The Next Lap | London 14 October

Professor Nic Smith makes his first visit to the UK since taking up the role of Vice-Chancellor of the University of Auckland. Join alumni and friends in Shoreditch for an evening of conversation, drinks and canapés, and the UK launch of the Campaign for the Bruce McLaren Centre for High Performance Engineering.

Click here to register online and secure your complimentary tickets

Hear from our new Vice-Chancellor

An Engineering alumnus and former Dean of Engineering, Nic Smith has returned home to lead the University into its next chapter. He will share his early thinking on the University's future, its place in the world and the opportunities ahead.

The UK launch of the Bruce McLaren Centre

At the heart of the evening is the launch of one of the University's boldest new global initiatives.

Created in the spirit of Bruce McLaren, the Centre brings together engineering, design, innovation and entrepreneurship to help address some of the most urgent and exciting challenges facing the world. It has the endorsement of McLaren Automotive, McLaren Racing and Bruce's daughter Amanda McLaren, the Campaign Patron.

The Bruce McLaren story reaches far beyond motor racing. It is a story of New Zealand ingenuity, ambition, leadership and the determination to turn bold ideas into global impact, and one that will resonate with alumni from every part of the University.

This is more than our usual alumni gathering. Alongside the chance to reconnect with fellow alumni and friends, we expect to be joined by a number of special guests.

Event details

• Date: Wednesday 14 October 2026
• Time: 6.30–9pm
• Venue: UNLOCKED Shoreditch, 118 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3PJ
• Register: Click here to register online
• Cost: Free to attend. Drinks and canapés will be served
• Enquiries: Kailee Zimmerman, Senior Event Planner, erevents@auckland.ac.nz

We do hope to see you there!