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As part of its plans for Queenstown and the Lakes District, the University of Otago - Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka is collaborating with cybersecurity company Palo Alto Networks to create cybersecurity programmes.

The University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka has teamed up with ​a global cybersecurity leader​​​ as part of its ambitious plans for Queenstown and the Lakes District.

At an event in Queenstown today (Monday 19 May), with support from Technology Queenstown, the University announced it is partnering with Palo Alto Networks to co-develop and deliver programmes related to cybersecurity.

Vice-Chancellor Grant Robertson is thrilled to make the announcement at the start of Techweek25.

“Palo Alto Networks is not only the largest cyber security company in the world, but an innovative industry leader, which aligns perfectly with the ambitions of the University to be a renowned place of learning and discovery.

“This partnership solidifies our commitment to supporting the Queenstown Lakes region to become an international technology centre.”

  • A man addressing a room of people

    Vice-Chancellor Grant Robertson announces the University has teamed up with ​a global cybersecurity leader​​​ Palo Alto Networks to co-develop and deliver programmes related to cybersecurity in Queenstown and the Lakes District, at an event in Queenstown yesterday.

  • A man addressing a room of people

    Palo Alto Networks Director Sir John Key is proud the company is aligning with Otago.

  • A woman addresses a room full of people

    Palo Alto Networks New Zealand Managing Director Misti Landtroop is delighted to collaborate with Otago and is looking forward to further engagement with the Queenstown and the Lakes District community.

  • A man addresses a room full of people

    Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences) Professor Richard Barker takes a question from a member of the audience following the announcement.

  • A man and a woman standing on a balcony in front of alpine scenery

    Vice-Chancellor Grant Robertson and Misti Landtroop are thrilled to announce the partnership.

Palo Alto Networks New Zealand Managing Director Misti Landtroop is delighted to enter into this collaboration with the University of Otago.

“Worldwide, we partner with 3,300 high schools, colleges and universities in 104 countries who collectively form the Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Academy. By partnering with the University of Otago we see this as a strategic investment to help prepare students for a career in cybersecurity,” she says.

The development of the new curriculum is underway and will need to go through the appropriate internal and external approval processes. This work includes a proposal for the University to offer a taught master’s programme in cybersecurity in Queenstown.

In the meantime, as part of the partnership there will be short executive courses delivered in Queenstown within a year.

Mr Robertson says today’s partnership announcement is the first of many Otago will make in the coming months.

“We have been busy collaborating with local people, businesses and other tertiary institutions and I look forward to sharing the outcome of that work in the near future.

“As we stated in October last year, we are building up our work and presence in Queenstown Lakes District. We want to be a part of the growth the region is experiencing and to be a part of innovative partnerships that uphold research and teaching excellence.”

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