Our studies centres

The institute has five studies centres which combine research and networking both internationally and domestically.

New Zealand APEC Study Centre

The NZASC is part of a network of Study Centres established by APEC governments to provide research-based insights into frontier issues related to trade and economic integration in the Asia-Pacific. The Centre's research focusses on economic integration, connectivity, innovation, development of a strong digital economy and inclusive and sustainable growth for all.

China Studies Centre

The China Studies Centre seeks to promote cooperation among China researchers, both within and external to the University of Auckland. The Centre has more than twenty Research Associates from throughout the University conducting research in and on China.

Fields of interest include philosophy, linguistics, literature, culture, history, politics, international relations, education, materials science, food quality, consumer behaviour, pharmaceuticals, environmental science, urban planning, logistics and retailing. The Centre also runs seminars and forums on China.

The Acting Director of the China Studies Centre is Dr Stephen Noakes.

Dr Stephen Noakes

Senior Lecturer
Email: s.noakes@auckland.ac.nz
Phone: +64 (0) 9 923 3510

Japan Studies Centre

The Japan Studies Centre seeks to strengthen the University's leading national role in research on Japan by providing a forum for scholarly cooperation across the disciplines. It draws on the expertise of research associates from departments and schools across the University and promotes international collaboration with scholars and research institutes throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Recent publications based on international conferences hosted by the Centre include Disasters and Social Crisis in Contemporary Japan, Mark R. Mullins and Koichi Nakano, eds. (Palgrave Macmillan Press, 2016)  and Belief and Practice in Imperial Japan and Colonial Korea, Emily Anderson, ed. (Palgrave Macmillan Press, 2017).

The Director of the Japan Studies Centre is Professor Mark Mullins.

Prof Mark Mullins
Emailm.mullins@auckland.ac.nz
Phone: +64 (0) 9 923 7391

Korea Studies Centre

The Korea Studies Centre brings together scholars and others with an interest in Korea. It regularly holds seminars and conferences on Korean themes. With the support of the Korea Foundation and the Academy of Korean Studies (AKS), the Korea Studies Centre has invited leading scholars of Korea to visit New Zealand to give public seminars and held conferences on a variety of Korea-related topics. Past conferences have included Confucianism and Korea, Korean Women, North-South relations, the 2012 celebration of 50 years of the New Zealand-Republic of Korea diplomatic relationship, 'Empire of Religions: Exploring Belief and Practice in Imperial Japan and Colonial Korea' (in collaboration with the Japan Foundation), and, most recently, Korean Ethnic Return Migration and Diasporic Engagement Policy.

The Director of the Korea Studies Centre is Dr Yuri Seo.

Dr Yuri Seo
Senior Lecturer
Emaily.seo@auckland.ac.nz
Phone: +64 (0) 9 923 8277

Southeast Asia Studies Centre

The Southeast Asia Studies Centre provides a forum for researchers and others interested in Southeast Asia to share ideas and develop collaborations through workshops, seminars and informal meetings. We aim to engage researchers with an interest in the region from different disciplinary orientations.

Our events involve both members of the University of Auckland community and individuals from other institutions and backgrounds. Our research projects and events have covered economic conditions and business trends in the region, cooperation and regional institutions, political and economic developments in Indonesia, Singapore and Myanmar, and fisheries management, including labour conditions. We welcome the participation of researchers and others who have an interest in any country of Southeast Asia.

The Director of the Southeast Asia Studies Centre is Dr Jesse Grayman.

Dr Jesse Grayman
Email: j.grayman@auckland.ac.nz 
Phone: +64 (0) 9 923 8661

To find our more about the directors of our Studies Centres, please visit Our people page.