THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND ALUMNI MAGAZINE | SPRING 2016

GEORGE MASON A life of many layers FOR ALL OUR FUTURES Can we do it together? LIGHT FORCE Driving scientific advances ALUMNI PROFILE

Ingenio The University of Auckland Alumni magazine

Spring 2016 ISSN 1176-211X

Editor: Judy Wilford Contributing editor: Helen Borne IN THIS ISSUE Art Direction and Design: Justin Marshall Advertising manager: Don Wilson Proofreading: Treena Brown, Rupert Alchin Editorial 3 Editorial contact details 8 Ingenio Letters 4 Communications and Marketing The University of Auckland University news 5 Private Bag 92019 Auckland 1142, New Zealand Level 10, Fisher Building FEATURES 18 Waterloo Quadrant, Auckland Telephone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 83257 A life of many layers 8 Facsimile: +64 9 373 7047 Alive to change 12 Email: [email protected] www.auckland.ac.nz/ingenio Collateral damage 14 Audited by www.abc.org.nz 12 Light force 16 How alumni keep in touch To ensure that you continue to receive Ingenio, To stem the tide 18 and to subscribe to @auckland, the University’s email newsletter for alumni From great to good 20 and friends, please update your details at: www.alumni.auckland.ac.nz/update Klara's story 22 Sharing the music 24 Alumni Relations Office The University of Auckland Doing what's needed 28 19A Princes Street, Private Bag 92019 20 Auckland 1142, New Zealand Telephone: +64 9 923 4653 REGULAR SECTIONS Email: [email protected] www.alumni.auckland.ac.nz Poem by an alumna 6 Opinion 23 Copyright Articles reflect personal opinions and are not Taking Issue 24 those of the University of Auckland. No parts of this publication may be reproduced without Research in brief 30 prior consent of the University of Auckland. All rights reserved. Around the globe 32 ©The University of Auckland 2016 30 Alumni networks 35 Cover image Artwork: Justin Marshall Art 36 George Mason. Photo: Steve Malloy History 37 Books 38

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2 | Ingenio | Autumn 2016 FOR ALL OUR FUTURES

At no time in human history has the world been as complex and rapidly- changing as it is today.

We face challenges to our traditional way of doing things and opportunities to create for ourselves, our children and our communities exciting, new and as-yet- unimagined futures. Research universities have a unique role to play in creating the future. Only they both generate new knowledge and provide the highest levels of formal education. This creates opportunities for our society to adapt to the technological revolution and the changing nature of work, to give all our young people access to high-quality education, to respond to disturbing new diseases and intractable old ones, to address the needs of an ageing population and to limit and adapt to climate change and environmental The other partnerships vital to philanthropic campaign to raise the pressures. success are the ones we have with you, funds that will enable the University to As New Zealand’s leading research our alumni, donors and friends. They increase the impact of its contribution university, we are ideally placed to are partnerships of great value and to society, to change lives for the better serve our national and international impact, powerful catalysts for creating and to ensure a strong, successful and communities in this way. Our students academic excellence, intellectual confident future for New Zealand. are among the best in the country, our leadership and outstanding research. Alan Kay, computer scientist and entry standards the highest. We have They are partnerships that can touch and Adjunct Professor at University of scholars and scientists who are true world transform all our communities in ways California Los Angeles and previously at leaders. We have translated discovery we cannot achieve alone. That is why we, MIT, has said, “The best way to predict and radical innovation into products and like all the world’s leading universities, the future is to invent it.” processes for the benefit of the health, give them such value and importance. I hope we can count on your support social services, commercial, cultural, The past decade has demonstrated that to take what has been achieved so far and environmental and community sectors. power. Support from donors has enabled build on it together, for all our futures. However, those capabilities and more us to explore new avenues of research will be needed if we are to fulfil our that would not be funded through role in creating the future we all wish conventional research grants. We have for our children and grandchildren. made progress: from induction power Finding solutions to these critical issues for electric cars and robots that help the will require partnerships – between elderly to cancer breakthroughs, the academics, communities and industry, restoration of our natural environment and between nations. We have already and the development of young New developed many such relationships and Zealanders who are truly international in Professor Stuart McCutcheon we are well positioned to build many their outlook. University Vice-Chancellor more, seeking collaborative expertise Now we want to build on that wherever it may be found. progress. We have launched a major

CAN WE CHANGE THE FUTURE TOGETHER? LETTERS

The kids were incredibly engaged and incorporated features from R into S and inspired. They (and we) are all grateful for even began advertising “R compatibility". the experience, which would never have As well as the technical differences taken place but for your article. between S and R, there was a major social Kind regards, Jane Glover difference. S was a closed commercial system whereas R was open and “free". 'R' AND BEYOND The openness of R attracted academic Several readers who read the story “R – the researchers (including the original S ultimate virus”, published in the last issue of developers) and their willingness to Ingenio, were fascinated and went on to seek contribute quite quickly made R the most further knowledge – which led them to query fully-featured statistics software available. the relation-ship between “R” (the software Of course, R is by no means the end of package developed at the University of the story. It has some technical flaws that Auckland) and "S", another software package limit the kinds of problem it is useful for. that preceded "R". Professor Ross Ihaka's For the past ten years I have been working response is summarised below. (For his full on developing new technology to form text, see the Ingenio website). the base of next-generation statistical UNEXPECTED OUTREACH computing systems. With luck this will mean R itself will end up an all-but- I am writing to thank you for the inspiring forgotten historical footnote in descriptions article on Professor Karen Willcox (“To of those newer systems. Boldly Go”). As you will recall, Professor Willcox is an Auckland alumnus who has PERILS OF PREDICTIVE TEXT gone on to work for Boeing, NASA and MIT, and who has been involved in myriad Just because Ingenio is the publication for areas of fascinating research. the alumni of a distinguished university I As your article mentioned, she is also don't expect it to be written in impeccable involved in various science outreach prose. I anticipate some journalese activities, especially those with a focus on and worse; and I think most of that is encouraging girls to pursue science careers. acceptable, if only marginally so. However I am a parent volunteer at a local I expect some respect to be paid to logic. primary school on Waiheke Island, and How could Tess Redgrave write (page one of our aims is to arrange for real 22): “We watch sails fanning out towards scientists to come in and talk to the the wind on the water below”? I'm no students. After reading your article, physicist but I venture to suggest that most a colleague and I contacted Professor things can be expected to fan away from the wind. I could say more but why blow into Willcox to see if there was any chance that Robert Gentleman and I were originally she might be able to come and visit our a full sale? interested in purely academic questions Peter Newfield school. Extraordinarily generously, she about statistical computing (scoping and agreed immediately. memory management were particular And an afterthought: I hope you will As it turned out, Professor Willcox ended interests) and we built a small system in forgive my momentary lapse and let me sail up spending an entire day with students which to try out ideas. towards the sunset whilst the wind is fair from all three schools on Waiheke Island, This was a very stripped-down system (or is that fare?). including a two-hour rocket-building which could be regarded as a minimal workshop, during which she got covered Lisp interpreter with some basic statistical REFUGEE SOLUTIONS in mud from kneeling on the boggy school capabilities [Lisp was a programming One reader's suggestion (abbreviated): field, launching rocket after rocket. language Ross had encountered while working at Massachusetts Institute of Refugees and asylum-seekers: give them Technology]. jobs! Should Kaikohe be developed as a We felt reasonably happy with what tourist centre by starting with a modern we achieved in our experiments and felt tourist hotel? The labour could be supplied we should “try it out" on students, so we by [refugees from] a nearby refugee centre, decided to make it look a little more like with proper training offered as well. a “standard" programming language. S Another scheme [would be] to develop a was the closest fit. (S itself is similar to an music and dance centre on the south bank earlier Bell Labs' language called Awk.) of the river at Dargaville, also staffed by Once the superficial similarity was refugees. Northland needs more people. established, it was inevitable that the Both towns are there. resulting language would become more Yours faithfully, Ross Dawson S-like (though the similarity remains at a superficial level) … Interestingly enough the convergence happened in the other direction as well. Seeing the technical advantages that R had, the S developers CAMPAIGN KICKS OFF Natural Environment, whose aim will be to restore our iconic natural environment; "Can we change the future together? $2.6 million to education including $1.6 We certainly can!" million from the Woolf Fisher Trust These empowering words were from to improve maths teaching in primary Auckland Medical Research Foundation schools; and a substantial donation from (AMRF) President Jeff Todd, who was the Chartwell Trust to support creativity in interviewed by ONE News about his business and society. organisation’s support for the University For a large proportion of our donors the of Auckland Campaign For All Our reason for giving is to help a student who Futures, which was launched on 23 has the ability and drive to excel but who September. is experiencing severe financial hardship, NEWS Vice-Chancellor Professor Stuart the idea being that modest gifts from many McCutcheon spoke at the launch event and sources are pulled together to provide in media interviews, including with ONE scholarships. NEW ICT LAW CENTRE News, the New Zealand Herald and Radio If anyone was questioning whether this NZ, about the vision for the Campaign. type of giving really can make a difference, A New Zealand Centre for Information The aim is to build partnerships with Rez Gardi was at the launch event to and Communications Technology alumni, funders and other supporters so tell them otherwise. Rez was born in a (ICT) Law has been launched at the that we can address the biggest questions United Nations Refugee Camp in Pakistan University. facing New Zealand, such as: Can we where she saw struggle, persecution and Led by retired District Court Judge, dramatically improve cancer survival rates? injustice. She came to New Zealand as a Dr David Harvey, the new centre forms And, can we restore our unique natural six-year-old and was later a recipient of a fort of the Law School at the University environment? scholarship funded by University alumni. of Auckland. Donations from a number of major Although Rez has only just completed her The centre has been established to donors were highlighted at the launch BA LLB(Hons), she is already giving back study and consider the implications event: $23.7 million to medicine – volunteering her time and her story to of ICT within the context of the law, including $2.5 million from the AMRF encourage others to give to scholarships for technological development, and its for a “scholars fund” to recruit talented refugees. impact on society. medical academics globally; $9 million The launch event for the new campaign “The centre is a specialist hub,” to business and innovation including took place off campus, at the Auckland says David. “Information and $1million donations from PwC and Chau Viaduct Events Centre, a fitting way communications technologies are Hoi Sheun Foundation from Hong Kong, to launch a campaign that is aimed at becoming more and more a part of the together with a substantial donation from increasing the University’s impact on the everyday life of New Zealanders. The Beca, to drive innovation including the wider community. impact of these new technologies on the establishment of the “PotentiaLab”, where The figure for total fundraising to date law and vice versa need to be examined. students can prototype their ideas before – accomplished through partnerships with The centre has three main strands of taking them to market; $7 million for the major donors prior to the public launch – activity. The first is the development of environment including $5 million from is $152 million. The goal is to raise $300 teaching programmes in the ICT field long-standing supporter George Mason million to support life-changing work at the for students and law practitioners, to and his Trust to establish a Centre for the University by 2020. keep them up to date with new legal developments in the ICT field. The second strand is in the field of research and the development of ICT policy based on a solid evidential foundation. Projects include the use of technology to assist with access to the law as well as an examination of the operation of the Harmful Digital Communications Act. The third strand is to design and develop an on-line electronic moot courtroom as a teaching facility for students, as an advocacy training centre, and as a place where lawyers, judges and court staff can familiarise themselves with new technologies for use in the courtroom before “going live.”

Photo: Rez Gardi speaks at the launch CAN WE CHANGE LIVES FOR THE BETTER?

Spring 2016 | Ingenio | 5 NEWS

THE WOMEN At twenty-five my grandmother wore her hair As memory

Rosary braids sliced her back, tendrils strayed and burned her eyes, Heidi North-Bailey she dreamed of princes but got her sister’s children

POSSIBILITY OF FLIGHT gawky squawky babies TWO NEW DOCTORS desperate for their mother, Heidi North-Bailey (BA Hons, Screen who was lost Production 2015) is now on a residency Two leading businessmen who have for her own safety in Shanghai, having been selected as contributed much to the University behind quietly medicated walls. have been awarded honorary doctorates, the second New Zealand writer to join conferred in a special ceremony at the the Shanghai Writers’ Association’s My other grandmother, her beauty University’s Fale Pasifika. International Writing Programme. Heidi strung like a broken guitar, Internationally successful entrepreneur is spending September and October in tended two children and founding donor to the Business an inner-city apartment in Shanghai with School’s Entrepreneurial challenge nine other writers from Argentina, Spain, ten months apart. Her despair Charles Bidwill (below) was awarded a Israel, Russia and Poland. cut shapes in the darkness. Doctorate of Laws for his philanthropy The poem (right) is recommended towards the University. by Dr Paula Morris, who convenes the At twenty-five my mother was married Richard Aitken (above), alumnus Master of Creative Writing programme to the wind, her dress billowing of the University and chairman of the at the University of Auckland. Paula out at her calves, tiny roses Beca Group, was awarded a Doctorate describes it as “beautifully lyrical, struggled over the brown fabric. of Engineering in recognition of Beca’s exquisitely layered, the gaps large and exceptionally strong relationship with resonant, the line of women vital; the I was behind her smile, the University on his watch. hidden stories pull you back for another dark and budding In response to a tribute delivered look, and then another.” quiet and slippery as the ring by Professor Paul Rishworth QC, the “The Women” appears in Possibility on her finger. University’s Public Orator, Charles of Flight, a thoughtful and intimate first Bidwill stressed that “Entrepreneurism collection published by Mākaro Press. is about having a go and taking a risk. If It is reprinted with permission from the the economy doesn’t have people taking author and publisher. risks then the economy doesn’t progress. Have an idea,” he told his audience at the Fale Pasifika. “Take a risk and have a go.” Richard Aitken spoke of engineering OUR OLYMPIANS as “an exciting profession, an opportunity to solve problems and create The University community was minds of New Zealanders. Eliza (19) outcomes”. delighted at the performance of our became our youngest female medallist nine Olympian alumni, who competed Above: Richard Aitken. Below: Charles Bidwill at an Olympic Games when she gave a in hockey, the rugby sevens, golf, thrilling performance to win bronze. canoe and rowing – and especially Commerce student Dylan Schmidt (also with the phenomenal efforts of our 19) came in seventh in the trampoline. medallists Mahe Drysdale (Business) who took gold in rowing, and Shakira Baker (Education and Social Work) who brought home silver for her part in the rugby sevens. Seven current students were also in competition, combining their rigorous training with their University studies. Among them were Theresa Fitzpatrick, a medical student who helped win silver in the rugby sevens, and physiology student, Eliza McCartney, who pole-vaulted into the hearts and

Photo: Eliza McCartney 6 | Ingenio | AutumnSpring 2016 2016 ALUMNI PROFILE

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A LIFE OF MANY LAYERS STORY TESS REDGRAVE

Alumnus Dr George Mason has gifted $5 million to establish a research centre for the natural environment in the Faculty of Science. Tess Redgrave talks to George about his life, work and love of the outdoors.

At the top of the drive to George Mason’s carvings because I wanted to tell the home on the sea-facing slopes of New story of the land here,” George tells Plymouth’s Omata are two small Māori me, as we walk together down his long carvings. drive. "It gives much more meaning to a The left panel depicts a Māori warrior landscape when you are able to find ways defending Kaipopo Pa, which once of interpreting it.” Behind us Mt Taranaki occupied the surrounding area known as stubbornly hides behind cloud, while Waireka (“sweet water”). Below are carved in front we have a sweeping view of the tools such as a “ko” that were used by Tasman Sea and the Sugar Loaf Islands. pre-European Māori for cultivating crops, As I spend the day with George at his including kumara. 1960s architecturally-designed home, The carving on the right shows the lined with native timber and boasting modern-day agricultural activities of a magnificent fireplace of Mt Aspiring Waireka Field Station – part of Dow mica schist, I sense that his deep desire AgroSciences, the descendant of Ivon to understand and tell the stories of the Watkins Dow Limited, where George environment he finds himself in is at the was once the research manager. This heart of his life. carving shows the sun supplying energy As a young Auckland University for photosynthesis and depicts the land’s College botany and geology student, geology and volcanic ash soil. On the George learnt how to interpret the panel beneath, the carver has etched a landscape on wide-ranging field trips to six-sided benzene-ring structure, used as a places like Te Urewera, the then-called Mt pre-cursor for plant protection chemicals Egmont and Bay of Plenty’s Mayor Island, George Mason at the University. that were tested at the research station. returning home to write up his findings in Photo Dean Curruthers. “I asked a local carver to create the the University Field Club’s journal Tāne.

8 | Ingenio | Spring 2016 Since then he has combined a stellar predator-free by 2050. Achieving this They were “exciting days”. In particular career as a research scientist and leading relies explicitly on basic science that is he remembers the University’s Field innovator in New Zealand’s agrichemical yet to be developed – the sort of difficult, Club and the wonderful “after-degree" business with an active interest in botany multi-disciplinary science that the George field trips science students went on each and geology, particularly in Taranaki Mason Centre will enable.” summer: "There wasn’t strict management – his home for 60 years. Among the “My feeling now is to share what I have over places as there is now. We’d be many accolades he has earned is the New got,” George tells me, as we sit in his living dropped off by a fishing trawler on Zealand Plant Protection Medal, a rare room. Paintings of some of the hundreds somewhere like the Poor Knights Islands “Old Blue” award from the New Zealand of New Zealand and overseas outdoor and left to camp free for ten days or Forest and Bird Society, and a life regions he has visited, tramped and skied more.” membership of Pukeiti Rhododendron through hang on the walls, while his Trust. bookshelves are bursting with tomes on “George’s interest, combined with his plants, trees, travel and wine. Putting his name to the scientific knowledge, has made a huge In 1995 George, who is a bachelor, set University's Centre for difference to Taranaki’s environment,” up the George Mason Charitable Trust says former New Plymouth Deputy with a focus on funding education and the Natural Environment Mayor, Lyn Bublitz. “At Pukeiti his research in the natural sciences. Through expertise in weed and pest control has Puke Ariki Museum he supports students was "like coming full helped enormously to conserve and re- with links to Taranaki or undertaking circle back to my roots". establish the original forest.” environmental research in the region. He Even now, at 86 years of age, George has already supported 30-plus, mainly keeps a close watch on his beloved Mt postgraduate, students in their studies at Taranaki, which he first described on a Auckland, Massey, Lincoln, Otago and Another trip took them into Te field trip in 1950 as "offering the most Victoria Universities. Scholarships for Urewera to Lake Waikaremoana. “A perfect example in New Zealand of an exchanges between Auckland and the bus was hired from Auckland Bus Co,” altitudinal zonation of vegetation”. University of California (UC) Davis where reads the report in Tāne of the 1949 When I ask if he has been to the he did a PhD, have also been supported. A trip, “and throughout the holiday it bore summit, his reply is swift. “Over 100 plaque at UC Davis Arboretum describing the designation sign ‘Cemetery Gates’”. times. We’d climb up there and then New Zealand plants in their Gondwana Further on, the report records an “evening find a way to ski down. But I can’t do it collection bears George’s name. passed in a riot of dancing, singing anymore.” His voice softens.. “I’ve had “But my alma mater [Auckland] will ‘Stripping the Willow’ and general four knee replacements and my shoulder’s continue to be the main recipient of confusion, punctuated spasmodically by not good. But I can keep an eye on my funds,” he confides in me. Earlier suppers and eventually fading out with a what’s happening up there through the he mused that putting his name to game of winks. That night 3 hardy souls webcams.” the University’s centre for the natural slept under the stars.” George has funded a couple of the environment was “like coming full circle “Exams were over and it was a great cameras that are constantly filming the back to my roots”. high time to have fun,” chuckles George. changing mountainscape for the website George grew up the youngest of four But the trips had a serious side and always of the Taranaki Alpine Club, of which children, at Bayswater on Auckland’s there were reports published later in Tāne he is a life member. (He also chaired the North Shore. His home bordered of an area’s botany, geology and zoology. Egmont National Park Board’s Scientific Ngataringa Bay where his father, the “They were really student scientific Committee for many years.) “I check out foreman of a Freeman’s Bay Engineering articles,” says George, who was secretary what’s happening on the mountain every Company, had floated an old ammonia of the club and editor of Tāne in 1950. day,” he says. tank close to shore and turned it into a In 1952 George graduated with his Just as Auckland University College’s swimming pool. BSc and began on a Master of Botany Field Club borrowed the Māori name George’s father died when he was 11, and Plant Ecology, working part-time as Tāne (God of the Forests) for their and during World War Two it was his a chemist at the Auckland Metropolitan journal, so George Mason follows the responsibility to look after the family’s Drainage Board. His thesis on the Salt traditions of Tāne in his efforts to “Victory Gardens”, growing flowers and Marsh Plant Ecology of Shoal Bay was conserve the health of our environment. vegetables on a vacant section next door. supervised by renowned botanist Professor It is fitting then that the University’s new “I got interested in collecting and sowing Val Chapman. “After that my mother initiative within the Faculty of Science seed,” he remembers. “I was working as a said: 'You’d better start earning a living.' to foster novel sustainable strategies for grocer’s delivery boy and when I dropped But it was pretty difficult to find work for our environment and our native species purchases off at people’s homes on my a graduate botanist.” should be named after him as "The push bike, I would sample some of the Instead, in 1954, George got a job in George Mason Centre for the Natural plants in seed and pinch some seed for my New Plymouth as an assistant chemist Environment". own purposes.” with Ivon Watkins Limited, a firm “His gift will be transformational,” In 1944 he went on a scholarship to pioneering hormone-type herbicides like says Dean of Science, Professor John King's College in Otahuhu. After four Weedone. His role was field-testing plant Hosking. “It will allow us to address years, he enrolled at Auckland University protection chemicals. In his spare time he some of the country's significant College to do a BSc, with botany as his was out climbing, botanising and skiing conservation and environmental issues major. He also studied chemistry, geology, on Mt Egmont. in a multi-disciplinary manner. Recently physics and finally geography, while In 1956, Ivon Watkins helped George the government announced a goal to be working part-time. go to the US to UC Davis to study the

George is seen here on the right Autumn 2016 | Ingenio | 9 ALUMNI PROFILE

pampas grass and climbing asparagus. Mt Taranaki comes into George remained with Ivon Watkins- Dow until 1986 but when the parent full view now, clear of company wanted to cut back to core business, he decided to take a retirement cloud, its white winter package at age 56. Two years later he and one of his research staff, Dr Peter coat shining in the Hayward, set up their own development afternoon light. company called Taranaki Nuchem Limited (now Zelam). They were soon producing a portfolio of new crop George is curious, but unattached, as protection products for local and overseas to how exactly University researchers will markets. One of Zelam’s most successful use his funds, although he does have one inventions and resulting technology is for little retirement project that could do wood preservation, leading the industry with some help. He has been developing a away from arsenic-based preservatives. selective insecticide application for varroa “New Zealand is a highly efficient mite control at his three-acre hobby producer of Pinus radiata,” says George. orchard near where he has some beehives. “But the wood is susceptible to stains, rot He also grows three varieties of tamarillos and insect borers so we wanted to work and has patented one called Goldmine. “It out how we could increase its value and has orangey red skin and is golden in the protect the wood by using fungicides and centre,” he enthuses. “I’ve picked a bag for mode of action of certain herbicides on insecticides that were already recognised you to take home.” the physiology of plants for his PhD. “I as plant protection chemicals. Our As my day at George’s lengthens, we was looking at how we could selectively innovation has now led to Taratek” – move to sit in his bespoke sunroom control certain types of weeds and yet not one of Zelam’s successful products, sold overlooking the sea. I worry that he will harm a crop.” internationally. be getting tired of my questions. “No, Despite offers to stay in the US, When George set up his charitable trust no,” he says. “I love to talk.” George returned in 1960 to Taranaki as in 1995, he put two thirds of his Zelam George has traced his early ancestry to chief research officer to Ivon Watkins, shares into its philanthropic funding Naseby – a gold-mining town in Central which morphed into Ivon Watkins-Dow base. When Zelam was sold in July last Otago where he has funded the naming soon after. George’s job title changed year, funding became available to set up of plaques on trees planted by settlers. He along with it to research manager as he the University’s Centre for the Natural spent his 80th birthday on one of many developed a reputation “as an inventor, Environment. rhododendron-collecting trips to China. problem solver and innovator” able to “Delighted doesn’t begin to describe He has worked with Indian peasant formulate the best of pesticides with the it,” says the University’s Vice-Chancellor, farmers in the Himalayan border region greatest efficacy and minimal loss. He has Professor Stuart McCutcheon, of George’s and explored Namibia’s Skeleton Coast. 12 international and 10 local patents. gift. “This will give us the flexibility to He loves classical music and is a wine “The judicious use of herbicides is attract world-class researchers to New connoisseur. “It’s simply a part of dining,” critical in the restoration and maintenance Zealand.” he says of his daily imbibe of a light pinot of the New Zealand conservation estate.” “It’s a wonderful legacy for George,” or a range of whites. He gives the example of Little Barrier adds Trust Chair, John Auld. “He is George could talk for hours and I Island, where herbicides are used in an an applied scientist with a thirst for would happily listen – he is warm and ongoing campaign to remove introduced knowledge and a thirst to pass it on.” easy to be with – but it is time to go. At the top of his drive Mt Taranaki comes Below: Mount Taranaki. Photo Steve Molloy. Above: George Mason at the summit. into full view, clear of cloud, its white winter coat shining in the afternoon light. My thoughts turn back to Tāne magazine and George’s 1950 entry on Mount Egmont vegetation. “Higher up still the mountain is wholly encompassed by rock and shingle which appear even from a short distance to be quite devoid of life. But on the summit of Fantham’s Peak (6,240ft) more than a dozen species of flowering plants survive the intense cold of winter under a blanket of a feet of snow.”

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ALIVE TO CHANGE Sally Nicholas, who is just completing her PhD in Linguistics/Māori Studies, says her ground-breaking work describing Cook Islands Māori is “preposterous” – but she does so with a smile. Julie Middleton finds out why.

Sally Nicholas’s love for linguistics was to capture the entirety of a language. It’s narratives such as those from the born, she reckons, when she was six. logistically impossible even to get close.” 120-year-old Journal of the Polynesian She had just started at a Taranaki But you can capture enough of a Society, produced by the University of primary school after her family’s move language’s grammar and sound to Auckland. She hunted for newspapers, from Rarotonga, where she had spoken create an accurate record – and that’s children’s books, Facebook posts and Cook Islands Māori: Te Reo Māori Kūki critical, given the precarious state of newsletters in Cook Islands Māori. 'Airani. Sally clearly remembers the Cook Islands Māori. The language has The second step was to film native teacher who took her aside and asked, been swamped by English and is now speakers in conversation. Sally had in New Zealand Māori, to say the Cook endangered. There are 12,000 people in 46 linguistic guinea pigs in both the Islands words for various everyday items. the Cooks and 65,000 Cook Islanders Cooks and New Zealand, their ages “I remember being very relieved that here: just 12 percent of each group ranging from 11 to 82; she captured someone was speaking Māori to me,” can speak their ancestral language, a them chatting away as well as praying, recalls Sally, “and I think that was my proportion that is falling. Most native giving speeches, reading aloud and introduction to comparative linguistics. speakers are over 65, and there is singing. (Not all of Sally’s subjects Ever since, I have been interested in the no longer enough inter-generational entirely understand what she’s doing, language in a meta sense, as opposed to transmission to nourish the language. she says, “but they are happy that just using it.” To lose a language is to “lose access to someone is paying formal attention to Now 39, Sally, of the Ngāti a really important signifier of cultural the language”.) She also hunted down Te'akatauira tribe from Ma'uke in the identity,” Sally says, worry etched on podcasts and videos in Cook Islands southern Cook Islands, is completing her her face. “We lose access to ways of Māori. Everything was transcribed, doctorate, which describes the mechanics understanding the world, and ways of tagged, and entered into a searchable of Cook Islands Māori – in particular, expressing ideas. Take the word mana, digital database that now holds more the variety spoken in the southern for instance, which is used across the than a million words. Cooks – for the first time. It is, she Pacific. When we try to translate that The third step was to draw on the says, a “preposterous” project, but she’s into English, it’s quite difficult, and database to formulate hypotheses about grinning as she says so. “Preposterous you’re losing some of the detail.” how the nuts and bolts of Cook Islands because a human language is inherently And detail is critical when describing Māori fit together. Sally learned the indescribable. As long as a language is a language. Sally started her work by Taranaki dialect of te reo Māori at alive and being spoken, it’s changing gathering material written by native school and drew on her knowledge of every day, and it’s absolutely impossible speakers, opting initially for digitised both as she developed model sentences.

12 | Ingenio | Spring 2016 Then she sat down with native speakers of Cook Islands Māori to test her assumptions. Linguists call this quest for detail “elicitation” or “grammaticality judgements”. “You change variables in the sentence until it seems wrong to them, and then wind it back to see where the limit is,” Sally explains. Her research has thrown up some interesting oddities. For example, “kupu” means “word” in the Māori language of both New Zealand and the Cooks – but in the Cooks, it fell out of use sometime in the mid-twentieth century and is making a slow comeback among native speakers only now. But will Cook Islands Māori as a whole be able to stage a comeback? Sally believes that Cook Islanders in general “are not as afraid as they should be” te reo.” A complicating factor is that the realm of New Zealand, but they about the dire state of their language. those who do live their reo and culture get nothing. And no one knows that! “They know that there is a problem, every day find it hard to perceive a There’s no protection, even though the but I don’t think that most people problem at all. However, Sally is seeing Government is obligated, as a signatory understand how critical that problem is.” heartening evidence of a “growing to the United Nations Declaration on She adds, “There’s a tendency for people grass roots movement in New Zealand, the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, to look to blame the kids for not speaking Cook where people are becoming much more after languages like Cook Islands Māori, Islands Māori, but that’s profoundly proactive about language revitalisation”. Niuean and Tokelauan,” explains Sally. It illogical – babies don’t choose what is, she says, an issue about which “I make language is spoken to them.” There are a fuss whenever I can. Most people don’t nine Cook Islands pre-school centres, all As long as a language is conceive of the concept of New Zealand in the North Island, but most of them as including these places. Most people are English-language with some basic alive and being spoken, don’t understand the constitutional Cook Islands Māori. “They are good it’s changing every day relationship. It’s not that they don’t care for strengthening cultural identity,” – they just don’t know.” says Sally, “but they’re not sufficient for But people need to know, she says, language acquisition.” But it bugs her that New Zealand that just as biodiversity is necessary for The struggle to revive te reo Māori doesn’t protect all its indigenous the health of the planet, so linguistic shows “how hard it can be to claw a languages like it does te reo Māori. diversity is essential for social wellbeing. language back”, and this is compounded Hang on – what other indigenous There’s evidence that Pacific peoples by the fact that many Cook Islanders languages? Constitutionally, Sally says, in New Zealand whose language are not tightly knitted into their heritage the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau maintenance remains strong, such as in culture: “They don’t have any access are all part of New Zealand, but none the Tongan and Samoan communities, back to the cultural infrastructure of their languages receive support and have lower rates of diabetes and smoking, and those people who are grounded in funding. “These are all languages of and lower rates of imprisonment – areas where the largely monolingual Cook Islands population fares comparatively poorly. It’s a subject Sally’s keen to explore now the description of her beloved language is complete.

Facing page: Sally Nicholas, at a conference held recently in Auckland during Cook Islands language week. Photo from the Kia Rangatira Cook Islands Māori Tertiary Advisory Committee. Above: Sally, third from left, with Peter Nicholas (left), Reverend Bobby Matapo, Tiki Matapo, Mii Matapo and Reverend Mere Nicholas at a family kaikai in Titikaveko, Rarotonga. Left: Griffith Robati and Niotangi Heather, at her home in Arorangi, Rarotonga, discussing children's songs. All of these people have contributed to the project.

CAN WE SAFEGUARD THE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF MAORI AND PACIFIC PEOPLE IN NEW ZEALAND?

Spring 2016 | Ingenio | 13 RESEARCH

COLLATERAL DAMAGE Dr Tom Gregory from Politics and International Relations speaks with Judy Wilford about the uses and misuses of the language of the law and the dangers they pose for the future.

“Language can create a population that is and reinterpreting the law, and what we’re bombings” with clearly identified targets killable,” says Tom Gregory. seeing is the stretching of these concepts right in the eye of the operator as the These are chilling words, but true. and attempts to massage definitions to drone descends, but Tom’s research has Under international law, within a create new realities. shown that only two percent of drone conflict zone, combatants are killable. “The Obama administration was strikes are launched against what is called Non-combatants are unkillable, even in saying for a while that a drone strike in “high value targets”. The majority are a declared war, except under stringently Afghanistan would not take place if there “signature strikes”, which attempt to stated conditions. was any possibility of civilian casualties – distinguish likely targets through their But in wars such as those that are even though NGOs tracking the numbers appearance or behaviour. And there are raging within and around civilian at the time were reporting a great many times when the judgement is wrong – as populations in Iraq and Afghanistan, civilian deaths.” in a case in Afghanistan where (even with the distinction between the two is Just one explanation for this prior information supplied) a community becoming blurred – and the legal rules discrepancy was the categorisation meeting was mistaken for a Taliban and regulations put in place to protect (commonly used by the US military) of all gathering. civilians are being interpreted in ways that “military-aged males” as combatants. And “What is often missed,” says Tom, “is are disturbingly elastic. even the concept of military age is elastic the horrifying effects on those who are Supported by a prestigious three-year – is it 18 to 45 or 12 to 65? killed and injured. The bodies of the dead Marsden Fund grant, Tom is conducting “It can be difficult to identify who’s are so badly damaged that it is impossible research on counter-insurgency in Iraq a legitimate target and who isn’t,” says to identify them. Families are left to pick and Afghanistan, focusing on how Tom. “People talk about this person who up bits of flesh and bone for the burial, civilian casualties are defined, justified is ‘a farmer by day, a fighter by night’. uncertain if they even belong to the same and excused. Added to this, you’ve got all these other person. In one case, the bodies were so International law comprises a complex actors on the battlefield – private security badly damaged that the local doctor was assemblage of different treaties and consultants, where do they fit? Even unable to differentiate human tissue from documents along with customs and academics are a part of it. In Afghanistan the remains of dead cattle.” norms that have evolved over a significant you have anthropologists, social scientists, Civilian deaths (even if forseeable) period, certainly since the signing of the who’ve been deployed alongside the can occur within the law, provided first Geneva Convention in 1864. troops to learn about the local culture. Do the civilians are not deliberately fired “These laws are not a static body and they count as combatants? Can they be upon but lose their lives in the context don’t cover everything,” says Tom, “so lawfully targeted?” of an attack on a “legitimate” military there is a constant process of interpreting There is much talk about “precision target. Even so, the violence must not be

14 | Ingenio | Spring 2016 RESEARCH disproportionate: it cannot kill too many non-combatants. “But how many deaths are too many?” asks Tom. “In the end it’s often up to the military – or to military lawyers – to determine what qualifies as proportionate. It’s those responsible for the strike who are judging what’s acceptable.” Cutting to the heart of the questions Tom is asking is the notion of the boundaries that delimit war. “Whether we are actually at war with the people we’re killing is a major issue because it effectively determines what legal regime is in place. So you could have a situation where, for example in Afghanistan, there is a clearly-defined war, so drone attacks against the Taliban fall under the laws of armed conflict. “However, America is not at war with Pakistan – so it’s not immediately clear that the laws of armed conflict should even apply. Instead, it’s human rights law, which would demand a police operation rather than a military one. Above: Dr Tom gregory You should be arresting and prosecuting the perpetrators, as you would in New lawyers who make decisions on strikes with the full force of the law. I’m curious Zealand or the UK. and the pilots or drone operatives who about how it is that the law can be used “But this is where things get tricky and carry them out. to legitimise civilian deaths: how it comes quite political,” he adds. “The Obama His focus is on the human cost to constitute some populations as being administration argues that there is no of casualties. “We talk about deaths profoundly disposable.” geographical limit on this war: that of civilians using the horrible term While the figures on deaths caused the authorisation signed by Congress of collateral damage. It’s a very by drones are shrouded in secrecy, as are after 9/11, which paved the way for the dehumanising way of talking about their rules of operation, the technology invasion of Afghanistan, effectively gives human beings with a life to lead, with is now available to build algorithms them the right to wage war against Al- family and friends. into them so they can make decisions Qaeda and affiliate groups all over the for themselves. Says Tom: “There’s even world.” The declaration of the talk about programming these weapons This goes against the interpretation of “war on terror” has with a kind of ‘ethical governator’ that the United Nations special rapporteur, allows them to select a target, weigh up who defines fatal strikes that are not in a ushered in an era of the extent of collateral damage, judge the war zone as extra-judicial killings. And, political fallout, and then act or refrain as one of Bush’s advisers warned just war without end and from acting.” after 9/11, the declaration of the “war Tom has no doubt that his work has on terror” has ushered in an era of war without geographical profound implications. Precedents now without end and without geographical boundaries being set for the use of drones inside and boundaries. outside conflict zones are likely to present The concept of “imminence”, enormous dangers later. authorising police to open fire if the “When we talk about proportionality “Violence is being used by the US on person they intend to arrest threatens – slightly changing the trajectory of a a daily basis,” he says. “But the US is not their safety or the safety of others, is also weapon might mean you kill ten instead the only country with drones. We need being stretched beyond recognition, says of 25 – it’s still ten human beings whose to be asking what will happen later, when Tom. “Is someone an imminent threat lives are being lost, whose families are other countries – for example Russia and when they’re just about to detonate a going to be grieving.” China – will be using drones. As drones suicide bomb in a crowded market place? Tom’s research has confronted him with proliferate and as non-state actors obtain Do they pose an imminent threat when two strong realisations. One is how little them, that will generate new problems.” they’re driving to the market? Or when protection there really is for civilians in “We don’t want a situation like with they’re putting together a suicide vest war: “International law is very forgiving nuclear weapons, where we create the two weeks in advance? Or when they’re of the military. Those targeted are often monster that we later regret. The legal – perhaps – planning an attack some weak and easily exploited.” architecture we put in place now will be months or years in the future?” The other is that the laws of conflict, crucial for the future.” In the course of his research, Tom is rather than restraining wars, enable them speaking to a broad selection of those to take place: “Wars are waged not in affected by violence, including the violation of the laws of armed conflict but families of those killed, the military

Spring 2016 | Ingenio | 15 LIGHT FORCE Cather Simpson speaks with Margo White about the excitement of her life in science and how it connects with the world of business.

“I have a passion for sperm” is the way and her team have developed, which uses have made a New Zealand company stand Associate Professor Cather Simpson proprietary microfluidic and photonic out against the international competition: often prefaces her presentations on her technology to separate female (X) and “I think there is something compelling novel bovine sperm-sorting technology. male (Y) bearing sperm cells. about how earthy and practical it is. “When I was first learning to talk to It’s been quite a year for Cather and “People in Silicon Valley tend to think the business community, everyone told co. In June, she won the BNZ Supreme about artificial insemination in terms of me, ‘show your passion!’ Well, we work Award at the KiwiNet Research couples trying to get pregnant rather than with sperm – and when I start with ‘I Commercialisation Awards, and the as a 1.5 billion dollar industry for dairy. can’t believe I’m up here saying this, Baldwins Researcher Entrepreneur Award. And that’s just including the OECD but I have a passion for sperm,’ that In the same month, she won the AgTech countries. If you start talking about India certainly captures the interest of potential sector of the annual World Cup Tech and China, the growth potential is really investors.” Challenge in Silicon Valley. This year she exciting. India has 45 million cattle, but She laughs. “Then it’s easier to convince was also named a “Primary Industries it takes three Indian cattle to produce them our technology is game-changing, Champion” by the Ministry of Primary as much milk as one New Zealand cow, and worth investing in.” Industries (MPI) and found it “quite a and that’s because of the genetic gain that Cather is an associate professor for nice surprise to find myself in a video has come from artificial insemination in the School of Chemical Sciences and with Richie McCaw on the MPI YouTube the developed world. We’re also talking the Department of Physics, and directs channel!” about the greater good – reducing the Photon Factory, a high-tech laser Engender was the only New Zealand environmental impact by allowing farmers spectroscopy and micro-machining company to make the finals at the World to breed for more productive dairy herds facility at the University of Auckland. Cup Tech Challenge in a competition with fewer cows.” She’s also the founding scientist of attracting 150 innovative tech startups The origin of Engender goes back Engender Technologies, a spin-off from 30 countries. to a meeting Cather had with a dairy company commercialising a process she Says Cather, when asked what might investor, who outlined five problems

16 | Ingenio | Spring 2016 STAFF PROFILE facing the industry. One was the cost that lets you go in the sunlight and not not because we’re sperm scientists or and inefficiency of current sperm-sorting ‘cook’. The light that hits the back of my artificial insemination scientists, but techniques. Cather gave her students 24 eye is converted to mechanical motion in because we have considerable expertise on hours to come up with possible solutions. 700 millionths of a billionth of a second the interaction of light with matter. We “They came up with six,” she says. “Four and that allows me to see. I think it’s the hadn’t done cell research in the Photon were old wives’ tales, a couple had legs, coolest and most fabulous thing in the Factory before, but we looked at the and one we worked with – that’s now the world.” problem and thought, they’re basically idea that underpins Engender.” Cather and her team seem poised to just particles, right? So we need to make Engender technology uses light to sort have a broad impact on the dairy industry. sure New Zealand is not just focusing on the X-bearing cells from the Y-bearing She is also co-founding scientist and applied research, but building expertise ones, in a process less expensive than director of Orbis Diagnostics, a recently underneath that – in the fundamental existing sperm-sorting technology. established start-up based on technology areas – so that our innovation is Crucially, it is less damaging to the sperm. she co-developed with Professor David The current approach stresses the cells Williams from Chemical Sciences. By We’re talking about the during the sorting process, which means measuring the vibrational spectrum of the insemination failure rate is higher milk, the technology collects information greater good – reducing than it should be. on its protein and fat content and has the “Farmers might go through two or potential to assess the cow’s nutritional environmental impact. three cycles before getting a cow in calf status and if she is pregnant or has which, in New Zealand, is a big economic mastitis. This aims to increase New sustainable.” hit. Our dairy is seasonal, so if your cow Zealand dairy productivity and herd Could she be tempted to work in doesn’t come into calf early enough you’ve health at the farm-by-farm level. Orbis industry full-time, given the pay is likely missed out on a lot of the milking cycle.” is drilling down to the ‘point of cow’ to be better, the hours shorter? Shifting and sorting the sperm cells diagnostics,” says Cather. “No, although I get asked that question around with light, or more specifically, Cather is comfortable straddling more and more because we’re doing well the force of light, is a far gentler approach. the commercial and academic sectors, in that industry-facing space. I’m in the “The cells are put onto a microfluidic chip. combining fundamental and applied university because I value very highly the We use light to orient the cells, as they’re science. It’s a pragmatic approach. “The opportunity to help students achieve their disc shaped. A different laser is used to equipment I use to do my fundamental goals. The biggest impact I can have as a measure whether each cell carries an X- or research, which I still do a lot of, is scientist, as a person, is on the 1,000-plus Y- chromosome. Finally, we use a third very expensive. I need to support that students that I teach each year. At that beam to nudge the cells into the separate equipment and in New Zealand you can’t rate, I’ll have taught one percent of the output channels.” do that with just fundamental research.” New Zealand population by the time I Cather could be described as an But it took some getting used to. retire! Most of those students aren’t going ambassador for photonics, that is, the “Before I moved to New Zealand, I had to be scientists ... but they’re going to be creation and control of light. Last year never done a single bit of applied science. people who need to make smart decisions she co-chaired the NZ Committee for I’d never considered it. I’d never spoken that are based on good science, critical the International Year of Light, which to an industry representative, let alone thinking ... Add that to what we’re doing highlighted the potential of light-based imagined having a spinoff company. in the Photon Factory, and I can’t imagine technologies to provide solutions to global Never. It took three years before I was anything better. problems in energy, education, agriculture able to see that as an opportunity, and “We’re training the next generation and health. Photonics, says Cather, are something that I found enjoyable and of high-tech, creative innovators and changing the twenty-first century as rewarding.” spinning off the companies to create the electronics changed the last century, “I think the main reason we’re jobs for them in New Zealand. and underpin many twenty-first century succeeding is that we’re doing a lot of “The reward in that is every bit as technologies such as smartphones, laptops, fundamental research underneath the exciting as the potential commercial the internet and so on. applied stuff. Engender has succeeded success for Engender.” Understanding light, or how to generate and control particles of light, means thinking about what most of us don’t see and can’t begin to imagine. “I don’t know if it’s an intrinsic personality, hard-wired kind of thing, but I am obsessed with how behaviour in the microscopic world leads to the everyday things we see in our macroscopic world,” says Cather. “To study these things, we use laser pulses that have the same timescale as the motions of atoms in molecules and materials. The haemoglobin in your blood absorbs light and turns it into heat in 50 millionths of a billionth of a second, and

Cather explains her research to Vice-Minister Jun Han who visited the University in August. Chinese Consul General Ms Erwen XU is to their left. Photo Godfrey Boehnke Autumn 2016 | Ingenio | 17 TO STEM THE TIDE The University has come up with tertiary level and beyond, so they can’t but to work alongside them, offering a an innovative solution to the ever- enter programmes like engineering or complement to classroom lessons with widening gap between the demand for specialise in subjects like physics and online video tutorials, worksheets, games skills in science and technology and calculus. and exercises, all tailor-made to the the people who fit the bill. Julianne To address this basic gap, the University requirements of the curriculum. Evans reports. is launching an ambitious educational These will be supported by interactive project, the NZ Online Stem School. chat sessions hosted by University With a package of engaging online students, who will be taken from The Government sees leading edge resources, the project aims to support the backgrounds similar to the students technology as crucial to the country’s teaching of externally-assessed standards they’ll be teaching. prosperity, but there’s a problem that’s across all levels of NCEA, initially in The person driving the project is leaving many of our young people behind. physics and mathematics, but ultimately Professor Graeme Aitken, Dean of Innovation in such a competitive field in chemistry and computer science as Education and Social Work, and it’s needs a skilled workforce, but despite well. something he is determined to ensure is regular recruitment drives there’s still a These resources will be designed by designed in ways that work for teachers severe shortage of science, technology, leading teachers;, academics from across and increase student interest and success engineering and maths (STEM) teachers the Faculties of Science and Engineering in STEM subjects. in schools, and a high student attrition and learning designers from the Faculty of “One of the key problems with a rate in these subjects. Education and Social Work. shortage of specialist teachers at advanced The scarcity is putting pressure on The idea is to be as youth-focused levels in maths and physics is that doors existing teachers and is disadvantaging as possible. Forget dull and dry and are closed too early for students, removing students, especially in lower socio- think fantasy quests and game-based their chances of careers in these fields economic and rural communities like explanations of concepts like motion, before they’ve begun,” he says. Northland. forces, pressure and energy. To further engage teenage students and Many school leavers are simply not The point is not to replace teachers give the project the best chance of success, well-enough prepared for success at

18 | Ingenio | Spring 2016 RESEARCH

the course content will be delivered by top learning designers. completed. The resource will initially year two and three students in the Faculty A private investor who believes in the be rolled out in Northland schools, with of Education and Social Work, with a value of the project has already contributed the eventual aim of making it free and focus on Māori and Pacific role models. $1 million and development manager available to every high school in the “There is a wealth of evidence to show Sharon Roux is leading the charge for country. that students will become interested in further funding. And that will be an exciting day, and engage in learning if they find that Educators at the faculty will be says Graeme. learning relevant to their everyday lives,” involved in a continuous process of course says Graeme, “and if they’re taught by evaluation as each unit is rolled out. someone with whom they can identify So why not save all this trouble and as coming from the same community, just train up more teachers? Because there culture and background as they do.” are simply too many more attractive and better-paid options for graduates in those Forget dull and dry: fields. Even the well-resourced Teach First think fantasy quests NZ programme, run in conjunction with the University’s Faculty of Education and game-based and Social Work, can’t attract significant numbers of maths and science graduates explanations of concepts to quickly turn around the shortage – and like motion, forces, this in spite of the fact that students in the programme pay no fees and are paid a pressure and energy. salary while training. So meanwhile the first unit of online work, Year 11 Physics (mechanics), He believes we need to be smarter with has already been completed, thanks to technology and use it to its best effect to $150,000 from the University’s Vice- compensate for the shortage. Chancellor’s Fund. But as each unit is Working alongside Graeme will be estimated to cost around $100,000, there’s the project manager Andrea Lamb, still a long road ahead. CAN WE END NEW ZEALAND'S STEM programme manager Tom Donaldson The plan is to have four or five more SKILLS SHORTAGE? and e-learning designer Adrienne Moyle, finished by 2017 and the same number in who will manage the project design 2018, which will see all NCEA externally- team and lead curriculum-mapping with assessed physics and most of maths

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Autumn 2016 | Ingenio | 19

UOA_0254_EP_Ingenio.indd 1 19/08/16 12:59 PM GOING We talked to the Director of Alumni Relations and Development, Mark FROM Bentley, to find out more. A fundraising campaign at a university GOOD – why? It has been said that philanthropy is the venture capital of social change. What we’re looking to do through TO this Campaign is work with our alumni and other supporters to make a positive commitment to some of the issues that are facing New Zealand. We want the ability GREAT to do things we wouldn’t normally be able to do. The newly-launched University of Auckland Campaign For All Our This University has a unique capacity Futures is ambitious and inspiring. It’s through its two main areas of activity a Campaign to achieve great things to make a major contribution. Through for New Zealand and the world. And our teaching we are creating the next In the US in particular alumni often feel it’s a Campaign to bring together our generation of leaders for our communities a huge connection with their institutions largest stakeholder group – alumni and our companies. If potential students that transcends generations and often their and friends. are smart enough and committed enough children will follow them in supporting Through partnerships with supporters we cannot allow lack of money to lead to those institutions and they have a life-long the University aims to address some lack of opportunity. The generosity of our commitment. of the biggest questions facing our supporters to fund student scholarships is really pivotal here. communities, questions like: Is this a first for our University? And through our research agenda, we’re generating new ideas that will have the Philanthropy is not new at our University. potential to change the future. For instance In the last 20 years it has become a more Can we our world leading cancer researchers are important part of our activities, starting with relatively small campaigns, then our … prevent adult disease before birth? trialling personalised treatments that are tailored specifically to a patient’s first major campaign - the World Class … have the best school system in genetic makeup. Another really exciting Business School Campaign. The last the world? development is immunotherapy, where Campaign, Leading the Way, succeeded … stop wasting talent? drugs are used to harness the patient’s own beyond expectations thanks to the support … build a modern robust economy? immune system to recognise and kill cancer of over 3,000 donors who came together behind the vision. … prepare young New Zealanders to be cells. We need to back our researchers so they can help to revolutionise the treatment Most importantly, these Campaigns global citizens and influencers? of cancer. allowed us to move the dial in some key … transform lives with creativity? areas that matter to our country, especially … maximise the potential of “big data” Don’t we get all the funding we need in business and medical science. from the Government and student fees? while avoiding its misuse? Can any university have all the answers We are running a very good university on … restore our unique natural to such big questions? environment? what we receive from Government funding, student fees and external research revenue, We know we can’t do this alone. We fully … earthquake-proof New Zealand? in fact one that consistently performs in the realise that as an institution we need to work … create a safer future? top 100 in the world. But if we’re truly going with others if we’re going to achieve our … dramatically improve cancer survival to deliver on our potential to answer the audacious goals. This will include funders but it will also include engagement with rates? big questions facing our country then it is philanthropy that provides the opportunity businesses, the community, politicians, and … redefine old age? to go from “good” to “great”. our alumni. Universities all around the world are We also firmly believe that all our And many more. operating under financial constraints. In faculties have important contributions that the US, the UK and Australia especially, they can make, unique areas of excellence, they have been able to use the power of and committed communities that will philanthropy to make a major contribution, support them. The aim of this Campaign through attracting support ranging from is to bring that all together. Our faculties small gifts through to very large gifts. and large scale research institutes have each

20 | Ingenio | Spring 2016 Right: Head of the University's Dance Programme, Associate Professor Ralph Buck, with Isobel Cunning at the Selwyn Retirement Village.

set their own objectives, based on their strengths and where they can make the biggest impact on the world around them.

This sounds very inspiring. How can alumni get involved? We are asking our alumni if they can help us increase the contribution our community makes to the world and are looking to them to support us both financially where they can and by engaging with us. Every dollar that’s contributed makes a difference. When you consider we have 180,000 alumni, if every single one made a small contribution then those figures soon start to add up to something very substantial indeed, creating great opportunities for researchers and for scholars. And whilst giving money is the most obvious way, there are countless other ways for alumni involvement, particularly in the informed of opportunities as they develop. that alumni can get involved to support the area of mentorship, where alumni can share Please, look for opportunities to engage with campaign. their expertise and knowledge with students us too. Throughout the Campaign we will If you think about the amazing number in a formal way be posting ideas on how alumni can engage of connections that alumni have, all the with us through our newsletters and social experiences they have, their insights and What will the outcomes of the Campaign media, and on our websites: skills, then imagine those assets applied for be? www.giving.auckland.ac.nz the benefit and advancement of our students The outcomes we’re aiming for are very www.alumni.auckland.ac.nz and our research, just how incredibly tangible and directly related to the big But if you have comments, ideas or powerful that could be. And many alumni questions that are facing the country. questions, please do email us at: are already doing so: giving formal Thinking ahead to the close of the [email protected] presentations on campus, word of mouth Campaign, I would like to look down that advocacy, hosting get-togethers and sharing list of audacious challenges and mentally www.giving.auckland.ac.nz career stories with new students....there are tick off the contributions that we have made www.alumni.auckland.ac.nz so many ways that individual alumni are that have really changed people’s lives. helping the University to make a difference. Also I really do hope we will have But if you have comments, ideas or We are keen to expand the opportunities engaged the University’s largest stakeholder questions, please do email us at: group, our alumni, in a more fundamental [email protected] and extensive way. Our aim is that more than half of our alumni will be actively engaging with us and looking for ways in which we can help each other.

What is your message to alumni? Get involved! Find something that inspires you – whether it’s the idea of helping a student, the affiliation you feel for your department or faculty, or a specific area of research related to a personal passion – and give your support. Photo Patrick Garvey At the heart of the word “university” is the word “universe”… and we really do teach and research in so many areas. Chances are, CAN WE CHANGE if you’re interested in something, there will THE FUTURE TOGETHER? be a student or a staff member who is too. We’re committed to keeping you

Left: LLM student Stephanie Philcox volunteering at the Waitemata Law Centre.

Spring 2016 | Ingenio | 21 KLARA’S STORY

New Zealand needs more great frustrated me. I wanted to learn more.” November 2014 after battling cancer doctors. She decided that she would combine for three years. I have two older siblings her interest in science with wanting to who are also attending University and Klara Kissova is determined to be one of work one-to-one to help other people. put together with the needed healthcare them and she knows she wouldn’t be a She would aim towards a medical costs, money gradually became a big Health Science student now if she hadn’t degree and a career in a hospital setting, problem.” received a scholarship – funded by a probably in radiology or surgery. Even with a summer job, Studylink large number of University of Auckland allowances and a loan, Klara would not alumni. it felt like one of those have been able to cover her costs. Klara is originally from Slovakia and “I was faced with either receiving a has lived in New Zealand since she was life changing moments finance-helping scholarship or not being eight years old. She went to school in able to go to University at all.” Wellington and always loved science you only see on TV Help did come – in the form of subjects. At the end of Year 10, she a scholarship provided through the and her siblings accidently caused their University, sourced from many gifts of mother to sprain her ankle badly. The Becoming a doctor was always going “modest” sums from alumni through the experience of seeing the x-rays of her to be difficult financially, especially as annual appeal. mother’s foot turned out to be a pivotal it meant moving away from her home “I don’t think I will ever forget the moment in deciding on her goals for the in Wellington. But it became a lot more moment I was awarded the scholarship future. difficult than Klara could ever have – it felt like one of those life changing “I saw only the foot. I couldn’t find imagined. moments you only see on TV. I checked anything wrong with it at all and it “My father passed away in mid- the email several times to see if I had misread it.” Klara says that receiving the scholarship changed the course of her life. “To all the generous donors, I wish you could see how much of a difference you are making in my life as well as to any student who has or will receive a financial scholarship in the future. You are what ultimately enabled us to study here in Auckland and in my case even allowed the next step of my life to be possible. Thank you, thank you, forever

STORY HELEN BORNE

CAN WE STOP WASTING TALENT?

22 | Ingenio | Spring 2016 OPINION ALUMNI PROFILE BEING WHO YOU ARE

Recent celebrations marking the Photos: At the Auckland Pride Parade 2016 thirtieth anniversary of the passage path. Most importantly perhaps, the staff and their families and communities, of the Homosexual Law Reform Bill new political and legal climate provided that every LGBTI person is valued and remind us all what was achieved the context within which the strong respected. when LGBTI communities and their relationship with my partner – now As a gay teenager, pre-reform, I often allies worked together to overcome approaching its own 30-year anniversary assumed – and was also told – that longstanding social and legal – could develop and thrive and, over my choices, my aspirations and my inequality. time, have the same legal recognition relationships would be limited and and protections which had previously would be somehow less valuable, and However, the campaign for reform all been confined to heterosexual couples. valued, than those of heterosexual too often surfaced deep-seated ignorance However, and despite many advances, people. Thanks in large part to the law of, and hostility towards, gay people – challenges remain. Many gay people reformers, and to the many advocates and for some the scars from that period still experience negative emotional and and campaigners who followed I now remain. I’m of the generation of gay physical health outcomes, and continued know that gay people can, and do, men who clearly remember life before homophobia and discrimination, achieve the amazing. law reform: what it was like to be legally indicating that the societal and cultural Dr Terence O’Neill vulnerable and to be marginalised in changes initiated by the law reformers Director, Student Equity. many important aspects of our lives, are far from over. Growing up gay can including in employment and, often, still be a huge challenge for many young If you would like to know more, or within our own families. people. to join the LGBTI student and staff Much has been achieved since law Here at the University we’ve made a network, contact Terry on t.oneill@ reform. While in some countries strong commitment to providing a safe, auckland.ac.nz or see www.equity. homosexuality can still incur inclusive and equitable work and study auckland.ac.nz punishment by death, since 1986 in environment for all LGBTI students and New Zealand it is much more possible staff. This commitment, demonstrated than it once was to “be who you are” by the designation of LGBTI students and to assume and express a wide and staff as an equity group within the range of gender and sexual identities. University’s Equity Policy, can be seen The freedom to do this – to realise the in a range of recent initiatives. These fundamental human right to one’s own include the University’s LGBTI student identity and to achieve emotional and and staff network and the vibrant physical security – has enriched not only Rainbow Groups are now active in every the lives of gay men but also those of the faculty. The University also supports a clear majority of New Zealanders who highly visible presence at both the Big value diversity. Gay Out and Pride Parade and soon the For me, law reform made it possible to University will adopt the world’s first think of myself in new and more positive voluntary standard relating specifically ways. The new climate made it easier to LGBTI study and employment, to live as an “out” gay man and to live "Rainbow-inclusive workplaces: A more authentically than had usually been standard for gender and sexual diversity possible in the earlier part of my life. In in employment". These commitments turn, these changes encouraged in me strongly support the University’s new aspirations around, finally, pursuing reputation as being safe, inclusive and tertiary education at the University of equitable and also demonstrate to Auckland and, later, a rewarding career prospective and current students and

Autumn 2016 | Ingenio | 23 SHARING THE MUSIC

Three young women from the School you’ll hear a violin ensemble. Some nights of them donated, are provided on loan, of Music speak to Margo White about you might hear a brass band. also free of charge. what they do in the evenings when The sounds will be coming from a Their father, Fakasiieiki, who plays the they dash across town at dusk. warehouse tucked in behind a car repair cornet, had recognised that there were Most evenings, if you walk down a workshop. This is the location of a music many children out there who wanted to busy road in an industrial area of Mt academy set staffed by three sisters, learn an instrument, but often didn’t have Roskill, Auckland, you will likely hear Linda, Anne and Caroline Filimoehala, the means. “He would often talk about the sound of music. all students or former students at the how we needed a school for kids, who Someone will be playing the piano, School of Music. Here, music lessons are didn’t have to pay for the lessons. So now or the cornet, or a trumpet. Sometimes provided free. Musical instruments, most that we all play at least two instruments,

24 | Ingenio | Spring 2016 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

decoration for the band and takes the dust, we would love to be able to match lead at certain points.” She laughs. “I them up to a young musician,” says Linda. didn’t want to be the leader, where all the How do they find the time for it all? pressure would be on me, but I wanted Linda, for instance, plays not only with the spotlight!” the Central Auckland Brass band, but also Linda teaches brass instruments at the the Royal New Zealand Artillery Band, academy, and also at several schools across the Waitakere Brass band, and teaches Auckland. Anne plays the tenor horn, is a brass band she set up at the Ponsonby majoring in violin at the University, and Methodist church. Then there’s her teaches violin at the academy. Caroline paid job, working as a teacher at various plays the principal cornet, is a musicology schools around Auckland. “Busy, busy, student and teaches piano. She has around busy you can never be too busy!” 34 piano students, the youngest aged only Yet she and her sisters give up most three. “I have to try and make her lessons evenings and most of their Saturday to really fun, so she can sit still.” teach those who may not otherwise have Caroline was initially reluctant to teach access to music lessons. “We want the in the school, she says, but her father academy to be a place where people can persuaded her. “I’m honestly glad that come, have fun, relax, learn something,” he did. It’s amazing what you can teach says Caroline. “I’ve had some students we thought we should just start it,” says kids, and what they understand. And come to me and say, the academy is their Linda. they don’t take advantage of the fact that happy place ... so that’s a good feeling.” Other members of the clearly very we’re giving lessons for free. They see that Linda agrees. “One of the best thing musical family have been roped in to we’re giving up our time, so they’ll go about this academy are the end of year help. Their cousin, Taunoa Filimoehala, home and practise and make sure they get concerts. Seeing the progress of the kids. a University of Auckland graduate and something out of it. That motivates me.” And their parents see how much their an opera singer, teaches vocal. Another Students were initially alerted to the kids have progressed, which motivates cousin, Tipiloma Filimoehala, who is existence of the academy through their them to keep bringing them along. And in his final school year, teaches drums. local church. The school has, in less than that keeps us going too. It’s all for a good Their uncle, Richard Haunga, a final-year two years, grown from 12 pupils to over cause; it helps the kids, especially on composition and conducting student at 60. But popularity has its consequences. Friday and Saturdays, it keeps them busy, the School of Music, teaches theory. Many of the instruments provided by off the streets, out of trouble.” She laughs. Most of the teachers are also members the academy have been donated by band “I mean, who can turn down a free music of the Central Auckland Brass band, members, or by the teachers. (Caroline lesson, right?” which was founded by Fakasiieiki over a gave her old piano to one of her star decade ago and which usually practises pupils, Linda gave one of her students If you have a musical instrument to at the same premises. Young academy her old euphonium.) But they’re fast donate, email Linda at students are sometimes invited to play running out of instruments, particularly [email protected]. with the senior band. “It gives them a brass instruments. At the time of writing, Hear and see the musicians better understanding of what it’s like Central Auckland Brass was preparing on video: www.youtube.com/ to play in a band,” says Linda. “And for a fund-raising concert for the school. watch/?v=UWCX37fNMns motivates them to go and practise.” Appeals were also being made to the The Filimoehala family grew up community to donate instruments they Linda (below) teaches a class. Her euphonium can be seen playing in brass bands. Linda plays the beside her. Opposite page: Richard Seau with his baritone. no longer needed. “So if people have Above: Vaikona Finau, who plays the violin. euphonium, and was one of three finalists instruments out there that are gathering in the University of Auckland’s 2013 Photos Miranda Playfair. Graduation Gala Concerto Competition, where she performed the Euphonium Concerto by Joseph Horovitz. She first picked up the instrument when she was seven, having watched her father teach others how to play it. “So I just figured it out by watching and listening rather than theoretically. And I picked one up and played the scale, which I think quite shocked my Dad. Although I didn’t start learning it till I was 12.” “You only have one euphonium in a brass band,” she says, asked what attracted her to the instrument. “You have the cornets that do the melody, the horns that are the back up, the bass is the solid foundation, the baritone provides the harmony for the back up, you have the trombones ... The cornet leads the whole band, but the euphonium provides the

Spring 2016 | Ingenio | 25 ALUMNI

HAS THE GLASS CEILING REALLY BEEN CRACKED?

Female students outnumber male students in most disciplines in tertiary education. Yet women are still underrepresented in the top jobs in most sectors - including in tertiary education.

Helen Borne asked three of our academics for their views.

that working in corporate environments leadership” programme. These outdated TOXIC CULTURE doesn't work for them anymore. initiatives are based on the premise Frustrated, they start to disengage, that “fixing” the women will solve the The glass ceiling is a myth. Recently I valuing their time and autonomy above problem. conducted a survey of 300 corporate their salary and job. This is the catalyst It isn’t the women that need to be crossovers (women who leave their for them to leave and set up their own fixed, but rather the organisation as corporate jobs and start their own enterprises. a whole needs to shift in a way that business) in the UK and US, and asked The toxic culture was described as a encourages an integration between the them why did they leave to pursue combination of poor leadership, opaque genders. The organisations must cease their own business? The answers were decision making, not being heard or insisting that women assimilate into a surprising and gave more insight into the having their opinions valued. Ultimately corporate culture designed by men which culture of today’s workplaces than into they came to a point where they think is now outdated and vulnerable as the the burning entrepreneurial ambition “I’m worth more than this”. future of work changes exponentially. of these women. In fact only six percent What has surprised me about these said they left because they had a passion results is how strongly this theme has Wendy Kerr is Director of the Centre for to start their own business/be an played out. Even if they were offered Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the entrepreneur. more money to get a corporate job University of Auckland, where she aims Expecting frustration at not being again, most of them would not accept, to grow business-savvy, entrepreneurially- able to smash the glass ceiling, a tiny preferring control of their future, their minded students. She is also a speaker in one percent gave this as their reason for time and their environment over the demand and a best-selling author, having leaving. It became evident that the real cash. So the opportunity to change this written two books on female-led start-ups. reason is much more endemic than an lies at all levels in an organisation, not intangible ceiling. It is the toxic culture just at the top when selecting candidates that propels these women to consider for senior roles. It is not enough to other ways to make money. They realise send women on yet another “women in

26 | Ingenio | Spring 2016 TAKING ISSUE

Associate Professor Jennifer of them doing their best to avoid the AN ECONOMIC Lees-Marshment from Politics and unconscious biases we all have when it International Relations in the Faculty comes to questions of hiring, roles in ISSUE of Arts is a world expert in political key projects and promotions. While marketing and management. mentoring women is helpful, I believe No, the glass ceiling has not been See www.lees-marshment.org ultimately it helps women to navigate cracked. As I tell my students in The the status quo without necessarily Practice of Politics, whilst there might changing it. For the glass ceiling not be a glass door, it’s towards the top to truly shatter we need to see more we see the inequality most glaringly. conscious acts of sponsorship – where The more senior we get, the bigger UNCONSCIOUS those above the glass ceiling reach out the headache we face from constantly to actively and deliberately support the bumping our head on it. Often the BIASES career trajectories of people of diverse barriers are subtle and thus hard (if not backgrounds. That may take some impossible) to fight. But they are there I’ve seen a generation of change as I’ve bravery and trust – but in my opinion all right. Whilst it is wonderful to see gone from being an engineering student any organisation where senior people act the first woman presidential nominee in to becoming an engineering professor. as “sponsors” is better for it. the US and Theresa May become Prime As an undergraduate student I was never Minister of the UK, I grew up in the UK lectured by a female academic from Professor Rosalind Archer is Head under Margaret Thatcher and the four the Faculty of Engineering – though of Department – Engineering Science, other prime ministers in between were all we did have two female academics Director of the Geothermal Institute, and men (Major, Blair, Brown, Cameron). from the Stats Department (in the Mercury Chair in Geothermal Reservoir And this is an economic issue. We Faculty of Science) teaching into a Engineering, graduated with a BE in need to get the best and brightest in the couple of courses. The environment for 1994 and returned to the University as a decision-making positions, and biases undergraduates in my Department is lecturer after completing a PhD at Stanford during recruitment and assessment quite different. I am the first woman to University. Rosalind was recently named on gender but also on ethnicity mean become a Head of Department in the winner of the Energy Engineer of the Year we don’t get the best people in the top Faculty of Engineering, and 15 percent Award. positions. So then we don’t get the best of the Department’s academic staff are decisions made. Diversity is economically female. I also hold a non-executive valuable: it enables people to speak up, directorship in the corporate world (as a to think outside the box and create more board member of NZ Oil & Gas Ltd). I innovative policy solutions. A wider have received heart-felt comments from range of behaviours, skills, leadership our female students as they graduate, What do you think? styles, and perspectives always leads to showing how much they value having Our contributors’ views are intended the highest level of performance. seen an example of a woman in the as the beginning of a discussion. So I teach my students doing The discipline who has taken her career to the Visit www.ingenio-magazine.com to Practice of Politics to be aware of this highest levels. continue the discussion – or send a problem and to reflect on their own How many of my department’s letter (or an email) to the editor. You unconscious bias in the hope it makes talented female graduates will reach the can also comment on Taking Issue them do better when they get into work. “top” of the career ladder in industry topics from previous issues, including But this is just a drop in the ocean – a or academia? Does that depend on charter schools, euthanasia and two-hour classes in one course in one the life choices they make? My career refugees. subject. We need to train all our students started with many 80-hour work weeks Email [email protected] or thoroughly to support diversity to while on tenure track at a well-regarded post to Ingenio, Communications enable the next generation of recruiters, US institution. Would things look and Marketing, Private Bag 92019, managers and leaders to do things better. different for me if I had had care-giving Auckland Mail Centre, Auckland 1142. All of us should be trained to be aware of responsibilities at that time? Or if my The views expressed above reflect unconscious bias and to be supportive of career had been secondary to that of my personal opinions and are not those of diversity. Not just because discrimination spouse? the University of Auckland. hurts those who come up against it, but The future of the young women I because supporting diversity is the key to lecture relies on those a step ahead success for the organisation and society at large.

Spring 2016 | Ingenio | 27 ALUMNI PROFILE

"If you want to build a disruptive of Wired Magazine’s “50 people about to business," says social entrepreneur change the world”. Robyn Scott, "it's useful to have had a So can someone’s achievements be DOING disrupted childhood." attributed to a childhood on the edge of the Robyn has plenty of experience Kalahari desert, with an unorthodox flying with both. She is the oldest child of doctor father trying to cope with an out-of- WHAT’S unconventional parents, who didn’t control AIDS epidemic and a mother who believe in old-school formal education saw playing, reading and exploring as more and decamped from New Zealand to important than going to school? It was rural Botswana when Robyn was nine. certainly a big influence, Robyn says. NEEDED In fact, Robyn didn’t go to school until “The older I get, the more I’m deeply she was 15, but still managed to take appreciative of my unusual upbringing. Robyn Scott talks with two degrees - a BSc in Bioinformatics In a world that’s changing, uncertain and at the University of Auckland and then evolving, I’m grateful I had a childhood Nikki Mandow about an MPhil in Bioscience Enterprise (with that was like that too. Whenever things distinction) from Cambridge University. got stable, we’d move to a new place, and From there she's been on a mission to that meant taking on new challenges. finding ways of making the make a difference in the world. Sometimes that was hard; every kid wants In the last decade, Robyn has co- to be normal. But it’s made me pretty world a better place. founded a London-based business resilient.” and two social enterprises in Southern To get a better idea of Robyn’s life in Africa: Mothers for All, which provides Botswana (a landlocked former British education and training for women protectorate with an enviable reputation caring for Aids orphans in Botswana for stable democratic government, but (for and Brothers for All, a programme a time) the world’s highest rate of HIV teaching computer coding, technology infection), it’s worth reading her first and life skills to South African prisoners, book Twenty Chickens for a Saddle – a ex-prisoners and at-risk youth, offering gentle memoir full of anecdotes about an transformative job opportunities – and unusual life. an alternative to crime. Robyn is also a “Botswana was a remarkable place to grow World Economic Forum Young Global up,” she says “because it’s in many ways a Leader, and was named in 2012 as one huge success story in terms of the region,

28 | Ingenio | Spring 2016 ALUMNI PROFILE but it’s also a place of incredible societal challenges. On the one hand I grew up with a sense of optimism about the world and the power of business, development and ideas to lift people out of poverty and change lives. But on the other hand, I had a huge awareness of the scale of jeopardy so many people are in.” Robyn is now finishing a second book, documenting the true story of a group of murderers and armed robbers in South Africa’s most violent maximum security prison who “adopted” local AIDS orphans, growing food for them, raising money for clothes and schooling, even hosting regular visits and parties for them in the prison. Think of it as a true-life version of the Shawshank Redemption story, set in a South African prison, she says. x Robyn came across the prisoners Hear Robyn speak on Leadership lessons behind bars: Robyn Scott at TED Oxbridge through her mother, who was studying HIV in prison populations, and promised to tell their story as a way to support create is a free weekly briefing of the best about getting a serious education.” what they are doing. But truth to tell, she of what governments are doing to solve After finishing her degree she applied to doesn’t particularly like writing books; the world’s most urgent problems. We also do an MPhil at Cambridge, but was told she it’s a solitary profession and she’d rather have a private online network of innovative couldn’t do postgraduate work there because be working with other people, founding public servants from 19 countries. We only she hadn’t done honours. Undaunted, she organisations as a way to make a difference. started last October, but we’ve already seen persuaded her favourite Auckland lecturers Her latest venture, Apolitical, is a for-profit exciting ideas taking off across different to write letters asking Cambridge to give her company aiming to foster best practice in geographical boundaries.” a chance; “I wasn’t qualified for the course local, city, and national governments by I wanted to do, so they wouldn’t process creating a network of innovative public In a world that’s my application, but I sent them a package servants, and sharing solutions to society’s of testimonials and I told them I’d keep hardest challenges. changing, uncertain and phoning until they opened it. Eventually Governments get a bad rap, Robyn says, evolving, I’m grateful I I got an interview.” And she got the with many people associating politics with prestigious Gates Cambridge scholarship, corrupt bureaucrats. Actually, governments had a childhood that awarded to “intellectually outstanding all round the world contain committed, postgraduate students with a capacity for mission-driven individuals trying to was like that too leadership and a commitment to improving change things for the better. the lives of others”. In fact, government is, by definition, Ten years later and Robyn - now based trying to make the world a better place. For example, a ground-breaking in London - is still convincing people to do And successful projects that emerge from phone-based anti-corruption programme the right thing. As well as her other roles the leadership of a country can achieve in Pakistan is now being worked on she is now an ambassador for the Access significantly greater scale in terms of for adaption in Sri Lanka. And an to Medicine Index, a Bill and Melinda improving people’s lives than the best- American system which brings high-flying Gates Foundation-funded organisation that organised not-for-profit. technologists and entrepreneurs into ranks pharmaceutical companies’ efforts to The trouble is, there isn’t really a way for government is being studied for replication improve access to medicine in developing innovative ideas that work in one country in Australia and Singapore. countries. To fill any free hours, she is on the to be identified, collected and disseminated There are even a few innovative New advisory board of the Responsible Mining elsewhere: “You wouldn’t book a holiday Zealand projects highlighted on the Index, and an investor in several tech and without looking at TripAdvisor, but in Apolitical website, including the Givealittle social enterprise start-ups. government there’s almost nothing that’s crowdfunding campaign that raised more An impossible schedule? Robyn admits comparable. It’s crazy that you’ve got than $2 million to buy Awaroa Beach for she’s a bit of a workaholic, and “not that people deciding policies that will affect the Abel Tasman National Park. good at holidays”. millions of lives and there’s no easy way Although Robyn hasn’t lived in New “My parents drilled into us that we are to look at what’s working elsewhere and Zealand since the early 2000s, she says her so lucky to have what we have, and that if for public servants to find people with time at the University of Auckland was you care about problems, you should do experience to talk to before their project is pivotal for what she’s achieved since. She something to solve them. implemented. studied bioinformatics, partly because of "One of the nightmares I had as a kid “[At Apolitical], we are interested a love of science and maths, and partly was not doing enough in life. I still have sharing ideas, particularly around wicked because she was told it was the newest and that nightmare.” problems like climate change, refugees, or most difficult science course available.. artificial intelligence. One of the things we “I had a bit of a chip on my shoulder

Spring 2016 | Ingenio | 29

RESEARCH IN BRIEF SNIFFING OUT THE ENEMY Odour could be the next weapon in the arsenal against some of New Zealand’s worst predators including the stoat, the major killer of young kiwi chicks in New Zealand’s native forests. Like many mammals, stoats have an “olfactory communication system” which detects threats in their environment, helping them increase their chance of survival. A new study by researchers at the University of Auckland and Landcare Research tested the response of stoats to the scent of two of their dominant enemies – cats and ferrets. In previous trials by doctoral student Patrick Garvey of the School of Biological Sciences, stoats had exhibited strong fear and avoidance behaviour when detecting the presence of more dominant species. The surprise findings in this latest study were that, far from being deterred, stoats were attracted by the scent of these larger predators – and to food placed in of this technology. “There is no need locations where the scent of a cat or ferret DRAGONFLY for moving mechanical parts or was present. “We don’t know for sure conventional stiff electronics in the why stoats consume food at the ‘high WITH FLIGHT soft robots of the future,” says Markus. risk’ area first, but stoats may actively “The only things we need are strain, scavenge the remains of prey left over by POTENTIAL charge, carbon and polymers.” more dominant predators or it could be The dragonfly at its present stage is a fortuitous discovery,” Patrick says. He Futuristic dragonflies are flapping their the outcome of a year-long continuous believes this could be the beginning of a wings in the Biomimetics Lab at the development of the technology in the search to develop odour “lures” to trap University’s Bioengineering Institute. Biomimetics Lab. The experience in pests. Soon they may be lifting off their dielectric elastomers and biomimetic perches and taking to the air. structures put the team into the The research to create and develop position to combine both technologies them is led by Dr EF Markus Henke, to demonstrate the potential of soft a graduate in mechatronics from TU electronics-free robots. Dresden in Germany and Marie Curie “The next step will be to investigate Fellow of the European Union, who the aerodynamics of the dragonfly’s has come to Auckland to work with wings, so that we can produce thrust biomimetics expert and Biomimetics Lab and some lift too, and to simplify the director, Professor Iain Anderson. power supply, so that the dragonfly will Markus explains that the necessary only need a single DC input voltage to high-voltage driving signals to make the flap its wings,” he says. dragonfly flap its wings can be generated “It will not fly as designed by a type of oscillator (a dielectric now, but our little soft robot will elastomer oscillator, invented in the teach us a lot about how to make Biomimetics Laboratory) which mimics autonomous flapping structures the central pattern generators that for lift and propulsion; the road to control muscles. the development of winged micro- “They transform a DC input voltage vehicles,” he says. into an oscillation high-voltage signal that drives the dragonfly's artificial To learn more of the dragonfly muscles.” and its motion, see Jule Dragonfly on Although the dragonfly is not able Youtube. to fly yet, it shows the high potential

30 | Ingenio | Spring 2016

RESEARCH IN BRIEF

refers to poi practised outside of group and after only a month of training Māoridom.) those in the poi group showed trends in Kate is also this year’s winner of the improvement in their upper limb range doctoral category of the University’s of motion, grip strength and manual Three-Minute-Thesis (3MT) dexterity. competition, which set her the task of “Keeping these parts of the body explaining what she was working on in fit can be the difference between just three minutes – with the help of a independence and a nursing home,” she single static PowerPoint slide. told her audience. ”This is because loss of Explaining your research to others flexibility in the upper limb can make it can be tough. In front of a judging hard to get dressed or reach for objects; panel and a live audience, it’s an even loss of dexterity and strength in your bigger challenge. However, Kate easily hand makes it hard to carry bags or hold overcame the restrictions to beat five on to a railing, which in turn can leave other finalists with her clear, concise you more prone to a serious fall.” account. Kate outlined how poi has a cognitive An ex-circus performer, Kate noticed dimension, with the participants that the physical action of twirling a poi reporting improved focus, concentration THE ULTIMATE seemed to be beneficial, so she decided and a clearer mind after poi practice. to conduct a randomised controlled trial She also revealed that not only does poi ELEVATOR with healthy adults over 60 to measure training engage both the body and mind, the effects of poi on physical and it’s also inexpensive and fun. PITCH cognitive function. Kate is now heading off for Australia As she pointed out we are all getting to take part in the Asia-Pacific 3MT Dance Studies doctoral student, older, with the population over 60 Competition, as well as the Universitas Kate Riegle van West, is conducting expected to double in 30 years. And 21 3MT Virtual Competition. the first research study to measure we are not necessarily enjoying a good She is still looking for participants the effects of International Poi on quality of life in our later years. to take part in the next round of her physical and cognitive function in So how can poi help? Participants in poi research study. If you would like to healthy older adults. (International Kate’s study were randomly allocated find out more or participate visit www. Poi is an overarching term which to either the poi group or a comparison spinpoi.com

archaeology. Complex future problem- The Electron vehicle was designed solving in all fields, not just space, will specifically with the small satellite require inter-disciplinary teamwork.” market in mind - the size of satellite ACTUALLY, Almost two dozen student teams technologies has reduced rapidly in have entered the space CHALLENG recent years and CubeSats have increased IT IS ROCKET competition to design and build their in capability and performance. own CubeSat-sized satellite. Students Once launched, students will be able SCIENCE have volunteered for the project which is to operate the mission from a control over and above their courses of study. Space is the new frontier at the centre at the University. “We’ve had a very enthusiastic University of Auckland with the response which is great because as space launch of a space systems project technologies are developing rapidly and where students will design and build a decreasing significantly in cost, New satellite that will be sent into orbit. Zealand will have a space industry and The Auckland Program for Space we need the human resources to help it Systems takes an innovative approach develop,” Jim says. that will see multi-disciplinary student Each student team will come up with teams from across different Faculties an idea for the mission and the functions working together. they want the satellite to perform. The “This project is about creating a winning team will qualify to build their culture of cross-faculty team-work satellite and prepare it for flight. Entries that will see students from Arts for will be judged by a panel of academics example working with students from and industry representatives. Science or Engineering,” says Faculty of Peter Beck, founder of Rocket Lab, Engineering professional teaching fellow has undertaken to help launch the Jim Hef key. winning satellite on one of his company’s “It is critical that the approach we Electron rockets. The launch will occur take within the University reflects the from the private orbital launch site real world where space missions might Rocket Lab has nearing completion on include everything from astrophysics to the Mahia Peninsula, south of Gisborne.

Spring 2016 | Ingenio | 31 Kathy Waghorn and Charles Walker

SPACE TO

floating in space at various heights. What was most exciting about being EXPLORE On the islands are scale models of 55 there? buildings that exist in New Zealand – Most extraordinary was the enormous or that have no existence yet, but have scale of the event, with architects and Kathy Waghorn is a senior lecturer been created in the mind. These show designers from all over the world, all in Architecture and Planning at the the divergent nature of architectural exceptionally talented and eager to tell University of Auckland, and an alumna practice in New Zealand. In the centre you about the most progressive and (BFA 1994, BAS 2002, BArch 2007). are structures from a project conceived fascinating architectural concepts and for the City Mission. On the periphery projects from their countries. You’ve been to Venice several times this are eight models of award-winning beach It was also exciting to know we had year. What took you there? houses. Those in between include a replica a really good story to tell. Our official I was there for the Venice Architecture of Rewi Thompson’s house, and of the opening was just one among 63, but Biennale. This is only the third time structure created by Jasmax Architects people were enthralled by the Māori New Zealand has exhibited officially. for the Tuhoe people, documented in welcome and by the unusual nature of the Our team was chosen by the New the movie Ever the Land, which screened exhibition. One magical moment was the Zealand Institute of Architects after an in Venice to coincide with the biennale. arrival of the dignitaries – including the open competition involving architects, At the biennale with our team were New Zealand and Australian ambassadors designers, academics and artists. The representatives of the Tuhoe, who were – in a gondola. teams were whittled down to five, who incredibly moved to see models of their The theme was “Reporting from the were asked to develop their ideas further place in this prominent international front”, which focused interest on how and present them to a jury. We were space. architects are dealing with real issues thrilled the jury chose ours. The replicas were chosen to explore such as climate change, sustainability and Charles Walker (pictured above with related ideas about the future of New internationalisation. me) – a former University staff member Zealand and its cities; the islands point to While other exhibitors relied much – is our team’s creative director, I’m the importance of space as a lived reality more on text and photos to bring their the associate creative director, and the in the Pacific while also emphasising concepts to life, we were more interested team comprises eight people, including affinities between New Zealand and in communicating directly through esteemed architect Rewi Thompson. All Venice – the city of islands. the visitors' personal experience as they but two of us have strong connections The exhibition had no prescribed place explored their own responses to the with the University of Auckland as former of entry and allowed for free exploration objects in space. or present staff or alumni. and navigation around the islands. Our exhibit comprises 22 “islands” Viewers commented frequently on the feeling of openness and space.

32 | Ingenio | Spring 2016 AROUND THE GLOBE

a definite highlight for the students heard contradicting opinions on the and an additional bonus offered by the representation of the community and on course being taught in Italy. I was very the film itself first-hand from the locals LIFE THROUGH impressed (as was she) by the level of and the Chinese owners of the osteria/ their questions and the range – from very bar where most of the film was shot. We A DIFFERENT technical questions about film techniques were also fortunate enough to witness to questions about gender, aesthetics etc. the special atmospheric phenomenon LENS The other highlight was the final group which makes the mountains appear to be trip at the end of the course to Chioggia, emerging from the sea and very close to the location and “protagonist” of one of the land: the film’s cinematographer had Professor Bernadette Luciano, Deputy the films we studied, Io sono Li’/Shun Li waited days to capture it. Dean of the Faculty of Arts, has also and the Poet. The visit was coordinated spent time in Italy this year. by the town’s ex-mayor, who revelled Did you learn new things as well as in showing off his city and its colourful your students? Where did you go and what did you maritime history, introducing us to local I was reminded of the value of this do there? legends and opening the doors to some kind of experiential learning: living and I went to Italy with a group of students of the city’s most precious monuments breathing what you study allows students who were studying a second-year course (such as the clock tower with the oldest to answer questions and to think about entitled “Italy on Screen”. The course clock tower clock in the world). He also themselves and their world through a was held in Prato, a short train ride from escorted us out to the traditional fish-hut completely different lens. Watching the Florence, at the Monash University’s on the water – which plays an important students do that while helping them Prato Campus, which is housed in a role in the film. come to terms with challenges and majestic eighteenth-century palace in Chioggia’s past and present are linked obstacles and seeing them reflecting on the centre of the old town. The students to its extraordinary geographic location their own lives in the context of another were ecstatic about the whole experience, on the Venetian lagoon. This mini- culture was a learning experience for me which left them feeling enriched and Venice is a very “closed” city where as well. inspired. The films were a springboard people cling tightly to their seafaring I was especially moved by one of the for studying a whole range of issues in traditions and their local dialect. The international students, who thanked Italian culture and society. film is about current migration and me and said she would never forget this the challenges and tensions of the experience as long as she lived. What were the highlights? co-existence of local and migrant The master class by Alina Marazzi, the communities: specifically the Chioggian Photo: Master class with Alina Marazzi at the award-winning young director of three and the Chinese. The students Monash Prato Campus of the films studied in the course, was

Spring 2016 | Ingenio | 33 AROUND THE GLOBE

(pictured) won first place in the Saul ARTIST IN Bell International Design Competition for Hollowware and was shown in an METAL exhibition in Las Vegas. My paintings –predominantly acrylic on canvas – are Tom Ferrero came to New Zealand also an exciting shift in my creative in 2003 on a Fulbright scholarship trajectory. ]\My position at Camp Laurel and studied in the Metalwork and and summers in Maine have been a Jewellery Design Programme at highlight. I couldn’t ask for a more Manukau Institute of Technology. beautiful location to spend my time teaching metalworking to a passionate Where are you living and what are you group of young artists. When tramping doing? in the moss covered forests of Maine my I returned to the US, completed my mind often drifts back to New Zealand Master of Fine Arts at Indiana University and its magical landscapes. and taken two jobs; one as part time Is the study you did at Auckland assistant professor of jewellery and important to what you do ? metalsmithing at NSCAD University in It empowered me to make work I didn’t Halifax, Canada, and another, seasonal realise I was capable of, and has since position as the department head of helped me produce pieces I may not metalsmithing at Camp Laurel in Maine. have made otherwise. I also utilised What do you find exciting about living some of the traditional techniques of and working there? bone and stone carving I learned there Being in Nova Scotia, Canada, has been in my current artwork and I teach my a wonderful adventure. Professionally, it Camp students the cultural significance has given me the opportunity to teach of Māori carvings and the techniques multiple metalworking courses and associated with them. develop curriculum, as well as ample time to produce new metal sculptures “Mace.” Silver, gold plate, copper, amber, citrine, garnet, diamonds, zircon, topaz, enamel, resin and develop a body of paintings. and Italian acetate. Approximately 2 feet tall and 8 My most recent sculpture, “Mace” inches wide/deep.

Where are you living and what are you cinema; people still talk about films and TURBULENT doing? debate over movies they see, which I find I am a practising artist and filmmaker uplifting. TIMES currently based in Beijing, China, while Is the study you did at Auckland completing my PhD in contemporary art important to what you do now? Han Niu is an alumnus who at the China Central Academy of Fine I started at Elam in 2003 and completed completed a BA in Film, Television Arts. my masters in Screen Production and Media Studies in 2009, a Bachelor I am very fortunate that my in 2013. My academic study at the of Fine Arts in 2009 and an MA in filmmaking has taken me to many parts University of Auckland was fundamental Screen Production in 2014. of the world. Earlier this year, I returned and immensely important to me in many from Cuba after making a film under the regards. The precious years there shaped guidance of renowned Iranian director] my thematic and philosophical interests, maestro Abbas Kiarostami [who died in and helped me develop a critical mind. July this year]. Throughout my time in Auckland, What do you find exciting about living I was exposed to profound ideas and working in Beijing? and developed the close friendships, Beijing is an ancient capital, both pre mentorships and partnerships that will and post-modern at the same time, last a lifetime. At the moment, I am Living here, one may find oneself amidst developing a feature film project titled a sophisticated, ever-changing social The Manifesto with my mentor and dear scene infused with the often surreal friend, Associate Professor Jake Mahaffy conditions of our turbulent times. What (from the University's Department of I find exciting here is people's will for Media and Communications). It is a progress and change. comic satire about the falling of the masks China is a strange homeland that I of the "nuevo" riche and the realisation deeply connect to and am still learning that we are only human. about, so I find it relevant to base my practice and research here. There is a Image: Detail of a still from Han Nui's 2014 film, Land of Nobody general sense of optimism in the air for

34 | Ingenio | Spring 2016 ALUMNI NETWORKS ALUMNI AND SCHOOL OF FRIENDS EVENTS ARCHITECTURE We host alumni and friends networking functions and special events throughout the AND PLANNING year in New Zealand and all over the world. Our events are a great opportunity to reconnect and refresh networks. In many cases, you'll also have the opportunity to hear CENTENARY the latest University news and hear about the latest research and innovations taking The University of Auckland School of place on campus. Architecture and Planning is celebrating its centenary in 2017. Alumni of the school ALUMNI AND FRIENDS RECEPTIONS are invited to a series of events to mark 2016 DATES EVENTS the occasion. An architectural exhibition at the Gus Fisher Gallery will open the 15 November Hong Kong celebrations on Friday 8 September with 23 November Hamilton the launch of a book written in response 24 November Wellington to the centenary. Look out for more information on the celebrations on the School website, in Alumni newsletters and SPECIAL EVENTS on the Auckland School of Architecture 2016 DATES EVENTS and Planning Centenary Facebook page. 1 November University of Auckland Society Salon Series 6 December Society AGM and Christmas Function 2017 DATES EVENTS 9 March (Date TBC) Bright Lights: an audience with Distinguished Alumni 10 March (Date TBC) Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner Events are based in Auckland unless otherwise stated

For more information, visit www.alumni.auckland.ac.nz ALUMNI PROFILE

Craig. “Working in the banking industry in New Zealand will inevitably lead INTERNATIONAL to opportunities to work in Australia because a large number of New Zealand ALUMNI banks are owned by Australian parent banks.” His role centres around ensuring the NETWORKS bank remains safe from market risk. Craig With over 180,000 alumni living in 147 works closely with the Treasury division to countries our alumni networks bring ensure acceptable risk and return decisions together groups living all over the world. are made. “I enjoy the relationships and Our networks are run by Volunteer constantly changing environment that Alumni Coordinators (VACs) who help need to be managed,” he says. alumni remain connected with the active VOLUNTEER PROFILE Outside of work, Craig is a keen All life of the University. Blacks supporter and enjoys getting out If you live outside of New Zealand and CRAIG VICKERY to Melbourne’s many fantastic events. He would like to network with local alumni, says it's an amazingly diverse city with we encourage you to make contact with IN MELBOURNE something to suit everyone’s interests. the VAC in your area – their details can He would encourage current students be found on our website. If there isn’t an Meet Craig Vickery, Volunteer Alumni to think about their career aspirations existing alumni network where you are, Coordinator (VAC) in Melbourne, who while at university. “Don’t be afraid to you may want to start one and consider graduated in 1996 with a Bachelor of take different roles for diverse experiences. being a VAC. Contact us at alumni@ Commerce, majoring in Economics, Everything you can bring to the table in auckland.ac.nz for further information. Accounting and Finance. He is now job discussions counts.” Head of Interest Rate Oversight at the Craig is interested in hearing from Connect with us National Australia Bank. alumni based in Melbourne. Get in touch at [email protected] or connect facebook.com/UoAAlumni “I always envisaged working in a role with him on LinkedIn. closely linked to financial markets,” says Victoria Brownlee @AucklandAlumni Auckland University Alumni & Friends ART

D I V I N G DEEP

When you dive underwater, your a spooky soundscape by Los Angeles the taniwha, believed to be a large female perceptions of sound, vision and guitarist Peter Kolovos. albino tuna (eel) called Hinekorako, movement are all altered. Shown as "Flightdream 2014" at Two which Niania and his hapu claim as an Water resists penetration; you are Rooms Gallery last year, it was chosen for ancestor. Hinekorako is believed to live slowed down and held suspended as if the Sydney Biennale, where it was given a under the rock Hinekuia at the base of Te flying. soundtrack with an excerpted reading of Reinga falls. Depending on the degree of underwater Schlegell’s story, and was installed in one This work also carries a conservation visibility, life forms and objects can loom of the tunnels on Cockatoo Island, near a message as Joyce mourns the loss of up unexpectedly. disused submarine-building facility. habitat for the longfin eel, one of the Humans have long been fascinated Now jurors have selected it for inclusion largest eels in the world. She explores by the realms of the deep: Jules Verne’s in the 2016 Walters Prize, and Joyce the freshwater habitat for the secretive, Twenty Thousand science fiction classic Campbell has extended it to a 25-minute and mainly nocturnal, native tuna that Leagues Under The Sea, published in 1870, three-channel video installation which is spend their long lives hiding in nooks and tells the tale of the search for a mysterious currently being exhibited at the Auckland crevices before eventually migrating to the sea creature, thought to be a giant Art Gallery as "Flightdream II, 2016". Pacific Ocean to breed and die. narwhal. It turns out to be the submarine A voiceover is delivered via sound cones, Ancestors of these eels began Nautilus , designed and piloted by Captain while the full immersion in the Kolovos swimming up and down waterways in Nemo, an exile from civilisation, who electronica comes from stereo surround the early Miocene period, 23 million captures his pursuers and takes them on sound. “All the different iterations of this years ago, but the longfin eel is now an extensive undersea odyssey. work invite immersion, but this is the first considered at risk, with their numbers Having grown up exploring creeks and time I have had the space and resources to declining. Glimpses of white flash ditches full of slithering eels in the Wairoa actually physically immerse my audience through Joyce's darkly monochrome district of Northern Hawkes Bay, Elam in the aural and visual field of the work. imagery, reminders of spiritual guardians School of Fine Arts senior lecturer and Its narrative takes place under water of place, and unknowable mysteries that doctoral candidate Joyce Campbell now in a space of pure phenomenological dwell in the depths. makes photographs and videos about the immersion.” unknowable deep. In 2002, her Marianas Across town, in South Auckland, Joyce STORY LINDA TYLER Trench series of photographs showed is exhibiting watery photographs from milky-white liquids suspended in oceans the Taniwha Whakaheke (Taniwha of black, recreating a sense of delving into Descending) series, an extension of the famous undersea chasm near Guam. another work that was also shown earlier Inspired by those photographs, this year at the Sydney Biennale. Working American science fiction writer and with Richard Niania of the Ngai Kohatu cultural critic Mark von Schlegell hapu, Joyce has used her camera to wrote a short story, "Flugtraum", or explore her turangawaewae, the Ruakituri "Flight Dream", which Joyce Campbell Above: Joyce Campbell Valley inland from Wairoa near where Image below: Flightdream II, 2016, 25-minute reinterpreted as an abstract film, with she grew up. She explores the realm of three-channel video installation PERMITTED TO SMOKE. OR NOT? Here’s an interesting snippet of University history. After Lippincott’s Clock Tower and Arts building was finished in 1926, members of the Auckland University College Students’ Association (AUCSA), the forerunner to AUSA, moved into purpose-built common rooms: one for the men and one for the women. Fair enough, but listen to this: while the women enjoyed most of the same benefits as the men, they were not permitted to smoke. What’s more the Professorial Board reaffirmed this ruling twice, in 1931 and 1933! Early feminists and their supporters kept debate about the blatant inequality alive: it even featured as a cartoon, "Through the smokescreen", by JC Hill in the Auckland Star. And the ban on women smoking was finally lifted in April 1936. This is one of many colourful stories attached to the AUSA, which celebrated its 125th birthday on 24 June. Apparently on that wintry day in 1891, 27 students and graduates met in the University Library “amid growing concerns over a lack of ‘college spirit’”. Their first home was in Old Parliament Buildings and by 1898 they’d published their first student magazine, The Collegian, followed by Marte Nostro in 1903 and the Kiwi in 1905.

was a highlight on the calendar. Other history the University Library’s Special areas of responsibility included offering Collections holds the AUSA records. on-campus services to students, such These provides researchers with a wide as a bookshop and cafeteria – though range of primary sources covering the the cafeteria offerings like "peg meat Association's history from 1891-1983. sandwiches" and "Tuna Tempter with potato chips"might not suit nutrition conscious students of today! Photos and references: Above: Photographs of students in Quad. University Throughout its history, AUSA has been of Auckland, Dept of External Relations, Public a strong advocate for all students and has Relations Division photographic collection. supported political activism on campus, MSS & Archives 2007/10, 9/1/2/2. Special especially in the 1960s, 70s and 80s. The Collections, University of Auckland Libraries and One of the responsibilities of the photograph to the left shows students Learning Services. Left: Nuts in May programme, 1963. Auckland AUSA over the years has been to gathered in the Quad to take part in a forum discussing racism. (Note reference University Students’ Association records. MSS & organise social events for the student Archives E-9, 4/2/19. body. From the 1900s to the 1960s, the to "Speaker Tim Shadbolt", long-time Special Collections, University of Auckland capping carnival and revue in which mayor of Invercargill.) Libraries and Learning Services. the students celebrated graduation If you want to learn more about AUSA

Spring 2016 | Ingenio | 37 BOOKS

(poet), Allen Curnow (poet and critic), Denis Glover (poet and printer), Leo BLOOMSBURY Bensemann (artist and printer), Douglas Lilburn (composer), Ngaio Marsh (crime SOUTH writer and Shakespeare producer), Rita Angus (artist), Charles Brasch (poet Our featured book is a very special and editor), Doris Lusk (artist), Colin one, the first recipient of support in McCahon (artist) and James K. Baxter the Marti and Gerrard Friedlander (poet). “Creative Lives Series”, which will The institutions created by this group benefit one Auckland University Press included the Caxton Press (publisher), publication each year. Author Dr Peter The Group (visual arts), the Little Simpson, an alumnus and former Theatre (Shakespeare productions), associate professor of English at the and the journals Tomorrow, Book University, writes about what he set and Landfall; these served not only out to accomplish. Christchurch artists, but the best and most progressive from all over the My book Bloomsbury South: The Arts country (such as Aucklanders Frank in Christchurch 1933-1953 (AUP, 2016) Sargeson and Rex Fairburn, and is an attempt to document the brief Toss Woollaston from Mapua near period in the country's cultural history Nelson), making Christchurch not just when Christchurch was indubitably a local centre but of national and even the cultural centre of New Zealand, international importance. and Mighty especially in literature, publishing, My book was the lucky beneficiary of classical music, theatre and visual arts. River Power both public and private philanthropy. In have talked For a decade either side of World 2012 I was awarded the Michael King War II Christchurch was the home of a about water, Fellowship, which gave me support for ownership, remarkable group of gifted individuals two of the book’s four years of writing who were linked by friendship, stakeholders, and enabled me to travel to research guardianship collaboration and common purpose to libraries in Dunedin, Christchurch bring about a double purpose: first to and the river. and Wellington. My book also had By examining create for the first time a national art the good fortune to be given support that was about New Zealand, by New debates over as the first in the Marti and Gerrard water, Marama Zealanders and for New Zealand, and Friedlander Creative Lives Series. In my second to introduce to this country some provides a case the support enabled me to include powerful lens into modern iwi politics of the modernist innovations in style and an exceptional number – more than technique which had transformed the and contests for power between Māori 450 – of quality images in the book: and the State. This is Marama’s first arts in Europe in the twentieth century. paintings, photographs, book covers, The main protagonists in this book, published in September 2016 by theatre programmes, facsimiles of private Auckland University Press. movement included Ursula Bethell letters and the like, thus enabling me to “load every rift of my subject with ore”, as John Keats advised Percy Shelley in 1820, a phrase that has become my THIS PAPER personal mantra. BOAT TUPUNA AWA “We have always owned the water . . . we have never ceded our mana over the river to anyone,” King Tuheitia asserted in 2012. Prime Minister John Key disagreed: “King Tuheitia’s claim that Māori have always owned New Zealand’s water is just plain wrong.” So who does The poems in this book follow the own the water in New Zealand – if author, alumnus Gregory Kan, as he anyone – and why does it matter? traces his own history through the lives In Tupuna Awa: People and Politics of and written fragments of Iris Wilkinson the Waikato River alumna Dr Marama (aka Robin Hyde), his parents, and their Muru-Lanning offers some answers to parents. that fraught question, introducing us to He explores old territories of Robin the way Māori of the region, the Crown Hyde’s – the tide pool at Island Bay with its shrimp and driftwood, the Righ: Peter Simpson. Photo by Marti Friedlander garden at Laloma with its crushed lemon Top right: Marama at the Waikato River

38 | Ingenio | Spring 2016 BOOKS leaves. He listens to the stories of his Olympic gold medal. Olympic Islands parents and their parents, the frangipani celebrates the history and achievements trees, drains and barbed wire of their of Olympians of Pacific Island descent. childhoods. He remembers a jungle of It includes chapters on American his own and searches for his own ghosts Samoa, the Cook Islands, Fiji, Hawaii, in the water. Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Tonga and Tuvalu. Published by Auckland University Athletes featured include multiple Press, this is a rich and haunting first gold medal winners Greg Louganis book, which uses beautiful images to (Samoan-American), Duke Kahanamoku explore the lives and preoccupations of (Hawaiian) and Valerie Adams (Tongan). two authors and their families. Gregory was also featured in Paper Boat: Moments in the Life of a Book, a short film directed by Alex Mitcalfe A DROP IN Wilson which you can watch on vimeo: video.lumiere.net.nz/paper-boat THE OCEAN Freedom to Dance tells the story of Anna Boukje van Zon, an inspiring Dutch Fergusson, dance teacher who directed her Van Zon TIMELY RELEASE Boston School of Creative Dancing in Auckland neuroscientist from the 1950s to the late 1980s, and Two new and dedicated had a lasting influence on New Zealand’s books introvert, contemporary dance scene. celebrating arrives at an Her story is told in the context New Zealand unwanted of life and arts practices in Europe and Pasific crossroads (1920s-1940s), the German occupation Olympic when the of the Netherlands, expatriate life in achievement, funding Indonesia, Dutch migration to New written by a for her Zealand, and the twentieth-century University Huntington’s socio-cultural and artistic environment of Auckland disease research lab is cut. of New Zealand. alumnus, have With her confidence shattered and her It further includes Boukje’s teaching had a timely future uncertain, on impulse she rents a methods and many dance photographs release. The aim of the books, written cabin on Australia's Great Barrier Reef. by Dutch photographer Ben Boer – as by award-winning children’s author However, Turtle Island, alive with sea well as some by iconic New Zealand and teacher David Riley and published birds and nesting Green turtles, is not photographer Marti Friedlander. by Reading Warrior, is to inspire the retreat she expected. Here she finds young people with positive stories of love – for the eccentric islanders who achievement and to improve literacy by become her family; for Tom, the laid- providing them with reading material back turtle whisperer; and for the turtles TAUIRA they can relate to. Golden Kiwis tells whose ancient mothering instincts move the inspirational stories behind every her to tears. In te reo Olympic gold medal won by a New This is the first novel of alumna Jenni Māori, “tauira” Zealander – from Malcolm Champion, Ogden, a former associate professor means both our first Olympic gold winner, to Lisa in the University’s Department of student and Carrington, the first Māori to win an Psychology and the author of two teacher. In the previous nonfiction books. A Drop in book Tauira, the Ocean was published this year by US published publisher, She Writes Press, and is on sale by Auckland internationally. University Press, acclaimed educator and anthropologist, FREEDOM TO alumna and former staff member, Dame Joan Metge, introduces readers to Māori methods DANCE of teaching and learning that are rich in All three authors of this fascinating lessons for us all. book are alumni of the University of Based on extensive interviews, this Auckland: Dr Dagmar Simon (PhD, book offers a window on a mid-twentieth- Dance Studies), Francesca Horsley century rural Māori world, as described by (Master of Creative and Performing Arts, those who grew up there. Dance (Hons)), and Raewyn Thorburn (Diploma in Performing Arts, Dance).

Spring 2016 | Ingenio | 39 ALUMNI PROFILE

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