Kia ora , 

Welcome to the latest edition of Doctoral News, featuring an announcement about new GenAI guidelines in doctoral research from Prof JR Rowland, Pro Vice-Chancellor Global and Graduate Research. 

If the cold weather is keeping you indoors, why not take the opportunity to explore the 25 workshops on offer as part of our focus on research communications over the coming weeks? And if you aspire to produce research that has real impact, you can apply for our new one-year Doctoral Public Impact Programme, but hurry, because applications close on Friday 19 June.

Ngā mihi nui,
Te Kura Akoranga Tohu Paerua | The School of Graduate Studies (SGS)

Announcement by Prof JR Rowland

New GenAI in Doctoral Research Guidelines

I am pleased to announce that the Graduate Research Committee has developed much-needed Generative AI in Doctoral Research Guidelines, which take effect from Tuesday 1 September 2026.

This comes at a time when GenAI tools are increasingly being used in research, offering benefits but also creating risks if used without care. The guidelines are designed to help you and your supervisors navigate these challenges in a responsible and transparent way that enhances scholarly enquiry and maintains integrity.

Requirements from 1 September

• Discuss: Doctoral students and supervisors should discuss intended GenAI use as early in candidature as possible.
• Document: Any substantive GenAI use should have written approval from supervisors, and doctoral students should keep appropriate records of GenAI use.
• Declare: Doctoral students must include a Declaration of GenAI Use in their confirmation report and thesis submission.

Next steps

I encourage you to chat with your supervisors now and start to follow the Guidelines as soon as possible.

The School of Graduate Studies and your faculties will arrange workshops in the coming months, such as the Introducing the GenAI Guidelines webinar on Friday 19 June, which I recommend you sign up for. In the meantime, I invite you to explore the online resources and Canvas AI Essentials module.

I wish you all the best as you progress through your doctoral journey.

Ngā mihi nui,
Professor JR (Julie) Rowland
Ihonuku Rangahau Ao Whānui | Pro Vice-Chancellor Global and Graduate Research

June highlights

Feeling frustrated? Help is at hand!

Many doctoral candidates say that receiving and dealing with feedback from their supervisors is one of the most frustrating areas of their candidature. You wait for ages, and when the feedback comes, it’s not what you wanted. Is there anything you can do?

To tackle this weighty topic, we have invited popular international speaker Hugh Kearns to present his very helpful and practical online talk: "Good Feedback: Asking for It, Getting It, Responding to It". Hugh works with candidates all over the world, helping them navigate their PhD journeys more effectively. His workshops are always well attended, so book early to avoid disappointment. Tuesday 23 June (Zoom). Register here.

The ResBaz countdown has begun

Research Bazaar Aotearoa 2026 (ResBaz) is a series of 40 free online workshops which transfer digital skills and methods at the heart of modern research, covering everything from programming in Python to designing better posters. Workshops are delivered by academic and professional staff, postgrad students, and volunteers. Last year, more than 2,300 researchers took part. Monday 29 June to Friday 3 July (Zoom). Register here.

What's on in June and July

Policy reminder

Off-campus research approval

If you’re planning to undertake research off-campus – whether elsewhere in New Zealand or overseas – you must apply for prior approval from your supervisors and the School of Graduate Studies. This ensures you’ll have the necessary resources and support to successfully complete your studies.

If you use Wahapū, you can submit your application via the Change Request section. If not, you should complete the Doc 6 form.

Please note that non-New Zealand citizens (including NZ permanent residents and Australian citizens) must be physically present in New Zealand to benefit from the PhD Domestic Tuition Fees Policy, in line with non-negotiable criteria set by the NZ Government. These candidates may spend up to 12 months overseas only when undertaking research that cannot be conducted to the same standard within New Zealand.

If you are currently based overseas or outside Auckland for more than one month without prior approval, contact your supervisors as soon as possible to discuss your situation and contact doctoraladvice@auckland.ac.nz.

Finally, if you are intending to study outside of Auckland, please make sure you are familiar with the Doctoral Off-Campus Research Policy and Procedures. Failing to comply with these requirements may result in termination of enrolment and/or loss of domestic fee eligibility.

Helpful hint

Candidates in the spotlight

Xiaoliang Liu | Business and Economics

As the Government signals 8,700 public sector job cuts, doctoral candidate Xiaoliang Niu has offered insights into te ao Māori perspectives which offer a broader way of assessing economic decisions.

Xiaoliang says these principles align with what Māori scholars and practitioners describe as an “economy of mana”, an approach that measures economic activity by whether it upholds dignity, strengthens relationships, enhances collective wellbeing, and regenerates the conditions that allow people and communities to flourish.

Read more about his research in An economy of mana: what public sector cuts really cost.

Justine Skilling | Arts & Education

Justine Skilling, a doctoral candidate in Sociology, has focused her research on collaborative efforts to make the South Auckland suburb of Māngere greener, guided by te ao Māori principles. 

She says the work to regenerate ngahere (forest, or "many connections") is already having positive impacts on the wellbeing of people and place. She hopes her findings will inform policy and encourage investment in indigenous-led, community-driven environmental work, with results that will benefit multiple generations. 

Learn more about Justine and her research in Making Māngere green again.

Notices

Doctoral Public Impact Programme

Do you want to translate your research findings into meaningful real-world impact in the public interest? Our new one-year Doctoral Public Impact Programme will provide you with the knowledge, skills and strategies to do so. Apply by Friday 19 June. Read more.

Research to Start-Up Bootcamp

If you're looking for something shorter, consider the three-day Research to Start-Up Bootcamp in July. You'll learn how to turn research into opportunities, explore venture fundamentals, and connect with innovators. Apply by Sunday 21 June. Learn more.

Get involved with SDG8

As chair of the UN Academic Impact Hub for Sustainable Development Goal 8, the University leads global academic efforts to advance decent work and inclusive economic growth. Coordinated through the Business School, this includes new interdisciplinary research clusters, student engagement initiatives, international collaborations, public events, and policy dialogues. If you'd like to get involved, email sdg8@auckland.ac.nz.

New library software

Libkey enables faster one-click access to download pdfs of journal articles where the article has a digital object identifier, while LibKey Nomad is a browser extension which allows you to browse the web and connect to full‑text journal articles. BrowZine is a new journal platform and app to browse, read, and monitor most online journals available via the University Library. You'll be able to create a bookshelf of your favourite journals and receive notifications about new journal issues. Find out more about Libkey and BrowZine.

Scene around

DELP kicks off in style

The 2026 Doctoral Entrepreneurial Leadership Programme (DELP) started with a three-day residential at Castaways Resort. The doctoral candidates chosen for this year-long programme came together to build connections, develop entrepreneurial thinking, and reflect on how their research can create real-world impact. Learn more about DELP.

Scholarships

Fine Arts

Carole Ada Cliff Doctoral Scholarship: A $5,500 Scholarship to support a student enrolled full-time in the first year of a DocFA or PhD in Fine Arts. Closing date: Wednesday 17 June. Apply here.

Religious Studies

Foveran Scholarship: Up to $30,000 of scholarships for New Zealand Citizens or Permanent Residents enrolled full-time or part-time in Theological and Religious Studies. Closing date: Wednesday 17 June. Apply here.

Engineering

Colombo Plan Scholarship in Engineering: A $3,000 Scholarship to assist an international student who is a citizen of a Colombo Plan member country with a contribution towards tuition fees in Engineering. Closing date: Thursday 25 June. Apply here.

Fulbright Awards

Fulbright offers awards for NZ graduate students to undertake postgraduate study or research at US institutions in any field. Closing date: Saturday 1 August. Apply here.