Equity News & Events

Events to promote equity are held throughout the year, both centrally in the University and in all faculties. These help ensure that all staff and students are given all possible opportunities to succeed at the University.

Christchurch Polyfest

The University of Auckland's Equity Office - Te Ara Tautika supported Christchurch's Pacific Community recently at the 2013 SPACPAC Polyfest. Pacific Equity Adviser, Seiuli Terri Leo-Mauu said "It was a wonderful event which brought Pacific culture to centre stage, and was a fantastic opportunity for students to celebrate their identity".

Inaugural LGBTI student and staff network meeting

Date/Time: 6 June 3pm - 4pm

Venue: Lounge, Old Government House

Contact info: Please RSVP by 4 June to Natalie McGrinder

Contact email: n.mcgrinder@auckland.ac.nz

Website equity.auckland.ac.nz/lgbti

Join us to hear about the University’s LGBTI network initiatives and to meet other members of the LGBTI network. Discuss and share with the Equity Office - Te Ara Tautika any issues or concerns that LGBTI students and staff may have, and help decide how best to develop and utilise the LGBTI network in the future.

Please RSVP by 4 June to Natalie McGrinder on n.mcgrinder@auckland.ac.nz

Student Disability Services at Epsom campus temporarily closed

Due to the fire at the Epsom campus on Monday 13 May, Student Disability Services will operate out of the Student Disability Room at the Sylvia Ashton-Warner Library (L125 Epsom campus ) until further notice.

SDS Outreach Coordinator Rebekah Williams can be contacted by email (r.williams@auckland.ac.nz) or on mobile: 021 538 772/DD 60100.

Updates will be posted on the Faculty of Education Facebook page: www.facebook.com/AklUniEducation

New Waipapa Marae Video

This video features interviews with Professor Margaret Mutu – Department of Māori Studies, Dr Deidre Brown – School of Architecture and Planning and architect Ivan Mercep.

Watch the video

Combining Parenting & a Career - upcoming seminar

Parental leave and the return to employment: findings from Growing Up in New Zealand

Presenter: Associate Professor Susan Morton
Date: Thursday 13 June
Time: 1pm
Venue: ClockTower, Presentation Room

Associate Professor Susan Morton, Research Director of Growing Up in New Zealand, will present some early findings about parental leave and managing the transition back to work, including addressing some of the specific challenges facing parents returning to employment.

Growing up in New Zealand is a longitudinal study that provides an up-to-date, population-relevant picture of what it is like to be a child growing up in New Zealand in the 21st century. The study has been explicitly designed to follow children from birth until they are young adults, to understand what works best for children and families.

The Equity Office will also give an overview of the range of policies, resources and support services available at the University, which is committed to a “work environment characterised by a commitment to clear expectations, development of potential, inclusiveness, high achievement and rewarding performance” (Objective 1, Strategic Plan 2013-2020).

There will be a question and answer period after the presentations, followed by a networking opportunity and light refreshments.

For more information

To ensure your seat please RSVP by 7 June to n.mcgrinder@auckland.ac.nz

The Student Voice: Effective Representation and Quality

In 2012, Ako Aotearoa and the New Zealand Union of Students’ Associations commissioned Heathrose Research Ltd. to undertake research into how tertiary organisations can effectively use the voice of students to improve quality of provision. Read more

University establishes inaugural LGBTI network

Call it the rainbow effect.

Offices, staff rooms and public spaces across the University may soon be displaying the University’s new, “safe spaces” stickers for LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Intersex) students and staff.

As a monitored equity group, the University is committed to providing LGBTI students and staff with an inclusive study and work environment that removes unnecessary, unlawful and unfair barriers.

The stickers feature the vibrant, universally-recognised rainbow flag and the words, “Supporting a safe, inclusive environment for LGBTI students and staff”. They are part of a suite of collateral, which also includes an information flyer and dedicated website, for the newly-established LGBTI student and staff network.

Backed by an advisory group including academic and professional staff, and student representation, the LGBTI network provides networking and social opportunities, information and resources, advocacy, and staff training.
Director of Student Equity, Dr Terence O’Neill, says the creation of the LGBTI network is a very important milestone for the University’s student and staff LGBTI community. It comes at a time when many LGBTI people have been unsettled by the strength of opposition from some quarters to the proposed Marriage Amendment Bill that would allow same-sex couples to marry.

“There is a lot of research showing how critically important it is to have a safe and inclusive place for LGBTI people, many of whom are still reluctant to publically identify. I am very pleased that the University recognises that the LGBTI experience is often different in important ways from that of the straight majority.”

For more information visit our LGBTI page