Vice-Chancellor's Update | Monday 16 September 2024
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Mon Sep 16 2024 12:00:00 GMT+1200 (New Zealand Standard Time)
Kia ora koutou
Nau mai ki Te Wiki o te reo Māori. Welcome to Māori Language Week 2024. This year’s theme is ‘Ake Ake Ake – a forever language’, reminding us that te reo Māori is a resilient, adaptable and enduring language. We are celebrating the week with a series of events across the Universityhttps://www.staff.auckland.ac.nz/en/news-events-and-notices/news/news-2024/09/te-wiki-o-te-reo-maori-24.html.
Endeavour Fund success Congratulations to our academic researchers who have received more than $30 million in the 2024 Endeavour funding round, a testament to the innovative ideas and excellence of the University’s research. You can read more about the fund and this year’s recipients on our News pageshttps://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2024/09/13/research-receives-30m-2024-endeavour-round.html.
George Mason obituary We were saddened to hear of the passing of major donor and alumnus George Mason ONZM last week. George’s extraordinary 25-year giving contribution to the University included his generous provision of scholarships for masters and doctoral students and a landmark $5 million donation to establish the George Mason Centre for the Natural Environment. He was recognised with an honorary doctorate in 2016. You can read more about George's life on the websitehttps://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/alumni/our-alumni/obituaries/obituary--george-mason.html.
Research and Innovation Office (RIO) The Office of Research Strategy and Integrity (ORSI) and teams in UniServices have come together to form a new entity, the Research and Innovation Office, Te Puna Tiketike. The intention is to ensure that all key research services sit together as a single, united team to support research excellence across the University, as we prepare for significant change in the public research landscape. You can read more about RIO on the websitehttps://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2024/09/11/research-innovation-office-supports-research-excellence.html.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Corporate Services) secondment I am pleased to announce that Tim Bluett has been seconded to the DVC (Corporate Services) position. The secondment is until 30 June 2025. The service divisions of Finance, Digital Services, Organisational Performance and Improvement, Planning & Information Office and Property Services will now report to Tim. This secondment will allow DVC (Operations) Adrienne Cleland to lead several initiatives, including addressing our near-term financial challenges and the transition to the new faculty.
Dr Andy Shenk retires The Chief Executive of UniServices, Dr Andy Shenk, has announced his retirement after 12 years in the role. Andy’s contribution to the growth and success of UniServices has been immense, and I know you will join me in wishing him the very best in his retirement. You can read more about Andy on the UniServices websitehttps://www.uniservices.co.nz/news/university-of-aucklands-uniservices-ce-to-retire.
Ngā mihi nui Dawn
Professor Dawn Freshwater Vice-Chancellor