We Are The University

Vice-Chancellor's Update | 13 June 2025

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Fri Jun 13 2025 12:00:00 GMT+1200 (New Zealand Standard Time)

Kia ora tātou

Thank you to the many staff and students for your messages of support and appreciation this week. Our University is very well positioned nationally and globally, and I am very much looking forward to the year ahead as we continue to build on the excellent work by us all.

Acting Dean appointments – Law and Business & Economics

Following the University’s decision to pause the proposed combination of the Faculties of Law and Business & Economics, I am pleased to confirm the following interim leadership arrangements, effective 1 July 2025:

1.  Professor Susan Watson will take up the role of Acting Dean of the Faculty of Law.
   

2. Professor Carla Houkamau will become Acting Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics.

Both Susan and Carla bring outstanding academic and leadership credentials to these roles. You can read more on the Notice pageshttps://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/notices/2025/acting-dean-appointments.html.

Pacific Strategy The University’s inaugural Pacific Strategy, Ala o le Moana, was launched this week at the Fale Pasifika. Developed with a strong Pacific lens, it reflects our commitment to Pacific communities and responds to their needs, values, aspirations and experiences. My thanks to Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific, Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau, for her leadership, and to everyone who helped shape this important strategy. Read more on our News pageshttps://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2025/06/10/waipapa-taumata-rau-university-of-auckland-launches-first-pacific-strategy-in-142-years-history.html.

Best Doctoral Thesis Congratulations to the recipients of the Vice-Chancellor’s Prize for Best Doctoral Thesis. Each year, I have the privilege of recognising five exceptional theses that reflect the depth, originality and impact of doctoral research at the University. Read more about the winners on our News pageshttps://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2025/06/12/five-of-the-best--vice-chancellor-awards-prizes-for-best-doctora.html.

Digital talent rankings I am pleased to share that the University has been recognised among the top global institutions for producing digitally skilled graduates. This ranking reflects the hard work of our students and staff, and our commitment to preparing graduates who can thrive in a fast-moving digital world. Read more on our News pageshttps://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2025/06/13/university-of-auckland-among-worlds-best-for-digital-talent-development.html.

All-staff forums Please note a change to the upcoming all-staff forums. The next forum will now take place on Wednesday 23 July and will be held online as a Town Hall meeting to accommodate those unable to join us in person. An invitation will be sent shortly.

Ngā mihi nui Dawn

Professor Dawn Freshwater Vice-Chancellor