Welcome from our Associate Dean (Diversity and Inclusivity) and Kaiārahi

Welcome to the Equity pages for the Faculty of Science.

The Faculty recognises Te Tiriti o Waitangi/The Treaty of Waitangi our foundational document, and the status of Māori as tangata whenua. We value equity and diversity among staff and students and proactively work to create more inclusive and socially-just environments where participation and success are available for all, regardless of background. Science is a many-pointed star, and diversity among staff and students facilitates our shining in the brightest ways possible.

We aim to encourage and provide equal opportunities in both education and employment, and are committed to promoting, developing and monitoring equity policies and best practices for all our students and staff. This commitment is supported by the work of the Māori and Pacific Governance Group and the Faculty Equity Committee, and through the leadership of the Associate Dean Diversity and Inclusivity, Frederique Vanholsbeeck, and the Kaiārahi, Jason Tutara. The support we receive through being nested with a University-wide community committed to equity, led by the Pro VC Equity, Trudie McNaughton and Pro VC Māori, Cindy Kiro, is essential.

Our work is varied, vital, and exciting – but the task isn’t minor and the challenges can be great. In some areas, our steps are still small and tentative; in others, our strides are longer and firmer. But they are steps forward nonetheless, and we are proud of the difference. We are making and feel optimistic for a diverse and inclusive future for science.

Jason Tutara
Kaiārahi

Frederique Vanholsbeeck
Associate Dean, Diversity and Inclusivity