Vice-Chancellor Grant Robertson, left, with Carol Forbes, recipient of the Vice-Chancellor's Award for Exceptional Performance by Professional Staff. Carol is pictured here receiving her Award earlier this month as she was unable to attend the Staff Awards event in person.
Excellence was celebrated at the Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka Staff Awards last night, with seven awards presented to Professional Staff and the previously announced teaching and research awards also presented at the ceremony.
Professional awards announced last night were:
- Vice-Chancellor's Award, Exceptional Performance by Professional Staff - Carol Forbes
- Exceptional Performance by Professional Staff - Charlotte Ball
- Exceptional Performance by Professional Staff - Craig Marshall
- Exceptional Performance by Professional Staff (Team) - Project: DOUG & AVA
- Health and Safety Initiative (Individual) - Annabel Cole
- Health and Safety Initiative (Team) - SAFE-D
- Wellbeing Award - Tracie Leckie
See all Teaching and Research Award winners here.
Vice-Chancellor's Award, Exceptional Performance by Professional Staff - Carol Forbes
Carol Forbes’ warmth, knowledge, and expertise over her 22 years at Otago make her an ideal recipient of the Vice-Chancellors Award for Exceptional Performance by Professional Staff.
Carol is the Specialist for Academic Committees and Services for Te Kete Aronui - the Division of Humanities.
Up to four kaimahi each year receive a University of Otago Award for Exceptional Performance by Professional Staff. The most highly regarded of these, which this year is Carol, receives the Vice-Chancellor's Award.
Carol’s nomination was supported by numerous heartfelt endorsements from academic leaders across the University, all highlighting Carol’s professionalism, kindness, and transformative impact on the University’s academic operations.
One of the people who organised her nomination says, “I was aware that other staff shared my gratitude for the work that Carol does – and has done over many years – and invited heads across the Division of Humanities and others who have worked with Carol to give endorsements if they liked. I was overwhelmed and moved by the responses".
Carol says, “I am really humbled and really honoured, especially after seeing the nomination and reading what everyone says.
“You don’t get a sense of how people perceive you – you have good and bad days, so this is very meaningful. I said to my husband ‘If I’m ever having a bad day at work, reading these comments will give me a boost’.”
Originally from Matamata, Waikato, she holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences from the University of Waikato.
She moved to Dunedin in 2001 and began work at the Division of Humanities a couple of years later. Her first role was Executive Assistant to the Dean of Social Sciences, then she was an administrator in the Politics department, then the Division’s Academic Manager - an earlier iteration of her current role.
Many of her nominators attest that Carol has demonstrated exceptional leadership in challenging situations, providing valuable support in curriculum development and degree restructuring, during times of significant upheaval.
“There have been times when it’s like in the movies where someone is standing still and everything is twirling around them,” Carol says.
Carol is based in the Arts Building. The primary focus of her role is academic proposals, regulations, and paper changes. She supports staff in preparing required documents and helps them through the committee and board processes.
Carol is one of a team of six specialists, of which five are embedded in academic Divisions, and one centrally. She says the roles have gained a reputation as people who can help with large curriculum changes in the Divisions and are being increasingly included in more strategic thinking.
She gets great satisfaction from supporting staff through the academic process. Her nomination describes her outstanding administrative innovation, that enables smooth implementation of academic changes and improvements.
Alongside her excellence in her work there are many accounts of Carol providing personal support to kaimahi and their families.
One of her nominators says, “Carol’s impact extends far beyond her role—she is a cornerstone of the Division. Her leadership, institutional insight, and unwavering support make her not only an exceptional colleague but an indispensable one".
Award for Exceptional Performance by Professional Staff – Charlotte Ball
Executive Assistant to the Pro-Vice Chancellor of Sciences Charlotte Ball, winner of an Award for Exceptional Performance by Professional Staff.
One of the winners for the Exceptional Performance by a Professional Staff member, Charlotte Ball, is “not only administratively brilliant, but also emotionally attuned and socially supportive”.
Charlotte exemplifies excellence in her role as Executive Assistant to the Pro-Vice Chancellor of Sciences, one of the people who nominated her says.
“Her meticulous attention to detail and deep, sustained understanding of University systems are truly exceptional.
“Over time, she has earned a reputation as one of the most outstanding EAs at the University of Otago – frequently acknowledged and praised across the institution.”
Charlotte’s primary responsibility is to support the Pro-Vice Chancellor of Sciences, but her impact extends far beyond.
“Her contributions to the wider Division are profound. Charlotte operates at an extraordinary level – she is a master of her craft, a magician behind the keyboard, and a fountain of knowledge. Her speed, accuracy and capability are unmatched.
“Charlotte is not only administratively brilliant but also emotionally attuned and socially supportive. She is the go-to person for navigating complex administrative matters, offering solutions with clarity and confidence.
“Her uncanny ability to remember staff’s whereabouts, conference schedules, and to follow up on unfinished tasks is remarkable.”
The nominator says Charlotte also consistently provides insightful guidance and troubleshooting, and her encyclopaedic knowledge of University policies and procedures is “second to none”.
Charlotte says winning the award is a highlight of her career.
“I am grateful to those who nominated me for taking the time to do so.
“I am proud to work for the University, and have enjoyed my time here so much that I have encouraged friends, family and my partner to work here, too.”
Charlotte first started working for the University in May 2009 as the Executive Assistant to the University Librarian, a role she held for nine years, before moving to her current role.
“The current Pro-Vice-Chancellor Sciences – Professor Richard Barker – is stepping down at the end of the year to take on a different role. It has been a pleasure to work with Richard, and it will be a good challenge for me to support a new PVC as they lead the Division of Sciences into the future,” she says.
Award for Exceptional Performance by Professional Staff – Craig Marshall
Senior Manager Financial Systems and Projects Craig Marshall, winner of an Award for Exceptional Performance by Professional Staff.
During his six years at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka, Senior Manager Financial Systems and Projects Craig Marshall (Financial Services Division) has consistently gone “above and beyond” the expectations of his role, which has led to him winning an Exceptional Performance by Professional Staff Award.
One of the people who nominated Craig says Craig’s work has delivered “transformative benefits to both the Financial Services Division and the wider University community”.
“His innovative solutions have saved thousands of work hours across multiple teams, demonstrating not only technical expertise but also strategic vision.
“Craig approaches challenges with a fresh perspective, often reimagining existing processes to create more efficient, user-friendly, and impactful systems.”
Craig’s work has elevated the entire financial infrastructure, with tools and processes designed to meet the needs of a diverse range of stakeholders – from administrators and accountants to Heads of Department, the Senior Leadership Team, and “even the Vice-Chancellor”, the nominator says.
Craig’s redesign of key reports has also modernised their appearance and improved usability.
“Beyond his technical achievements, Craig is known for his generosity with time and support. He regularly assists with issues across various IT systems and is a trusted sounding board for process improvement.”
Craig says he is grateful to have won an award, and he appreciates his colleagues who took the time to nominate him.
“The great thing about my role is that every day is different,” he says.
“Primarily I provide specialist advice and support for the University’s main finance system TechnologyOne (also known as FinanceOne). This can include developing integrations between TechOne and other systems, creating custom reports for users, designing forms and business processes within TechOne, or maintaining advanced configuration of modules.”
Craig says a large part of his role is automation.
“Being able to understand end-to-end processes from both an accounting and IT perspective allows me to easily communicate across the various teams and implement automated processes that help to either reduce or eliminate manual tasks.”
While TechnologyOne is a large focus for him, he is frequently brought in to provide advice or support for other financial systems.
The first six months of this year saw him helping to implement Workday Adaptive Planning, which was the University’s chosen system for its Enterprise Forecast and Planning project.
This involved configuring the financial models within the system and designing the integrations between Workday and TechnologyOne to automate the transfer of financial data between the two systems, he says.
“While my role is fairly IT heavy, I am first and foremost an accountant, so my role also involves performing ad-hoc financial analysis for the CFO or other stakeholders and contributing to financial policy and strategy in relation to financial systems.”
Craig started working at the University in December 2019 as a Strategic Finance Manager within the Strategic Finance team. He was seconded into his current role in September 2021, and was subsequently appointed to the role on a permanent basis in September 2022.
Award for Exceptional Performance by Professional Staff (Team) – Project DOUG & AVA
Members of Project DOUG & AVA team, with Team Leader Kitty Higbee, second from left, holding the team's Exceptional Performance by Professional Staff (Team) Award.
The University’s Continuous Improvement team joined forces with Student Experience and technology partner, Quanton, to implement Robotic Process Automation (RPA), which has had a very positive impact on the admissions experience at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka.
This has led to both the Continuous Improvement and the Student Experience Admissions team winning the Award for Exceptional Performance by Professional Staff (Team).
One of the people who nominated both of the teams says two of its RPA bots – AVA (Application Validation Automation) and DOUG (Domestic Offers for Undergraduate) – now handle repetitive tasks in eVision, freeing up staff time and speeding up application outcomes.
“In a complex and change-sensitive environment, the teams showed outstanding leadership, clear communication, and strong cross-team collaboration,” the nominator says.
“Their proactive approach and empathy for stakeholders helped turn innovation into opportunity, improving the experience for applicants, staff, and Departments alike.”
The use of RPA for admissions and enrolment has seen improvements for the team processing applications, for the applicants awaiting outcomes as they seek to study at Otago, and improvements for Departments in knowing that students wishing to study with them have offers.
Thanks to their work, RPA bots are now a powerful tool in enhancing the student journey at Otago.
Project DOUG bot’s Team Leaders were Louise Ross and Kitty Higbee, and they led Kylie Davies, Finn Butler, Nadeeka Perera, Moira Suttie and Lachlan Graham.
Project AVA bot’s Team Leaders were Louise Ross and Kitty Higbee, and they led Kylie Davies, Finn Butler, Lucrezia Lewandowska-Pociecha, Emma Whyte, Kaitlin Boddie, Ash Palin, Lizzie Ross and Alana Santos.
Digital Services Delivery Manager Kitty Higbee, who was the Process Automation Manager for the Continuous Improvement team at the time of the RPA bot development, provided comment on behalf of the Project DOUG and AVA team members who won the award.
As Process Automation Manager, Kitty led the RPA development and implementation work. She worked closely with Student Experience to identify the right RPA opportunities and get them launched.
“It feels brilliant to be accepting this award with my Student Admissions colleagues as it has been a genuine and necessary team effort,” Kitty says.
“We've learned so much from the implementation of DOUG bot and AVA bot, and one thing that stands out is confirmation that the people, who are doing the hard work now, like the admission team, are absolutely the best-placed to identify where digital teammates like DOUG and AVA can make a difference to our students and for our staff.
“As we continue to build our automation capability internally and explore other advanced technologies, I'm excited about how we can continue improving both student outcomes and staff experience at the University."
There has been real validation in hearing about how DOUG and AVA have made a tangible positive difference to the team's daily work, she says.
“That is something I'm particularly proud about.”
Day to day, the Continuous Improvement team works with business areas across the University to identify processes that are good candidates for improvement and/or automation. That involves working closely with the people who do the work to understand their processes, designing solutions, testing thoroughly, and supporting the implementation of the solution, she says.
Health and Safety Initiative Award (Individual) – Annabel Cole
Campus Watch Team Member Annabel Cole, winner of the Health and Safety Initiative Award (Individual).
In 2023, Campus Watch Team Member Annabel Cole initiated a self-driven project to tackle period poverty among students, sourcing a large amount of period products and distributing them for free to students in need.
This project has had a massive positive impact on students, and this is why she was nominated for, and then won, the Health and Safety Initiative Award (Individual) for 2025.
One of the people who nominated her says Annabel worked with “determination and drive”, and her project quickly gained momentum.
“This initiative isn’t just about products – it’s about dignity, inclusion, and making sure every student feels supported,” the nominator says.
“Access to free period products not only addresses a fundamental health need but also helps to reduce stigma and promote dignity within the student community.”
A big break came when Annabel was able to secure 10 pallets of period products from the Ministry of Education, which were distributed to residential colleges, the Otago University Students’ Association and Otago Polytechnic.
Everything was offered on a “take what you need” basis – no questions asked and no barriers to access, the nominator says.
The Ministry’s supply was a one-off, however Annabel has continued to work tirelessly to secure new sources to meet ongoing demand.
While Annabel’s initiative has now been adopted by the University of Otago, she remains actively involved.
Annabel has been a part of Campus Watch for 10 years.
“I feel this award is a great reflection of the collaboration between Campus Watch and all Student Support Services,” she says.
“I am very grateful to Grant Robertson for the Pūtea Tautoko Hardship Fund. This includes a regular supply of sanitary products.”
Annabel says her role at Campus Watch is varied.
“No two days are ever the same – we could be delivering exams or collecting lost property, conducting a welfare check or attending a party!
“We also spend a lot of our days walking the streets of North Dunedin – day and night.”
Health and Safety Initiative Award (Team) – SAFE-D
Faculty of Dentistry Compliance Manager Jenine Upritchard (right) with members of the SAFE-D team. They received the Health and Safety Initiative Award (Team).
In 2025, a dedicated team of staff and students from the Faculty of Dentistry developed a framework to foster a culture of respect and enhance health and safety called SAFE-D, Safety Awareness For Everyone - Dentistry.
In recognition of how successful this endeavour has been, the team has been awarded the Health and Safety Initiative Award (Team) for 2025.
The team, which includes members from Dunedin and Auckland, – is comprised of Faculty of Dentistry Compliance Manager Jenine Upritchard, Sterilising Services Unit Manager Kelly Swale, Clinical Navigator Angela Phillips, Trainer Dental Hospital and Clinics Becky Mayers, Dental Clinics Team Leader (Auckland) Ros Syms, Clinical Lead (Auckland) Yolin Govender, Dental Clinics Team Leader (Dunedin) Lisa Martin, and Senior Analyst Fathimath Shiraani.
One of the people who nominated the team for the award says the team’s collective efforts have led to practical, impactful initiatives that reduce workplace risks and improve safety culture.
“SAFE-D has shown exceptional leadership, collaboration, and commitment, consistently going beyond their formal roles to support and encourage students, engage colleagues, and embed safety into everyday practice,” the nominator says.
Director Dental Hospital and Clinics Dr Janine Cochrane says receiving the health and safety award is a well-deserved recognition of the team’s collaborative efforts and innovation – especially in working with the wider teams that work in delivering oral health programmes and care in the Faculty.
“As the sponsor of this initiative, I’m proud to acknowledge the outstanding work of our cross-functional health and safety team at the Faculty of Dentistry,” Janine says.
“Their commitment to improving clinical safety, infection control, and communication has led to meaningful change across the Auckland and Dunedin Clinics.”
Faculty of Dentistry Compliance Manager Jenine Upritchard says it is a privilege to work alongside this dedicated group of professionals who are committed to strengthening our health and safety culture.
“Together, our team has made both individual and collective contributions to a range of initiatives designed to enhance health and safety practices across the Faculty,” Jenine says.
Maintaining high standards in health and safety is essential to safeguarding our patients, students, and staff, she says.
“We were honoured to receive a recent award in recognition of our efforts – a moment of genuine surprise for the team, who viewed their contributions simply as part of improving the environment we all share.
Jenine says some of the key initiatives SAFE-D has developed includes updating the Infection Prevention and Control Manual and ensuring it is easily accessible to staff and students, facilitating daily clinical huddles and safety messaging – with team members present in clinics to offer real-time advice and support – and enhancing communication through multiple channels, including SharePoint, social media, posters, and digital screens.
“Our team spans a diverse cross-section of the Faculty, and this collaboration demonstrates that meaningful improvements are possible when we work together.
“The recognition we’ve received is a reflection of that shared commitment and a reminder of what can be achieved through teamwork.”
Wellbeing Award (Individual) -Tracie Leckie
Wellbeing Award (Individual) winner Tracie Leckie, Senior Professional Practice Fellow jointly in the Department of Management and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme and a Wellbeing Coach within Va’a o Tautai, Centre for Pacific Health.
Tracie Leckie has created “systemic change” for Pacific students in Health Sciences, and this is just one of the many reasons why she has won the Wellbeing Award (Individual) for 2025.
Tracie is a Senior Professional Practice Fellow jointly in the Department of Management and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme and a Wellbeing Coach within Va’a o Tautai, Centre for Pacific Health.
One of the people who nominated her says Tracie has been a “driving force” for student wellbeing at the University since 2014.
“Tracie has led initiatives that support both Pacific students and mature doctoral candidates,” the nominator says.
“Her work has created systemic change for Pacific students in Health Sciences, normalising help-seeking behaviour and embedding wellbeing into everyday conversations.”
Using the Fonofale model of care has enabled Tracie to provide culturally sensitive support that respects Pacific values and addresses barriers to accessing mental-health services.
Tracie has been involved with the Pacific Opportunities Programmes at Otago (POPO) for several years and has trained mentors and tutors to support Pacific students effectively, the nominator says.
For DBA students, Tracie identified unique wellbeing needs and successfully advocated for a dedicated support role as part of her teaching position. She offers personalised guidance, runs wellbeing workshops, and introduced progress reporting to track student wellbeing and academic success.
Her dedication stems from a background and training in Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Wellbeing Coaching, as well as early research into Pacific Student experiences, where she learned that wellbeing and belonging are key to academic success at university.
“Tracie continues to break down barriers, offering a safe, inclusive space for students and staff alike.”
Tracie says the award and recognition of the work she does to support tauira “is the most special and meaningful accolade of my career”.
“I am delighted that a wellbeing award category exists and is celebrated. It reinforces the sentiment that caring for staff and students truly matters – that what we do makes a difference. That’s the reason most of us come to work – to make a positive difference.
“I am incredibly appreciative of the heartfelt letters of support provided by the students that I walk alongside and their messages sharing the impact of my involvement on their journey.
Supporting student wellbeing is not a selfless act – it is win-win, Tracie says.
“There is nothing more fulfilling than seeing students who have navigated big and small difficulties and challenges – or even self-doubt – accomplish their goals, hold their heads high and step out into the world as empowered emergent leaders, professionals and potential changemakers of the future – all with the indelible mark that being an Otago graduate leaves on them.”
She is a relationship-based, judgement-free sounding-board, she says.
“I don’t promise to have all the answers – in fact, as a coach I work in partnership with students to help them find the answers they are looking for and make sense of their journey.”
Tracie says mature-aged DBA students are often juggling full-time work and full-time studies, usually with a family in tow.
“They live up and down the country, and all around the world, are often returning to university after many years away and can feel isolated.”
As such, their needs and challenges are different to regular doctoral students.
When it comes to teaching, Tracie says she is an “education focussed” academic, and the courses she teaches are holistic, values-led and strengths-based. A real focus is put on students increasing their self-awareness of what it is they are capable of bringing to any organisation, how to effect positive change and the role of leadership in the global community.
Tracie previously studied at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka returning to begin working here in 2014.
Teaching awards
The following staff received Teaching Awards, read full story here.
- Associate Professor Melissa McLeod – Kaupapa Māori Teaching Excellence Award (Health Sciences)
- Dr Fairleigh Gilmour – Award for Excellence in Teaching (Humanities)
- Associate Professor Miranda Johnson – Award for Excellence in Teaching (Humanities)
- Dr Tessa Romano – Award for Excellence in Teaching (Humanities)
- Dr Murat Üngör – Award for Excellence in Teaching (Business School)
Research awards
The following staff received Research Awards, read full story here.
- Professor Peter Fineran - Distinguished Research Medal
- Associate Professor Andrew Reynolds - Rowheath Trust Award and Carl Smith Medal
- ASPIRE Aotearoa Research Centre - Research Group Award
- Dr Megan Leask - Māori Early Career Award for Distinction in Research
- Katrina Pōtiki Bryant - Māori Early Career Award for Distinction in Research
- Dr Zihan Liu - Early Career Award for Distinction in Research
- Dr Graham McCulloch - Early Career Award for Distinction in Research
- Dr Xun Xiao - Early Career Award for Distinction in Research
- Dr Joon Kim - Early Career Award for Distinction in Research
- Professor Rajesh Katare - Three Rs in Animal Research Award
- Scott Rhodes - Openness in Animal Research and Teaching Award