Is it time to step into your first management role? How do you know when you should make that move, and how do you prepare?Hear from fellow alumni who’ve made the journey into management at this Breakfast with the Experts alumni event.From demonstrating your leadership potential to developing an outstanding team culture, you’ll hear from Dr Ben Wal…

Learn more about the complexities and challenges facing Aotearoa New Zealand in managing its freshwater resources in this talk given by Chief Executive of the Ministry of the Environment James Palmer. Drawing from his experience in regulatory law and local and central government, James unpacks some of the major factors and considerations shaping fr…

The drive for collaboration and collective support is a cornerstone of sustainability, and the guests in this episode introduce a variety of ways that partnership is being implemented at the University level, as well as at the global scale. The University’s Living Pā project is in the spotlight as a key example of what can be achieved when diverse …

In this episode host Dr Sarah-Jane O’Conner is joined by guests Dr. Hiria McRae from the School of Education and Prof. Warwick Murray from the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences to talk about the relationship between equity and sustainability. This is exemplified through the guest’s work supporting communities that experience educa…

In this episode host Dr Sarah Jane O’Conner is joined by guests Dr. Ben Walker (School of Management) and Hannah Blumhardt (Institute for Governance and Policy Studies) to discuss the circular economy. A circular economy is a systems solution framework that tackles global challenges like climate change through the elimination of waste and pollution…

Clean, fresh water is essential to our health—and is threatened, in Aotearoa New Zealand not only by climate change, but by poor industrial farming practices, population growth, and under-investment. This conversation illuminates the need for strong governance in addressing water security, as well as addressing the issues underlying the Three Water…

Maintaining biodiversity is a cornerstone of sustainability. In this episode of our Sustainability podcast, our guests discuss the decline of native species, management of predatory species, ecosystem restoration, and how biodiversity loss impacts our oceans, wetlands, and forests. They discuss the value of diversity, with a focus on tracking pests…

Climate action is a broad term that Dr Amanda Thomas defines as “the tools people put together in order to address climate change”. Climate justice, on the other hand, looks at the equitable implications of our climate actions. Climate justice is important in addressing sustainability because climate change is one of the biggest threats to the long…

“Globally, not just in New Zealand, we are seeing a very rapid increase in youth anxiety and depression,” says Associate Professor Terry (Theresa) Fleming. She talks to writer Guy Somerset about her research on youth mental health and her work at the University’s Digital Mental Health Lab. This podcast is part of Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University…

In this korero, Dr Sam Hassibi talks with Dr Michael Brown about rebellion and music at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Focusing on group singing, they talk about the students’ political and social activities and activism in the mid-20th century. Michael’s article that is mentioned in the podcast, ‘Many happy song-sessions: Kiwi …

The dire consequences of a rapidly warming planet were laid bare at COP27, the global climate change negotiations held in Egypt in November 2022. In this podcast, writer Paul Gorman talks to climate scientists Dr Dave Lowe and Hunter Douglas about their views on what needs to be done to forestall runaway temperatures. Dave is an atmospheric chemist…

'Complicating resistance: power, emancipation, and sociology’ examines knowledge, power, and the importance of critical self-reflection as it relates to liberation and democracy. In this kōrero, Dr Sam Hassibi talks with Dr Jennifer de Saxe, Alex Ker, and Danielle Hanna about a course they teach at Te Herenga Waka and the aims to dismantle and unde…

Dr Sam Hassibi talks with criminologist Dr Samantha Keene about her ‘rebellious’ work. In this conversation, they delve into Samantha’s ‘dirty work’ and the challenges of teaching and researching about sex and sexuality, pornography, and sexual harm. In remembrance of the rebellious mind of the late Dr Cat Pausé, they briefly discuss issues associa…

Hear from two intriguing speakers on trends in religious beliefs among Māori and Cook Island Māori in New Zealand in this conversation produced as part of the Stout Research Centre’s Rebellious Minds seminar series. Historian Dr Steven Loveridge talks with Te Henare, a leading voice in the Māori Atheists and Freethinkers group Atuakore, and Arama T…

Learn more about the student magazine Salient and its perspectives on the turbulent issues of the 1980s in this podcast, produced as part of the Stout Research Centre’s Rebellious Minds seminar series. Historian Dr Steven Loveridge talks with Master of Arts alumnus Max Nichol about his Master's research into Salient. The conversation covers the his…

Learn more about the history of the 1972 campaign to end compulsory military service in New Zealand with this podcast, produced as part of the Stout Research Centre's Rebellious Minds seminar series. Bachelor of Arts with Honours student Arie Faber talks about his original research into OHMS (Organisation to Halt Military Service) and its 1972 camp…

Are you thinking of finding a new role this year or next? Perhaps Covid has disrupted your travel plans and a new career adventure is on the horizon instead? With a very active job market at the moment, this Breakfast with the Experts event will draw on the insights of your fellow alumni working in recruitment and human resources. Learn more about …

“If at times you can’t do it for yourself, think about those you can help and do it for them,” says Stacey Shortall, reflecting on her life of helping others through her legal work. Hailing from a farming family in the mighty Manawatu, Stacey Shortall is an accomplished lawyer who makes a positive impact everywhere she goes.She speaks to Professor …

When Distinguished alumnus Sir Maarten Wevers KNZM completed his Bachelor of Science in pure and applied mathematics at Te Herenga Waka―Victoria University of Wellington, he did not anticipate he would one day become principal adviser to Prime Ministers of New Zealand.The distinguished alumnus, who was knighted in 2012 for his contribution to publi…

A farm girl from the Wairarapa, distinguished alumna Lisa McLaren remembers conversations around the dinner table with family friends where climate change was dismissed as a “greenie conspiracy”.The climate change activist, who completed a Master in Environmental Studies with a climate change education focus at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University o…

Aged sixteen, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington distinguished alumnus, now Chief Judge of the District Court, Heemi Taumaunu (Ngāti Porou—Ngāti Konohi, Ngāi Tahu) joined the Army. When he was 21, his father came to see him at the army camp, and told him he should think about going to law school.Professor Rawinia Higgins (Ngāi Tūhoe)…

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington distinguished alumna Rachel Taulelei (Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga, Ngāti Rārua, Ngāti Koata) explains how her law degree gave her the resilience to become one of Aotearoa’s top business leaders. The Māori business leader and former New Zealand Trade Commissioner is founder of sustainable food company …

An interest in science and a taste of business during a year in Sydney saw Te Herenga Waka―Victoria University of Wellington distinguished alumnus Chris Parkin CNZM become one of the first students at the University to complete degrees in both Science and Commerce. The former hotelier and well-known art collector and philanthropist speaks to Kaiwha…

Mental health demands in Aotearoa New Zealand are rapidly increasing. These demands are exacerbated by a shortage of health professionals, causing dangerous delays around the country. While there are some excellent and innovative initiatives to address these demands, unless these are implemented fully, they will fail to respond to the urgency and s…

In Budget 2021, the New Zealand government announced a commitment to the development of a Social Unemployment Insurance scheme. Developed by a tripartite working group with Business New Zealand and the CTU, public consultation on this new scheme is now open.Our experts share their insights and perspectives on the proposed new scheme, the public pol…

This episode’s guest is Professor John Randal, Associate Dean (Students) in in Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s Ōrauariki—Wellington School of Business and Government. John was diagnosed with major depression around 15 years ago, and talks to Annemarie about the relief of getting a diagnosis and getting treatment. He Pai Tatou, W…

This episode’s guest is Jonathan Boston, Professor of Policy Studies in Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s Te Kura Kāwanatanga—School of Government. He has served as Co-Chair of the Expert Advisory Group on Solutions to Child Poverty, and has written extensively on climate change policy. Jonathan suffers from an anxiety disorder, a…

He Pai Tatou, We’re Good is a podcast about emotions and mental health and is hosted by Professor of Health Annemarie Jutel from the Wellington Faculty of Health—Te Wāhanga Tātai Hauora. This episode’s guest is playwright and actor Rob Mokoraka (Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Ruapani, Ngāti Kahungunu), who suffers from depression. Rob once attempted to…

COVID impacted many organisations including Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington where in-person classes had to be replaced with online. Wanaka-born professional skier Finn Bilous was one of these students, trapped overseas competing he was able to continue his graphic design courses online. His professor, Zach Dodson, had worked to fi…

Sustainable tourism, which takes full account of its current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts, is an increasingly important focus for the tourism industry, particularly in New Zealand where tourism is one of our major exports. So, as we move to a more sustainable future—what will tourism look like and what will the impact on N…

On the 17th of March we held a webinar discussing climate change for University alumni with a focus on the US and New Zealand. This was hosted by Dr Fraka Harmsen who is the University’s Director of Engagement in the US. Panelists Professor Tim Naish, Associate Professor Rebecca Priestley and Professor James Renwick discuss melting ice, rising seas…

On Thursday 25 of February an online alumni panel discussion took place focusing on London-based entrepreneurs and the impact of the pandemic on entrepreneurship. The University’s Alumni Regional Ambassador for London, James Clark, (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrjclark/) hosted the discussion with a panel of four University alumni. Panel:• Todd Nic…

On 21 October Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Wellington School of Business and Government, Professor Ian O. Williamson, hosted a panel event on the The pandemic trade challenge: NZ/US trade relations and COVID-19 .He was joined by New Zealand’s Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Rosemary Banks, NZ Trade Commissioner and Consul-General…

In advance of being awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Literature by the University at the December 2020 graduation - Professor Jennifer Windsor, sat down with Elizabeth Knox. They discussed Elizabeth's life and work including her latest novel, The Absolute Book. This was recorded on 3 November at an alumni event in Wellington. The Absolute Book and …

Content Warning: This podcast includes strong language This was recorded at a live alumni event at The Court Theatre in Christchurch on Wednesday the 21st of October. Professor of Theatre David O'Donnell spoke with three of the University’s theatre alumni about their roles, the impact of Covid-19 and their career highlights. Hosted by: Professor Da…

On Friday 9 October we held a webinar on New Zealand’s Housing crisis.This was part of a series of four online panel discussions delving into some of the big issues facing New Zealanders in the upcoming election.The session was moderated by Simon Chapple.Panelists were Mark Southcombe and Claire Achmad.…

Hosted by Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, you'll hear from Dr Bryce Edwards of The Democracy Project; Professor Jack Vowles, School of History, Philosophy, Political Science and International Relations; and Dr Maria Bargh from Te Kawa a Māui/School of Māori Studies.They discuss their predictions for the 2020 NZ general election. …

On Tuesday 29 September we held a webinar on the Cannabis Legislation and Control Referendum.This was the second in a series of four online panel discussions delving into some of the big issues facing New Zealanders in the upcoming election.The session was moderated by Professor Jonathan Boston.Panelists were Dr Carol Shand, Emeritus Professor Pete…

As New Zealand’s general election heats up, Dr Mona Krewel and Professor Jack Vowles from the University’s globally ranked Political Science and International Relations programme are analysing and comparing data from hundreds of social media posts by political parties and top election candidates. The New Zealand Social Media Study is the local arm …

On Tuesday 15 September we held a webinar on the Cannabis Legislation and Control Referendum.This was the first in a series of four online panel discussions delving into some of the big issues facing New Zealanders in the upcoming election.This session was moderated by Dr Fiona Hutton from the University's School of Social and Cultural Studies. Pan…

Earlier this year, as COVID-19 landed on New Zealand’s shores, the swift and effective leadership of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Dr Ashley Bloomfield, and others was key in the country’s successful response. But there have also been many cases where leaders have not effectively managed a crisis—leading to dire results.In this podcast, Pro-Vice-C…

What's next for New Zealand in the fight against climate change?On Tuesday 11 August Professor James Renwick and New Zealand’s Minister for Climate Change Hon James Shaw spoke at a public event at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. They discussed what is currently being done in our country to combat climate change, what more we ca…

Academics from the University’s Faculty of Health held a webinar on 30 July 2020 on Covid-19 and Public Health titled “What’s in the air?” They discussed the wider public health implications of Covid-19 and how the public sector can better support communities to thrive. Presented by Professor Gregor Coster (Professor and Dean of Faculty of Health, …

On Wednesday 22 July Professor Ian. O Williamson, Dean of the Wellington School of Business and Government at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington spoke with with alumna Katie Brown in a webinar for alumni. They discussed Katie's experience leading the digital communications team in the Unite Against COVID-19 campaign for the New Zea…

Cannabis reform excites intense debate across society, and with New Zealand’s referendum on the Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill just around the corner, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education Professor Jennifer Windsor invited Associate Professor of Criminology Fiona Hutton to talk about what the Bill actually entai…

This milestone event was given in honour of lawyer and law reform advocate Lecretia Seales and marks the fifth anniversary of both the decision on the case and Lecretia's death.In 2015, Lecretia Seales went to the High Court to seek a ruling that would allow a doctor to assist her to die with her consent. Her court case initiated a national debate …

This is the fourth in a series of Spotlight lectures on COVID-19 and the future of the New Zealand economy. In this session the panellists share their insights on the future after COVID-19, and what it means for the future of work, digital technology, and government.Facilitator:Professor Alan Bollard (Chair for Pacific Region Business, Wellington S…

Curious about the legal implications of the lockdown? Do you want to know more on the New Zealand Government’s legal framework during this COVID-19 situation and what it means for us in the future? In the final episode of the series, our Faculty of Law academics; Geoff McLay, Nessa Lynch, Eddie Clark, Dean Knight, Petra Butler and Joel Colón-Ríos c…

This is the third panel discussion in the Spotlight Series: COVID-19 and the future of the New Zealand economy and was recorded as a webinar on Tuesday 26 May.In this session the panellists discuss long-term recovery strategies, including what it means for the climate change response, the impact on health and wellbeing and how it might change how w…

Curious about the legal implications of the lockdown? Do you want to know more on the New Zealand Government’s legal framework during this COVID-19 situation and what it means for us in the future? In the sixth episode of the series, our Faculty of Law academics; Geoff McLay, Nessa Lynch, Eddie Clark and Dean Knight continue the discussion on the l…