Vice-Chancellor's Update | 23 June 2025
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Mon Jun 23 2025 12:00:00 GMT+1200 (New Zealand Standard Time)
Kia ora tātou
I hope you all enjoyed the Matariki weekend. As we approach the semester break, I would like to thank you all for your continued dedication and hard work on behalf of the University, particularly during this busy exam period.
University rankings I am pleased to share that the University has retained its 65th place in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, making us the highest-ranked university in Aotearoa New Zealand and the only one in the global top 100. It’s an outstanding result that reflects the strength of our teaching and research, and the efforts of all our staff to uphold the University’s reputation on the world stage.
The University also placed 28th out of 2,318 institutions worldwide in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, recognising our continued leadership in sustainability and contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals. Read more on our News pageshttps://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2025/06/19/university-of-auckland-no-1-in-nz-again-in-qs-world-university-r.html.
Top honours for Hiwa Hiwa Recreation Centre has picked up the Supreme Excellence Award at the 2025 Property Industry Awards, along with two additional category wins. The judges said Hiwa was “a building that works hard to keep people moving,” highlighting its impact on health and well-being through thoughtful, inclusive design. Congratulations to everyone involved in this outstanding achievement. Read more on our News pageshttps://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2025/06/14/hiwa-takes-honours-at-2025-property-industry-awards.html.
Global Sustainable Development Congress It was a privilege to lead the University’s delegation attending the Global Sustainable Development Congress last week. It provided an opportunity to engage with leaders and changemakers from around the world on how we can collectively advance progress toward a more sustainable future. The University took a leading role as a regional co-host, contributing to the global conversation on the role of higher education in driving meaningful change. Read more on our News pageshttps://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2025/06/23/vice-chancellor-urges-action-to-rebuild-trust-in-universities.html.
Ngā mihi nui Dawn
Professor Dawn Freshwater Vice-Chancellor