2018 Issue

From the lab to the living room Improving health and wellbeing From the lab to the living room Senior lecturer Dr Natalie Plank from the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences is developing ‘lab on a chip’ biosensors that will make fertility tests more accessible. 19

Improving health and wellbeing in our communities

A global shortage of New faculty hits the Celebrating 25 years self-esteem ground running in style 18 21 23

3 A boost for innovation 16 Keeping New Zealand on track 34 A quarter century of service

5 Inside White Island 20 The economics of happiness 35 So ready to read

7 MOOCs breaking the mould 22 Bringing locals and land together 37 From Paengaroa to Parliament

8 Conservation by numbers 24 The myth buster 38 Rugby career kicks off

10 Fire, fury, and foreign policy 28 Reducing health inequalities 39 Kitchen stories

13 Putting creativity to work 31 Mapping the world of Dickens 40 Oceania unveiled

14 Weather dependent 33 Who’s in my room? 41 The last photograph Stay connected p 0800 VICTORIA (842 867) w www.victoria.ac.nz t @VicUniWgtn l VictoriaUniversityofWellington f VictoriaUniversityofWellingtonAlumni i VicUniWgtn Keep your contact information up to date e [email protected] Events From the Vice-Chancellor Contact us to receive invitations for both local and global events ealth and wellbeing are the cornerstones of a happy life and a well-functioning [email protected] society, but they mean much more than simply the absence of illness and e H http://bit.ly/2bWR0J2 infirmity—they encompass a broad state of mental and social wellbeing. w One of our eight areas of academic distinctiveness at Victoria University of Gifting Wellington is improving the health and wellbeing of our communities, which is the theme of this issue of Victorious. Contact the Development Office if you The University has many academic units involved in health and wellbeing are interested in making a donation of research. Our capability is multidisciplinary, and we are actively working to funds or resources improve health and wellbeing in our communities by coordinating research and e [email protected] teaching across a number of key areas: Science, Engineering, and Design; Health p +64 4 463 5871 Services and Policy; Arts, Education, and Business. Thanks to our proximity to central government, district health boards, and Victorious many non-governmental organisations, we are also making major contributions e [email protected] to understanding how health outcomes can be improved by better policy settings, increased education, new technology, and reduced inequality. Victorious is published by Victoria In 2017, we established the new Faculty of Health, which builds on our existing University of Wellington, Te Whare strengths in areas such as nursing and midwifery, health policy and delivery, Wānanga o te Ūpoko o te Ika a Māui and biomedical research, as well as the University’s broader expertise in public PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand policy, government, business, and industrial relations. Creating a new faculty is Editor: Samuel Burt an enormous and challenging undertaking, but under the leadership of Professor Design lead: Stephen Garrett Gregor Coster, the Faculty has been a standout success. You can read more about Professor Coster and the Faculty in this issue. Editorial team: Crispin Anderlini, We are also committed to improving health and wellbeing in other ways. Since Elizabeth Beattie, Sarah Boyd, 2017, we have been a health-promoting university, using guidelines from the World Alix Chapman, Vicky Cotterell, Health Organization and the Okanagan Charter (an international charter for Lucy Dickie, Katherine Edmond, health-promoting universities and colleges) to create healthy working, learning, Jo Fisher, Samantha Fisher, and living environments. One result of this was the creation of the Student Craig Gamble, Kristina Keogh, Wellbeing Awareness Team, a student-led group that organises events, campaigns, Kirsten McDougall, Fiona Shaw, and projects promoting a well-balanced life while studying at university. Andrew Smith, Guy Somerset, Together with the Treasury and the International Journal of Wellbeing, in Heidi Stedman, Grace Taylor, and September we also co-hosted the highly successful Third International Conference Jolene Williams on Wellbeing and Public Policy, bringing together more than 350 policymakers Photographs (unless otherwise and wellbeing researchers from around the world to share the latest findings on credited): Image Services, wellbeing and quality of life. Victoria University of Wellington This issue of Victorious highlights many other examples of how our research Cover image: Dr Natalie Plank, contributes to improving the health and wellbeing of our communities, and photographed by Mike Heydon, how our academics, students, alumni, and professional staff are working hard to Jet Productions improve health and wellbeing across the University and within society. ISSN 1172-0387 Victoria University of Wellington values its role as a civic university. A civic © Victoria University of Wellington 2018 university is one that values close involvement with the social, cultural, and economic life of its city and region. It naturally follows that the health and The views expressed in Victorious wellbeing of our communities is at the heart of everything we do, because are not necessarily those of Victoria community wellbeing is the combination of social, economic, environmental, University of Wellington. cultural, and political conditions that are essential for individuals and This publication is printed using soya- communities to flourish and fulfil their potential. based inks. The paper is manufactured This is the mandate upon which Victoria University of Wellington was founded and sourced from paper mills that have more than 120 years ago, and it remains just as important today. accredited and audited environmental qualifications and use sustainably grown Professor Grant Guilford and harvested well-managed forests Vice-Chancellor and elemental chlorine free pulp. t @GrantGuilford

1 University of Wellington

In September, the University Council voted to recommend to the Minister of Education that the legal name of the University be changed to University of Wellington. The Council also backed the adoption of a new Māori name, Te Herenga Waka, and made a commitment to the ongoing use of the word ‘Victoria’ to ensure the University’s heritage is honoured and maintained.

hancellor Neil Paviour-Smith says the University and Wellington. the decision was a challenging one Grant says a vibrant and successful Cfor the Council and he acknowledged Wellington offering an enhanced student the significance of the name Victoria to experience and exceptional liveability for alumni, students, and staff. “After careful staff is critical to the University’s future. consideration, the Council is satisfied that “Similarly, a world-class university in the name change is in the best interests Wellington is vital for the city and region of the University and is an important next to flourish.” step in achieving the University’s vision While the word Victoria has great and long-term prosperity.” personal significance to many alumni, The Council’s decision follows well over he says, it is problematic in many other a year of research, advice from experts, respects. Welcoming and discussion with staff, students, “It is used prominently in the alumni, and stakeholders, including a names of at least seven other tertiary all waka consultation period during which close to educational institutions and, to some, he recommended new 2,500 submissions were received. the word Victoria evokes misleading Māori name—Te Herenga Vice-Chancellor Professor Grant or adverse associations such as with TWaka—is also the name of the Guilford acknowledges that there is a Victoria in Australia; with colonisation, University’s marae, and means “very understandable deeply personal dispossession, and discrimination; and the mooring place of canoes. connection to the name Victoria among with the staid nature of Victorian society Te Herenga Waka has been many alumni”. rather than the creativity of Wellington. at the heart of the University “Unfortunately, however, the external “Others have noted the incongruity community for more than context in which the University operates of naming a university after a monarch, three decades and the name has changed very significantly and our given that monarchies symbolise signifies that all people are current name of Victoria University of heredity, stability, and power, whereas welcome on the marae. Wellington is no longer working well universities symbolise meritocracy, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for us.” innovation, and speaking truth to power.” (Māori) Professor Rawinia The rationale for the Council’s decision Grant says the name change fits into Higgins says, “In using crystallised around a number of key a wider programme of work to build the Te Herenga Waka for the whole points: the proposed change of name University’s international reputation, University, we are saying that to University of Wellington emphasises which is not yet in keeping with the people from around the rohe, all the word ‘Wellington’, which enhances teaching and research excellence of the around the country, and beyond, the University’s differentiation as University. can tether their metaphorical New Zealand’s globally ranked capital “Realising our ambitions in an canoes and find shelter here. city university; it allows the achievements increasingly competitive and financially Once people have finished at of the University to build the global challenging sector requires the University the University they can head reputation of the city and vice versa; to have a name that is both better aligned off on their journey, while still and it creates a common destiny and to Wellington and more distinctive maintaining a deep connection enduring sense of partnership between internationally.” to Te Herenga Waka. “The name also reflects the idea of coming to the city READ MORE ABOUT THE COUNCIL’S DECISION through the harbour, and being anchored and firmly placed w www.victoria.ac.nz/name here.”

News 2 A boost for innovation

Wellington has a growing reputation as a start-up city, and a new partnership between Victoria University of Wellington’s commercialisation arm, Viclink, and New Zealand financial services company Booster will take this even further.

he New Zealand Innovation Booster Under the partnership, Booster will innovative ideas become productive is a game-changing partnership invest a minimum of $2 million a year for businesses. Tthat will see Booster—whose executive five years in a portfolio of new start-ups. “Commercialisation of research has chairman Paul Foley and managing The partnership reflects the shared long been seen as an opportunity director Allan Yeo are both alumni— commitment of the University and to enhance the contribution of our invest at least $10 million in start-up Booster to encourage entrepreneurialism universities to New Zealand,” says businesses spun out of the University’s and economic growth in New Zealand, Allan Yeo. “Historically, this financing world-leading research. says Vice-Chancellor Professor has relied on angel funding or venture It is the first time a New Zealand Grant Guilford. capital, which means opportunities to financial institution has joined forces “Booster is a Wellington-based date have not only been hard to come by, with a university to invest in its start-ups. company and this investment will but future commercialisation and growth Launching the partnership, Minister increase the chance the start-ups will benefits leave New Zealand. of Finance Grant Robertson praised take root in a city we are both proud to “We are excited to be an integral part Viclink and Booster for their leadership in be part of,” he says. in growing these innovative Kiwi ideas for “unlocking capital we need if we’re going Dr Anne Barnett, chief executive officer the future benefit of New Zealand.” to achieve the goals we have around of Viclink, explains that the money the Viclink currently has equity in nearly research and innovation”. partnership injects will give the start- 20 start-ups based on university He said the initiative “provides a ups more security in their cash-hungry research, including Avalia massive opportunity not only for the formative years. Immunotherapies, scientific instruments researchers at Victoria University of “Having the support of Booster company Magritek, and medical Wellington but also for the wider dramatically improves the chances of diagnostics company Ferranova. New Zealand economy to be able to lift the start-ups growing faster, making It aims to double that portfolio within the value of what we do and develop them more attractive to other investors.” the next decade. partnerships that will sustain the For Booster, the partnership reflects its w https://bit.ly/2OEzTwS standard of living New Zealanders want.” commitment to New Zealand by helping

3 News Dame Therese Walsh and Neil Paviour-Smith Leading the way

Two leaders on the Victoria University of Wellington Council are ensuring the University is primed for future success.

eil Paviour-Smith is the University’s serves on the boards of ASB, Contact The Council “isn’t just there to tick off new Chancellor, succeeding Energy, and Antarctica New Zealand. day-to-day things,” says Dame Therese. NSir Neville Jordan, while Dame Therese She is also a trustee of Wellington “We need to have courage and push Walsh has succeeded Neil as Regional Stadium and a member of the boundaries, without disrupting what is Pro-Chancellor, the Chancellor’s deputy. Government’s Major Events Investment working well. It’s that nice balance you Both were elected unanimously by their Panel. She joined the Council in 2016. need to reach in your deliberations.” fellow Council members and took up Neil and Dame Therese took up Name simplification feeds into one of their positions at the start of 2018. their leadership reins as the Council the priorities Neil sees for the University Neil, a Victoria University of Wellington prepared for one of the bigger decisions over the next few years—increasing Commerce alumnus, is managing in its history—whether to simplify international recognition for the high director of sharebroking and investment the University’s name to University of quality of its teaching and research. firm Forsyth Barr and a former director Wellington. He would also like to see the University of NZX and Chartered Accountants “Victoria has been a core part of the continue to strive to enhance the overall Australia and New Zealand. He joined the University’s identity for a long time, but student experience and increase its Council in 2013. we need to keep thinking about the future engagement in Wellington. “Wouldn’t Dame Therese, who studied Accounting and how the University projects itself,” it be great if in, say, a decade’s time at the University, is an independent says Neil. “There were compelling reasons Wellington is considered to be one of the director who is chair of TVNZ and to at least have the discussion. It was world’s great student cities? In my view, incoming chair of Air New Zealand, and never going to be a decision taken lightly.” the potential is there to aspire to.”

News 4 The heart of Whakaari / move away from the centre of the could signal a volcanic eruption,” volcano. The ability to send drones Ian says. White Island volcano is a into the heart of the plume will mean As well as improving scientific boiling, toxic plume that scientists can get better samples and understanding of volcanoes, this has prevented attempts by a more accurate picture of what is equipment could also be vital researchers to get a glimpse happening inside the volcano. in preparing for, and managing, emergencies, providing a pre- inside—until now. prepared field kit that can measure changes in a volcano and track ew technology developed eruptions in near real-time. by Victoria University Ian is excited about Nof Wellington’s Dr Ian the possibilities the Schipper and his technology will open up research team has for scientific research. helped to create “Our work shows a fleet of drones drones are useful for capable of taking far more than just samples deep taking pictures,” inside volcanic he says. “As well plumes. as collecting “Researchers measurements can’t get within from the most toxic a few hundred environments, they metres of White could also be used Island’s plume to monitor air quality because the air is so and track pollutants toxic,” Ian says. “With and respond to fires, these drones, we can dust storms, and many send miniature versions other airborne hazards.” of our instruments straight Ian worked alongside into the plume to take researchers from GNS Science, samples.” the University of Cambridge, Researchers currently take and the Research Institute for samples from as close to the volcano Development in France on this as safely possible. These samples “Our research team’s aim is to build project. This research has been are often contaminated, however, as a system mounted onto these drones funded for two years by New Zealand’s the volcanic gases of interest pick that can tell us how hot a volcano is Earthquake Commission. up dust or other particles from the and how deep the magma runs, and surrounding environment as they e [email protected] measure changes in the gases that

5 News Citizen Kun What does it take to become a New Zealander? A Victoria University of Wellington academic tested this question with an unusual case and ended up breaking new ground in citizenship law.

rom 2015 until 2016, Professor Claudia cases where the applicant was going to with distinguished fellow Sir Geoffrey Geiringer from the Faculty of Law bring a lot of money to New Zealand. Palmer, who provided strategic advice, and Fgave legal assistance to Roland Kun, the “They didn’t regard it as being in the solicitor and Victoria University alumna former Nauruan opposition Member of public interest simply to protect people Antoinette Besier, Claudia successfully Parliament who spent a year trapped in from unfair treatment. And that was convinced DIA that its interpretation of Nauru when his passport was revoked the battle we needed to have—to get it the law was incorrect—“so much so that after he was accused of being involved in recognised that it was in New Zealand’s they’ve amended their policy documents”. anti-government protests. public interest in certain circumstances Claudia says this legal victory has Mr Kun’s wife, who is an Australian for hardship of individuals to be avoided, opened the door for future applicants citizen, and three children had recently especially where children are involved.” to make a case for citizenship on settled in New Zealand at the time, and he Claudia coordinated an open letter to then humanitarian grounds. was unable to leave Nauru to rejoin them. Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully Mr Kun was granted a New Zealand He was the children’s primary caregiver. calling for New Zealand to suspend its aid passport and was able to return to his The case created an international funding to Nauru, which the Government family. Claudia says the outcome of this furore, but the legal mechanisms for then did, but she knew diplomatic case, which she has since written about getting Mr Kun out of Nauru were unclear. intervention could only go so far. in an academic article, strengthened her This is where Claudia stepped in. “I knew it would be very difficult to faith in New Zealand’s legal system. She explains that New Zealand’s get Roland citizenship because it was a “The fact that they said, ‘Yes we were Citizenship Act has a provision allowing delicate political situation. I believed our wrong, and now that we relook at it, we’re the Minister of Internal Affairs to grant interpretation of the law was the correct going to completely change our approach’ foreign nationals citizenship in special one, but first we had to convince DIA and the fact that the Minister took them circumstances. it was wrong about the law, and then up on that, is extraordinary—it shows the “The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) we had to convince the Department rule of law is alive in New Zealand in a way was mainly using this provision in cases to reassess the facts in a way that was that it is certainly not in Nauru. where there was a really obvious and favourable to our client, in a situation full “In this particular case, I think we saw concrete public benefit to New Zealand— of political sensitivities.” the best of our public service in action.” to be in a sports team for instance, or in It was a formidable task, but together e [email protected]

News 6 MOOCS BREAKING THE MOULD “Quality education for everyone, everywhere”—this is the idea on which the edX online learning platform was founded by Harvard University and MIT in 2012, and it’s the aspiration that is continuing to push Victoria University of Wellington’s own programme of edX massive open online courses (MOOCs), to create a range of unique courses.

oing from strength to strength, geology, popular culture, politics, the programme now boasts the art, and literature of our high-altitude Gworld’s first restorative justice MOOC landscapes and the cultural identities and is breaking new ground at home attached to mountains. with New Zealand’s first bicultural In the year ahead, the University’s series of MOOCs. MOOCs will delve into the realm of Exploring the New Zealand landscape ethical leadership and will also return through the lens of both Māori to the coldest, driest, and windiest and Pākehā cultures, New Zealand continent on Earth for a fresh new Landscape as Culture: Islands (Ngā Antarctic virtual field trip. Motu) focused on the country’s islands Discussions are also underway with and the impact they have on culture, to award-winning design studio Weta teach learners to think about landscape Workshop to develop a course revealing as an expression of culture. the secrets to creating participants’ This was followed up by New Zealand own fictitious world through realistic Landscape as Culture: Maunga props, costumes, and environments. (Mountains), which explored the w www.victoria.ac.nz/edx-victoria

Victoria MORE THAN Learners 11,000+ University of HALF of range from LEARNERS Wellington learners are 10 TO 90 is the ONLY from the USA, YEARS OLD university in UK, Canada, or New Zealand Australia providing edX MOOCs

7 News Conservation by numbers

New Zealand has amazing birdlife: nocturnal parrots, birds that can’t fly, unique and beguiling birdsong, and varieties that turn up after 50 years of being thought extinct. Unfortunately, many native species require wildlife management programmes and their clever camouflage often makes them hard to monitor.

his is why Professor Stephen Marsland “Our research is unique as it uses Stephen and his team of researchers from the School of Mathematics and automatic field recordings and the use their knowledge of the different TStatistics is co-leading a large, inter- birds can range from 5 to 500 metres species and statistical methods to disciplinary project using mathematics, away from the microphone. This means turn the call rates into estimates of the data science, and new technology to help that there can be a lot of background numbers of birds present. “The software New Zealand birds survive. noise, which can make it hard to that we are writing will be freely The project involves collaboration with distinguish the calls. available to everybody who wants to mathematicians, ecologists, statisticians, “Sometimes there are a lot of use it, from community groups through electronic specialists, engineers, and iwi species singing all at once. If you have to the Department of Conservation and from across New Zealand. a small number of species and high- other researchers,” he says. “The aim of this project is to take quality recordings, then the problem “Not only are we developing new recordings of birds collected in the field is reasonably simple, but this isn’t mathematical techniques, but we also and identify all those that are calling, using necessarily realistic. We’re interested in get to try them out in the field and see mathematical and computational methods the real-world version where you have a the difference they make.” such as machine learning,” says Stephen. lot of species and noisy recordings.” e [email protected]

Research 8 Photo: Dr Joe Marlow Deep-sea dwellers

We still don’t really know what lives deep in the waters of Fiordland—especially when it comes to the creatures lurking more than 40 metres beneath the surface— but Associate Professor James Bell is on a mission to find out.

arlier this year, James and a group of and set a baseline so it can measure The students also had the opportunity researchers spent 10 days aboard the any changes caused by humans. It’s a to set up, test and deploy brand new, EDepartment of Conservation (DOC) vessel piece of work that has been in the long- custom-built underwater research Southern Winds, exploring the waters of term monitoring plan of DOC and local equipment. the Fiordland (Te Moana o Atawhenua) conservation group the Fiordland Marine “Fieldwork gives students the Marine Area, including the Dusky, Guardians for a number of years. opportunity to observe and see science in Doubtful, and Breaksea Sounds. Using “Previous studies have looked at what action, as well as hands-on experience of state-of-the-art underwater equipment, types of creatures live down there, but what it’s like to collect real data that’s going the group was able to focus on marine life we’re the first group to measure the to be used to help manage the area.” living 40 to 150 metres deep. abundance of them, which will make it This trip was the first time DOC has “There’s very little information on marine a lot easier to measure future changes,” funded a Victoria University-led team to life at these depths, considering how many James says. conduct fieldwork in Fiordland. animals live there,” says James, who is A group of PhD students and one recent “This was a fantastic opportunity to with the School of Biological Sciences. PhD graduate accompanied James on the develop our relationship with DOC and “Most studies focus on above 40 metres, research trip. the Fiordland Marine Guardians,” says because you can scuba dive to see what’s “This kind of trip is an opportunity very James. “We hope to do more work there. It was great to get a look at the few people get,” says James. “It gave the in the area, especially looking at how amazing creatures that live at these depths students a chance to see how research environmental and climate change might using specialised equipment.” works in the field, including solving affect it. James and his sponge ecology research problems when things don’t work out as “This is a perfect example of how the group received funding for the expedition planned—like having a soldering iron research we do has real-life impact in from DOC, which wanted to measure flown in by helicopter to fix some of our New Zealand.” the abundance of organisms in the area equipment!” e [email protected]

9 Research Fire, fury, and foreign policy

When Dr Van Jackson started writing his new book on the North Korean crisis, he wasn’t sure whether or not there would be a nuclear war by the time he’d finished it.

an, a senior lecturer in the School To deal with this challenge, Van of History, Philosophy, Political started a blog about his writing process Along VScience and International Relations, called Nuke your Darlings, which he the way there is an expert on foreign policy and published in real time. Adding more were some historic moments, security issues in the United States writing to his daily workload might seem including the summit between Trump and Asia–Pacific. He’s asked regularly counter-intuitive, but Van insists it and Kim Jong-un in Singapore last June. by international media to comment helped in a big way. In the end, the brinkmanship subsided on North Korea and published his first “It became a self-accountability and crisis was averted, albeit not book, Rival Reputations: Coercion and mechanism. I didn’t want to fall short through conventional diplomacy. Van Credibility in US–North Korea Relations, of the expectations I’d created, and puts it down largely to North Korean with Cambridge University Press in 2016. the blog forced me to find time to work strategy and Trump’s capriciousness. “Last year, we started seeing Trump on the book even on days when I was “I hate to say it, but this train was and Kim Jong-un making threats of insanely busy.” driven primarily by Kim Jong-un,” he nuclear war and trading personal As the crisis unfolded, Van diligently says. “But at least it’s not war—it’s insults—this was all unprecedented. worked on his book while continuing to infinitely better from where we were “I was very concerned by what I was engage with the media and maintaining last year.” seeing. In the midst of that crisis, just a busy teaching schedule. He says there Van is originally from the United States, after Trump threatened ‘fire and fury’ were times when the looming deadline where he worked for the Department of against North Korea, the editor from my put a strain on his life, but his desire Defense in the Pentagon. His new book, first book called me up and asked, ‘What to make sense of the crisis helped him titled On the Brink: Trump, Kim, and the do you think about writing a book about through. Threat of Nuclear War, will be published the origins of the nuclear crisis?’ “I was just consumed with worry, and in November. “Cambridge was making an offer trying to express that worry publicly. It Despite the nuclear crisis having I couldn’t say no to—it’s a once in a wasn’t enough to write a thousand-word cooled down, Van is wary of getting too lifetime thing. For academics, there’s opinion piece—the book was like having comfortable. “Wars can happen even basically no better publisher.” a larger canvas on which to explain how when nobody wants them to, and the There was a catch though—he had we got to the point where two world underlying nuclear situation that bred to write the 90,000-word book from leaders were threatening each other the crisis in 2017 hasn’t changed.”

scratch, and had only six months to do it. with nuclear war.” e [email protected] Shutterstock.com / doamama Illustration:

News 10 Solving political puzzles

How do small- and middle-sized states navigate an increasingly turbulent world? How do they find ways to construct order out of anarchy?

hese are the questions Associate think it’s part of our responsibility Professor David Capie, director to generate an informed public Tof the Centre for Strategic Studies, discussion about foreign policy, is asking—and he says there’s security issues, and defence never been a better time to policy. explore them. “We don’t try to push a “If you think of these “I’m interested in particular line so much as questions in terms of puzzles in international raise questions and try to New Zealand and our region, politics, so it’s a very stimulate debate.” it’s just infinitely fascinating This year the Centre is at the moment. The Centre fun time to be doing undertaking a number is really interested in what this sort of work.” of activities to celebrate the consequences are for its twenty-fifth birthday, New Zealand when it comes to —David Capie including a maritime security things like the rise of China, the conference. In July, the changing role of the United States, Centre hosted the launch of the and issues like the situation on the Government’s new Strategic Defence Korean Peninsula. We’re thinking about Policy Statement in the University’s what challenges and problems are out Council Chamber. there, and what New Zealand can do to “New Zealand doesn’t have a big think- respond to them.” something he says has become a much tank culture, and there aren’t many that The Centre gives David the greater focus for the Centre over the have been around for 25 years. I think opportunity to not only teach and past few years. it’s pretty special for the University, and research these issues, but also to “We’ve stepped up our engagement more broadly for New Zealand.” contribute to the wider public debate— on a whole range of big issues. We e [email protected]

11 Profile Tempted by our vibrancy

argaret, who joined Victoria Western Ontario in her native Canada, she University of Wellington as Vice- has an impressive track record in external MProvost (Research) at the end of July, saw research funding, having secured more an institution “on a very positive trajectory. than $39 million over the past 11 years as a It had a sense of real vibrancy. There was principal investigator. an openness to change and exploring new Margaret’s vision for research at directions I found very appealing.” Victoria University “is encapsulated in She also liked the idea of being directly the University’s positioning around the responsible for delivering research again; global–civic ethos: it’s about excellent as much as she loved her chief scientist research that makes a difference; job and the broader perspective it gave research that is internationally her, “it was more about influencing than recognised, in part because it has a delivering”. particularly New Zealand flavour to it”. Professor Margaret Hyland Margaret was on secondment to MBIE That flavour manifests itself in many loved her 18 months as chief from the University of Auckland, where ways, she says. she was deputy dean of its Faculty of “One is our connectedness. We have scientist at the Ministry of Engineering. She joined the university in access to particular environments Business, Innovation and 1989 and her other roles there included and ecosystems, including science Employment (MBIE) and three years as associate deputy vice- and business ecosystems. We also was sad to leave. But the chancellor, research. have access to unique databases. And In 2015, Margaret was the first woman then, really importantly, there is our opportunity to lead research at to be awarded the Royal Society indigeneity—mātauranga Māori and the New Zealand’s top university Te Apārangi’s prestigious Pickering Medal distinctive contributions possible through for research quality doesn’t for excellence in technology, for her engagement with Māori thinking, Māori pioneering research to reduce fluoride researchers, iwi, and Māori enterprises. arise every day and was too emissions from aluminium smelting. I see at this University a serious tempting to pass up. A former professor of chemical and commitment to exploring how that can be materials engineering at Auckland, with done well.” a PhD in chemistry from the University of e [email protected] Authentic engagement

ow, she is bringing the skills interplay between theory, discourse, and she developed as a ‘specialist public policy. Ngeneralist’ during this period to Victoria She put this research into practice at University of Wellington as the new the University of Auckland and Auckland Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Engagement). University of Technology, and she sees “While working at the Committee civic engagement as central to the work for Auckland, the Mayor’s Office, the of universities. University of Auckland, and the City “Our work is supported by public funds Centre Advisory Board, I experienced to deliver the critique, analysis, and the challenges of finding common innovation that leads to positive change. ground between interest groups as the This requires authentic engagement with amalgamation unfolded. the communities we are here to serve—we “It was an enormously complex can only play a role if we listen carefully Dr Lucy Baragwanath was process that continues to evolve, to what our communities need, and think at the coalface during one of but ultimately it depended on effective laterally about where we can help. engagement. Once people knew you “Ultimately, I want Victoria University the most complex governance were open to different perspectives of Wellington to be renowned for actively projects in New Zealand and different approaches, they were far engaging with people wanting to discuss in recent years, working in more willing to seek common ground new ideas or ways of doing things. Rather various capacities for groups with you.” than simply sitting back and analysing Lucy’s interest in these challenges what’s going on in the world, we need involved in the amalgamation emerged during her doctoral and to be working with the communities we of Auckland’s local government postdoctoral research into globalisation serve to enable change.” into a single ‘super city’. and New Zealand, which focused on the e [email protected]

Profile 12 On the set of Wild, directed by MFA(CP) Film student Steph Miller. Putting creativity to work

In a world where many traditional jobs are at risk of automation, creativity and imagination will play a crucial role in the future of human work.

ictoria University of Wellington’s industry to get into. We provide them Liam says a highlight was recording with a new Master of Fine Arts (Creative with opportunities that will help them chamber orchestra assembled from some VPractice) (MFA(CP)) is preparing students discover where they can fit in the of the top talent from the New Zealand for this eventuality by allowing them professional world of the arts.” School of Music—Te Kōkī orchestra. to explore the boundaries of their For their end-of-year projects, “It was exciting to work with a variety imaginations in partnership with some of students across the four streams are of instruments and create a work that Wellington’s top creative talent. teamed up with one another and with demonstrates the ambition and scale that An industry-focused creative arts other Wellington creative practitioners I’m capable of,” he says. degree, the MFA(CP) was established to create exciting new works. Each is Theatre students Liam Kelly and to inspire collaboration and innovation able to choose a project that focuses on Sam Tippet won two Fringe Festival through highly intensive practical where they want to go in their careers, awards for their MFA(CP) show, How to training. The degree has four streams— whether that means producing and Write an Album in 12 Hours. Liam says, Film, Theatre, Music, and Design—and directing a film, designing a multimedia “The programme taught me so much offers students the opportunity to build performance, or engineering the about the business side of theatre and networks in Wellington’s competitive soundtrack for a computer game. how to manage myself as an artist. creative industries, develop specialist Liam Reid from the Music stream I’m now keen to take the show on tour skills, and gain an understanding of worked with Film students Steph Miller nationally, perhaps even internationally.” creative processes. and Shu Run Yap on Wild, a short film that w www.victoria.ac.nz/mfa Dr Paul Wolffram, director of the explores post-traumatic stress disorder. e [email protected] Miramar Creative Centre where the Film and Music streams are taught, says the MFA(CP) represents an exciting new direction for the University. SEE A SHOWREEL OF STUDENT WORK ON THE “The MFA(CP) is an industry training MIRAMAR CREATIVE CENTRE WEBSITE degree—a Master’s programme designed to take top students and w www.victoria.ac.nz/2018-showreel prepare them for what can be a difficult

13 News Tahlia Crabtree, Andrew James, Dr Jim McGregor Weather dependent

The weather is one of the most enduring topics of conversation—and Victoria University of Wellington’s new Master of Meteorology (MMet) is certainly getting people talking.

“Back in the 1960s, meteorologists programme here at the University, and more international students applying. weren’t taken as seriously as they are they’ve always appreciated our input to Jim says meteorology has changed now,” says Dr Jim McGregor from the their training programme.” a lot since he first started studying it, School of Geography, Environment and Andrew James, who was one of the first especially since the advent of weather Earth Sciences. “There was the saying MMet graduates and now has a full-time satellite technology in the 1970s. As ‘The best way of doing a weather role at MetService, says the programme the field has become more advanced, forecast is to look out the window and prepared him well for operational work. the demand for quality meteorological see what’s happening.’” “The MMet was a fantastic programme. information has skyrocketed. Jim has been teaching at the University A team approach is vital to weather Regional councils rely heavily on since 1983 and now leads the MMet, forecasting, and this was reflected in meteorologists for information about which is unique in New Zealand. the training. Collaboration within the climate and extreme weather events, Offered typically every second year, class was strongly encouraged, as do the aviation, agricultural, and the first cohort of students graduated and I now count a lot of classmates insurance industries. in May 2018. as close friends.” “In a country that depends so heavily The programme is taught in Andrew’s former classmate and on transportation, agriculture, and the partnership with MetService, which current colleague Tahlia Crabtree says land, the weather is hugely important,” is a short walk from the University’s she enjoyed the programme’s balance of says Jim. Kelburn campus. MetService leads the theory and practical work. Originally from Cumbria in the United programme’s two professional courses, “You’re learning by applying your Kingdom—which he describes as during which the students work at knowledge to the weather each day. “probably wetter than Wellington” MetService as paid employees. When I started officially forecasting at —Jim says there’s no better place to “The whole programme is developed MetService, I felt confident since I’d study meteorology than New Zealand’s around our relationship with already had plenty of practice.” capital city. MetService,” says Jim. “Over the The programme already attracts “It’s stimulating. We can experience years, we’ve built up a lot of trust and top-achieving maths, engineering, and four seasons in a day, so it keeps things understanding with them. MetService physics students, and as it continues to interesting.” has been very supportive of building the build its reputation Jim expects to see e [email protected]

News 14 Better, faster, stronger government

A new accelerator programme supported by Victoria Business School is helping put Wellington on the world map for government innovation.

he programme—Lightning Lab picked up by similar programmes and and, as such, it’s already attracting GovTech—developed by Wellington agencies overseas, “allowing Wellington, international interest. One of the key Tinnovation hub Creative HQ and based and by extension New Zealand, to issues of interest is around how to gauge on the methodologies used in their become a global hub of government the success of entrepreneurial ventures successful series of business accelerator innovation”. that can’t just be measured in traditional programmes, provides a platform for Recognising the programme’s financial terms.” selected teams to create ‘better, faster, potential, major sponsors Spark and The innovations to spring out of the and stronger government’. Revera have committed to support the programme should create real and Launched earlier this year, GovTech’s programme for three years. positive changes, but Stephen says there first cohort brings together 13 teams Victoria Business School’s director of are other flow-on effects. from central and local New Zealand entrepreneurship Professor Stephen “GovTech will also contribute to government, the public and private Cummings says it’s exciting for the School upskilling, training, and educating sectors, and an international team to lend its expertise to the venture. local entrepreneurial talent in the from Taiwan Water Board, to design, “Our researchers and students can Wellington ecosystem and provide us develop, and test new approaches and help provide insights around effective with the opportunity to contribute to technologies to improve government, innovation and entrepreneurship in the international scholarship in this under- civic, and social systems. Creative HQ civic sector. researched area.” head of acceleration Brett Holland says “This is one of the first entrepreneurial e [email protected] the innovations have the potential to be incubators applied to civic enterprise A room with a view

Victoria University of Wellington’s supporting partnership with the news and current affairs website Newsroom is going from strength to strength, with nearly 200 think pieces, analyses, and other articles now contributed to it by the University.

ewsroom launched in early 2017, on issues affecting social, economic, Story of the Year for investigations editor founded by co-editors Mark environmental, and cultural wellbeing. Melanie Reid. NJennings, former head of news at “We recognised that Newsroom, with “The University is adding more articles MediaWorks (including Newshub across its aim to cover ‘the things that matter’, to the site each week,” says Grant. “Many TV channel Three and Radio Live), and was a kindred spirit, and so it has proved,” of our academics have had conversations Tim Murphy, former editor-in-chief of the says Grant. with policymakers and influencers, New Zealand Herald. The website was At the awards ceremony, attended by received an invitation to speak at events, named joint Website of the Year in the Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, judges and appeared in other media as a result of 2018 Voyager Media Awards. praised Newsroom for its in-depth and being seen there. The University was a supporting investigative reporting, saying it “has “The partnership is helping them reach partner from the beginning, with Vice- secured its place as a go-to website for a wider audience with their research and Chancellor Professor Grant Guilford hard-hitting news coverage”. thinking and to fulfil their role as a critic seeing the relationship as a natural fit In all, Newsroom and its journalists and conscience of society.” for the University and its commitment to were finalists in 16 categories, winning w www.newsroom.co.nz promoting and leading public discussion four, including Reporter of the Year and

15 News Keeping New Zealand on track In 2015, New Zealand was one of 193 countries to adopt the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that promise to ‘transform our world’ by 2030.

to account on its obligations—a role Girol says the website will be a catalyst the University demonstrated in April for regular conversations on the SDGs and when it hosted a day-long summit will serve as a valuable resource for all bringing together leaders from business, New Zealanders. government, and the tertiary sector to “We also hope it will facilitate discuss how to progress the SDGs. collaboration across all sectors and be Early next year, Girol—with the help used to inform and influence public policy of the School of Government’s Toby to achieve the development goals.” hile head of the School of Moore and statistics analyst Andrea Girol says the website is another Government Professor Girol Fromm—will launch a website that aims way the School can uphold its role as WKaracaoglu is first to admit the SDGs to ‘hold a mirror’ up to New Zealand’s critic and conscience of society, while may not be at the forefront of most progress in achieving the 17 economic, strengthening the University’s academic New Zealanders’ minds, he’s heartened environmental, and social goals. focus on sustainability. at the increasing engagement with Every quarter, the website will be updated “The University is independent of them by the public sector, businesses, with the latest Statistics New Zealand data political bias, so we’re able to show non-governmental organisations, local to show the country’s performance against the New Zealand public exactly where government, and iwi. measures under each goal. we stand on any of the 17 goals. That He’s also adamant that Victoria Graphs will clearly show the progress over transparency is vital to keeping the University of Wellington has a role to time and the website will allow comparisons Government on track.” play in increasing public awareness of with how New Zealand’s performance e [email protected] the SDGs and holding the Government stacks up against other countries.

Outside the mind “We learn about these theories and challenges in the classroom, but we don’t really see them,” says Anjela Frost, a current Master’s student in Forensic Psychology. “Completing this internship has given me the chance to see how forensic psychology actually works in the real world.”

njela is referring to Forensic mental health to how crime is covered Psychology 401, a work placement by the news media. The findings of Aundertaken by all Forensic Psychology the students’ projects are often used Master’s students at Victoria University to inform policy and develop new of Wellington. programmes for the organisations they Every year, these students spend work for. 12 weeks working at organisations Annabelle Wride, who is researching including the Department of the role of substance use in criminal Corrections, the New Zealand Police, offending, says her work may help to and Oranga Tamariki (the Ministry develop drug treatment programmes in for Children), completing research New Zealand. projects with real-life impact and “My work will provide the organisation seeing how the skills they learn in with background information that they their programme apply in the real could use to inform the development world. Victoria University is the only of new treatment programmes,” New Zealand university to offer this Annabelle says. Master’s programme. “Applying our skills in real-world “This course is invaluable for students projects is the best part of this in terms of showing them first-hand the placement,” Anjela says. “We could significant impact their knowledge and do written work in the classroom or research skills in forensic psychology can anywhere, but this placement is a have on important policy and, ultimately, chance to get out in the field and work on people’s lives,” says programme with real people.” director Associate Professor Louise Dixon. e [email protected] Students work on projects ranging w www.victoria.ac.nz/forensic from the links between nutrition and

Annabelle Wride “Health and wellbeing is about much more than the absence of illness. Victoria University of Wellington researchers from the social sciences to the laboratory, from the humanities to the performing arts, from policy and law to the hospital corridors, are finding new ways to understand and contribute to the health and wellbeing of our communities.” —Professor Annemarie Jutel Chair of Improving Health and Wellbeing in our Communities, one of the University’s areas of academic distinctiveness. Sarah Tuck, Bop Murdoch, Jody Burrell A GLOBAL SHORTAGE OF SELF-ESTEEM

A social enterprise based in Wellington’s CBD is at the forefront of a global movement to bring mental health out of the shadows.

oLiberate was established by says Sarah. “But, in doing this, we Manukau Health, the most recent Bop Murdoch, Jody Burrell, and saw a much bigger need around the addition—a two-day Mental Health CSarah Tuck, graduates of Victoria University mental health challenges that many First Aid Certificate—has gone from of Wellington’s Theatre programme who New Zealanders face, and wanted to try strength to strength. The programme were named earlier this year as the most to develop a venture that might help make has already been delivered to teams influential Wellingtonians working in people more resilient.” across 42 organisations, including the health science by the Wellington Regional The trio began evolving CoLiberate New Zealand Transport Agency and the Economic Development Agency. two years ago by developing different Royal New Zealand Police College, as well “It’s about making self-care cool,” says workshops and testing ideas for a as numerous individuals. Bop. “We’ve developed a gym-like culture business model that could help Kiwis “Mental health first aid is the help given that normalises personal emotional strengthen their mental health and to someone who is having a mental health wellbeing in an attempt to eliminate the wellbeing. crisis such as a panic attack, self-injury, stigma around mental illness and support “We can see now that our work in or aggressive behaviour,” says Jody. “The the community to value mental fitness as theatre has been useful for building course teaches people how to assist much as physical fitness. There is a global mental wellbeing in a range of individuals someone who is struggling with their shortage of self-esteem,” she says. and, better still, for building a sense of mental health, experiencing distress Their first venture together was a pride in doing what it takes to look after or a mental health crisis. There is an nationally touring theatre company, your wellbeing while simultaneously doing overwhelming need for this kind of care in Pat-A-Cake Productions. your best work,” says Bop. our community,” she says. “We were full-time artists building a CoLiberate is now firmly established in Jody says the work brings her all the community through theatre projects and Wellington, with offerings ranging from a joy that theatre once did. “The care we found that the most important part Wellness Wānanga—where participants that we’re able to give people is what’s of our work was preparing people to feel share experiences—to Mindful Clay so rewarding. It really feels like we’re mentally capable on stage, by building Sculpting and Reflective Writing. handing over a gift.” self-esteem and generating purpose,” Accredited by Ko Awatea at Counties w www.coliberate.co.nz

Improving Health and Wellbeing 18 FROM THE LAB TO THE LIVING ROOM Fertility can be a fraught issue for many people, and fertility tests are an expensive and time- consuming process. But senior lecturer and MacDiarmid Institute principal investigator Dr Natalie Plank plans to change this by creating technology that will move routine fertility tests from the lab to the doctor’s office, or even the patient’s home. atalie, who is with the School of The majority of this processing will nanoscale and their potential real- NChemical and Physical Sciences, happen on the surface of carbon world applications. and her research team are using their nanotubes—tiny tubes one billionth of “My research combines physics, recent Marsden grant of $950,000 over a metre in diameter that make it easier materials science, electrical three years to fund the development of to create a portable device. These engineering, and a touch of ‘lab on a chip’ biosensors. tubes can easily attract and process biotechnology,” she says. “Working “These biosensors have the potential biomaterials, making them perfect for at the MacDiarmid Institute has to cause a paradigm shift in the way this kind of sensor. given me a lot of opportunities for we run routine tests,” says Natalie. Although Natalie’s current research interdisciplinary work, which has really “Taking fertility tests from the lab to a focuses on fertility, the technology helped with creating these biosensors.” small portable test that can work with a she is developing could have many The research is still in its early stages, pinprick of blood is a huge goal, but one other applications. but Natalie says it is proceeding well. that we’ll be working hard to achieve.” “Making blood tests faster and easier “We have evidence that our design is Natalie explains the sensors will detect will be beneficial for fertility patients, but feasible, and we’ve been able to detect one particular hormone in the blood. When the knowledge we gain from this research oestrogen well. Funnily enough, we won’t a person puts a small sample of blood into will potentially benefit other areas where the sensor, biomaterials inside the sensor sensing of biomaterials is needed, such start the bulk of the work until later in will bind to any trace of the hormone they as food safety or biosecurity,” she says. 2018, as I have been on parental leave. find. Once this binding happens, the device Natalie’s background is in So you could say I have a lot of first-hand will send out an electronic signal to show astrophysics, where she became experience with blood tests and fertility!” the outcome of the test. fascinated with materials on the e [email protected]

19 Improving Health and Wellbeing THE ECONOMICS OF HAPPINESS

For Professor Arthur Grimes, Arthur was also involved in organising an important aspect of a very successful international wellbeing is the ancient Greek conference on wellbeing and public concept of eudaemonia, or policy in Wellington in September that purpose in life. was co-hosted by Victoria University of Wellington, the Treasury, and the International Journal of Wellbeing. “The concept goes back to Aristotle, as He says the conference highlighted many things do,” he says. some significant challenges to wellbeing, Arthur is the Chair of Wellbeing and including sustainability. Public Policy at the School of Government, “A big elephant in the room for future where he spends much of his time the capabilities that individuals require to wellbeing is climate change. If that were thinking about how we can measure and lead a fulfilling life.” to eventuate towards the worse end of maximise wellbeing. As it stands, Arthur doesn’t think we’re the spectrum, sea-level rise alone would “The difficulty that no one has faring too badly in the wellbeing stakes. have devastating impacts on wellbeing. “In the Gallup poll (measuring subjective yet mastered is how to incorporate “A further challenge is alienation wellbeing into a practical policy wellbeing) New Zealand is always in the through technology—people not framework,” he says. “It’s all very well top 10. We also tend to come out as one of interacting with each other directly.” saying we want to improve wellbeing— the top countries in the Better Life Index.” Arthur notes that research has found and 2019’s Budget is going to be a He says one area where New Zealand people often experience happiness from Wellbeing Budget, according to the could do better is inequality. “For a doing things for others. “Will technology Minister of Finance—but what does it developed country, we’re quite unequal lead to more, or less, of that?” actually mean? on some of these measures, including life When asked what wellbeing means to “Different people have different takes satisfaction and consumption.” him personally, Arthur pauses. on this. Amartya Sen defines wellbeing Since February, Arthur has been as leading the life one wishes to lead, and a member of the World Wellbeing “I suppose having a life that I can reflect having the capability to do that. Panel based at the London School of on and think that it’s been worthwhile and “The OECD’s Better Life Index, which has Economics. The Panel comprises almost enjoyable. And at a societal level, that 11 different domains covering things such 50 academics around the world, including essentially all people can say, ‘I was really as health, housing, education, and life economists, psychologists, political pleased with my life’.” satisfaction, is one approach to represent scientists, and sociologists. e [email protected] SHARING THE LOVE

How early is too early to jump online and announce the arrival of your new bundle of joy?

Victoria University of Wellington study is exploring the role the Ainternet and social media play in the ‘golden hour’ after birth. The first 60 minutes of a baby’s life are believed to provide important physical and emotional benefits. These include major physiological changes to circulation in newborns, as well and International Business, Dr Robyn media-saturated world, says Robyn, paying as in their neurological responses through Maude from the Graduate School of attention to the baby in those intimate exposure to light, sound, touch, cold, and Nursing, Midwifery and Health, and moments after birth is vital. gravity. Women also experience significant PhD student Marlini Bakri. “It’s a time to explore each other, and neuro-hormonal changes at birth that aid Jayne says the immediate wave of allow the baby to ease into the newness of the attachment between mother and baby. feedback to online announcements can being outside the womb.” The multidisciplinary study, believed disturb the bonding process, as it requires e [email protected] to be a world first, involves Dr Jayne some attention and responding to. [email protected] Krisjanous from the School of Marketing While we live in an increasingly social- e

Improving Health and Wellbeing 20 NEW FACULTY HITS THE GROUND RUNNING Establishing a faculty is a formidable task—but then, the dean of the new Faculty of Health, Professor Gregor Coster, is someone who does triathlons for relaxation. he Victoria University of Wellington Centre for Women’s Health Research / including as a GP, chair of two district alumnus returned to his alma mater Te Tātai Hauora o Hine, which has a focus health boards, and governance roles Tin 2015 as Professor of Health Policy and on health and wellbeing of Māori women. in PHARMAC, ACC, and WorkSafe chair of the team leading the University’s The new entity has been a standout New Zealand. During 2018, he was also newly-established ‘improving health success, to the extent that it had the lead reviewer for the Independent and wellbeing in our communities’ to seek larger lecture spaces when Assurance Review of the National Bowel area of focus. The pan-university group enrolments in the new Bachelor of Screening Programme. That group quickly decided a faculty with a non- Health qualification came in at double reported to the Director General of medical focus was the right direction in the target at the beginning of 2018. Health in July. which to head. Even more pleasing was breaking In addition, the Faculty is deep “We are a start-up—that’s exactly through the diversity targets. A quarter in the development of new Master’s what we are,” says Gregor of the of all enrolments in the Bachelor programmes that will offer pathways for new Faculty, which was launched in qualification in 2018 are Māori and the current Bachelor of Health students 2017. “It’s edgy. That gives us every Pasifika, 85 percent are female, and half as well as attract new students. encouragement to drive hard and build are students who are the first in their “To lead a team of people to achieve something worthwhile for the University. families to forge a path to university. an outcome that I think so far has “We felt it was important to have a Gregor says there’s a huge untapped been successful—it’s extraordinarily faculty of health in the capital city, interest in health and wellbeing from satisfying. I wouldn’t do it if it wasn’t.” with a national and global outlook. Māori and Pasifika people. For relaxation, there is always running. It’s a faculty that’s right next to key “Here is an opportunity where they With 20 marathons and three Coast- ministries—that’s a huge advantage.” can make a difference in the health to-Coasts under his belt, Gregor now The Faculty brings together the of their communities. I think these competes in the World Age Group University’s existing Graduate School of young people will be leaders in their Championships as a triathlete. Nursing, Midwifery and Health with a new communities, iwi, non-governmental “It doesn’t sound it, but I think it’s School of Health and also incorporates organisations, and so on.” relaxing. But I have to be very organised, the Health Research Services Centre. In Gregor brought to the role years of no doubt about that.” September 2017 they were joined by the high-level health sector experience, e [email protected]

21 Improving Health and Wellbeing BRINGING LOCALS AND LAND TOGETHER A group of academics from the Faculty of Architecture and Design is forging connections between locals and the land in a research partnership with eco-sanctuary Zealandia. enior lecturer Jacqueline McIntosh (Mother Earth) to encourage health, are an important focus for the Faculty. and deputy head of the School of change, and new beginnings. “One of our key research focuses SArchitecture Bruno Marques, along with William Hatton, also a Master’s is therapeutic and rehabilitative several students, have created three student, took a wider view, designing a environments. This project is one of a kind, proposals to bring mātauranga Māori to series of interconnecting public spaces as it addresses issues with architecture Zealandia and the Wellington landscape. starting at Zealandia in Karori and and landscape architecture, healthcare, Each project looks at different ways leading to the sea. William’s proposal technology, and industrial design.” of connecting with the landscape, aims to improve access to public As well as supervising these Master’s improving wellbeing, and incorporating outdoor spaces and encourage visitors projects, Jacqueline and Bruno are part Māori values into architectural design. to connect with the land and each of a cross-disciplinary research group “We’ve found some deeply meaningful other through a series of landscape involving academics from the Faculties values in the Māori approach to landscape architectural installations inspired by of Engineering, Health, and Science. in our age of overconsumption, waste the layout of a marae and Māori values. “With an ageing population in generation, and landscape neglect,” Undergraduate students Susana Ou New Zealand, we’re looking for Jacqueline says. “And we’ve really hit and Zarah Sahib (whose work won the preventative measures and alternative it off with the staff at Zealandia—our University’s Summer Gold Architecture solutions for the issues that partnership has been an amazing fit for a and Design Prize) also focused on accompany ageing,” Jacqueline lot of the work we want to do.” rongoā Māori, proposing new pathways says. “There is a national imperative Master’s student Katy Phillips and signs to highlight the plants already to consider mātauranga Māori in designed a wellness centre to straddle growing in Zealandia and Birdwood everything we do to help improve the the line between Zealandia and Reserve that can be used for healing. lives of all New Zealanders.” Birdwood Reserve, a smaller bush The students hope these projects will The research was supported by reserve across the road from Zealandia. start a discussion on how we can further the University Research Fund, the The centre would offer traditional incorporate mātauranga Māori into our University’s mātauranga Māori project, healing through rongoā Māori (Māori daily lives and encourage the sharing of the Health Research Council, and local medicine), with the layout of the centre knowledge in this area, Jacqueline says. community groups. drawing on the traditional layout of a Bruno says projects like these, which e [email protected] marae and the body of Papatūānuku incorporate sustainability and wellbeing, e [email protected] Bruno Marques and Jacqueline McIntosh. Photo: Paul Hillier

Improving Health and Wellbeing 22 CELEBRATING 25 YEARS IN STYLE

Professor Jacqueline Cumming that time, New Zealand’s health system was things are working well and what we can has devoted much of her being reviewed. It then underwent major do better so policymakers can ensure we career to under-researched restructuring and Jacqueline found herself get the most for our money.” areas of New Zealand’s health working at the coalface of planning and Jacqueline explains that healthcare system including, most implementing these changes. investment in New Zealand and around the “It was an exciting time but no one world has gradually shifted towards primary recently, the performance of seemed to know what practical effect the services such as GPs and nursing clinics to primary healthcare services. changes would make. I was intrigued by reduce pressure on the hospital system. the work of Professor Claudia Scott, in the The research programme she o it’s fitting that as she celebrates School of Government, who was looking leads, Enhancing Primary Health Care 25 years at Victoria University of at these reforms, and when Claudia told Services to Improve Health in Aotearoa SWellington, and the Health Research me about a new research centre being New Zealand, involves collaboration with Services Centre she leads also turns established to investigate precisely those colleagues at the University of Auckland 25, she has received a large Health questions, I jumped at the chance to join it.” and the University of Otago (Wellington), Research Council (HRC) programme When it was established in 1993, Pacific Perspectives Ltd, Whakauae grant to research New Zealand’s primary Jacqueline became a research fellow with Research Services, Counties Manukau healthcare system. the Health Services Research Centre, and District Health Board, and several Worth $4.78 million over five years, was appointed director in 2001. Despite international collaborators. the grant will support research that the many years she has spent working in Jacqueline says she is looking forward explores current models for delivering primary healthcare research, Jacqueline to beginning the research programme primary healthcare services through says this research field in New Zealand is and helping to improve health outcomes general practices, nursing clinics, and still relatively new. for New Zealanders. pharmacies, and how these models might “Research funding in New Zealand has “The Government spends $18 billion on be improved. A major part of the research traditionally gone towards developing the health system every year, but there has will focus on the views of those using, or new drugs or treatments, which are, been little investment to date to see how needing to access, care. of course, essential. But the health that system is working, so it’s fantastic to Jacqueline’s interest in this area dates system—the primary healthcare system, see the HRC recognises the value of this back to her work as a policy analyst with the in particular—is enormously complex and sort of research with the new grant.” Department of Health in the early 1990s. At we need better information about where e [email protected]

23 Improving Health and Wellbeing THE MYTH BUSTER

Dr Fiona Hutton wasn’t at Victoria University of Wellington long before people were emailing the Vice-Chancellor, demanding he sack her. She had appeared in the media talking about clubbers and recreational drugs. “I’d only been here a year or so. I thought, ‘Hmm, this is going well.’”

iona is a senior lecturer in the Institute society. However, we are often presented before.’ So that’s positive. That’s the sort of Criminology, where one of her with the opposite picture through moral- of wider New Zealand the politicians think Fresearch interests is dispelling myths panic-type reporting, which serves to fuel are really punitive and opposed to drug about drugs. public anxieties about particular groups law reform.” Understandably, her early experiences such as drug-using beneficiaries.” One of Fiona’s most recent articles left her a little bashful about the Reforming drug laws would enable us highlighted the need for the Government media. But last year, increasingly to treat drug use as a health issue, not a to ensure voters are properly informed of frustrated at the level of misinformation criminal one, which would produce far all the issues before its proposed 2020 demonstrated by not only the media but better outcomes, says Fiona. referendum on legalising cannabis. also politicians and policymakers, she In her drive to raise public awareness “A lot of people don’t know what the steeled herself to return to the fray in on the subject, she has appeared issues are. If they don’t use illegal drugs order to set the facts straight. on television and radio and written and don’t know anybody who uses them, “The vast majority of drug use we know articles for a number of high-profile it’s a bit off their radar. They’re like, about globally is recreational use of media outlets. Unlike Fiona’s first time ‘What’s the problem with criminalising cannabis—the use of other drugs such in the media, no one has called for her people? What’s the big deal?’ So we need as cocaine, ecstasy, amphetamines, and dismissal; on the contrary, she’s had to tell them what a big deal it is. I suppose heroin is way behind cannabis users in nothing but supportive responses. in a way that’s also behind my embracing terms of numbers,” says Fiona. “Somebody from the place where I get of the media. Let’s just get some debate “Most drug use is non-problematic, my hair cut said, ‘I saw you on breakfast out there.” recreational, and does not cause harm telly. I thought you were great. You said e [email protected] to the drug user, their communities, or to some things I’d never thought about

Improving Health and Wellbeing 24 ALUMNI PROFILES

Migoto Eria Benjamin Johnson Manager Iwi Development / Pouwhirinaki ā-Iwi, Freelance photographer and co-founder of the Free Store Te Papa Tongarewa BCA, BSc Well BA(Hons) Well What have you been doing since graduating? How would you describe your student experience In 2010, I co-founded the Free Store here in Wellington—it’s at Victoria University of Wellington? an inner-city non-profit venture, redistributing quality surplus It was busy, full-on, and there was lots of study to do! I learnt food to people in need each day. Every year, we rescue to spend as much time as possible to get study hours in. $3.5 million worth of food and feed more than a hundred It really helps! people each night from a variety of backgrounds: the homeless, unemployed, university students, refugees and immigrants, the What have you been doing since graduating? elderly, and those struggling with physical and mental health. I’ve taught te reo Māori at a range of schools, worked at the Māori Language Commission as a lexicographer, became an What was the most useful thing you learnt at the editor at Learning Media for the Māori-medium team, became University? a mother, and worked as a museum curator. University taught me that no one was going to do the mahi for me, it was all on my shoulders. What’s been a highlight of your career so far? Having the opportunity to travel to Los Angeles to speak at an What’s been a highlight of your career so far? indigenous conference with a panel of other indigenous curators. With regard to the Free Store, I’ve had the pleasure of equipping and journeying alongside many communities around What do you love about your current role at New Zealand and beyond to spread our kaupapa. There are Te Papa? now nine Free Stores nationwide, with Christchurch, Sydney, Being able to maintain and create relationships throughout and London in the pipeline. the museum sector in promoting the importance of tikanga in museum practice. We get to support communities and iwi in What do you love about your work? networking and taking care of their taonga. I love that I have creative outlets but also a deep-rooted, grounding commitment to my community here in Wellington. Why do you think health and wellbeing are so important for society? What are some of the challenges of your job? Health and wellbeing, as I’ve come to understand in recent Being self-employed and running a non-profit organisation are years, means more than being physically fit and able to incredibly challenging at times, particularly in regard to time perform your job. In roles where I’ve been engaged with taonga management, efficiency, and professional development. In most Māori (traditional Māori artefacts) in museums, health and areas of my working life, I have played the role of pioneer, charting wellbeing also stretches to include spiritual wellbeing, known unknown territory and largely making it up along the way. as taha wairua, because working with Māori artefacts also Why do you think health and wellbeing are so means working with ancestral treasures and stories. The care of taha wairua in this sense is critical not only for oneself, but important for society? also for visitors who interact with exhibitions and programmes. Holistic wellbeing provides the solid foundation to be, and do, all that is essentially human. There really is no flourishing without it. Relationships are where it all begins. In the Free Store community, we place mutually transformative relationships at the heart of everything we do, seeking to uphold the mana of all involved— whether giving or receiving, rich or poor. The marginalised and vulnerable are not problems to solve, but friends to know.

25 Improving Health and Wellbeing BREAKING THE SILENCE CHRIS BOWDEN, Lecturer, School of Education s a suicide-loss experiences, I recently most said that their beliefs about survivor myself, undertook a study self-reliance, their desire to AI know that suicide that asked: How do control emotions, and their fear of leaves people young adult men social consequences of emotional navigating a (17–25 years old) expression—looking, or being judged world of grief, experience the as, ‘unmanly’—only reinforced their darkness, suicide of a silence. Many New Zealand men have and silence close male learnt to not talk about the messy that can friend? stuff going on in their lives. They often threaten to I spoke to some compartmentalise, bottle it up, put on overwhelm incredibly brave their armour, and go out into the world them. young men who pretending they have it all together. Between July broke the code of I found that the words and actions of 2016 and June silence with me and others can also reinforce men’s silence. 2017, there were described what it was Family/whānau, friends, colleagues, 606 suicides in like for them to lose their and professionals are often pretty New Zealand and best mate to suicide. clueless when it comes to offering 75 percent (457) of them were men. One overarching theme was silence. support to suicide-loss survivors. That means there are thousands of The men described being gutted, People don’t know what to do or say, men out there who have lost fathers, remaining stoic, grieving in silence, and they don’t know how to provide brothers, uncles, workmates, and being silenced by others, and breaking gender-responsive support to men. friends. their silence with people they trusted. Some men may need male-centred Despite this significant gender After analysing their descriptions support, compared with the usual difference, the research on suicide of lived experience, I found they all approaches. They need to set their own bereavement has predominantly experienced four types of silence: pace and remain in control. Offering focused on female adults’ and parents’ personal, private, public, and analytic. men alternative ways to express their experiences. The New Zealand draft From an early age, many men are grief through art, music, and drama National Suicide Prevention Strategy socialised into traditional masculine can also be useful for managing has also failed to prioritise addressing norms and practices such as distress and making sense of their suicide in men, is gender blind, and restricting and suppressing emotions, experience of loss. includes no men-centred interventions; being tough, self-reliant, strong, and Suicide and coping with suicide and suicide postvention and support stoical. Some are taught to deal with loss are major issues in our country. for men is virtually non-existent in their grief internally and cognitively Recognising what contributes to New Zealand. There are also some big and avoid things associated with silence after suicide and offering male- gaps in the research and action plans. femininity such as talking about centred support is an important first To address these gaps and help feelings and expressing emotions. step towards a solution. develop an understanding of men’s Of the young men I spoke to, e [email protected] DIGITAL TOOLS FOR MENTAL HEALTH DR TERRY (THERESA) FLEMING, Senior lecturer, School of Health, with Kylie Sutcliffe, PhD candidate ew Zealand faces Digital mental health for adolescents with depression. It uses increasing tools are online or a virtual guide and a game-like format Ndemand for computerised where users can learn and practise skills mental health programs, in a non-threatening, yet responsive, and wellbeing platforms, and environment. In one of the larger trials services. This apps designed of digital treatment for teenagers in the reflects both to support world, we found SPARX to be equivalent an increase mental to treatment as usual. The SPARX in expressed health or therapy is publicly available, funded demand wellbeing. They though the Ministry of Health, and now (more people range from has a life of its own, with a Nunavut asking for help) commercial development in Canada, a gender and an apparent products (such diverse version, an augmented reality increase in as Calm, an app version proposed in Japan, and trials anxiety, depression, offering meditation around the world. and distress. and ‘sleep stories for Early in 2018, I joined the University New Zealand mental health grown ups’), to the use of as a senior lecturer in the new School services are funded to address virtual reality for phobias and visual- of Health. My research is in scalable the needs of around 3 percent of the processing games to reduce intrusive approaches to improving mental health population, yet more than 10 percent hallucinations. Some such tools are and wellbeing, including via digital of teenagers have significant signs of accessed by tens of thousands of people approaches. I’m working with national depression and more than 15 percent each month. Some have been tested in and international groups on digital mental reported serious thoughts of suicide in rigorous trials; others have no, or limited, health projects, including a Digital Futures the past year. This is an urgent issue that research support. project with staff and the input of students is attracting enormous public interest I worked for many years as a clinical from Engineering, Health, and Psychology. and government attention. social worker, developing and delivering As a clinician and as a bioware There is no one answer to improving youth health and mental health services, (human), I would never propose mental health. Some people will mainly in South Auckland. Engaging young that digital tools should replace benefit from talking therapies or people with high needs in support services human support. However, they can medications, others from improvements came with major challenges. Around be available at 3 am, provide an in sleep, exercise, or life balance. the same time, in my role as a parent of inroad to getting help (for example, Prevention is important, with action teenage boys, one phrase was on high by demystifying therapy) and offer needed to reduce inequality, housing rotation: ‘Time to get off the computer.’ alternative approaches for those who unaffordability, job insecurity, and rates I thought there must be something we prefer them. of violence and abuse. Alongside these could use in this online thing. e [email protected] efforts, digital mental health tools form With colleagues in Auckland, I co- www.SPARX.org.nz part of the solution. created SPARX, a computerised therapy w TAKING CHARGE

Addressing the challenges faced by young people struggling with their mental health is high on the agenda at Victoria University of Wellington.

campaign dubbed The Wait is Over has been created by Victoria University of AWellington Students’ Association (VUWSA) to put tertiary students at the heart of the nationwide conversation about spiralling Moffitt Photography Sian Photo: demand for mental health services. health and wellbeing issues to ensure that supportive environment for everyone on In August, VUWSA took its message to they succeed academically. campus. politicians, leading a rally at Parliament The SWAT leaders are passionate about “SWAT is just one example of a health- demanding that the Government properly the role they play, says one of the team, Alex promotion initiative in which staff actively fund tertiary mental health providers. Walker, a Master of Education student. partner with students to improve and “We want the Government to recognise “Not only do we provide students with maintain their physical and nutritional that tertiary student mental health information about how they can help health and their emotional wellbeing, services are already set up and servicing themselves, we’re also helping to build a which in turn supports them to succeed one of the most at-risk demographics, but in the classroom and to be more engaged they need better funding to be able to be resilient, positive community of students learners.” effective in helping young people through who are confident, feel good, and who go Other initiatives around the University difficult periods,” says VUWSA president on to promote positive wellbeing in our include the Bubble (a peer-supported, Marlon Drake. community.” low-stress space for students to relax, On campus, the University has a number The SWAT leaders work closely with of initiatives underway that are designed Mauri Ora staff and are guided by the connect, and take a break from study), to give students tools to improve and Okanagan Charter, an international a fruit and vegetable cooperative maintain their own health and wellbeing. charter developed for health-promoting bringing healthy food into the University One is the Student Wellbeing Awareness universities in 2015. community, a Wellbeing Network made Team (SWAT), led by students who Gerard Hoffman, manager of Student up of staff and students who discuss are employed by Mauri Ora (Student Counselling, says that as a health- wellbeing on campus, and an annual Counselling and Student Health). The team promoting university, there is a strong Wellbeing Symposium. focuses on empowering students to address commitment to providing a positive and e [email protected]

REDUCING HEALTH INEQUALITIES

An endowment fund is being established to help grow the work of the internationally renowned Centre for Women’s Health Research / Te Tātai Hauora o Hine.

ed by Professor Bev Lawton (Ngāti Porou), health and a distinguished fellow of the research funding but with ambitions to the Centre’s research drive is to eliminate Royal New Zealand College of General widen its scope to train more researchers Lpreventable harm and death for women Practitioners. Staff transferred to Victoria and students, grow the capacity of equity and children by creating more effective University of Wellington from the University research, and increase its impact globally systems and processes of care. Current of Otago in September 2017, and the Centre and locally, it needs sustainable funding. projects include He Korowai Manaaki, a study is now part of the new Faculty of Health. “We are reaching out to the involving added care and services during The dean of the Faculty, Professor philanthropic community to support this pregnancy, and He Tapu te Whare Tangata, Gregor Coster, says the idea of the important kaupapa,” says Gregor. which investigates self-testing for the human endowment fund is to sustain and grow For information about the endowment papilloma virus to prevent cervical cancer. the work of the Centre, with its important fund, contact senior development The Centre was founded in 2005 by focus on reducing health inequalities. The manager Patricia McGarr. Bev, an international expert on women’s Centre has been successful in attracting e [email protected]

Improving Health and Wellbeing 28 A HEALTHY DOSE OF SUBJECTIVITY

Is your home really a thriving therapeutic centre? Would you tell your GP you take alternative medicine? And are hospital decisions about treatment truly objective?

n comparing these three healthcare On the other hand, the highly among the team, but there’s nothing spaces and the assumptions around technical objectivity that we imagine is objective about it.” Ithem, Sociology Professor Kevin Dew’s brought to bear by hospital specialists The third healthcare area Kevin’s research is uncovering some interesting deciding treatments is not quite so cut research focuses on is GP consultation. truths about how ideas and practices gain and dried either. In looking at how treatment decisions legitimacy in healthcare and medicine. Focusing on multidisciplinary team are made in these consultations, he says You may not consider the medicine meetings that are held to discuss cancer one observation that stands out is GPs’ chest in your home, stuffed perhaps cases in hospitals, Kevin’s research practice of trying to ‘keep the orthodoxy’ haphazardly under the bathroom sink, a looked at how subjective assessment by, for example, dissuading patients part of your very own therapeutic centre. feeds into the decision-making for from alternative options. But Kevin’s research highlights the fact patients’ treatment. Kevin thinks it’s a matter of practicality for that households are spaces where health Kevin gives an example of a case GPs to take the approach that ‘this is the and illness are constantly monitored, involving a patient who was a colour space you’ve come to, this is the established experimentation is undertaken, and therapist. A specialist said in one such and understood approach we take and I a vast array of resource material is meeting they could recommend surgery don’t want to hear about the other stuff’. assessed. to this patient, but didn’t think the “I’m not criticising what’s happening “What amazes me is the complex patient would ‘go for that’. in these spaces, as you can’t remove process by which people bring together “It’s really interesting because the subjectivity. I’m just unsettling a range of sources to then decide how to specialist categorised the patient as a expectations and assumptions around treat a health issue,” he says. “There are colour therapist, and therefore someone what we think is going on and how quite systematic processes that go on as who believes in an alternative approach,” decisions are made.” people try to work out what is best for Kevin says. “It’s brilliantly efficient and e [email protected] them, or their children, in particular.” expresses a common understanding

29 Improving Health and Wellbeing KEEPING THE PEACE How integral is the pursuit of peace to the New Zealand psyche? Victoria University of Wellington academics Geoffrey Troughton and Philip Fountain explore how New Zealanders have been inspired by visions for peace in their new book, Pursuing Peace in Godzone: Christianity and the Peace Tradition in New Zealand. ocusing on diverse Christian New Zealand Christians, and others, communities, it examines some of have worked for peace in many different Fthe ways that peace has influenced their ways, from attention-grabbing protests practices, lifestyles, and politics from against nuclear weapons, apartheid, and World War II to the present—the period war to quieter, but no less important, in which New Zealand’s peaceable image efforts to improve relationships within and reputation as ‘God’s own country’ their churches and communities, grew and flourished. and with the natural environment. The book also seeks to answer the Taken together, their stories reveal question asked by Nicky Hager, author a multifaceted but deeply influential of Dirty Politics and Hit and Run—“How thread of Christian peace-making within did New Zealand become a country New Zealand culture. These stories where most people are sceptical of are by turns challenging and inspiring, militarism, prefer peacekeeping to poignant and amusing, and they joining foreign wars and were strongly continue to reverberate today in a world opposed to joining the 2003 invasion where peace remains elusive for many. of Iraq?” As Hager goes on to say, Pursuing Peace in Godzone: “An important part of the answer Christianity and the Peace Tradition in is the work of the Christian peace New Zealand, by Geoffrey Troughton campaigners who are the subject (and and Philip Fountain, Victoria University in some cases the authors) of this well- Press, paperback, $40. written and engaging book.” w https://bit.ly/2BRNK0F MAKING A LIFE AFTER TRAUMA Hours after the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, Kaikōura-based doctor Chris Henry crawled through the burning CTV building to rescue those who were trapped. Six years later, his daughter Chessie interviewed him in an attempt to understand the trauma that led her father to burnout, in the process unravelling stories and memories from her own remarkable family history. n We Can Make a Life, Chessie then tested by the everyday and by rebuilds her family’s lives on the catastrophes, always to re-form, a Ipage, from her parents’ honeymoon compulsive and very moving read.” across Africa, to living in Tokelau as Written with the same love and one of five children aged under 10 compassion that defines Chessie’s before returning to New Zealand, where family’s courage and strength, We her mother would set her heart and Can Make a Life is an extraordinary home in the Clarence Valley, only to memoir about the psychological cost see it devastated in the 2016 Kaikōura of heroism, home, and belonging, and earthquake, and the family displaced. how a family made a life together. We Can Make a Life has already Born in 1992, Chessie Henry grew attracted some favourable reviews, up in Christchurch and Kaikōura. including one from author Elizabeth She completed her Master of Knox who says, “Chessie Henry … has Arts in Creative Writing from achieved something wonderful in this Victoria University of Wellington’s memoir. The patient confidence of her International Institute of Modern storytelling, her tenderness towards Letters in 2016. We Can Make a Life is subjects, her feeling for place and her first book. joyous sense of being happened-on We Can Make a Life, by Chessie Henry, again and again by the beauty of the Victoria University Press, paperback, $35. world and bodily happiness, make https://bit.ly/2QLm2X1 this account of the family formed and w

News 30 Dr Adam Grener, Dr Markus Luczak-Roesch Markus Dr Grener, Adam Dr Mapping the world of Dickens

What if you could browse through all the literary works of an author and see underlying narrative structures in an instant? Victoria University of Wellington researchers Dr Markus Luczak-Roesch and Dr Adam Grener have created a visual program that aspires to do just that.

he pair are behind a prototype Markus, a senior lecturer in the Isabel Parker, now publishing an essay tool that applies natural language School of Information Management, highlighting the importance of anonymous Tprocessing, information theory, and acknowledges that the disciplines of characters in Dickens’s novels. network science to allow readers to English Literature and Network Science The tool has been tested on explore how Charles Dickens created and might appear to be incompatible, but 19 novels—all 15 of Dickens’s novels managed his complex world of characters. says, “We’re not abandoning literary and four by other Victorian novelists Adam, a lecturer in the School of English, interpretation; we’re looking at what for comparative purposes. Film, Theatre, and Media Studies, says happens when these two elements are An initial user study to evaluate the that while traditional literary scholarship is brought together and have found that tool was undertaken involving English based on interpretation of the language of they mutually inform each other. literature scholars and university a text as well as its socio-cultural context, “In most of Dickens’s novels, characters students. The study showed how the computational analysis offers new ways of are introduced gradually over the first half, tool can help readers see important capturing structural dimensions of texts and you can see that very clearly in our structural elements of a novel such as that were previously inaccessible. analysis with the tool prototype. In two of his how characters in different social classes “The novels of Charles Dickens are later novels—Our Mutual Friend and Little are kept separate in Great Expectations. particularly interesting within this field Dorrit—all the characters are introduced Do Markus and Adam have great of research. Not only was Dickens a in the first eighth of the story, so the graphs expectations for future applications of central figure in the development of look very different from his early novels. their tool? the nineteenth-century novel, but his This visually supports the findings of other “We’re excited about what else it will narratives construct vast and elaborate Dickens scholars,” says Markus. reveal in literary texts. We’re now working character networks representing the Adam admits they soon discovered that with Professor Ronald Fischer in the School rapidly changing Victorian world,” he says. using computational methodology to of Psychology to adapt our tool, so that Dickens was a pioneer of the serial track characters can be a difficult process. instead of simply tracking characters, novel form, writing monthly or weekly “Dickens didn’t name all of his characters, we can see how texts present human instalments of his novels over the so using analytics fell down there,” he personality traits through time,” says Adam. course of up to 19 months. His character says. However, these limitations have e [email protected] networks are important because they produced their own insights, with Adam e [email protected] capture complex social relationships. and one of the team’s research assistants, w https://bit.ly/2oqFs6K

31 Research

Who’s in my room?

When James Lynex was choosing his preferred hall of ames, who studied a Bachelor of residence, his mum knew there was only one option—Victoria JCommerce and now works for accounting firm Grant Thornton, House, where she’d met James’s father 30 years before. And returned to his former room to meet James wasn’t the last member of the family to call Victoria current resident Kyndra Garton, who is House home—last year, his sister Gemma continued the family in her first year of a Bachelor of Science tradition and moved into the hall. in Biology and Environmental Science.

James Kyndra

What was the highlight of living in Victoria House? Why did you choose Victoria House? Victoria House has the whole family vibe—everyone always I actually missed the cut-off date for applying for a hall, so it looks out for each other. I was never short of friends to go was all very last minute. I chose my degree because I really out for a walk with or go down to town with. Generally, we’d want to work with animals and get into conservation one day, all study together here, and then we’d take a break and play and I chose to go into a hall because it was the best way to cards each night. meet people. And I knew Victoria House—I used to visit my friends here all the time, so when I moved in, I already knew How did your parents meet? my way around. They were both in Wallis Wing, and I guess it just went from there. When I put in applications for halls, mum told me to How are you adjusting to life in Wellington? put Victoria House as my first choice—that’s how I ended up I’ve always really liked Wellington—I’m from Palmerston here, and it was the same for Gemma. Gemma had the same North originally—and I used to visit here all the time when experience the rest of the family had—the whole cliché thing I was in school. I like that it’s so different to where I’m from— about everyone being there for each other. At bigger halls you it’s so busy and there’s always so much to see. And I feel like just don’t tend to get that as much. the University, and Wellington in general, is so open-minded. You can be friends with people you never expected to be How did you find the transition to living away friends with. Everyone’s very relaxed about who you are and from home? what you like—they just kind of accept you for who you are. I remember it took me a while to learn how to stand on my own two feet. In terms of study, my fellow Victoria House residents Have you made friends in Victoria House? were definitely supportive. We figured out pretty quickly who I’ve made a really good group of friends here—we’ve got a was studying what, and then we could split off into study group of four girlfriends, and we also have a good group of groups. One of my best friends, who I met in Victoria House, guys we hang out with. Coming from an all-girls school, it’s did pretty much an identical degree to me, and that meant we really nice to have guys in our friend group! could support each other while we were here. Are you enjoying living in Victoria House? What advice would you have for Kyndra? I love Victoria House! It’s so fun—everyone is so nice, and you I’d tell her to think about who you want to be known as by have friends everywhere. The residential advisers are really the time you move out of here. Think about who you want cool, and I feel like if you go to dinner by yourself, there’s not to be remembered as, and what sort of friends you want to a table you can’t sit at. have. Because, nine times out of 10, you’ll probably go flatting with them!

33 Alumni Professor Grant Guilford, Tricia Walbridge, Neil Paviour-Smith A quarter century of service

Looking back over the course of her 27-year fundraising career at Victoria University of Wellington, former executive director of the Victoria University Foundation Tricia Walbridge says Boxing Day 2005 was one of her most memorable days on the job.

“We’d been set a fundraising challenge by “I subsequently got to know Bob Morey Solar Decathlon project, the Weir House the founding patron of the International and his wife, Timi, on their visits to extension, and a host of smaller projects Institute of Modern Letters. He would put up New Zealand, and one of the things and individual scholarships. $1 million towards the Institute, if we could I learnt was that they just loved to Her work for the University was match that by the end of the year. help close challenge gift appeals. honoured when she was elected a “After months of hard work, we were This underlined for me yet again the Hunter Fellow by the University Council. $58,000 short with five days to go until importance of really getting to know The award—one of the highest the the deadline. donors and understanding what it was Council can bestow—recognises “That was when I got one of those they wanted to achieve.” outstanding service to the University. wonderful phone calls out of the blue Appointed in 1990, Tricia served the Tricia received the award at a ceremony that you only dream about. It was from University as one of its most dedicated in June. an American philanthropist, who’d heard and successful fundraisers before retiring “I was overwhelmed when the about the challenge and asked how much in 2017. As well as her work with the Chancellor rang to tell me of the Council’s we still had to raise. When I told him, he Institute, Tricia led fundraising efforts for decision. I loved my time at the University barely paused for breath before saying, a range of high-profile projects, including and it was a privilege to help bring some ‘Count it as done.’ the Adam Art Gallery, the First Light great projects to fruition.”

Investing in the future he future is looking brighter for scholarship funds by 2020. support, including mentors and health more young New Zealanders Great Futures will support students and wellbeing services. Tthanks to a new Victoria University of who face increased barriers to Patricia Danver, executive director of Wellington philanthropic programme. participation and achievement in tertiary the University’s Development Office, In August, the University launched education, including Māori, Pasifika, and says Great Futures will enable students Great Futures, a new scholarship refugee-background students. who never thought tertiary study was programme aimed at ensuring more The scholarship programme will help an option to come to Victoria University talented young people can realise ensure recipients can focus on their of Wellington. their potential through accessing and studies and complete their degrees “Scholarships are not just a gift, completing a university education. by covering the ‘real costs of study’. they’re an investment in the future,” The programme aims to more than As well as financial support, the she says. double the University’s philanthropic scholarships will offer access to holistic w www.victoria.ac.nz/great-futures

News 34 So ready to read ay has just completed her thesis Kay says the original series gradually on the first 25 years of the unique became outdated and, in 1975, a major Kseries, from its launch in 1963 to 1988. review was carried out. After that, the “This series was groundbreaking in series became much more ‘literary’, that it had the aim of helping children introducing fantasy stories as well as not only learn to read, but also want to realistic fiction and aiming to produce read,” says Kay. “New Zealand was the materials with the same qualities as first country in the English-speaking commercial picture books. world to provide instructional reading Writers such as Joy Cowley—whose materials for very beginning readers Greedy Cat remains a beloved fixture that were proper stories.” in the series—and Margaret Mahy The Ready to Read series was—and ensured that the stories had ‘charm, still is—provided free to schools. It magic, impact and appeal’, key criteria replaced the Janet and John books, for inclusion. By 1988, almost all the Anyone who attended school which were imported from the United earlier material had been replaced in New Zealand from the Kingdom and used a narrow range of or revised, with all new work being 1960s onwards will recognise words that children had already been trialled in hundreds of schools. taught, with short, contrived sentences. The growth of biculturalism is the covers, but it’s the words “The development of Ready to Read another strand Kay has explored in and philosophy of the Ready was a huge experiment, but it was her research. She found that prior to to Read series that capture totally in line with educational thinking the series, there was a lot of content of the time, much of it springing from about Māori in commercially published PhD researcher Kay Hancock. the visionary leadership of [former materials, but it was targeted at Pākehā Director of Education] Clarence Beeby. children. “The Ready to Read materials As well as wanting children to enjoy were the first books for children that reading, there was a strong emphasis acknowledged Māori children as part of on reflecting children’s real lives.” the reading audience.” Kay discovered, as she delved into the As a former teacher, series editor, history of the series, that before 1963 and now series literacy consultant, there were almost no picture books Kay felt a focus on the materials was about New Zealand children. “The well overdue. Ready to Read books helped fill this “I wanted to shed some light on how significant gap.” these little-known materials—and the In developing the materials, series thinking behind them—are important editor Myrtle Simpson consulted widely examples of an approach to reading with teachers and the books were trialled that led the world.” in schools to ensure their success. Fleur Knowsley (middle) at an alumni event in San Francisco. Photo: Glen Dandridge Jr, Creating Classics Photography Waving the University’s flag overseas

Victoria University of Wellington’s reach extends well beyond our home in Wellington.

ncreasing numbers of international up our alumni network on the West Coast of expertise in different fields, so our students are coming to study in the by creating more ways for alumni to events are as much about professional Icapital city, and New Zealand-born connect. It might be as simple as a casual development as they are about meeting graduates continue the great Kiwi get together over drinks but it’s exciting new people,” Sarah says. tradition of the ‘Big OE’ after graduation. to see the personal and professional “The research also indicated that ongoing To build our alumni communities connections that get established and the communications and a sense of connection internationally, the University has set conversations that take place at these were relevant. And the focus groups up a network of regional ambassadors events,” Fleur says. identified the committee members, which in key locations around the world, who “The highlight was definitely a screening has been a big contributor to our success.” coordinate activities for alumni based in at Google Headquarters of Gaylene Singapore regional ambassador David these cities and surrounding areas and Preston’s film My Year with Helen, followed Tan has focused on strengthening help maintain connections between alumni by a discussion afterwards with Gaylene connections between alumni and and their alma mater. and Helen Clark herself. But the annual Singaporean students, supporting Established in 2016, the network now summer picnic at Presidio Park for alumni the revitalisation of the Wellington has ambassadors in seven cities across and their families is always really fun too.” Singaporean Students’ Association. Southeast Asia, North America, Australia Following a series of focus groups “We provide students with a pre-study and Europe. The ambassadors are all facilitated by Sydney regional ambassador briefing about life in Wellington, and then Victoria University alumni and give their Sarah Richardson in early 2017, alumni in connect students to Singapore-based time voluntarily to help strengthen Sydney have been catching up for regular alumni to help get them started on their the University’s international alumni speaker events, panel discussions and careers once they come home,” David says. connections. coffee catch-ups coordinated by Sarah and “I’ve always been grateful to Victoria Fleur Knowsley is the regional alumni committee members Paul Barton, University for giving me a foundation for ambassador for the Bay Area in the United Jason Rohloff and Mike Wilkinson. career success, and I want to help a new States, where she works as Legal Counsel “Gaining some early insights into what generation of students in turn.” for Google Fiber, Alphabet’s high speed interests our diverse Sydney alumni Find out more about the regional internet division. and how they’d like to engage was key. ambassadors network: “My focus for 2018 has been on building Our alumni have an enormous amount w www.victoria.ac.nz/local-alumni-contacts Alumni 36 From Paengaroa to Parliament

Alumna and Labour MP Kiritapu (Kiri) Allan has had a remarkable journey to Parliament from a small town in the Bay of Plenty, and it all came about through a chance meeting with a patron in an Auckland bar.

“I grew up in Paengaroa, population “It was an amazing experience. I turned Growers Association and climate change 500. Formal education was never a big up—long dreadlocks, a bit of a rough organisation 350.org. priority for my family—I’d never met nugget—but it transformed my life. I’d Kiri says the thread running through anyone who’d been to university. The big come from the middle of nowhere and all her work is a desire to reduce social thing was to get a job and pay your way. ended up in the centre of politics and inequality in New Zealand, and to give a “So, I left school at 16 and spent a few the law. voice to people who are rarely heard in years working in KFCs, on orchards, “We had the District Court, High Court, public debate. selling vacuum cleaners—that sort of and Court of Appeal all around us. At the “That’s a big part of why I went into thing. It was really valuable in a way, time, the Supreme Court building was politics. I feel an obligation to help teaching me the value of work. But even still under construction, so we had the people like those I grew up with in then, I was curious about why things are Supreme Court justices literally down Paengaroa, and make sure they feel as if the way they are. Why things are tough the corridor from our tutorial rooms. they have a stake in our country. for some and not for others.” Between lectures, I headed across the “If I can offer one piece of advice to While working in a bar in Auckland, Kiri road to listen to debates in Parliament. people growing up like I did, it’s to make struck up a friendship with one of the “It was all right there, and I threw sure their kids know they matter, and regulars, with whom she spent hours in myself into everything Wellington had that their story matters. Tell them that debate over the law, politics, and social to offer.” every day. inequality. While studying, Kiri interned for “And look out for those angels who are “It turned out he was a law professor, then Prime Minister Helen Clark, and willing to put out a hand to help you. Like and eventually he brought in an later worked for several law firms the professor in the bar, those people application pack, telling me I should after graduating. She has also worked might not look like you, or act like you, think about doing a law degree. I thought as a business consultant and sits on but they’re willing to help and it’s up to why not, and ended up doing law. several boards, including the Kiwifruit you to take that chance.”

37 Profile Rugby career kicks off

Joanah Ngan-Woo became part of history earlier this year when she was named as one of 28 rugby players to receive a professional contract with the Black Ferns.

he contracts are the first of their kind for women’s rugby in New Zealand. TJoanah, a Victoria University of Wellington alumna, has been playing women’s rugby for nearly a decade and is excited by the growing interest in the sport. “Women’s rugby in New Zealand is getting better and more competitive, and the new contracts are an awesome step in the right direction,” she says. Brownlie David Photo: “There are still some steps to go to as part of her contract, trains for which she completed last year. She also reach equality with men’s rugby—but 10 to 14 hours per week. She juggles has a Bachelor of Arts in Education and we’ll get there.” her chosen sport with a job at the Social Policy from Victoria University, Joanah plays for the Wellington New Zealand Qualifications Authority. and one day hopes to work at the Women’s Pride team and the Oriental The gifted sportswoman also dabbles United Nations. Rongotai Premier Women’s team. She in rugby league and sevens rugby, and “I really wanted to further my studies, joined the Black Ferns as part of the wider represented New Zealand in the World so the one-year Master’s was perfect squad in 2017 and was on standby for the University Sevens Championship. for me,” she says. “Studying and playing Women’s Rugby World Cup in Ireland. Joanah is looking forward to sport can be challenging, but I had The 22-year-old is hoping to play her December when she will graduate with support from the University and learnt first game for the Black Ferns soon and, a Master of International Relations, to manage my time really well.” 75 years of football

At a time when most of the world’s football fans were preoccupied with the FIFA World Cup, a group of alumni and students had something more important to celebrate.

n July, past and present members of the Victoria University of Wellington person in New Zealand to earn a PhD that travelling around the country to play IAssociation Football Club (VUWAFC) in Education, going on to become an teams from other universities used to marked the Club’s seventy-fifth international expert in children’s play. be more of a fixture of club life, but the anniversary with a day of festivities. Craig says the Club’s golden period was tradition has died away in recent decades. Founded in 1943, the VUWAFC is the in the 1950s when it played in Wellington’s “We’ve tried to reinvigorate that third-oldest university football club in top grade, finishing second in 1956 and relationship and we hope to make it an New Zealand and has a history rich with making the semi-final of the Chatham Cup. annual thing,” he says. stories, which Club president Craig Harris Today there are more than 350 members Matt says the matches against Massey has captured in a book published to mark in the club across 21 teams (17 men’s and went well—the VUWAFC women’s team the occasion. four women’s). Members are mostly alumni won its game, while the men’s team had Several past Club members went on or current students, but Club captain a draw. to become All Whites, including Alan Matt Lamb says anyone can join. “The main point of the Club is to have fun, Preston, who also founded Unity Books In the lead-up to the anniversary and going away for games and tournaments on Willis Street. Another early member celebrations, the VUWAFC led a weekend really adds to the enjoyment. It’s also a great was Brian Sutton-Smith, who played for away to Palmerston North to play teams way to meet fellow students and alumni.” the Club in the 1940s and was the first from Massey University. Matt explains w www.vuwafc.com

News 38 Kitchen stories

It was the disconnect between media representation of refugees and the reality of their day-to- day lives that led alumna Rebecca Stewart to start a not-for-profit social enterprise.

ebecca, who graduated in 2006 with “We’re a social enterprise, so making an a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, impact is really the main thing for us, and Rwas exposed to the reality of refugees’ our goal is to improve social and financial experiences while working for the outcomes for people from refugee New Zealand Red Cross. backgrounds. But we’re also really “I saw these people who deliberate and focused in the really wanted to give back. way we talk about the work They were really grateful to “Wellington is the that we do. The emphasis is be here, and they didn’t perfect place to start on the people’s strengths want to be sitting around something like this, because and the different skills on the benefit. They that they bring.” wanted to get their new Wellingtonians love food, they The company, which lives started and give love new things, and they have a was named one of the back to the country top five female-led they’d arrived in.” real social conscience. There’s a Kiwi businesses by Rebecca’s experience real feeling in Wellington that it’s SheEO New Zealand working with refugees earlier this year, has motivated her to start not ‘elbows out’—everyone’s plans to diversify beyond Pomegranate Kitchen, just trying to give each other catering in the coming a catering company months, with more pop-up that employs people from a helping hand.” events and cooking classes. refugee backgrounds to make —Rebecca Stewart Pomegranate Kitchen also traditional Middle Eastern meals. gives Rebecca the chance to The aim of the company is not only reconnect with her alma mater— to provide job opportunities for people “The University uses us for catering who might face barriers to employment, quite a bit, which is really nice”—as well but also to promote positive stories about as her hometown, Wellington. refugees. w www.pomegranate.org.nz

39 Profile v , 2015–2017 (detail). Single-channel video, sound. colour, HD, Auckland 7.1 Art Gallery o Tāmaki, Toi gift of the In Pursuit of Venus [infected] Lisa Reihana, Lisa Patrons of the Auckland Art Gallery, 2014 © Image courtesy of the artist and ARTPROJECTS Oceania unveiled

Senior lecturer in Art History Dr Peter Brunt describes himself as a “student and a lover of art”, but as co-curator of the United Kingdom’s first major show to explore Oceanic art, he may be being modest.

urrently on show at London’s world, so the opportunity to create this one of the hits of the 2017 Venice Biennale— prestigious Royal Academy of Arts, exhibition with him is an extraordinary the large-scale panoramic video In Pursuit COceania celebrates the art of Melanesia, privilege. We have worked together on a of Venus [infected], by New Zealand Micronesia, and Polynesia, encompassing number of projects in the past, including multimedia artist Lisa Reihana, charting the the vast Pacific region from New Guinea the Marsden-funded Art in Oceania arrival of the British in the South Pacific and to Easter Island, Hawaii to New Zealand. project, which came out as a major multi- its consequences. The exhibition brings together around authored book, Art in Oceania: A New The exhibition also includes previously 200 exceptional works from public History, in 2012,” he says. unseen cultural treasures from the British collections in British, European, and “I’ve visited dozens of museums and Museum, including an enormous wooden New Zealand museums, and spans more storerooms in Europe, which hold amazing feast bowl crafted in Solomon Islands, than 500 years of art. Some of the historic treasures from our region. What you which features a crocodile holding a objects in the show have remained unseen realise is that they are not only carriers carved human head in its teeth. in the stores of European museums for of our stories from the past, but remain Oceania opened in September, more than a century. meaningful for our relationships with 250 years after the Royal Academy of The art of Oceania is Peter’s area of Britain and Europe, now and in the future.” Arts was founded in 1768—the same year expertise, and he has been working on Highlights of the exhibition include the Captain James Cook set out on his first the exhibition with Professor Nicholas fourteenth-century wooden Kaitaia carving, Endeavour expedition. Following its run at Thomas, director of the Museum of excavated in 1920, one of the oldest known the Royal Academy of Arts, the exhibition Archaeology and Anthropology at the objects to have been found in New Zealand; will travel to the Musée du Quai Branly, University of Cambridge, since 2013. an eighteenth-century heva tupapau (chief Paris, in February 2019. “Nicholas is one of the most eminent mourner’s costume) from Tahiti, one of only w www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibition/ scholars of Oceanic art and history in the six known examples in existence; as well as oceania

News 40 v

The last photograph The extensive photography collection of the late gallerist Peter McLeavey is on display at Adam Art Gallery / Te Pātaka Toi, giving visitors a rare look into the iconic Wellington figure’s life and private obsessions.

till Looking: Peter McLeavey and the photography with a real sense of SLast Photograph is co-curated by purpose. When he liked a photographer, I think there is still one Professor Geoffrey Batchen from the Art he collected three or four photographs more photograph I have to History programme and alumna Deidra by them. Sullivan, who says this is a singular “The photographs he had are often find. The last photograph. opportunity for New Zealanders to the best possible prints available—he I’m still looking for it. It’s out see an eclectic range of photographic bought from the best dealers in the there somewhere. masterworks in one place. world, and he bought the best.” “It’s very unusual to see an exhibition After McLeavey’s death in 2015, his Peter McLeavey like this here in Wellington,” says widow, Hilary, inherited the collection, Geoffrey. “Peter collected international but even she has never seen it in its entirety. “Peter was quite a private person, and he had a very personal relationship with the pieces he collected—he kept them close to himself,” says Deidra. The exhibition presents more than 90 photographs from the collection for the first time, including masterpieces from Dorothea Lange, Robert Frank, Francis Frith, and Charles Clifford. Geoffrey says the collection reveals a lot about the collector, such as his deep connection to Catholicism. “He often said that he saw his collecting as autobiographical—he collected things that reminded him of his childhood and his Catholic upbringing.” The show’s enigmatic title refers to a quote from McLeavey about his ongoing quest for ‘the last photograph’, an idea that Deidra says can be read both metaphorically and literally. First, it refers to his insatiable appetite for collecting photographs: “He used to describe the ‘hunger’ he had to acquire these images,” she says. “But he also commissioned some portraits from New Zealand photographer Yvonne Todd in 2014, when he was quite ill. And so, in a sense, he commissioned his own ‘last photograph’.” The exhibition is on until 20 December , 2014. Chromogenic photograph. Collection of Peter McLeavey. Courtesy of Yvonne Todd. 2018. w www.adamartgallery.org.nz e [email protected] Yvonne Todd, Peter Todd, Yvonne Distinguished ALUMNI Awards 2019

Call for nominations

Our distinguished alumni are trailblazers, risk takers, and rule breakers. If you know anyone who has made a significant contribution to their field, nominate them today. Download a nomination form or find out more on our website.

victoria.ac.nz/distinguished-alumni-awards