Kia ora tātou
Congratulations to the 5,000 students who graduated in 11 Autumn Graduation ceremonies this month, with a further 2,000 graduating in absentia. A sincere thanks to the many academic and professional staff who helped make the events so successful. You can watch the videos of the ceremonies on the Graduation pages<https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/graduation/autumn-2025-graduation-live-stream.html> and read the personal stories of some of our new graduates on the News pages<https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/list.html?tag=news:graduation>.
Changes to the Enabling Environment & Operations portfolio Changes are being implemented in the Enabling Environment & Operations portfolio, which includes the creation of a new Chief Operating Officer role and structural realignment in five key areas. You can learn more about the changes on the intranet<https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/intranet/stay-informed/improvement-projects-programmes/enabling-environment-operations-portfolio-changes.html>.
Kawe Aroha ki Waipapa This Matariki, Waipapa Marae and the Office of the PVC Māori will host the University’s annual Kawe Aroha ceremony to acknowledge those who have passed away over the last year. Find out more and register for tickets<https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kawe-aroha-ki-waipapa-2025-tickets-1341472754119>.
University Town Halls, 30 June – 3 July This year’s Town Hall meetings will be held across our campuses from 30 June to 3 July, offering an opportunity for open and candid conversations. These sessions are not faculty-specific, so feel free to attend whichever is most convenient for you.
Monday 30 June 12.00pm-1.00pm | Grafton Campus Room 501-110
Wednesday 2 July 12.00pm-1.00pm | Newmarket Campus Atrium
2.30pm-3.30pm | City Campus Room B201-393
Thursday 3 July 11.00am-12.00pm | Tai Tonga Campus Room G02
Flu vaccines With winter on the way, a reminder that flu vaccines are free for all permanent and fixed-term staff. You can find details about where to get yours on the 2025 influenza and vaccination for staff and students notice page<https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/notices/2025/flu-vaccination.html>.
Consultation: Draft Contract Management Policy A draft of the Contract Management Policy<https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/about-us/about-the-university/policy-hub/policy-development-review/documents-for-consultation/draft-contract-management-policy-.html> is open for consultation until 5pm, Friday 6 June. This policy will help to establish a standard framework for managing contracts. Feedback on the draft can be submitted through this online form<https://qualtricsxmh8784w7rh.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_etcrnL2kNfIJoPk>.
All-staff forum Thank you to everyone who joined yesterday’s all-staff forum, which focused on the role of AI at the University. It sparked a thoughtful discussion and some excellent questions. If you were unable to join us, you can watch the video on the staff intranet<https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/intranet/stay-informed/staff-communications/staff-forums/04.html>.
Ngā mihi nui Dawn
Professor Dawn Freshwater Vice-Chancellor