University of Auckland announces new vice-chancellor

Professor Nic Smith has been appointed vice-chancellor of Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland. He will take up the role on 3 August.

Professor Smith brings a sustained record of leadership in the tertiary sector. He is currently vice-chancellor of Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University of Wellington, a role he has held since 2023. He has also served as Provost at Queensland University of Technology (2020-2022), head of Biomedical Engineering at King's College London (2011-2013) and was professor of computational physiology at the University of Oxford (2008-2011).

From 2013 to 2020, he was Dean of Engineering at the University of Auckland. As Dean, alongside strengthening research performance and industry engagement, he led the Faculty’s response to the long-standing grievance relating to the Haka Party practices of the 1950s-70s. This was an important step towards acknowledging past harm and advancing reconciliation in the spirit of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

An alumnus of the University of Auckland with a doctorate in Engineering, Professor Smith said he was honoured to be returning to lead his alma mater, in a city that has shaped both his life and his career.

“The University of Auckland plays a uniquely important role in our national life. It brings together diverse expertise to contribute trusted, evidence-based insights into the complex issues facing Aotearoa New Zealand. At a time when public debate can feel increasingly short-term and polarised, universities matter profoundly as a place of careful analysis, long-term perspective and respectful disagreement. This contribution to our shared future has never been more important.”

He said Auckland was a city of extraordinary energy, diversity and ambition, and that the University both reflects and helps shape that character.

“Having first come to Waipapa Taumata Rau as a student, and later as a member of staff, I understand how formative this place can be. At its heart are its people, students, scholars and professional staff, whose ideas and commitment lift society in ways that often exceed what can be immediately measured.

“That personal connection shapes how I see the role of vice-chancellor. My responsibility is to provide conditions that enable our students and colleagues to do work that is distinctive, courageous and of lasting value, strengthening Auckland and contributing to the future of Aotearoa New Zealand.”

Chancellor Cecilia Tarrant said the University held a comprehensive international search for the new vice-chancellor, which included consultation with staff, students, alumni and other stakeholders to identify preferred skills and characteristics.

She said she is delighted with the University Council’s appointment of Professor Smith, noting that he joins New Zealand’s pre-eminent research institution at a time of real strength.

“The University is in a healthy financial position, is ranked 65th in the QS World University Rankings, and has attracted a growing number of students, both domestic and international, over the past five years.”

She said that, as well as strong academic and professional leadership capability, it was important that the new vice-chancellor brought qualities that resonated deeply with the University community.

“Professor Nic Smith is a leader who is grounded in our region, who appreciates the significance of returning to serve the institution that helped shape his own academic journey, and who is committed to advancing Māori and Pacific aspirations. He reflects the values expressed in our strategic plan, Taumata Teitei, and will build on our success in civic, regional and global engagement.

“We are confident that this appointment reflects all of these priorities and that Professor Smith will provide Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland with vision and stewardship.”

Professor Smith takes over from Vice-Chancellor Professor Dawn Freshwater, who last year announced she was stepping down. Her final day in the role is 10 April. The University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation, Professor Frank Bloomfield, will become acting vice-chancellor until Professor Smith starts.