Leadership Updates

Acting Dean Creative Arts and Industries (CAI) Appointment

We are pleased to share that Associate Professor Paola Boarin will be stepping into the role of Acting Dean of CAI from 1 September to 30 November 2024. This appointment allows Acting Dean Professor Deidre Brown to take her planned research leave, which was approved earlier in the year.  During this period, Paola’s leadership will ensure stability and continuity, supporting the faculty through this transition.

Professor Deidre Brown will resume the Acting Dean role on 1 December and continue in this capacity until the end of 2024.

Sharon Peace to Lead Enabling Workstream

In addition, we’re excited to announce that Sharon Peace will be leading the Operational Continuity enabling workstream. Sharon’s expertise will play a crucial role in guiding us through this period of change, as she works alongside the other Enabling Workstream leaders to ensure operations remain strong and well-coordinated as the new faculty arrangements are implemented.

Sharon’s commencement in the role will enable the scope and direction of this workstream to be finalised, and we will share further details shortly.

Expanded Engineering Faculty Update

In preparation for the transition to the expanded Faculty of Engineering, several key initiatives have been identified, some of which need to be in place by 1 January 2025, with others planned for the longer term. The Faculty Transition Leadership Team (FTLT) is using an agile approach to tackle these initiatives, focusing on short, medium and long-term goals aligned with the University’s Taumata Teitei strategy.

Priority areas include:

• Creating a vision for people and culture that will guide the faculty’s future.​​​​​
• Establishing the appropriate tikanga to formally bring the School of Architecture and Planning (SoAP) and Design into the faculty.
• Ensuring SoAP and Design are represented on faculty strategic and decision-making bodies
• Developing a reward and recognition programme to encourage positive contributions to the faculty culture.
• Mapping out key processes like PhD scholarships, staff hiring, and grant management.

This flexible, step-by-step approach will help the FTLT build a strong, unified identity for the new faculty while preserving the strengths of each discipline. The team is working through these goals, prioritising and taking action over the coming months.

A similar exercise is underway for the New Faculty, and more details will be shared in our next update once prioritisation activities are finalised.

Consultation Feedback Reminder

A reminder to submit your feedback on the proposed academic leadership and professional staff structures for the new faculty arrangements. Your input is important in ensuring the new structure is coherent, aligns with the University's broader strategic goals, and supports the efficient delivery of teaching and research. Feedback can be provided via the online feedback form by 4pm, Friday 27 September.

Consultation timeline overview

Friday 30 August

• Consultation documentation is available on the staff intranet

Monday 2 September – Friday 27 September 

• Staff are invited to provide feedback on the proposed academic leadership structure and professional staff structures for both the new faculty and the expanded Faculty of Engineering. 
• Feedback must be submitted through the online feedback form by 4pm, Friday 27 September. 

Monday 30 September – Friday 4 October

• Feedback submissions on the proposal are collated. 

Throughout October

• The Review Committee considers submissions and forms recommendations to the Vice-Chancellor. 

Late October

• Either communicate the confirmation to all staff, continue consultation on an amended proposal, or not proceed any further with consultation. 

Thank you for your continued dedication and commitment to supporting our teaching and research during this period of transition. Times of change can bring both opportunities and challenges, and the University encourages staff to prioritise their mental health and wellbeing during this period. Confidential counselling and advisory services are available through EAP, which includes Rongoā Māori support, and additional resources can be accessed via the Change and Resilience hub on SharePoint.

Thank You for Your Feedback on the New Faculty’s English Name

We are grateful for your feedback regarding the new faculty’s English name. Online feedback closed on Friday, 6 September, and we are currently reviewing staff input, which has been invaluable in shaping the future identity of our faculty. A separate process will be followed with respect to a Te Reo name.  As we move forward, we will host a series of faculty huis, offering opportunities for further discussion and collaboration. Keep an eye out for updates on dates and how you can get involved.