Wednesday 16 January 2019 11:53am
Professor Paul Hansen
After 34 years in the Department of Economics, Professor Paul Hansen says it is just his turn to take up the role of head of department.
Aside from the odd sabbatical over the years, including to India, Israel and Sweden, and a secondment to work at the Treasury in Wellington, Professor Hansen has been a presence in the department since he started his studies here at the age of 17 in 1984.
He now works mainly in areas related to priority-setting and resource allocation, especially in the health sector. The co-inventor of 1000minds software, he works with and supports researchers and students all over the world to apply 1000minds to a wide variety of decision-making problems.
“I’ve been at Otago for more than 30 years, initially as a student, then a lecturer and I’ve benefitted enormously over that time.
“It’s amazing to find something you love and be able to do it for this long.
“I didn’t apply for the head of department job, but it’s time for me to give something back,” he says.
“Nonetheless, I’m excited about it. I’ll learn new things that will be very useful. It’ll be cool to discover how things work from inside the tent. It’s going to be good to be part of that.”
Professor Hansen is clear about his main aim for the role.
“I want to make my colleagues’ lives as nice and easy as possible, so they can get on with doing what they’re good at.
“It is because of them that I think it will be an easy job. The people in this department, my colleagues, are really good at working together. They all get on and just pitch in.”
The downside to the new role is that it means half the time in the classroom.
“I will miss that. That’s what we’re here for isn’t it? The intensity of being in front of a class students, knowing there’s nothing or no one to hide behind. It’s just a beautiful thing.”
Perhaps more accustomed to, and known for, his less-formal dress sense, Professor Hansen grins when he considers his boardroom attire which may be required for the new role.
“I’ve got 12 pairs of jandals, and I’ve got formal ones for the important meetings.
“They’re white, floral Havaianas. They’ll be fine, won’t they?”