days of the Continuous up with a solution that is in the best interests of Change theme already has a number of staff Improvement Process (CIP) in 2004, a number of everybody”. across the 16 member universities working on initiatives instigated by staff using CIP have led The process has taken a few months to over a dozen sub-projects. to the improvement of systems and processes execute, and the culmination of teamwork has The purpose of our being members of these throughout The University of Auckland. Most ensured new members of staff are able to log on networks is, of course, to provide opportunities recently, Gabriella suggested a way for getting and start sending and receiving emails and also for our staff to build new collaborations and new employees logged on quickly. Until recently, access other parts of the University that they secure additional research funding and for our new employees often had to wait at least a might need to from “the get go”. Therefore, staff students to secure additional exchange day or two before they were given access to can be efficient and supported from day one and opportunities. I encourage staff to explore how their computers. Gabriella is happy with the procedure that is these networks might help them develop new “We had to wait for the employee to physically very easy to take in hand, declaring: “I was very, academic collaborations. Further details of be in the building before we could actually start very impressed and it is really great to see the these opportunities can be obtained by the process,” says Gabriella. “I thought there collaborative process between ITS and HR and contacting our WUN coordinator, Robyn Hill or must be a more efficient way of doing this.” the creative solutions that they came up with. I Matthew O’Meagher in the International Gabriella sent a proposal to the CIP think it will make a big difference to employees”. Office for APRU and Universitas 21 activities. department via their online suggestion form on the staff intranet, to enable authorisation to Kate Pitcher

2 16 June 2011 University joins forces with NIWA Win a Nikon D7000

ecology, and NIWA in oceanography and In its first Christmas Card Photo modelling, will broaden the range of research Competition, External Relations is hoping topics available to students as well as keen photographers can capture one, two, encouraging further scientific collaboration or all three themes in their work – campus between the two institutions.” moments, learning landscape, and “The Joint Graduate Schools, of which we now holidays. The contest is open to University have a number, have been a very important alumni, students and staff. initiative for the University,” says Vice-Chancellor Winning photos will be selected on their Professor Stuart McCutcheon. “Not only do they suitability for use on a Christmas card, bring the University and Crown Research composition, and how they capture the Institutes closer together, they increase the chosen theme(s), emphasising the University number of students participating in joint and the holidays. Please visit www.alumni. supervisory arrangements and are therefore win- auckland.ac.nz/uoa/photo-competition for win situations for those of us who value graduate full contest terms and conditions. students working in our organisations. “Worldwide we are not producing enough First-place prize – Nikon Camera scientists and we need to grow the talent at home,” says NIWA CEO John Morgan. “Our local talent, particularly in the area of marine sciences and freshwater sciences, is The University of Auckland and NIWA have internationally recognised and often world- joined forces to establish a Joint Graduate leading, and that speaks volumes for our School in Coastal and Marine Science. The education system. As an employer of marine school will offer postgraduate degrees in science staff, the establishment of the Joint coastal and marine science co-supervised by Graduate School is a very exciting development. researchers at the University and NIWA. “It is also an opportunity, at a time when “One of the aims is to increase the number of there’s a lot of pressure on resources, to say that students educated in coastal and marine coastal and marine science is an area that science, for employment in academia and counts. The marine environment is a resource that we know relatively little about, and investing industry,” says Dean of Science Professor Grant in capability now is going to ensure that in Guilford, who has championed the The D7000 is a high-quality mid-class D-SLR with future we have the skills and knowledge to establishment of joint graduate schools by the the latest in camera technologies and functions. make the most of this country’s prospects for University and Crown Research Institutes. economic growth.” “Combining the complementary strengths of the University in coastal science and marine Pauline Curtis Highlighted events

Research forum Whanau Resilience Elam library exhibition The eight recipients of the International Research This seminar on 24 June 2-3pm at Waipapa and the Fine Arts Team Development Awards (IRTDAs), a Marae with Dr Te Kani Kingi and Jordan Waiti Library have collaborated to create a University initiative, will host an Annual Forum explores Māori concepts of resilience. It draws documentation of Associate Professor Michael on Thursday, 30 June, 2.15pm–5pm, Room 439, from an existing research project and is based Parekowhai’s past and current work to coincide Engineering Building, 20 Symonds Street. The on reviews of literature, targeted case studies, with the opening of the 54th La Biennale di forum is aimed at sharing with the wider presentations and interviews with key Venezia in Italy. The University of Auckland Art research community the knowledge, experience, informants. It presents a framework for Collection’s Kapa Haka and Passchendaele are and insights gained. There will be a keynote considering the cultural aspects of resilience and on show, Patriot: Ten Guitars, Michael’s 1999 lecture from Professor Ian Reid of the Faculty of how these might be nurtured and promoted performance work can be viewed on the Video Medical and Health Sciences, who will talk about within and throughout whānau. Wall. The library hosts a glass case of ephemera how best to develop and advance research and Te Kani Kingi is Director of Te Mata o te Tau, The from installations and publications, accompanied careers based on his own experience. Robyn Hill Academy for Māori Research and Scholarship at by a wall chronology of exhibitions and of the Strategic Development Unit will provide Massey University in Wellington. His specialist installations. Check out the giant hand-painted an overview of the Worldwide Universities interests are in mental health research, wall map of Venice in the Library foyer for venue Network (WUN) and its associated opportunities psychometrics and Māori health. Jordan Waiti is locations of New Zealand’s past and current for staff at the University. This is a free event, a PhD candidate with Te Pūmanawa Hauora, a exhibition pavilions alongside images of the and at the end of the forum, drinks will be Māori health research unit at Massey University 2011 Venice Biennale installation. On show at served to facilitate networking and further in Wellington. He has a longstanding interest in the Elam School of Fine Arts, Fine Arts Library discussions. If interested, please RSVP to Māori research, especially physical education foyer and Main Building B431, from 9 June until [email protected] before 20 June. and health. 31 July, 9am-5pm.

The University of Auckland News 3 Together they persuaded the University of New He joined a discussion group initiated by Zealand to accept geography as an official Robbie, later Sir Dove-Meyer Robinson, subject at all levels. In later years, Kenneth said concerned with the continued dumping of raw he considered this his most important sewage into the Waitemata Harbour. Eventually achievement because at that time few the group set up the United Independents Party universities anywhere in the world taught and in 1953 won sufficient seats on the geography at all levels for both arts and Council to shape a new drainage science degrees. system which treated sewage before disposal Kenneth found when he came to New Zealand into the Manukau. that there were limited resources about New However, when Kenneth’s wife Marjorie had a Zealand itself available here for students of cerebral haemorrhage in 1962 (and died in geography, so he wrote the first school atlas and 1963) he decided not to stand for the City persuaded Whitcombe and Tombs to publish it. Council again. In 1961 he had been elected a On 30 November 1940, Kenneth married Vice-President of the International Geographical his Yorkshire sweetheart Marjorie Denham Union, so he spent periods as a visiting professor in Wanganui. at a number of American and German Obituary For their honeymoon they took a camping trip universities, and presenting papers at – actually a geography field trip studying international conferences. He also became involved in farming, with a Emeritus Professor Kenneth Brailey erosion! – around the central North Island in a special interest in agroforestry and multi-level Cumberland CBE, FRSNZ, DSc, MA(Hons) borrowed V-8 Chevrolet coupe. The field notes from this trip became the basis farming in general and began to challenge New 1 October 1913-17 April 2011 for Kenneth’s first book, Soil Erosion in New Zealand’s conventional dependence on dairying Kenneth Cumberland, who died at the age of Zealand, published in 1944, which earned him a and sheep farming, and to advocate multiple 97, was an academic who became a world doctorate in science, and received considerable land uses and newer crops such as timber trees leader in geography, a nationally and acclaim in New Zealand and beyond. and subtropical fruit. internationally known writer and speaker on In January 1946 Kenneth took up the position In 1973 Kenneth became the first geographer to be elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand’s agriculture and economic as Senior Lecturer in Geography at the Auckland New Zealand and in 1978 he retired from The future, a civic leader in Auckland, a farmer and University College, where he had been University of Auckland to begin the most a family man. His contribution to New Zealand appointed to establish a geography department. well-known journey of his life, the making of the has been immense. As well as initiating the new geography Landmarks series for Television New Zealand. Born in Bradford, Yorkshire, Kenneth department, teaching and appointing staff, Half the adult population in 1981 watched one completed his bachelors degree at Nottingham Kenneth continued to write resources for the or more of the ten episodes. University College. He then became a junior many teachers of geography who were adult In the 1980s Kenneth was made a lecturer in the department of geography at students in his courses, and in 1947, began to Commander of the Order of the British Empire University College, London in 1936, teaching a explore the geography of the Pacific Islands. In for his services to education and communication. full timetable as well as studying for his masters. 1948 he proposed to the University Council the And he began to write his memoirs (Milestones Early in 1938 Kenneth was summoned to the establishment of a School of Pacific Area and Landmarks, to be published this year). office of his head of department, shown a letter Research in physical and social sciences. Kenneth is survived by his son Garth, now a from George Jobberns, then establishing Kenneth’s ongoing work in the Pacific, with a forestry consultant, and his daughter Tanya, now geography as a degree subject at Canterbury number of his staff, and the publications which a grower of organic vegetables and fruit, University College in New Zealand and urgently resulted, were a major achievement. So was his especially subtropicals. His middle child, seeking a lecturer to assist him. Kenneth founding of the New Zealand Geographical Sheevaun, died in 2002. accepted the position. Society and its journal, Geographer. At Canterbury, Kenneth worked with Jobberns From 1952 onwards, he became active in Charmaine Pountney CNZM, MA(Hons), to establish and teach a full geography course. another sphere of influence – local body politics. DipEd, DipTchg

Catering to ‘digital natives’

Employers who block workplace access to generally aged mid-20s and below who have where digital technology is interwoven into the Facebook and other digital communications been born into a world where the use of very fabric of everyday life. are “cutting off the air supply” to a new wave information and communications technology is “These young workers continually carry mobile of young workers who are wired differently to pervasive and ubiquitous – see this control as phones, laptop computers and personal digital their elders and will need careful management essentially cutting off their air supply. assistants everywhere they go.” He says more in the future, says Professor Michael Myers “It is vitally important that companies figure information is needed on how “digital natives” from the Business School. out how to manage this new generation of are using technology in their professional and Michael, who is head of the Department of workers, and cater for a wave of employees personal lives at the office and home, how new Information Systems and Operations which our new research project is hoping to forms of technology can be designed and Management, says employer reaction to the confirm are simply wired differently to older implemented for them, and what impacts and upcoming wave of young “digital native” generations.” governance issues will arise in the future. employees is to try and “control” them by Michael is leading an international research The study involves Weatherfield School of blocking access to communication tools project looking at those born into the digital age. Management in the United States, Queen’s during work. He says “digital natives” are distinctly different School of Business in Canada and the Fox School “The difficulty is that ‘digital natives’ – those to previous generations, and exist in a world of Business and Management in the US.

4 16 June 2011 Born in the Philippines, O’neal won an Asian Research Funding Development Bank Scholarship to undertake postgraduate study at The University of Lottery Health Auckland. He completed his Masters in Funding for research projects and PhD Development Studies, specialising in public scholarships to improve the health status of health, law and governance, in 2009 while New Zealanders via: working part-time at the International Relations • research into the cause, prevention Office. He is now full-time at the office working and treatment of disorders with the Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) to • research that will lead to advances foster relationships with overseas universities, in health and bio-medical science liaise with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and • the development, maintenance and Trade, and show delegations around campus. retention of a highly skilled “I see myself as a diplomat for the University workforce – it’s the perfect job for me,” he says. Research Office closing date Wednesday 29 O’neal started singing seriously in the June 2011. Contact: mandy.brown@auckland. Philippines when he was offered a place as a ac.nz. See www.dia.govt.nz baritone/tenor with the University of the Philippines Concert Chorus in 2000. For the next Google Faculty Research Awards Program few years he travelled around the world with the To “improve information access”. Projects chorus juggling singing with studies for a BA and should be up to a year and between USD Starring role teaching himself more about the art of singing 10-15,000. Stated areas of interest include by watching YouTube vocal clips and reading health and education innovation. Contact: d. When the curtain opened recently at the Civic books. When he came to New Zealand contacts [email protected] Research Office each night for the North Shore Theatre’s at the University put him in touch with the local deadlines 18 January and 18 July each year. acclaimed production of Miss Saigon, one of music scene and in 2008 he was invited to join research.google.com the University’s general staff members the New Zealand Opera Company’s Chapman appeared on stage in a starring role. Chorus as a tenor. Thuy in Miss Saigon was Rutherford Foundation post-doctoral International Relations officer, O’neal O’neal’s first big role in New Zealand. He says fellowships Mendoza played Thuy, an officer in the North he’s enjoyed it immensely and loved the contrast To fund outstanding recent PhD graduates Vietnamese Army who is betrothed by arranged it provided to a working day at the University. (within two years of conferment) to undertake marriage to Kim – a Vietnamese girl who has “Music is a great stress reliever. Once you two years' postdoctoral research in NZ. fallen in love with an American GI. The closing date for applications to the step on stage and go into a song you’re in a Thuy is an interesting character, full of Research Office is 23 June. different world. People say it must be hard to extreme emotions, someone who shouldn’t be Contact [email protected]. have a full-time job as well but singing helps judged too quickly,” says 27-year-old O’neal. www.royalsociety.org.nz me do my job.” “He is loyal to his country, upholds patriarchal tradition and honours his family, yet he is the Women in Science Entrepreneurship Award one being betrayed, scorned and killed.” Tess Redgrave To encourage the involvement of women in science and engineering entrepreneurship– offered by Pacific Channel and the Association for Women in the Sciences (AWIS). Worth over $50,000 incubation time at Pacific Channel. Sliding on Research Office deadline is 23 June. Contact [email protected]. www.pacificchannel.com

New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre GRASS Award To facilitate collaboration between senior scientists in New Zealand and Global Research Alliance member countries through the provision of funds for travel and living costs for up to six months. [email protected]. See www.nzagrc.org.nz/

EU Marie Curie Fellowships Workshop This will be running at the University on 29 June 2011. The first hour (10-11am) will be an introduction to the fellowships and eligibility “Read all about it [1958]” is one of the 3400 slides explored in Film, Television and Media for those deciding whether to apply. The Studies staff member Julie Benjamin’s PhD work “Transparencies: New Zealand from 1953 to remainder of the workshop (11am–3pm) will 1974 through the slide photography of Gladys Cunningham”. be a detailed “how to” for those who are An exhibition of Gladys Cunningham’s 35mm slides runs from 3–26 June, Lopdell House Gallery, interested in applying. Places are limited, 418 Titirangi Road, Titirangi. please contact David Saunders, [email protected], ext 84886.

The University of Auckland News 5 From the collection

Every year, thousands of tourists flock in circuit in the western hills of Nepal using the perilous and precipitous nature of a Nepalese summer to Nepal, a landlocked country in computer programme Photoshop. The effect is to trek by being there for us, recording the Southern India between China and India. magnify the homogeneity of the trail, with the experience as it is lived rather than just seen. Their aim is to hike around the spectacular repetition of barely discernible features such as His compositional technique draws on the mountain scenery before the beginning of the a single rectangular rock the only indication that vertical perspective of Chinese scroll painting, monsoon season of July and August, and with the same image has been duplicated several which influenced the Tibetan thangka images their cameras they bag the classic images of times and then knitted into one seamless whole. frequently seen in Nepal. In these pictures mountain passes and trails. In the last four The resultant fictional country looks barren and (designed to be rolled up for travel between years, Korean-born photographer Jae Hoon Lee inhospitable, relentlessly stony and prone to monasteries) mountains are stacked up to the has travelled amongst the constant stream of slips, and is completely uninhabited. But the surface to enact the Daoist idea of the visitors, paying patient attention to what lies at artist offers a route through this precipitous landscape as a living body. Jae Hoon Lee evokes his feet. The result is a composite image of scree to his viewers, albeit a daunting and a sense of movement which is both tracks collected together to encircle the difficult path. Those veterans of Nepalese treks contemporary and ancient through taking us on experience as others might use the native will recognise the shifts of scale and steepness a journey which is not a trajectory from a point rhododendron flowers to make lei. His harvest of brought on by altitude, and also the hairpin of origin to a distant place of arrival but instead shots gets blended together digitally to make bends to be negotiated by the zigzag technique a slow meditation on the relationship between epic panoramas of place which do not describe of walking taught by Sherpa guides to the the human and the natural worlds, examined a specific location but provide instead a sense of parties of tourists who dog their steps. with endlessly increasing detail. how overwhelming it is. Avoiding the clichés of Concentrating on placing one dusty boot in front travel photography, Jae Hoon Lee ignores of another while heaving to get enough oxygen landmarks in favour of the documentation into the lungs, the landscape often see-saws in Linda Tyler of substrate. front of a trekker’s eyes, the stones threatening In this instance, he blends a range of views to skid away into a rockslide with any misplaced collected during an hour on the Annapurna step. The artist has successfully re-created the Jae Hoon Lee, Trekking, 2010, digital photograph

Books

A Simple Nullity? The Wi Parata Case in New sovereignty – a matter with which we are not Zealand Law and History written by Law directly concerned – it must be regarded as a Professor David V. Williams and published by simple nullity.” Auckland University Press takes a fresh look at The factual background to the Wi Parata case, the 1877 New Zealand Supreme Court case, David argues, tells us much about nineteenth- Wi Parata v Bishop of Wellington, that centred century Mäori acting as they thought best for on the ownership and use of the Whitireia their people and about debates in Pakeha Block, near Porirua. Ngati Toa had given this jurisprudence over the recognition or rejection land to the Anglican Church for a college that of customary Mäori rights. Behind the apparent was never built. dismissal of the Treaty as a “simple nullity” lay In the course of refusing to inquire into the deep arguments about the place of Mäori and ownership of the block, the judges dismissed the Pakeha in Aotearoa New Zealand. Those relevance of the Treaty of Waitangi: “So far arguments are as relevant now as they indeed as that instrument purported to cede the were then.

6 16 June 2011 A two-hour introduction to the policy artist Graham Percy. Queries to Rd, the house is sunny and warm with and process environment governing [email protected] two living areas, two dble bdrms, central What’s on the supervision and the examination of heating and a sheltered courtyard area. THURSDAY 16 JUNE doctoral students at UoA. Stunning views of the Skytower and an easy Enrol at www.cad.auckland.ac.nz/ MONDAY 27 JUNE walk or short bus ride to the central city. Master of Creative Writing 2012 workshops or phone CAD reception at Exhibition opening: State of the Arts $550 pw. Phone Trudi on information session ext 88140. 6-8pm , 74 Shortland (021) 135 5092 or 376 0419. 12-1pm 8th Floor Seminar Rm, Short St. Short-term let at reasonable rental: Consortium for Health in Ageing St. An exciting exhibition of painting, Information for students who are Two-bdrm, fully furnished house, suitable seminar photography, printmaking, sculpture interested in applying. Deadline for for 1-2 adults, available August, September Palliative care for older people in and object. Organised by the the Star applications is 1 October 2011. All and October. Leafy part of Mt Albert, close hospital: Time to turn the spotlight onto Art Group, the exhibition will showcase welcome. to transport. Reduced rent in return for TLC a neglected issue. 12.30-1.30pm Lecture contemporary NZ artists whose works Cafe Physics seminar of house and garden. Please contact Theatre 733-201, Tāmaki Innovation have a special relevance to the Jewish Prof Roger Davies: Uses of Earth [email protected] or phone Campus. Community. satellites: From weather to climate 846-2266 for more information. Queries to [email protected] Exhibiting artists are Marti Friedlander, physics. 4.30-6pm SCI SPACE, Bldg Austria in the South Pacific Stephen Robinson, Ann Robinson, Simon 303, 38 Princes St. Gold coin donation ACCOMMODATION REQUIRED symposium Woolf, Helen Schamroth, Miriam Harris, appreciated. RSVP to Graham Foster, 3-7pm Patrick Hanan Rm 501, Arts 2 Paul Nathan, Linda Holloway, Juliette [email protected] Outstanding tenant seeks long-term Bldg, 18 Symonds St. Milne, Yehuda Bacon, Keren Cook, John Faculty of Medical and Health rental. University employee/mother with An international interdisciplinary Fields, and Anna Nathan. Sciences public lecture toddler and house-trained cat seeking symposium examining aspects of Monies raised from this event will Prof Cheryl B. McNeil, Inaugural long-term rental in inner-Auckland suburb Austria’s connections with the South be applied to the commission and (Point Chev, Westmere, Grey Lynn, Mt Downtown Rotary visiting scholar: An Pacific. Free. making of a public sculpture utilising Eden preferred). Two-three bedrooms, non- early intervention approach for reducing Queries to [email protected] cobblestones from the Warsaw Ghetto, smoking, child-friendly home with enclosed child maltreatment and managing ‘a contribution to the city of Auckland by outdoor area and off-street parking. If disruptive behaviours in preschool the Jewish Community, in remembrance you are looking for a responsible, reliable children. 6-7pm Robb Lecture Theatre. THURSDAY 23 JUNE of the Holocaust’. tenant who will take excellent care of your Queries to Dr Karolina Stasiak, Research Essentials seminar series Tickets for the preview are $30. This property, please email [email protected] Prof Ralph Cooney, Science and Gary includes wine and food catered by the [email protected] Putt, UniServices: Working with end- Grey’s Ave Deli. Contact FRIDAY 17 JUNE users of research: The importance of [email protected] or 522 5085. MISCELLANEOUS applied and translational research. 1pm Webquests for inquiry-based Case Rm 2 (260-057) Level 0, Owen G Children’s hearing tests. Hearing tests learning Glenn Bldg. WEDNESDAY 29 JUNE for children aged from 6 months up to 1-4pm CAD Seminar Rm, Fifth Floor, 76 Queries to [email protected] CourseBuilder: creating online 5 years old are available every Monday Symonds St. courses during semester time at The University of In this two-part session (1.5 hours 9-11am IT Literacy Training Suite, 4th Auckland Clinics at the Tāmaki Innovation each), participants will be introduced FRIDAY 24 JUNE Floor, 76 Symonds St. CourseBuilder Campus. All children will be tested by to webquests as an online teaching Documenting your teaching for is an online tool for developing final-year Master of Audiology students, tool, making use of current and valid promotion, continuation and APRs educational websites created by under the supervision of an experienced web resources. The second part (being audiologist. The cost is only $20. To make 10am-12noon CAD Seminar Rm, 5th the UoA’s Centre for Academic supported to structure and generate an appointment please call The University Floor, 76 Symonds St. Development. CourseBuilder enables a template) is optional. Enrol at www. of Auckland Clinics on 923 9909 or Develop strategies for writing a teaching you to edit, compose, import text, insert cad.auckland.ac.nz/workshops or phone email [email protected] For more profile that fully represents your strength media, develop activities (eg case CAD reception at ext 88140. information about all our services please as a teacher. Please bring along a draft studies, reflections and quizzes), monitor Student jazz performance concert visit www.clinics.auckland.ac.nz teaching profile, recent APRs and any student responses and much more. Postgraduate recitals. 6.30pm Creative and meticulous writer and other relevant material. Enrol at Enrol at www.cad.auckland.ac.nz/ Studio One, Kenneth Myers Centre, editor invites freelance assignments. Strong www.cad.auckland.ac.nz/workshops or workshops or phone CAD reception at 74 Shortland St. School of Music track record in university publications, phone CAD reception at ext 88140. ext 88140. online writing and book and magazines. postgraduate students perform a mix Documenting your research for Email Judy Wilford, [email protected] of jazz standards, modern pieces and promotion, continuation and APRs For sale: Late 1970s Polar Guillotine original work. Free. 1-3pm CAD Seminar Rm, 5th Floor, 76 (possibly model 50). Significant damage to Symonds St. Classifieds safety barrier light arm. No accessories, SATURDAY 18 JUNE Develop strategies for writing a research ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE manual, spare blades or spare parts. profile that fully represents your Unknown working condition. For tender Exhibition talk Apartments for rent. Call us for strengths as a researcher. Please bring as is, where is. Buyer responsible for 1pm Gus Fisher Gallery, 74 Shortland St. your rental requirements; we offer city immediate uplifting. Please contact Kim along a draft research profile, recent Artists Marie Shannon and Deborah apartments furnished/unfurnished, all Ellis on [email protected] or phone 923 APRs and any other relevant material. Smith respond to photographer Mari sizes and prices; great rental deals for 7903 for further information. Tender closes Enrol at www.cad.auckland.ac.nz/ Mahr’s Two Walking series, particularly long-term leases; call Chris or Mandy on 5pm on Friday 24 June. workshops or phone CAD reception at depictions of intimacy, which also 09 303 0601 at City Sales or Legal services. We are a small legal ext 88140. [email protected] or log on to occur in their own work. Queries to firm conveniently located in Princes Horizons of Insight seminar www.citysales.co.nz/rentals [email protected] Street, City. 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taking THE bull by

the horns Photo: Michael Hall Michael Parekowhai is all about surprises. ephemeral and often transient pieces often challenging traditions, taking people out of their The Associate Professor at Elam School of Fine associated with modern art. As he envisages it, comfort zone, encouraging them to expect the Arts is New Zealand’s representative at this visitors will be struck not only by the unexpected unexpected. But his approach is infused with year’s Venice Biennale – often dubbed the collection of these massive pieces, but also humour and lightness that help ensure people Olympics of the art world. by the beautiful music, being played live, on feel safe as they embark on an unknown journey Given such accolades, his response to the the Steinway. with him. Indeed, for Michael, the true hotly sought-after Biennale invitation by Creative “The works themselves are indeed heavy and significance of his installation will only become New Zealand is surprisingly unassuming: “Art is impressive. But once the music starts, they just clear long after the Biennale has finished. not an individual pursuit for me - it is a collective float away. Music fills a space like no object can. “I see the pianos as empty vessels waiting for consciousness that means I never stand alone; It can touch you, penetrate and engage you history to be created for them. As the work gets people stand with me.” where your eyes might deceive you. But magic shown in different places and as people run their And of his work that is on display—“a Steinway lies in the intangible: listening to an opera hands across the keys, its value will grow. Its piano and six tonnes of bronze” — Michael singer from New Zealand singing a Māori currency will go beyond Venice. Only time will sounds downright modest: “The Dutch have a lament in Italy.” tell the notion of success. I hope that the more saying- ‘not mother’s most beautiful’. Like a A privileged few have already had this people play it, the more valuable it becomes.” mother whose baby isn’t the prettiest but who is magical experience. In April, a select group of Arguably, the essence of Michael Parekowhai still loved by her unconditionally...I’m not proud patrons and supporters gathered at Michael’s - school teacher, practitioner, academic and like a puffed-up father; more like a loving mother West Auckland workshop for the New Zealand national representative - lies within his artwork. of not the most beautiful baby.” opening of the installation. Supported by his And, being Michael Parekowhai, that means But just as the artist presents himself in a way “tuakana” (big brothers), School of Music vocal looking for, and finding it, in a place that that disrupts expectations, his works are also tutors Te Oti Rakena and Robert Wiremu, with may surprise. designed to subvert, to challenge, to question - in renowned pianist Michael Houston at the “The best view of the Steinway is underneath. essence, to surprise. The Venice installation, “On Steinway, big pieces of bronze and big operatic If you get under it, you’ll find the piano has cast First Looking into Chapman’s Homer”, is no voices came together to transport the audience bronze beams, bronze wooden panelling, pedals doubt being met with wide eyes when visitors far beyond the industrial environs of Henderson. that work. I hope people will look underneath, enter the Palazzo Loredan dell’Ambasciatore, a “There were three Māori boys in a garage in and that they will play and touch the piano. 15th-century Gothic palace and Michael’s West Auckland, and for a moment, we were all When you are sitting at the keyboard, the bull’s dedicated exhibition space. The installation in Venice. At that moment, I knew the work was horns can be seen as a sense of danger, but they comprises a red and gold Steinway concert a winner, regardless of what happens in Italy. For also have a halo quality. The bull is dangerous or grand piano intricately carved with Māori without establishing a voice here, how can we not, depending on your perspective.” designs; two blackened bronze pianos, each with expect to have a voice over there?” says Michael, The 54th annual Venice Biennale runs 4 a life-size Spanish fighting bull on top; a life-size who insists the opening in Henderson was as June-27 November. See www.nzatvenice.com sculpture of a staunch security guard; and important as anything that happens in Venice. bronze pot plants. And suddenly, there it is: a glimpse of the As Michael explains, the objects themselves confidence that makes Michael Parekowhai an are huge and heavy - the opposite of the light, artist to be reckoned with. He clearly enjoys Amber Older

8 16 June 2011