CANCELLED - Refuge Reimagined: A Biblical Ethic for the Nation and the World
Tuesday, 21 April 2020
Public lecture by Associate Professor Luke Glanville, Australian National University
News and events from the Otago Arts Fellows
SGCNZ University of Otago Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival
News from and about our programmes, staff and students
PNG highland research redates Neolithic period
Tuesday, 7 April 2020 6:29pm
Report co-author Professor Glenn Summerhayes (Archaeology) says new research published in Science Advances on the emergence of agriculture in highland Papua New Guinea shows advancements often associated with a later Neolithic period occurred about 1000 years’ earlier than previously thought.
New Bowie book full of surprises
Friday, 3 April 2020 4:20pm
Dr Ian Chapman is an authority on David Bowie – he even modelled his recently-retired musical alter-ego Dr Glam on Ziggy Stardust – but research for his new book still led to a deeper appreciation of the late, great music icon.
Online services foster sense of community
Monday, 30 March 2020 8:25pm
With traditional church services suspended during the Covid-19 lockdown, Theology Programme academic Dr Katie Marcar is turning to technology to help people observe their faith and foster a sense of community.
Change to programme of public events – COVID-19
Tuesday, 17 March 2020 11:46am
In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, we have taken the very difficult decision to cancel or at the very least postpone our current programme of public events.
Lightshow illuminates Victorian's plight
Friday, 13 March 2020 5:23pm
Several public events by visiting William Evans Fellow Professor Sally Shuttleworth explored important aspects of Victorian life on a grand scale this month.
Original waiata feature of building blessing
Friday, 13 March 2020 11:11am
The University’s new Music, Theatre and Performing Arts Centre was officially opened with a whakawaatea (blessing) and a waiata composed for the occasion.
Ten-point plan to increase access to free and low-cost legal services
Tuesday, 10 March 2020 4:55pm
A new research report from the University of Otago Legal Issues Centre (UOLIC) recommends ten steps to help New Zealand’s law profession deliver more free services to people caught in New Zealand’s widening ‘justice gap’.
Changes ahead for Professors Smith and Smith
Thursday, 5 March 2020 7:31pm
After working together for over a quarter of a century - sometimes even sharing an office - "husband and wife team" Professors Jeff and Lisa Smith are heading in different academic directions.
Alien help makes science homework fun
Monday, 2 March 2020 5:19pm
Professor Lisa Smith, a former Social Sciences Head and College of Education Dean, has teamed up with her PhD student Kimberly Arcand (Visualization Lead for NASA's Chandra Xray Observatory) to produce An Alien Helped Me With My Homework! - a book aimed at making science accessible and fun for younger readers.
World-leader in cognitive science of religion to give 2020 De Carle Distinguished Lectures
Thursday, 27 February 2020 3:53pm
The 2020 De Carle Distinguished Lectures, hosted by the Religion programme, will feature a world-leader in the evolutionary and cognitive science of religion, Professor Ann Taves from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Victorian world comes to life in multi-storey Dunedin lightshow
Monday, 24 February 2020 3:37pm
Disease, environmental pollution and mental health – challenges that were as real for people in the Victorian era as they are for us today – will be brought to life during a multi-storey lightshow at the University of Otago’s Dunedin campus next month.
On the brink? Visiting academic to discuss research and Hong Kong
Saturday, 22 February 2020 9:57am
On 5 March, University of California Irvine Chancellor’s Professor Jeffrey Wasserstrom will give an illustrated public talk focusing on patterns of protest and the tightening of political controls in Hong Kong.
History worth repeating in new radio show
Saturday, 22 February 2020 3:03pm
In their new OAR 105.4FM series History and Art History Programme Professor Barbara Brookes joins Sonja Tiernan, Eamon Cleary Professor of Irish Studies at the University of Otago, to canvass wide aspects of the past – from individual stories to national histories.
Shining light on Victorian's plight
Saturday, 22 February 2020 1:53pm
Between 8:45pm and 10:30pm on 8 March, Oxford University Professor Sally Shuttleworth’s award-winning sound and light show ‘The Speed of Modern Life’ will light up Otago’s Richardson Building.
Harmony found in Music collaboration
Thursday, 20 February 2020 10:45pm
One’s a musician and lecturer who’s mad about technology. The other’s an IT professional who also happens to be a musician and sound engineer.
Two new writing fellowships build connections with Ireland and Scotland
Thursday, 20 February 2020 11:15am
Two new University of Otago writing fellowships will facilitate and encourage literary and cultural exchange between Ireland, Scotland and New Zealand.
New writing fellowships promote literary/ cultural exchange
Friday, 14 February 2020 6:29pm
Two new writing fellowships, attached to the University of Otago's Centre for Irish and Scottish Studies, will facilitate and encourage literary and cultural exchange between Ireland, Scotland and New Zealand.
Fulbright scholars excited by opportunities
Thursday, 13 February 2020 9:46pm
Two University of Otago staff have received 2020 Scholar Awards from Fulbright New Zealand, allowing them to travel to the United States to pursue research and form international connections.
Research award for co-director of Centre for Irish and Scottish Studies
Thursday, 13 February 2020 11:50am
Professor Sonja Tiernan, Eamon Cleary Chair of Irish Studies, is delighted to have been awarded the Keough-Naughton Library Research Award.
Albany St studio closure not the end of the road
Thursday, 6 February 2020 5:04pm
Dr Ian Chapman reflects on the legacy of the Albany St studios, which were formerly owned by the New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation (the NZBC) and home to the University’s contemporary music programme since 2000.
New generation of NZ security specialists needed, Otago expert says
Tuesday, 4 February 2020 1:31pm
New Zealand must develop a new generation of national security experts to meet the rise of transnational terrorism head-on, an Otago politics expert says.
Exciting research and heritage conservation project at Te Kauae a Maui, Hawkes Bay
Monday, 3 February 2020 2:13pm
Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga is working with the Department of Conservation (DOC) and the University of Otago to develop a plan for managing an important archaeological site that is currently under threat from coastal erosion.
Music student youngest ever member of Voices NZ choir
Thursday, 30 January 2020 5:19pm
Music classical voice student Lillian Gibbs is the youngest person ever to become a member of the Voices NZ choir.
The Luck of the Irish - Public Lecture Series
Thursday, 30 January 2020 11:42am
Professor Sonja Tiernan interviewed on 30 January 2020 on the OARsome Morning Show 105.4fm Dunedin about this year’s public lecture series, The Luck of the Irish.
Frances Hodgkins Fellow Imogen Taylor to show new exhibition
Wednesday, 29 January 2020 1:26pm
Artist Imogen Taylor hopes her latest exhibition will help the public engage with queer histories that have long been hidden, as she prepares to unveil a year’s worth of hard work.
Boost for New Zealand’s online legal information: Collaborative project receives grant from the New Zealand Law Foundation and Michael and Suzanne Borrin Foundation
Wednesday, 29 January 2020 9:11am
The University of Otago Legal Issues Centre (UOLIC) is establishing an online hub to support the development of online legal information (OLI) in New Zealand.
3000-year-old teeth solve Pacific banana mystery
Friday, 24 January 2020 12:00pm
Humans began transporting and growing banana in Vanuatu 3000 years ago, a University of Otago scientist has discovered.
Hands On Politics 2020
Thursday, 23 January 2020 12:26pm
Peyton Bond and Kate Hellings spent the week with 14 potential new politics students from high schools all over the country at Hands On Otago 2020.
Emotion concepts are not the same worldwide
Friday, 20 December 2019 3:50pm
Fear, anger, sadness – while it is often assumed these emotion concepts are the same the world over, new research suggests there is greater cross-cultural variation in “how people think about emotions than is widely assumed", contributor Dr Joseph Watts says.
Volunteering a highlight for law grad
Friday, 20 December 2019 5:21pm
Volunteering was a highlight of recent law graduate Norhan El Sanjak's time at Otago.
Law student volunteers her time throughout studies
Thursday, 19 December 2019 9:23am
A feature of law graduand Norhan El Sanjak’s time at Otago was continuing volunteer work in the community, which was both professionally and personally rewarding, and pushed her “out of [her] comfort zone.”
Many lessons learned during four-decade education career retiring Dean says
Tuesday, 17 December 2019 4:42pm
Retiring College of Educaiton Dean Professor Notman says he has learned many valuable lessons over his four-decade career in education.
One parent one language journey for Te Tumu graduate
Thursday, 12 December 2019 10:46pm
Graduating with a Master of Indigenous Studies has been a “surprising journey of self-discovery” for Paia Taani, and one she says has anchored the decision made by her and her whānau for her to communicate solely in te reo Māori with her tamariki.
Influencing attitudes through traditional Māori mapping practices
Thursday, 12 December 2019 10:57pm
Jovan James Mokaraka-Harris (Ngā Puhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Wai) credits his supervisors for his postgraduate diploma with giving him a continual pursuit of education at the University of Otago.
2019 Gallaway Cook Allan Prize for Law and Emerging Technology awarded
Wednesday, 11 December 2019 9:18am
The New Zealand Law Foundation Centre for Law and Policy in Emerging Technologies is pleased to announce that Emma Harris is the winner of the 2019 Gallaway Cook Allan Prize for Law and Emerging Technology.
Three new Professors for Division of Humanities
Tuesday, 10 December 2019 9:17am
Three Division of Humanities staff have been promoted to Professor in latest academic promotion round.
30 new Professors for the University of Otago
Tuesday, 10 December 2019 4:51pm
Thirty University of Otago academics have been promoted to the position of professor this year.
New international research project to study religion’s impact on family size and child health
Thursday, 5 December 2019 10:09am
A major international, multidisciplinary project is set to shed light on how religion impacts family size and child health, following a multi-million dollar grant.
The fast track to the public service
Tuesday, 26 November 2019 2:35pm
Reaching the end of a Master of Politics degree at the University of Otago, Ben Hay-Smith’s plan for 2020 involves working in Treasury’s Economic Strategy and Productivity team as part of their Graduate Analyst Programme.
Scholarship to continue psychology research
Thursday, 21 November 2019 2:21pm
An Otago undergraduate student has received a prestigious scholarship to continue the work of researchers from the Psychology Department.
Samoa climate change resilience challenges Western perceptions
Thursday, 21 November 2019 2:22pm
The resilience of Samoan communities in the face of climate change is providing a blueprint for other nations to follow, according to Samoa and Otago researchers.
Law students land top spots in land law prize
Tuesday, 19 November 2019 2:08pm
Faculty of Law students Hansaka Ranaweera and Clara Sinclair took the top two places in this year's EC Adams Memorial Prize in Land Law
Law students land top spots in land law prize
Tuesday, 19 November 2019 2:16pm
Faculty of Law students Hansaka Ranaweera and Clara Sinclair took the top two places in this year's EC Adams Memorial Prize in Land Law
A virtual Albany St recording experience
Monday, 18 November 2019 9:34am
A collaborative project is aiming to digitally preserve the University’s Albany St recording studio so music can continue to be created there – only in virtual reality.
Encounters and Exchanges Conference to explore history of knowledge after Cook's arrival
Monday, 18 November 2019 2:44pm
University of Otago backed Encounters and Exchanges Conference, Blenheim 1-3 December, to explore exchanges of knowledge after Cook's arrival in New Zealand
Professor Sonja Tiernan interviewed on radio
Monday, 18 November 2019 4:10pm
Professor Tiernan speaks with RNZ National Radio about the border in Ireland, and also with OAR 105.4FM Dunedin about the visit of award winning Irish writer Sinéad Gleeson.
The Politics Programme at the University of Otago issues Climate Change declaration
Tuesday, 12 November 2019 11:32am
Following discussion at recent staff meetings and participation in the Climate Strike Movement, the Politics Programme unanimously agreed to support the Climate Strike Movement and to issue a declaration on climate change.
The last resort -MPlan thesis explores Airbnb impact in Queenstown
Friday, 8 November 2019 2:37pm
Master of Planning candidate Sam McGough's thesis explored the impact of Airbnb in Queenstown.
Five Humanities projects funded in latest Marsden round
Tuesday, 5 November 2019 5:16pm
Five Division of Humanities projects receive Marsden funding in 2019 award round.
Otago researchers recipients of inaugural $3m Marsden Fund Award
Tuesday, 5 November 2019 9:42am
University of Otago researchers are the recipients of an inaugural Marsden Fund Council Award worth $3 million to investigate genetic predisposition to metabolic diseases like diabetes and gout among Pacific people.
The Celtic origins of Halloween
Thursday, 31 October 2019 3:06pm
Listen to an interview and read an article about the Celtic origins of this festival.
Momentous week for Dr Joe McIntyre, UOLIC Visiting Fellow
Thursday, 31 October 2019 11:24am
Judicial expert Dr Joe McIntyre’s visit to the University of Otago Legal Issues Centre (UOLIC) as the 2019 Visiting Fellow proved to be a significant week, both personally and constitutionally.
Ngā Pou Whirinaki celebrates Māori at Otago
Friday, 25 October 2019 3:38pm
Last week’s Ngā Pou Whirinaki featured a collection of four events which celebrated the University of Otago’s Māori students, staff and scholars.
Brains tickled not pickled at MindJam
Thursday, 24 October 2019 3:27pm
This weekend’s MindJam, held in Queenstown, will again offer a great opportunity to hear, meet and converse with Otago experts as they explore important cultural questions.
From Tanzania to NZ - global collaborations key says Professor Sharp
Wednesday, 23 October 2019 10:01am
School of Geography William Evans Fellow Professor Jo Sharp says global collaborations underpin good research
Six rising research stars celebrated in annual awards
Tuesday, 22 October 2019 9:58am
Six researchers whose work covers everything from ancient dolphin teeth to the management of obesity have been recognised by the University of Otago.
Fire beats pumpkin - CISS to reclaim Halloween as Celtic festival
Friday, 18 October 2019 1:19pm
Fire will feature, but pumpkins and costumes will not, when the Centre for Irish and Scottish Studies reclaims Halloween as the Celtic festival Samhain later this month.
Pride in the Humanities symposium enhances teaching
Thursday, 17 October 2019 12:33pm
The third annual Division of Humanities Teaching and Learning Symposium, held at the Dunedin campus on 15 October, offered staff a full day of reflection and collaboration on ways to enhance teaching practices.
Place and future of Pacific research explored at symposium
Friday, 11 October 2019 5:54pm
The University of Otago’s Pacific Academic Staff Caucus (PASC) held its inaugural symposium, at the Dunedin campus on 27 September to engage in important conversations about the place and future of Pacific research at Otago.
Metaphorically speaking - international symposium explores language of metaphor
Thursday, 10 October 2019 3:07pm
Professor Andreas Musloff will give a keynote address at The Body Politic Metaphor in Discourse, Past and Present international symposium in Dunedin on 11 October.
Lives of early Dunedinites revealed after excavation
Wednesday, 9 October 2019 8:38am
They ate oysters, they probably had pet cats and their feet were small. Fragments of the lives of late 19th century Dunedin people who lived and worked on the site of the University’s Dental School have been revealed in a major archaeological excavation.
Humanities staff support paves way for prestigious scholarship
Tuesday, 8 October 2019 2:35pm
History graduate Kate Tilson says support from Division of Humanities staff paved the way for PhD study at Cambridge.
CISS PhD candidate Sue Wootton wins prestigious Menton Fellowship
Monday, 7 October 2019 3:23pm
Poet, essayist and novelist Sue Wootton will travel to Menton, in the south of France, next year to work on her sixth poetry collection – but first she has a PhD and second novel to finish.
Professor McDermid on RNZ's Saturday Morning show with Kim Hill
Monday, 7 October 2019 11:09am
Best selling Scottish crime writer Val McDermid has sold more than 15 million copies of her work worldwide. She's arrived in New Zealand to take up a role as a visiting Professor of Scottish Studies and Crime Fiction at the University of Otago.
Professor McDermid profiled in the NZ Listener
Monday, 7 October 2019 11:11am
Scottish “queen of crime” Val McDermid on having a stab at Otago.
Writing competition stimulates creativity across University
Friday, 4 October 2019 11:08am
A poem written in te reo Māori was one of five winners in the University’s inaugural creative writing competition for students and staff, Writer.
Crime talk of town ahead of Celtic Noir Crime Writing Festival
Thursday, 3 October 2019 1:33pm
Celtic Noir Crime Writing Festival, Dunedin, October 12-13 to host top names in crime writing, including Centre for Irish and Scottish Studies faculty members.
Reclaiming our Celtic festival
Thursday, 3 October 2019 11:43am
Halloween may now be perceived by many people as an American event but in fact, Halloween, or All Hallows Eve, is a Celtic festival that originated as Samhain.
Opinion: STV – Making your vote count in local elections
Wednesday, 2 October 2019 10:59am
Otago Politics Professor Janine Hayward offers some advice as you put pen to voting paper over the coming weeks.
Scholar credits Otago teachers with her success
Wednesday, 2 October 2019 9:24pm
History graduate Kate Tilson says support from Division of Humanities staff paved the way to a prestigious Cambridge PhD scholarship.
Seven inaugural Sesquicentennial Distinguished Chair appointments to mark 150th
Monday, 30 September 2019 3:22pm
In a new initiative, the University is celebrating its internationally acclaimed scholars by creating a prestigious new role - the Sesquicentennial Distinguished Chair (Poutoko Taiea).
Music and sunshine on the Leith
Friday, 27 September 2019 1:42pm
Otago’s own talented Performing Arts students, a wonderful group of volunteers, some sunshine, a whole lot of cushions and a crowd of students, staff, friends, family and tourists made for a fun afternoon of music on the steps by the Leith last Saturday.
Philip Neill Memorial Concert celebrates 75 years of composition prize
Thursday, 26 September 2019 9:41pm
The Philip Neill Memorial Concert in St Paul’s Cathedral this Sunday celebrates 75 years since the Philip Neill Memorial Prize in Music was established, and will feature performances of eight prize winners from the past.
University celebrates new Chaplaincy lectureship
Thursday, 26 September 2019 9:28pm
At a special function in the University Council Chamber earlier in this week, seed funding for a new lectureship in Chaplaincy Studies was celebrated. Fund raising for the lectureship has been given a great start via the generous funding of the Presbyterian Synod of Otago and Southland.
Te Roopu Whai Putake inspire at national hui
Tuesday, 24 September 2019 10:00pm
There has been plenty of praise for the University of Otago’s Māori law student association after their performances at a national conference in Wellington.
Otago alumnus selected for English language teaching fellowship in Azerbaijan
Tuesday, 24 September 2019 10:45pm
Otago English graduate Richard Schlight has just arrived Azerbaijan on a 10-month fellowship to train teachers and teach English.
Planning to do good - Geography's Dr Ashraful Alam
Tuesday, 24 September 2019 12:04pm
Geography programme lecturer Dr Ashraful Alam says his experience as an architect and academic has underscored the importance of planning which "listens to people's stories".
Blooming blossoms draw big crowd
Monday, 23 September 2019 9:46am
The annual cherry blossom viewing festival just keeps getting better as it celebrates its 10th anniversary.
1869 Conference and Heritage Festival to celebrate a range of ‘firsts’
Thursday, 19 September 2019 2:58pm
The many important scientific, political, commercial, cultural and medical milestones reached 150 years ago are set to be explored and celebrated during the 1869 Conference and Heritage Festival, which starts in Dunedin on 25 September.
Opinion: The value of the Arts
Wednesday, 18 September 2019 9:45am
In an opinion piece, written for the Otago Daily Times and reprinted with permission, Associate Professor Tim Cooper, the Head of the School of Arts in the Division of Humanities debunks some myths around the Bachelor of Arts, and discusses the “human skills” a BA instils in graduates.
Pacific book award recognises achievement
Tuesday, 17 September 2019 4:38pm
The 2019 of the Heilala Book Prize in Humanities is French, Politics and Law student Shani McMullan.
NOTED: Renowned Scottish crime writer Val McDermid on Otago Professorship
Friday, 13 September 2019 4:58pm
In a recent NOTED article, renowned Scottish crime writer Val McDermid explains why a visiting Professorship at Otago appealed.
University of Otago announces 2020 Arts Fellowship recipients
Wednesday, 11 September 2019 10:31am
The University of Otago’s 2020 Arts Fellows look set to continue a strong tradition of contributing to New Zealand’s cultural canon, with next year’s recipients including award-winning writers, musicians, dancers and artists.
Celtic Noir 2019
Wednesday, 11 September 2019 10:30am
To mark its tenth anniversary, the Centre for Irish and Scottish Studies is partnering with the Dunedin Writers and Readers Festival and the Dunedin City Library to present 'Celtic Noir 2019', a festival of Irish, Scottish and New Zealand crime fiction.
CISS featured in Celtic Life Magazine
Wednesday, 11 September 2019 5:40pm
Popular Canadian magazine Celtic Life International carried a feature on CISS's Celtic Noir festival in its October 2019 issue.
Professor McIlvanney featured on Radio NZ's 'Bookmarks' Programme
Wednesday, 11 September 2019 5:34pm
CISS Co-Director, Professor Liam McIlvanney was recently invited to choose his favourite books, films and TV shows on Radio NZ's 'Bookmarks' slot.
University’s new Voice Lecturer to perform
Wednesday, 4 September 2019 12:40pm
The University community and the Dunedin public will have an opportunity to hear the School of Performing Arts’ new Voice Lecturer perform this weekend.
International festival highlights Dunedin as cultural hub
Monday, 2 September 2019 5:12pm
The stage is almost set for the UNESCO Cities of Literature Short Play Festival, which will be held at the University of Otago, Dunedin, from 12 to 20 September.
Oranga Tamariki baby removals “racialised, regionalised, antenatal and coercive”
Wednesday, 28 August 2019 9:04am
Newly analysed figures from Oranga Tamariki show the number of babies being taken from their parents are overwhelming Māori, hail mostly from four distinct North Island regions, and are more frequently than ever removed by legal order before birth.
Law twins' journey not identical
Monday, 26 August 2019 2:53pm
Identical twins Katarina and Makareta Coote say although they took the same programme, and graduated on the same day, studying law at Otago allowed them to explore their individuality.
2019 De Carle Distinguished Lecturer in the News
Thursday, 22 August 2019 8:57am
Our 2019 De Carle Distinguished Lecturer, Professor Alison Phipps, speaks to the Otago Daily Times about refugee integration in Dunedin.
FFENNA event reinforces value of community dance
Wednesday, 21 August 2019 2:23pm
Caroline Plummer Dance Fellow Antonio Ssebuuma Bukhar says Saturday's FFENNA 19 event, which involves 50 local dancers, underlines all that's good about community dance.
University writing competition closes soon
Wednesday, 21 August 2019 11:32pm
It’s time to get writing! There are just over two weeks left to get your entries in to Writer – the inaugural University of Otago writing competition for staff and students.
LLM candidate Mihiata Pirini – Improving access to justice through design
Wednesday, 21 August 2019 3:03pm
Mihiata Pirini is working with users of New Zealand’s oldest specialist court to contemplate how that court is designed, and to create space for imagining how it could be re-designed to deliver better access to justice.
Tauira Māori celebrated at ceremony
Tuesday, 20 August 2019 12:12pm
Pride was abundant among whānau and graduands at the University of Otago’s Māori pre-graduation ceremony on Friday afternoon at Union Hall.
UOLIC Public Event 2019
Tuesday, 20 August 2019 4:28pm
The University of Otago Legal Issue Centre (UOLIC) host an annual event in May or June each year on an access to justice topic.
Time to update mental capacity laws – new Otago co-edited book argues
Monday, 19 August 2019 1:46pm
For those lacking the mental capacity to make decisions for themselves, New Zealand currently relies heavily on the basic decency of families and whānau to ensure the law is applied.
Coffee and te reo Māori a great combo
Wednesday, 14 August 2019 12:33pm
All welcome at new Cafe Reo events, which are aimed at improving Māori language skills in an informal setting.
2019 OUSA Supervisor of the Year named
Friday, 9 August 2019 7:04pm
It was only a “few” years ago Dr Susan Wardell was watching her supervisor be awarded the OUSA Supervisor of the Year. Now it has come full circle, with Dr Wardell being given the top nod at the awards.
Celebrate the centenary of Colin McCahon at the Hocken this weekend
Thursday, 8 August 2019 10:49pm
Widely recognised as one of New Zealand’s foremost painters, Colin McCahon’s legacy as an artist and teacher is being celebrated this year.
Positive effect of music and dance on dementia investigated by Otago study
Thursday, 8 August 2019 9:27am
Stereotypically viewed as passive and immobile, a University of Otago pilot study has shown the powerful influence music and dance can have on older adults with dementia.
Favourite Irish films feature in new series
Thursday, 1 August 2019 6:27pm
The Centre for Irish and Scottish Studies is launching a new Irish Film Night five-film series this month.
Talented Otago cellist follows passions
Thursday, 1 August 2019 12:12pm
Tessa Dalgety-Evans can often be seen carting her cello on her back through campus.
Can ancient Māori beliefs contribute to global peace?
Wednesday, 31 July 2019 12:47pm
Olly Te Hata Ohlson is hoping a presentation he is giving at the University of Otago this evening will help Māori youth understand how traditional teachings from Te Āo Māori will complement their academic studies.
Politics Spring Lecture Series 2019
Tuesday, 30 July 2019 2:15pm
The 2019 Politics Spring Lecture Series features a series of four panel discussions featuring topical politcal issues. These panel discussions will run over four dates from September through to October.
Special treatment for School of Performing Arts building
Tuesday, 30 July 2019 11:52pm
Workers are hand-winding large concrete floor panels into place above slab floors and joiners are crafting more than 780 acoustic boxes for the music and performance studio building under construction behind the Robertson Library in Union Street East.
Ihumātao situation a ‘complex’ power battle – Otago research
Friday, 26 July 2019 4:39pm
An Otago Master of Planning graduand who completed his thesis on cultural heritage protection within the wider Ihumātao peninsula says the ongoing situation is complex and filled with tensions at various scales.
Large number of unplanned pregnancies among women with chronic health conditions
Friday, 26 July 2019 12:53pm
A large number of women with chronic health conditions have unplanned pregnancies and are at risk of experiencing adverse events during pregnancy, something a University of Otago researcher says could be prevented if healthcare professionals are prepared.
Thesis discusses surgical mesh complications
Thursday, 25 July 2019 5:46pm
New Master of Chaplaincy thesis on surgical mesh complications identifies "clear gap" in literature around this significant issue.
Dr Neil Vallelly hosts refugee talk
Thursday, 25 July 2019 9:27am
Our member Dr Neil Vallelly speaks to the Otago Daily Times ahead of his event with Manus Island detainee Behrouz Boochani.
From Durban to Dunedin: Dr Beverley Clark's education odyssey
Friday, 19 July 2019 12:51pm
From Durban to Dunedin - recently appointed College of Education Early Childhood Education lecturer Dr Beverley Clark is excited about the next steps in her educational journey.
Options abound at inaugural Humanities Career Week
Thursday, 18 July 2019 4:55pm
The inaugural Humanities Career Weeks, run at the Dunedin campus between 16 and 23 July, offers a wide array of seminars for students looking to join the workforce, or continue on to postgraduate studies.
Event to mix business and great craic
Monday, 15 July 2019 10:31am
The first gathering of the Irish Business Network New Zealand in Dunedin will bring town and gown together for a night of networking on Thursday, 25 July.
Coastal erosion challenges councils and communities
Thursday, 11 July 2019 9:55am
New research shows a “business as usual” approach will not work for New Zealand’s regional councils, and over a quarter of our local councils, who are facing extreme exposure to climate hazards like coastal erosion, flooding and rising groundwater levels.
British refugee integration expert returning to Dunedin for lecture series
Tuesday, 9 July 2019 11:30am
The University of Otago’s Centre for Global Migrations says having Professor Alison Phipps, OBE, return to Dunedin as the prestigious De Carle Distinguished Lecturer for 2019 will promote wide-ranging and insightful discussion on a host of refugee integration issues and trends.
Inaugural University creative writing competition launched
Monday, 8 July 2019 10:38am
A creative writing competition for staff and students opens today, as part of the University of Otago’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
Same, same? New book examines copying in global media age
Thursday, 4 July 2019 5:16pm
A new book by English programme Associate Professor Jacob Edmond examines the turn toward repetition in poetry, using the explosion of copying to offer a deeply inventive account of modern and contemporary literature.
Otago to feature in Hollywood horror film
Tuesday, 2 July 2019 10:16pm
Last weekend’s filming of Hollywood horror film Black Christmas on campus was a wonderful opportunity for the University to support film production in the city, and for students to receive some hands-on movie experience.
Poverty impacts child protection system contact – Otago research highlights
Tuesday, 2 July 2019 3:17pm
A child’s chance of entering the child protection system is intrinsically linked to the deprivation of the area in which they live, University of Otago research has highlighted.
Long-serving Te Tumu academic Dr Jim Williams retires
Friday, 28 June 2019 11:48am
Te Tumu academic Dr Jim Williams retired last week after 27 years' service at the University of Otago.
Otago connections positive for Sierra Leone
Thursday, 27 June 2019 12:17pm
Professor Tony Binns’ collaboration with Sierra Leone goes far beyond the research he began in 1974. The University of Otago Ron Lister Professor of Geography spoke about his 45 years of collaborative links with Sierra Leone, West Africa, at the International Initiatives seminar series last week.
Poetry prize shortlisting a surprise
Thursday, 27 June 2019 11:05am
Otago English PhD candidate Robyn Pickens says she was stunned to be shortlisted for the inaugural Brotherton Poetry Prize, which is supported by the University of Leeds Centre for Poetry.
"Create, connect, collaborate" - Digital Humanities Hub a hit
Wednesday, 12 June 2019 9:48am
Since September 2018 the Digital Humanities (DH) Hub – Te Pokapū Matihiko o Te Kete Aronui, a shared Humanities Division resource, open to staff and students, has been filling its brief to help connect researchers, staff and students working "in the digital realm".
Events provide insider’s perspective of brutality of Manus Island prison
Tuesday, 11 June 2019 10:04am
When Manus Island detainee and award-winning novelist Behrouz Boochani is interviewed at the Dunedin Public Library on 23 June, he hopes his harrowing story will increase awareness of the inhumane Australian border regime.
Two Otago academics nominated for prestigious writing award
Wednesday, 5 June 2019 10:22pm
It may be a long way from the grimy back streets of Glasgow or Edinburgh, where many of their victims fall prey to foul play, but there’s no doubt “tartan noir” crime writing is in good health at the University of Otago.
Crime pays for Otago academics nominated for prestigious writing award.
Wednesday, 5 June 2019 2:51pm
It may be a long way from the grimy back streets of Glasgow or Edinburgh, where many of their victims fall prey to foul play, but there’s no doubt “tartan noir” crime writing is in good health at the University of Otago.
Otago academics urge churches to help stop violence against women in Samoa
Tuesday, 4 June 2019 12:40pm
With elements in their nation’s social, cultural and religious systems stacked against them, Samoan women still experience high rates of violence.
Majella Cullinane joint recipient of inaugural Dan Davin Literary Foundation Writer in Residence
Tuesday, 4 June 2019 9:24am
Majella is a creative writing PhD student in the Centre for Irish and Scottish Studies.
New paper for pre-Christmas Summer School
Tuesday, 28 May 2019 9:32am
A new Classics paper CLAS330 Special Topic: Elections in Roman and Modern Times, will be offered on campus and by distance, with lecturers Dr Gwynaeth McIntyre (Classics), and Dr Chris Rudd (Politics), in a pre-Christmas Summer School.
Guidelines and regulator needed to avoid risks in government AI use, study finds
Monday, 27 May 2019 2:03pm
New Zealand is a world leader in government algorithm use – but measures are needed to guard against their dangers.
Surveying + Spatial as a Career Presentation as part of Otago’s Science and Technology week
Friday, 24 May 2019 11:26am
The School of Surveying hosted a lunchtime talk by three recent graduates of the School of Surveying about the different journeys they each have taken from uni student to survey and spatial professional.
Indigenous postgraduate student numbers on the rise
Tuesday, 21 May 2019 10:47pm
A golden dawn is approaching for Māori postgraduate law students at the University of Otago.
Honorary literature doctorate celebrates literary career
Tuesday, 21 May 2019 5:17pm
Founder of New Zealand's leading specialist non-fiction press and Otago alumna Bridget Williams received and honorary Doctorate of Literature on 18 May.
Culture quiz encourages teens to pursue language study
Monday, 20 May 2019 10:28pm
Dunedin secondary school pupils received a taste of the languages on offer to study at the University of Otago.
Music project striking right note
Monday, 20 May 2019 8:14am
More huge concrete panels are about to go up at the site of the University’s new music recording studio, a host are already up and a lot of other work is going on out of sight, University of Otago Campus Development Division Director David Perry says.
Hon Justice Miller’s contribution to law recognised
Monday, 20 May 2019 9:31pm
For the Honourable Justice Forrest (Forrie) Miller it’s hard to put into words how much it means to receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Otago.
Volunteering all positive recent graduate says
Monday, 20 May 2019 2:57pm
Volunteering while studying Law and Accounting led to "too many positives to list" recent graduate Maddi Ingham says.
New dawn approaches for indigenous postgraduate law
Friday, 17 May 2019 9:44am
Eight indigenous postgraduate law students met in Dunedin this week to build relationships and learn more about indigenous legal research methods and literature.
Animal welfare system provides poor protection – Otago academic calls for change
Thursday, 16 May 2019 9:39am
New research from the University of Otago’s Faculty of Law, funded by the New Zealand Law Foundation, questions whether New Zealand’s “world-leading” animal welfare system adequately protects our furry friends, and argues the agencies charged with protecting animals need more funding.
Four Honorary Doctorates to mark sesquicentennial
Wednesday, 15 May 2019 4:26pm
Four University of Otago Alumni will be recognised for their life’s work and their contribution to the University, New Zealand and the world during a special graduation ceremony on 1 June.
Honorary law doctorate recognises gender equality work
Tuesday, 14 May 2019 12:07pm
Otago alumna Brigid Inder will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Laws for her work advocating for gender equality and women's rights.
Art and science come together in exhibition
Tuesday, 14 May 2019 12:25pm
Scientific objects and artefacts from across the University of Otago intermingle with well-known works of art in the Hocken Collections’ latest exhibition.
Law Professor wins Critic and Conscience of Society Award
Tuesday, 7 May 2019 9:51pm
University of Otago Law Professor Andrew Geddis has been awarded the 2019 Gama Foundation Critic and Conscience of Society Award – but concedes he may need to get a mobile phone to help with media calls.
Law academic takes Critic and Conscience of Society award
Tuesday, 7 May 2019 5:36pm
University of Otago Law Professor Andrew Geddis is the 2019 recipient of the Gama Foundation's Critic and Conscience of Society Award.
Excellent teaching leads to excellence award
Thursday, 2 May 2019 4:55pm
Religion Associate Professor Ben Schonthal received a University of Otago Teaching Excellence Award this week.
Celebrating the historic and contemporary this NZ Music Month
Wednesday, 1 May 2019 8:20pm
Don’t miss the opportunity to sing-a-long with the Sextet, or get an exclusive insight into an iconic musician’s creative process, at the Hocken this month.
2019 ‘virtuosos’ recognised for teaching excellence
Wednesday, 1 May 2019 10:34am
Good teaching is about “awakening joy in knowledge and creative expression”, those gathered for the 2019 Otago Excellence in Teaching Awards heard on Tuesday.
Global attention as US Senators visit Otago
Monday, 29 April 2019 10:10am
Five members of the United States Senate took the time to visit the University of Otago during their time in New Zealand earlier this month.
Geography alumna takes top planning award for research
Thursday, 18 April 2019 4:54pm
University of Otago Master of Planning alumna Emily McEwan received the New Zealand Planning Institute's Wallace Ross Award for research at the NZPI annual conference in Napier earlier this month.
Two international MOUs signed by Otago
Tuesday, 16 April 2019 9:33pm
Bilateral agreements have recently been signed with two international partners, which will result in new students studying at the University of Otago.
Maoritanga and Christianity woven into new course
Monday, 15 April 2019 3:48pm
At 11 years old, Reverend Wayne Te Kaawa spent time helping his family create tukutuku panels for his Tūhoe marae, Ohope. In July, he will return to the marae helping to teach an historic week-long block course on Maori religion with the University of Otago.
Call for lawyers to test New Zealand’s potential online courts
Monday, 15 April 2019 2:49pm
The arrival of online courts in New Zealand may see a significant rise in claimants appearing without a lawyer by their side, which would raise big issues about access to justice, University of Otago researchers say.
2019 Otago Arts Fellows welcomed
Wednesday, 10 April 2019 12:30pm
The University of Otago’s 2019 Arts Fellows were officially welcomed to the University community last night at a function at the Hocken Collections.
Otago records enrolment gains in humanities, commerce and science
Wednesday, 10 April 2019 3:55pm
The University of Otago has secured another year of enrolment growth, with 2019 enrolments currently totalling 17,633 EFTS (equivalent full-time students), which is 166 EFTS up on the same time last year.
Study reveals Dunedin’s energy use and high uptake of electric vehicles
Wednesday, 10 April 2019 2:43pm
Transport uses half of the energy consumed in Dunedin and produces most of the city’s energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, a new University of Otago study reveals. However, it also shows the city boasts the highest rates of electric vehicle ownership in New Zealand.
Two new reports from the Centre for Theology and Public Issues
Thursday, 4 April 2019 1:51pm
One report covers how faith-based organisations can contribute to social change, and the other covers an historical and theological framework for reconciliation between mana whenua and later settlers in the Tauranga district.
Fascinating volunteer opportunities in international social work
Tuesday, 2 April 2019 12:58pm
New opportunities exist in the areas of counselling and poverty.
New UOLIC researcher looking for positive outcomes
Wednesday, 27 March 2019 11:43am
PhD student Louisa Choe has joined the Legal Issues Centre to contribute to the Centre's work on the availability of free and low cost legal services, and can already see how the research might lead lawyers to provide more of these services.
Talent and iconic tunes to be celebrated at Tally Ho 3
Monday, 25 March 2019 1:56pm
April's Tally Ho 3 concert will again bring classical and contemporary music together, and a host of talented performers, to celebrate the enduring appeal of the Dunedin Sound
Call for papers for 1869 Conference
Wednesday, 20 March 2019 4:55pm
With an impressive international lineup of speakers confirmed, organisers of September's '1869 Conference and Heritage Festival' are calling for papers that will explore, and celebrate, the many important scientific, political, commercial, cultural and medical milestones reached 150 years ago.
Art, academia, activism all a bit punk
Monday, 11 March 2019 5:33pm
Russian 'artivists' Pussy Riot to hold film screening and panel discussion with Otago academics at Dunedin campus on 16 March
Researchers treated to new archive of major significance
Wednesday, 6 March 2019 11:44am
A collection of pamphlets dating back to 1793, covering topics as far-ranging as palaeontology to Māori land judgements, has been catalogued and rehoused at the University’s Hocken Library.
Film screening to "let rip" on International Women's Day
Tuesday, 5 March 2019 5:51pm
Like a modern day slashing of a cultural treasure by an enraged suffragette, the film Terror Nullius - to be screened by Otago academics to mark International Women's Day this Friday - can be seen as staging an attack on the canon of Australian national cinema.
Keynote experts to bring wealth of knowledge to short play festival
Monday, 4 March 2019 2:56pm
Keynote experts Tanya Palmer, Victor Rodger and Dr Fiona Graham will bring a wealth of experience to the UNESCO Cities of Literature Short Play Festival, which is being hosted by the University of Otago in Dunedin this September.
'Great Scots' series of lectures
Monday, 4 March 2019 11:52am
To mark the 150th anniversary of the founding of the University of Otago, the Centre for Irish and Scottish Studies is sponsoring a series of public lectures on ‘Great Scots: Otago Men and Women Who Shaped New Zealand.’
New law staff enhance research and teaching
Wednesday, 27 February 2019 11:48am
The Faculty of Law welcomed new staff Dr Lili Song, Professional Practice Fellow Brenda Thom and Dr Stephen Young earlier this month.
From “Toad Hall” to “Shrieking Shack”: new book celebrates flat names
Wednesday, 27 February 2019 12:09pm
A book celebrating the stories behind the clever, amusing, and yes, sometimes irreverent names given to Dunedin’s student flats – as well as their place in the history of the city – was launched at the Staff Club last week.
Latest Frances Hodgkins Fellow exhibition opens
Monday, 25 February 2019 11:32pm
Artistic freedom, and the opportunity to explore all the Hocken has to offer, has resulted in another engaging Frances Hodgkins Fellow exhibition.
New book on women and caring launched
Friday, 22 February 2019 4:27pm
A new book, launched in Dunedin last night, makes important observations about the history of women and caring in 20th century New Zealand.
Appointment timely new Eamon Cleary Chair in Irish Studies says
Friday, 15 February 2019 2:33pm
New Eamon Cleary Chair in Irish Studies Professor Sonja Tiernan says the growing relationship between Ireland and New Zealand means her appointment could not have come at a better time.
New College of Education staff mean key areas well-covered
Friday, 15 February 2019 10:42am
Two new appointments at the College of Education mean vital areas of learning for Otago’s education tauira will be well-covered in future.
New College of Education staff mean key areas well-covered
Wednesday, 13 February 2019 10:58am
The appointment of Dr Rachel Martin and professional practice fellow Andrea Robertson at the University of Otago College of Education mean two vital areas of teacher education and research are well-covered.
Improved access to greenspace for older adults needs to be considered - Otago study
Wednesday, 13 February 2019 4:39pm
Older people’s inability to engage in nature can leave them feeling sad, frustrated and angry, a University of Otago study has found.
Prestigious Law Chair for University of Otago
Tuesday, 12 February 2019 11:12am
The University of Otago Faculty of Law is honoured to announce the establishment of a new Chair of Jurisprudence, named after International scholar and Otago alumnus Professor Jeremy Waldron.
Tauira in safe hands Student Support Officers say
Tuesday, 12 February 2019 12:29pm
After 10 years as the Division of Humanities Kaiāwhina Māori - Māori Student Support Officer Ana Rangi is moving on . . . but our tauira are in safe hands with current staff and two new appointments, she says.
New Chair of Jurisprudence for Otago
Monday, 11 February 2019 12:03pm
The University of Otago's Faculty of Law announces a new Chair of Jurisprudence, named after international scholar and Otago alumnus Jeremy Waldron
Te Poutama Māori lays foundations for strong year
Thursday, 7 February 2019 9:26pm
The University of Otago’s Māori academic staff network has started the year with a renewed vow to do what it can to support its Māori academic cohort.
Waitangi Day Literary Honour for Professor McIlvanney
Tuesday, 5 February 2019 11:38am
Professor Liam McIlvanney is one of two recipients of the 2019 New Zealand Society of Authors Waitangi Day Honours.
New Woolshed Bay property name honours courageous tipuna
Tuesday, 5 February 2019 10:05am
The University’s newest property based in Central Otago will have a name honoring a local tipuna whose life was filled with courage and bravery.
Fruitful fellowship culminates in an exhibition not to be missed
Tuesday, 5 February 2019 10:29am
A contemporary take on historical figures of Dunedin’s art world will soon go on display at Hocken Collections, Uare Taoka o Hākena.
Majella Cullinane and Vincent O'Sullivan long-listed for Ockham New Zealand Book Awards
Monday, 4 February 2019 10:46am
Majella Cullinane's debut novel The Life of De'Ath and Vincent O'Sullivan's book All This by Chance are in the running for the Acorn Foundation Fiction Prize.
Making legal information live
Monday, 4 February 2019 9:14am
The Legal Issues Centre is adding to its series of animated videos explaining legal basics, with the help of design student Catherine Chin.
Slán leat - Professor Peter Kuch retires
Wednesday, 30 January 2019 9:42am
Professor Peter Kuch, the inaugural Eamon Cleary Professor of Irish Studies, has retired from the position he has held since 2006.
Slán leat - Professor Peter Kuch retires
Wednesday, 30 January 2019 6:09pm
Professor Peter Kuch, the inaugural Eamon Cleary Professor in Irish Studies and Co-Director of Otago's Centre for Irish and Scottish Studies, retired in January 2019.
Museum conference explores value of colonial-era collections
Friday, 25 January 2019 3:57pm
Held in Trust: Curiosity in Things conference brings together museum curators, academics and attendees from around New Zealand to explore legacy of colonial-era museum collections
Summer of civil justice
Friday, 25 January 2019 12:04pm
The Legal Issues Centre's Summer Scholar Programme is exposing three Otago law students to how New Zealand’s legal system works in real life.
Classics lecture leads to research on Alexander the Great's death
Tuesday, 22 January 2019 12:56pm
Classics lecture leads Dr Katherine Hall to research on what killed Alexander the Great - and a new theory in the 2000-year-old mystery.
Otago study finds simple explanation for endurance of religion
Thursday, 17 January 2019 4:49pm
Childcare can be expensive, stressful, and annoying to organise, but a University of Otago-led study has found it may also be behind religion’s resilience.
Humanities welcomes Hands-On Otago pupils
Monday, 14 January 2019 11:51am
Almost 400 pupils from around New Zealand will enjoy a taste of student life at Otago this week during Hands-On Otago events.
