University research tells its story

The University of Auckland is breaking from traditional student-centric billboard advertising to highlight some of the outstanding academic work carried out at the largest research institution in Aotearoa New Zealand.

From early December, commuters along Khyber Pass will not only see examples of the research being carried out at Waipapa Taumata Rau, but, using easily scanned QR codes (even from a stationary car), can explore the stories behind the headlines and quirky designs.

In total, 18 billboards highlight ten unique stories that highlight the range and depth of research underway at University of Auckland campuses. These include improving the lives of honeybees, creating 3D versions of Māori taonga, balancing tourism and sustainability, the potential of mātauranga Māori, improving access to healthcare through digital means, supporting ocean health, using timber design in innovative architecture, and indigenous voices in the law.

Director of Marketing and Recruitment Mark Howard said that the billboards provided an opportunity to profile the creativity, innovation and academic rigour that goes to the heart of the University.

“Waipapa Taumata Rau is a research-led university, meaning our teaching and learning is based on the research that is carried out by our academics. While our normal campaigns are ‘student-forward’, this one gives us the opportunity to focus on what goes on in the wheelhouse of Auckland University – the research that is adding to the sum of human knowledge and that is making a difference to New Zealand and across the globe.

“Each of the billboard panels shares a unique insight into each faculty or the University as a whole, and the full set demonstrates the depth and breadth of work we are involved in and the collaborations that lead to endless possibilities and positive change.”

The billboards will be on display throughout 2024.

Read more:

• Research project spies on honey bees, for their health
• Printing 3D backups of taonga
• The power and potential of Mātauranga Māori in education
• Architectural excellence celebrated at Timber Design Awards
• The great balancing act: tourism and sustainability
• How digital people could improve access to healthcare
• Velocity named academic initiative of the year
• Helping our oceans to flourish again
• Indigenous voices important for law system to progress
• Nutrition for life-long health