We Are The University

Vice-Chancellor's Update | 10 April 2025

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Wed Apr 09 2025 12:00:00 GMT+1200 (New Zealand Standard Time)

Kia ora tātou

The first quarter of the year has flown by and with the Easter holiday fast approaching I would like to take a moment to thank you all for your excellent work and continued commitment to the success of the University. Since my last message, we have much to celebrate and announce.

Royal Society Fellows Congratulations to the seven researchers from the University named as Ngā Ahurei a Te Apārangi Fellows by the Royal Society Te Apārangi. This is a wonderful achievement that recognises the high calibre and impact of their research in Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world. Read more on our News pageshttps://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2025/03/27/prestigious-fellowship-awarded-to-leading-university-researchers.html.

Researchers with Global Impact Last night we held the Hīkina kia Tutuki, Rise to the Challenge: Researchers with Global Impact event, which celebrates University academics whose research is at the peak of international recognition and impact. Read more on the News pageshttps://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2025/04/10/ambassador-applauds-research-excellence.html.

Taumata On Saturday 5 April, I had the pleasure of attending Taumata, a celebration of our Distinguished Alumni Award winners. It was an inspiring evening that honoured five remarkable graduates for their leadership, innovation and service across a range of fields. Read more on our News pageshttps://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2025/03/04/extraordinary-alumni-awarded-top-university-honour.html.

Senior level retirements Three of our senior leaders – Pamela Moss (Director of Planning), Joanna Browne (Director of Student and Academic Services) and Stephen Whiteside (Director of Organisational Performance & Improvement) – have announced their retirements. We will have an opportunity to say farewell properly over the next few months, but in the meantime, I want to thank them for their commitment and dedicated service to the University over many years. Read more on our Notice pageshttps://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/intranet/stay-informed/staff-communications/notices/retirement-leaders.html.

Staff commuting survey As part of our journey to Net Zero Carbonhttps://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/about-us/about-the-university/the-university/sustainability-and-environment/sustainable-campus-and-operations/net-zero-carbon/net-zero-carbon-journey.html, the Environment and Sustainability team continues to monitor and report on the University's carbon profile. One of the areas included in the 2025 data is staff commuting. All staff are encouraged to fill out a 2–5-minute survey about their commute by the end of April. Fill out the surveyhttps://www.forms.auckland.ac.nz/en/staff/environment-and-sustainability/staff-commuting-survey-2025.html.

Ngā mihi nui Dawn

Professor Dawn Freshwater Vice-Chancellor