Creativity and innovation take centre stage during Minister’s visit

Cabinet Minister Hon Paul Goldsmith returned to familiar ground on Tuesday 27 May, visiting the University of Auckland to see first-hand how students and researchers are shaping a more creative and innovative future.

A University alumnus, the Minister toured two of the University’s flagship facilities – the award-winning B201 and the Newmarket Innovation Precinct – in a visit that highlighted the breadth of activity happening across the University.

“The University welcomed the opportunity to show University alumnus and Senior Cabinet Minister Hon Paul Goldsmith how creativity, curiosity, imagination and invention come to life at Waipapa Taumata Rau, first with dance students at the Faculty of Arts and Education and then with researchers at the Newmarket Innovation Precinct,” said Vice-Chancellor Professor Dawn Freshwater.

The visit began at B201 with the Vice-Chancellor and Simon Neale, the University of Auckland’s Chief Property Officer. B201 is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most sustainable refurbishments and a leading example of low-carbon design.

There, Minister Goldsmith stepped into a dance class and was treated to a short, choreographed performance by undergraduate students that offered a glimpse into the creative talent at the University.

He then travelled to the Newmarket Innovation Precinct, a hub where entrepreneurs, researchers and start-ups collaborate to drive innovation for New Zealand’s future. He was given a tour by Professor Mark Battley, PVC Research Rep & Performance; Professor Jason Ingham, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Design; and Claire Bennett from the Newmarket Innovation Precinct team.

The Minister met with students from the University’s Formula SAE team, who are designing and building a formula-style electric race car, and toured the Centre for Advanced Materials Manufacturing and Design, which creates bespoke high-tech components aimed at improving sustainability in manufacturing.

The visit ended at the Structures Testing Laboratory, a state-of-the-art facility with specialised equipment like an earthquake simulation table and a strong floor for testing buildings and structures. The lab helps researchers study how to make buildings safer and more resilient during earthquakes.