Celebrating 125 years
125 Faces of our University
Last year, we celebrated 125 years since our University was founded.
As part of these celebrations, we showcased 125 faces from our community, because it is the people, past and present, who make our institution a place of fairness, empathy, and whanaungatanga.
Each day, one member of our community was posted on our Instagram page. We’ve collated all the faces posted right here, for you to explore the outstanding students, inspiring staff, historical figures, and remarkable alumni that make Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington the place it is today.
Professor Wendy Larner
Professor Wendy Larner is an internationally respected social scientist, and became Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s Provost in December 2015. As Provost, Professor Larner is responsible for driving the highest standards of academic excellence across the University and overseeing the achievement of key goals in our Strategic Plan.
Eden Ee
Eden Ee was President of the VUW International Students’ Association in 2020 and 2021. While at the University, Eden was a strong advocate for international students, particularly during the pandemic. He was named International Student Champion by WellingtonNZ and 2021 President of the Year by VUWSA for his contributions to the international student community. Eden now works at our International Student Experience office.
Professor Dale Carnegie
Professor Dale Carnegie was one of the founding professors of the Wellington Faculty of Engineering, and has been Dean of the Faculty since 2015. He is an electronic and robotic engineering specialist, and believes strongly in the life-changing importance of good teaching. During his time here, Professor Carnegie has received both our University Teaching Excellence award, and the national Ako Aotearoa Tertiary Teaching Excellence Award.
Professor Jane Bryson
Professor Jane Bryson is the Dean of the Wellington School of Business and Government. Prior to joining the University in 1999, Jane was a human resources manager in the public sector, and a management consultant for twelve years in New Zealand, Australia and Great Britain. Her areas of research include organisational, professional and individual capability; employment relations and organisational change; and management.
Te Pūoho Katene
Te Pūoho Katene (Ngāti Toa Rangātira, Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Tama) graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in Māori Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology, Ecology and Biodiversity. He won a Fulbright Scholarship to do his Masters at Stanford Graduate School of Business in 2017. He now works as the Executive Director of Te Pūtea Whakatupu Trust, pursuing targeted social change within a tikanga-based impact framework, and serves on the Ngāti Toa board.
Professor Alexandra Gillespie
Professor Alexandra Gillespie is an English literature and language graduate. During her time in Wellington, she was involved in the capping review, was deputy warden at Weir House, and President of the NZ Debating Council. In the late 90s, she won a Rhodes scholarship to Oxford University, beginning a lifetime of academia. Now, she's Vice President, University of Toronto, and Principal, University of Toronto Mississauga.
John Rankine-Brown
John Rankine-Brown is one of the founding professors of our University. He was a professor of classics, and is remembered as one of the most social professors, attending every dance, social event, and debate. John believed that the most important thing University taught its students was good character, and that "life is far more than earning a living".
Laura Sissons
Laura Sissons is a Communications Adviser in the Social Media team here at the University and the reason our office looks like a Pinterest board come to life. She graduated from the University of Canterbury with a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Science majoring in marketing and psychology. Laura is always out volunteering and lending a hand where she can, specifically spending her Sundays at the SPCA caring for the puppies.
Dr Tara Officer
Dr Tara Officer is a lecturer in applied health sciences at the School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Health Practice. A pharmacist by background, Tara is passionate about working in academia as a route to improving services for people accessing health care and to helping the next generation of researchers.
Lara Speer
Lara Speer is a half Kiwi, half German artist, designer, and outdoor-adventure lover studying a Bachelor of Design Innovation here at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. She believes that art and design are at the heart of creating positive social change and hopes to use her visual voice to help and inspire others.
Blair McRae
Blair McRae (Kahungunu ki te Wairoa) has been Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Engagement) at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington since 2018. Blair is responsible for our Development and Alumni office, Marketing and Communications, the International office, Future Students, and Partnerships. Blair also looks after the Centres of Asia-Pacific Excellence Te Herenga Waka Press and Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery.
Professor Stuart Brock
Professor Stuart Brock is Vice-Provost (Academic) at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. He is responsible for overseeing all aspects of learning, teaching and student experience at the University. Professor Brock looks after Te Pūrengi—the Student Experience and Wellbeing Directorate and works closely with the Centre for Academic Development and Titoko—the Centre for Student Success.
Laura McQuillan
Laura McQuillan graduated in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Media Studies, and is now a reporter in Toronto for CBC, Canada’s public broadcaster. She started out studying Law, but switched her degree after working part-time at the New Zealand Press Assocation and discovering a love for journalism. During her time at the University, Laura also wrote for our student magazine Salient.
Professor Neil Dodgson
Professor Neil Dodgson is the Dean of the Wellington Faculty of Graduate Research, a professor of computer graphics, and a keen trumpet player. Prior to this, he worked for 23 years at the University of Cambridge. He is a member of the Wellington Chamber Orchestra, and says the experience of playing in an orchestra has taught him the importance of making mistakes to learn—something he instils in his PhD students.
Professor Daniel Taylor
Professor Daniel Taylor was the second Vice-Chancellor of the University, appointed in 1968 on the same day as the Wahine disaster, and holding the position until 1982. Born in Ireland, he studied engineering at Queen's University Belfast, and later the University of Cambridge. During his studies, he was a member of the rowing club, and represented Ireland at the 1948 Summer Olympics in London—the first games since WW2.
Sir Charles Cotton
Sir Charles Cotton was the first lecturer in geology at Victoria College, now Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. A 'thoughtless prank' in high school left him unable to see out his left eye, but he never let this hinder his career. Sir Cotton published prolifically, his work becoming the standard in understanding New Zealand's landscape and geology.
Dr Holly Winton
Dr Holly Winton is a Research Fellow in Antarctic Ice Core Climatology in the University's Antarctic Research Centre. She received a Rutherford Discovery Fellowship for her work investigating phytoplankton in the Southern Ocean and how they modulate climate change. These plants help reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by converting it into organic carbon in the deep ocean. Dr Winton is also an Honorary Researcher at the British Antarctic Survey.
Tapu Vea
Tapu Vea is one of the Pasifika Future Student Advisers in the Future Students Team, and a Human Geographer by trade. Born and raised in the hearty Hutt and hailing from the Kingdom of Tonga, Tapu enjoys trying new cafes, listening to podcasts, and hanging out with family and friends.
Fabiefara Filo
Fabie is from the villages of Asau, Safune, Salelologa, Sa’anapu and Alafua (Samoa), and is one of the Pasifika Engagement Advisers in the Pasifika Student Success team. She runs a charity for at-risk children under Kids Camps New Zealand (Wellington) and is also the President for the PACIFICA Wellington Central Branch.
Dr George Parker
Dr George Parker is a Lecturer in Health Service Delivery at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington and is currently Lead Investigator on a Health Research Council funded study looking at trans and non-binary inclusive pregnancy and birth care. George is a non-binary and queer person and is passionate about working towards inclusive health care and equitable health outcomes for rainbow communities.
Lingy Au
Lingy Au is a Bachelor of Tourism Management and a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration graduate, currently working for the the Asia New Zealand Foundation, Te Whītau Tūhono supporting kiwi entrepreneurs to grow their businesses in Asia. Lingy was a part of our Alumni as Mentors programme this year, connecting him with a final-year student to help them transition into full-time work out of study.
Dr Wallace Enegbuma
Dr Wallace Imoudu Enegbuma is the Masters Research Director within our School of Architecture. He is responsible for continuous research and innovative excellence for over 120 masters’ students from four disciplines. His research focuses on improving digital and sustainable project management practices across the construction industry.
Luke Hempleman
Luke Hempleman is a Communications Adviser in the Central Communications team and a Sagittarius. He is a graduate of the New Zealand Broadcasting School, and has previously worked for SkyTV and MediaWorks Radio. Outside of mahi, he enjoys showing people photos of his dog and watering his plants. Luke likes to claim he's the Gen Z liasion in the team, but as he was born in 1998—we think that's a marginal call.
Professor Nic Smith
Professor Nic Smith is the next Vice-Chancellor of Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. A New Zealander who grew up in Aotearoa, Australia, and Canada, Professor Smith has had extensive experience in leadership roles in the tertiary sector. He is moving to Wellington with his family to take up the role in January. Professor Smith says he is excited by the opportunity to advance the relevance and global mana of the University.
Asma Alfarhoodi
Asma Alfarhoodi is an undergraduate student in the Faculty of Computer Science and Engineering. She came to Aotearoa New Zealand with her family in 2017 as a refugee. Coming here changed her view of the country, culture, and people. Outside of her studies, Asma loves photography—capturing every moment of life whenever she's in or around nature.
Pou Templeton
Pou Templeton is a Kaitawaka Māori—Māori Future Student Adviser at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. In this role he helps to "demystify" life at the University, organising and attending outreach programmes at high schools around the country to attract potential students. Pou is also working towards his PhD, focusing on enhancing the Māori student experience at university.
Pravin Vaz
Pravin Vaz is the School of Engineering and Computer Science’s outreach coordinator, and spends his workdays providing students and teachers in the wider Wellington region with hands-on engineering experience. He is also working towards his Master's in Engineering in Educational Technology. He studied marine biology before becoming a science teacher, first in Mumbai and then in New Zealand.
Lessi Riccio
Lessi Riccio is the Social Media Manager here at Te Herenga Waka. She joined the team at the beginning of the year to revamp our socials and develop the strategic direction for the team. Lessi was born in Melbourne and moved to New Zealand for a new adventure, working for Wellington City Council—where she launched their TikTok account. Her family are proudly Italian, and her Nonna's lasagna recipe is literally the best.
Professor Robyn Phipps
Professor Robyn Phipps was appointed Dean of the Wellington Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation in October 2022. She joined as a Professor of Building Science in January last year and has been Head of School since February. An internationally respected researcher in the performance of homes and schools, Professor Phipps is known for her expertise in sustainable, low carbon, and low-cost solutions for indoor environments that promote wellbeing.
Haowei Yu
Haowei completed her undergraduate in psychology and returned to Victoria University of Wellington complete a Master of Design Innovation with a research focus on interaction design in the healthcare space. Outside of her studies she work at the Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation as a social media and content assistant, as well as tutoring current students.
Professor Jennifer Windsor
Professor Jennifer Windsor joined the University in 2015, and is currently Kaiwhakakapi Tumu Whakarae—Acting Vice-Chancellor. In this role, Professor Windsor takes care of the academic and financial performance of the University. She provides strategic leadership by building and maintaining relationships with our community, both internally and externally.
Professor Margaret Hyland
Professor Margaret Hyland is the University's Vice-Provost (Research). She specialises in chemistry and aluminium technology, and was the first woman to be awarded the prestigious Pickering Medal. Throughout her career, she has held many academic leadership roles where she supports and develops research capability. In addition to her role at the University, she sits on the boards of NIWA and Zealandia.
Sendirella George
Sendirella George is a lecturer in the School of Accounting and Commercial Law. She and her parents fled Iraq in 1995, which heavily shaped her worldview. Her research focuses on social and environmental accounting, examining the way an organisation accounts for all the resources it uses—social, environmental, and human.
Stephen Hughes
Stephen Hughes studied Marketing, Sociology, and Media Studies—completing a conjoint degree in a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Commerce at Victoria University of Wellington. He works at the University’s International Marketing team, aspiring one day to be Taylor Swift’s cup holder. His idols include Shiv Roy from Succession, Amy Dunne from Gone Girl, and Hachikō the Akita Inu.
Anita Ravji
Anita Ravji is the Entrepreneurship Community Manager for the University, based out of The Atom—Te Kahu Te Ao Innovation Space, a hub for students who have an entrepreneurial spirit. Anita’s experience stems from working with international start-ups, running events, and being part of the entrepreneurial community. Anita loves dancing, staying fit, and volunteering for youth.
Annalise Bowden
Annalise Bowden is a fitness adviser in the University Recreation team and a 'worm monitor' for the Kelburn campus, volunteering for to the University’s sustainability team. Her passion is mental wellbeing and helping people to approach fitness holistically, recognising that it’s important to keep your mind and your body working in tandem—and look after our environment too.
Kassandra Wang
Kassandra Wang studies jazz and electronic composition at Te Kōkī—New Zealand School of Music. She co-founded Sounds of Te Kōkī, a concert series of student compositions that champions diversity and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Kssandra is a staunch advocate for creating welcoming communities and amplifying underrepresented voices.
Gerry Keating
Gerry Keating has been a photographer at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington since 1982. He trained in Ireland with a portrait photographer and studied general photography at Polytec. Gerry’s work includes promotional and location photography, studio portraits, public events, and technical photography. After forty years he still loves the work, the University, and its people.
Professor Markus Melloh
Professor Markus Melloh is the Dean of Te Wāhanga Tātai Hauora—Wellington Faculty of Health. He is an internationally respected academic in musculoskeletal health as well as public health, and believes strongly in diversity in science and in working across sectors. As Dean, he encourages co-creative collaborations across our various faculties, with a focus on digital health innovations in fields such as artificial intelligence
Tatyana King-Finau
Tatyana King-Finau (Taranaki, Ōpōtiki, Tonga, Takatāpui) is an aunty, powerlifter, streamer, PhD candidate, and clinical psychology student. She is interested in working alongside communities to explore what Indigenous queer joy looks like for takatāpui, MVPFAFF+, and queer Tangata Whenua me Tangata o le Moana, as well as co-developing meaningful resources for these communities.
Siobhan Gardiner
Siobhan Gardiner is a doctoral scholarship student working towards her PhD in Educational Psychology. She works with children with developmental disabilities and complex communication needs. Her current research focuses on understanding the factors contributing to making these systems more effective. Siobhan is passionate about ensuring all children fulfil their right to functional and independent communication.
Dr Hannah Waddington
Dr Hannah Waddington is a senior lecturer in educational psychology in the School of Education, and heads up the University's Autism Clinic. She received a Rutherford Discovery Fellowship for her work training education and health professionals to identify children who are showing signs of autism. Her research will examine the effects of providing these children with high-quality support versus access to existing services.
Dr Carolina Miranda
Dr Carolina Miranda is Senior Lecturer and Programme Director of European and Latin American Languages and Cultures in our Faculty of Humanities and Social Science. Born and raised in Argentina, she’s lived in Spain and the UK. Her research includes translation studies and twentieth-century Latin American literature. She has published on Argentine, Scandinavian, Spanish and New Zealand crime fiction.
Cameron Madams
Cameron Madams is an undergraduate student in his final year of a conjoint LLB/BA triple majoring in Law, Film, and Psychology. Cameron is currently producing and directing a short fantasy film set at the University to be showcased in October as a part of the 125th anniversary celebrations.
Kokoro Frost
Kokoro Frost is in his final trimester of undergraduate study towards a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Intercultural Communication, with a minor in Mata’upu tau Samoa (Samoan Studies). Aside from his studies, he is also professional swimmer for his home country, Samoa, having competed at several significant international competitions.
Erin Judge
Erin Judge (Ngāti Tūwharetoa) grew up in Hawke's Bay and moved to Wellington to study law—her dream career since she was nine year's old. She's the Executive Director for the Justice Sector Leadership Board, working to reduce harm and the number of people in the criminal justice system. Erin's passion is social justice, working on behalf of those whose voice is not heard.
Josh Allen
Josh Allen is an alumnus of our School of Education and a qualified early childhood (ECE) teacher. He was the recipient of a Teacher Education Excellence Award and a graduate speaker in last year's graduation ceremonies. Josh decided to become an ECE teacher after a day at a centre, where he realised the importance of the work to society. He believes more men should work as ECE teachers, to provide positive male role models for future generations.
Zoë Glentworth
Zoë Glentworth is a Master's student in the Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation. Through the Summer Research Scholarship Programme, she contributed to the restoration of the Te Papa pā harakeke on the Wellington waterfront, spatially surveying the garden and identifying its potential for future use as a community resource.
Sir Robert Stout
Sir Robert Stout is commonly considered the founder of Victoria College, now Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. He was premier of New Zealand on two occasions in the late 19th century and went on to serve as chief justice, the only person to have held both offices. He supported many liberal causes, including women's suffrage.
Professor Maria Bargh
Professor Maria Bargh (Te Arawa, Ngāti Awa) is the first wahine Māori Professor of Politics in Aotearoa New Zealand. She has researched and published widely across Māori and environmental politics, and was the 2020 recipient of the Royal Society Te Puāwaitanga Research Excellence Award. Professor Bargh's work on a ‘tika transition’ for climate change has been used by community organisations, local government, and other academics.
Queen Victoria
Victoria was Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 20 June 1837 until her death in 1901. It is for Queen Victoria that we are named, when in 1897, Richard Seddon founded the University as a way to mark the Queen's jubilee year. Queen Victoria ruled the British Empire for nearly 64 years—the second-longest-reigning English royal in history, topped only by her great-great-granddaughter Queen Elizabeth II.
Corinne Seals
Corinne Seals (Каріна) is a Senior Lecturer of Applied Linguistics in the School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies. She is Ukrainian-American by birth and has a keen interest in supporting people's connections to their heritage through language. Her research also looks at multilingual identities, translanguaging, and forensic linguistics.
Dr Sanjay Arya
Dr Sanjay Arya is an Associate Director (HR Applications) in HR Services. He is leading the efforts within HR Applications to provide a new and amplified, improved future. He deeply believes in growing people around him, the one team approach, and strives to come at his work with a continuous improvement mindset. Sanjay has previously worked in Hong Kong, Singapore, and the USA, before moving to New Zealand in 2011.
Leah Thomas
Leah Thomas is a Te Kōkī—School of Music alumna and current law student. She combines her two areas of study as a passionate arts advocate committed to improving equity and accessibility in classical music. This year, Leah has been running a classical music series on Tuesday nights at a bar (Pōneke Sessions) and a chamber orchestra for freelancers and grads (Gallery Orchestra) while finishing up her Bachelor of Law.
Brie Keatley
Brie Keatley is a graduate of the Master's in Fine Arts (Creative Practice) in Theatre programme. She now works as an advocate at VUWSA where she thoroughly enjoys helping students. Brie also continues to write plays on the side with her debut ‘The Princess and the Knight’ being performed at BATS in November.
Jasmine Glentworth
Jasmine Glentworth is a Bachelor of Communication student studying intercultural communication and the recipient of the 2020 Young Women in Public Affairs scholarship. She believes strongly in the importance of community, and works for Open Home Foundation International (OHFi), who advocate for the care and protection of children in countries all around the world.
Dr Mat Anker
Dr Mat Anker is a lecturer in inorganic chemistry in the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences. He received a Rutherford Discovery Fellowship for his work developing a method for making ammonia without using fossil fuels. Globally, one percent of carbon emissions come from the fossil fuels used in ammonia production, so Dr Anker's work will have far-reaching effects on mitigating climate change.
Paula Tesoriero
Paula Tesoriero MNZM is New Zealand’s disability rights commissioner, a Paralympic gold medal-winning cyclist, and a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts alumna. Paula is an amputee and noticed an absence of disabled role models throughout her school and university years, which sparked her determination to get better outcomes for disabled New Zealanders.
Philip Fountain
Philip Fountain is a senior lecturer in Religious Studies. He researches the entanglements between religion and international aid and development. He has carried out ethnographic research on these themes in Asia, the Pacific, and North America. He is also increasingly turning his attention to questions of religion in contemporary Aotearoa.
Liam Bloomfield
Liam Bloomfield is our rainbow and inclusion adviser. He is a registered social worker, and has worked in both child protection and acute mental health sectors. Liam has seen first-hand the impacts denying an individual’s identity can have on their mental and physical health and hopes to support students to bring their most genuine selves to their personal, professional, and academic lives
Dexter Stanley-Tauvao
Born in Lower Hutt and of the Samoan villages Vailoa-Faleata, Tāga i Savai'i and Neiafu, Dexter Stanley-Tauvao graduated from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington with a conjoint degree in Music and German. After finishing his Honours year, he was invited to join a band that moved to Berlin in 2019. This year, Dexter was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship and is now in New York studying towards a Master of Jazz at the Aaron Copland School of Music.
Isabella Hammond
Isabella Hammond is a Senior Marketing and Communications Adviser at Te Herenga Waka. She holds a Master of Communication with Distinction and a Bachelor of Arts from our University. Isabella’s hobbies include travelling, shopping and eating at the incredible restaurants around Pōneke. As she sets off on her OE, her goal is to get tickets to Taylor Swifts Eras tour in London.
Stacey Shortall
Stacey Shortall is a graduate of Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington Faculty of Law alumna and an accomplished lawyer, currently an established partner at MinterEllisonRuddWatts. During her career, she's used her influence and skill to help women in and from vulnerable places, including refugees and domestic violence survivors.
Bhavana Bhim
Bhavana Bhim graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Classical Studies, researching women being trafficked during ancient warfare. While at University, she interned at a fashion magazine and was student representative for the Humanities and Social Sciences board. Her experience has led to a career in public diplomacy, supporting New Zealand’s embassies and high commissions to promote diplomatic and national interests globally.
Nigel Searancke
Nigel Searancke graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Information Systems in the late 90s, as he says "at the time when computers and IT were just starting to have an effect on the world." Now, he's co-director of one of Wellington's preeminent catering companies, 'Sarah Searancke Catering', leading the business together with his wife through these challenging times.
Professor Ehsan Mesbahi
Professor Ehsan Mesbahi is Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the Wellington Faculties of Science, Health, Engineering, Architecture and Design Innovation (SHEADI). Professor Mesbahi is responsible for providing strategic leadership across SHEADI division, supporting our high-quality academic activity, research impacts, national and global reputation, and ensuring we continue to make a major contribution in solving global issues.
Jacqueline Sturm
Jacqueline Sturm (Te Whakatōhea, Te Pakakohi, Te Ātiawa), born Te Kare Papuni and also known as Jacquie Baxter, was one of the first Māori women to complete an undergraduate university degree at the College, followed by a Master of Arts. A reknowned poet and writer of short stories, she was the first Māori writer to have her work published in an English anthology, and received an honorary doctorate from the University in 2003.
Angela Pelham
Angela Pelham is an undergraduate student finishing her Bachelor of Arts majoring in Theatre and Film. She is regularly involved with creative mahi at Te Herenga Waka and in wider Pōneke. She is drawn to both performing and behind-the-scenes work. Angela gravitates towards projects grounded in aroha and manaakitanga, and strives for inclusion in theatre spaces.
Dr Julie Deslippe
Dr Julie Deslippe is a senior lecturer in the School of Biological Sciences. She received a Rutherford Discovery Fellowship for her work investigating changes in plant biodiversity resulting from a warming climate. Dr Deslippe's work explores plant survival in mountain areas and how plant losses and invasions may affect carbon emissions from these ecosystems. Born in Canada, Dr Deslippe spent her childhood in nature and has always been fascinated by plants.
Dr Alfio Leotta
Dr Alfio Leotta is a Senior Lecturer in the Film Programme. His first book, 'Touring the Screen', explores the relationship between film and tourism in New Zealand. He is also the author of 'Peter Jackson, The Cinema of John Milius and Audiovisual Tourism Promotion'. Alfio is currently co-producing 'Follow the Light', a fantasy short film that celebrates the 125th anniversary of the University.
Judge Ida Malosi
Judge Ida Malosi is a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws alumna. She became New Zealand’s first female Pasifika Judge when she was appointed to the District Court with a Family Court warrant in 2002. She served as Samoa’s first female Supreme Court Judge of Samoan descent in 2013 and 2014, where she established the Family Court and Family Violence Court. In 2021, she became the National Executive Judge for the District Court and in November 2022 Judge Malosi will become the first female Principal Youth Court Judge and the first Pasifika Head of Bench.
Gracyn Bateman
Gracyn Bateman is a Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington scholarship student working towards a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology. Her spare time is spent working on art projects that connect her back to her culture and whakapapa. In the future she hopes to create a space within psychology that is representative and comfortable for Māori youth.
Lexie Etherington
Lexie Etherington is a Master's student in the Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation. Outside of study, Lexie works part time at Fusion Skate in central Wellington, both on the shop floor and in marketing. She umpires for hockey tournaments, tutors other students, and previously worked as a research assistant for PhD candidates.
José Núñez Collado
José Núñez Collado is a lecturer and first year coodinator at the Wellington School of Architecture where he also completed his PhD. His research explores the links between urban informality, climate change, and socio-spatial justice. Particularly, he is interested in understanding how architecture and urbanism can transform poor urban communities.
Danielle Hanna
Danielle Hanna is studying towards a Master of Arts in Philosophy in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. A recent recipient of a scholarship from Graduate Women Wellington, her work focuses on bigotry in society and the best possible responses from positions of allyship to aim for better conversations and outcomes.
Dr Chris Bowden
Dr Chris Bowden is a lecturer in Te Puna Akopai—School of Education. He teaches child and adolescent development, mental health, and counselling. Chris is a suicide-loss survivor and developed Waves, a psychoeducation programme for adults bereaved by suicide. He is a consultant in trauma-informed education, suicide prevention and suicide postvention.
Professor Bing Xue
Professor Bing Xue is the deputy head of school in the Faculty of Engineering, and is working on artificial intelligence and its real-world applications such as healthcare, environment, and primary industry. She is incredibly passionate about her research and teaching and aims to provide the best education in artificial intelligence and utilise its power to make our world better. Throughout Bing's time at the University, she has supervised the research of over fifty students.
Anna Heath
Anna Heath is a peer writer at Student Learning and a Masters of Political Science student. She is currently interning for Jan Logie in the Green Party as part of the Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington's political internship programme. In her spare time, she enjoys photography, baking, and spending time with friends.
Martin Te Punga
Martin Te Punga (Te Ātiawa) was the University's first known Māori PhD graduate, obtaining his PhD in Geology in 1943, and our first Māori lecturer, working closely with Professor Cotton. In 1954 he received a Nuffield Foundation Fellowship for advanced studies at London University, and received the NZ Association of Scientists Research Medal in 1957. Considered to be the first Māori geologist, he was a prolific and influential researcher throughout his entire life.
Vivien Shaw
Vivien Shaw is a postgraduate student in her final year of a Masters of Architecture, supported by the Graduate Women Wellington Master’s by Thesis Scholarship. Her thesis explores theatre architecture in Wellington and celebrates the special energy of performance in relation to architecture. Outside of university she enjoys dancing and performing salsa.
Sir Maarten Wevers
Sir Maarten Wevers is a Te Herenga Waka―Victoria University of Wellington Faculty of Science alumnus, and is a staunch advocate for a stable and effective democracy. Knighted in 2012, Sir Maarten spent 22 years working for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He later worked as chief executive of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Rawinia Higgins
Professor Rawinia Higgins (Tūhoe) is Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Māori) of Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Professor Higgins was chair of the Māori Language Advisory Group that shaped Aotearoa's Māori Language legislation enacted in April 2016. She is Chairperson and Commissioner of Te Taura Whiri i Te Reo Māori, a member of the Waitangi Tribunal, and a board member of the Reserve Bank.
Dr Ágnes Szabó
Dr Ági Szabó is a Senior Lecturer in Health and a Rutherford Discovery Fellow. Her research focuses on understanding and improving the ageing experiences of migrant communities in Aotearoa. As a migrant herself, she is passionate about working with and for communities to ensure we can all live a good life.
The Hon Charles Pharazyn
The Hon. Charles Pharazyn was a sheep-farmer, politician, and the reason our Kelburn campus is where it is today. In 1901, he offered to donate £1000 ($200,000 today) if the college was built on his land in Kelburn. He claimed that his offer was charitable, but he also had invested in the Wellington Tramway Company. The cable car began running the following year and has transported thousands of students up and down the hill.
Imogen Foote
Imogen Foote is a PhD student in the School of Biological Sciences, with a strong interest in appreciating and protecting the natural world. Her research focuses on using genetic tools to help protect our most vulnerable species, including the highly threatened Antipodean albatross that breeds only on NZ’s subantarctic islands.
Maepa Saolotoga
Maepa Saolotoga is in her second year of study, working towards a Bachelor's of Art majoring in Samoan Studies and Pacific Studies. She is one of the 2021 Nga Hoe a Kupe Pathfinder scholarship recipients, and is a proud Samoan tamaitai. Her passion is in exploring different cultures through dance, and learning about their traditions and values.
Dr Ben Walker
Dr Ben Walker (Ngāti Raukawa) is a lecturer in organisational behaviour in the Wellington School of Business and Government’s School of Management. He studies the ‘people side’ of work, management, and organisations, focusing on the psychology of work. Inspired by his own life, Ben is currently planning research on the workplace experiences of people who identify as Māori, but aren’t always perceived that way by co-workers due to their physical appearance..
Professor Sarah Leggott
Professor Sarah Leggott is Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Wellington Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences—Te Wāhanga Aronui and the Faculty of Education—Te Whānau O Ako Pai. In this role, Professor Leggott provides strategic leadership across both faculties and works to promote the value of studying the humanities, social sciences, education, and creative arts.
Sarah Walker
Sarah Walker is a Senior Communications and Marketing Adviser at the University, working within both the Social Media and the Marketing team. The token expat in the team, Sarah is from Cambridge in England, and studied Theology at the University of Exeter. She moved to Aotearoa pre-COVID, and has been stuck here ever since. Sarah keeps us all up-to-date with the latest tea—both in pop culture and around the office.
Professor Simon Mackenzie
Professor Simon Mackenzie is the Acting Dean of the Wellington Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. Simon joined the University as Professor of Criminology in 2016, having previously been a Professor at the University of Glasgow. He is internationally renowned for his research into organised and transnational crime, white-collar crime, and the contemporary global trade in antiquities trafficking.
Heemi Taumaunu
Heemi Taumaunu (Ngāti Porou-Ngāti Konohi, Ngāi Tahu) is a Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington alumnus, and is now Chief Judge of the District Court. His time as a lawyer led him to create Ngā Kōti Rangatahi o Aotearoa where rangatahi are brought to marae to address wrongdoing and formulate a plan through tikanga Māori.
Professor David Harper
Professor David Harper was appointed Dean of our Faculty of Science in 2014. A behavioural pharmacology specialist, Professor Harper has taught at the School of Pscyhology for nearly 30 years, researching the effects of drugs on behaviour and also how behavioural factors contribute to the actions of drugs. As Dean, he's responsible for the operational and strategic management of the five schools within the Faculty, as well as overseeing programme administration and development.
Harry Kirk
Harry Kirk is one of the founding professors of our University. He was appointed chair of biology in 1903—a controversial decision at the time, as he was the only founding professor educated in New Zealand. Harry was dedicated to establishing and developing a biology department, and the building he fought so hard for was later named after him.
Maddison Hagger
Maddison Hagger is an undergraduate student in her final year of a Bachelor of Arts majoring in History and Political Science. Maddison is passionate about the history of Aotearoa New Zealand and is interested in how the past influences our present and future. She is also passionate about human rights and giving back to communities.
Thomas Laby
Thomas Laby was our first chair of physics, appointed in 1909. Born in Australia, Laby's research area was in radioactivity and x-ray equipment. Alongside Thomas Hunter and George von Zendlitz, he wrote strongly against the University as solely a place of examinations in pursuit of a qualification, where teachers taught an imposed syllabus from England. The men successfully advocated for teachers and researchers to have a say in policy, and asserted the University's independence.
Todd Nicolson
Todd Nicolson graduated from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington with a Bachelor of Commerce Administration in 1997. After moving to London and a lengthy career in HR, Todd set up the New Zealand Beer Collective in 2014. The UK based Collective imports, distributes, and brews kiwi beer, connecting beer lovers in Europe with the best kiwi breweries.
Sir Thomas Hunter
Sir Thomas Hunter was the first Principal of Victoria College, now Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. He was a professor of mental and moral philosophy, and would serve our community for almost 50 years. Part of the State Schools' Protection Society, Sir Thomas opposed bibles in public schools, wanting students to think for themselves and stand on their own two feet.
Sir John William Salmond
Sir John William Salmond was a lawyer, solicitor general, a judge of the Supreme Court, and founding chair of Law at Victoria College. During his time here, he wrote several prominent legal texts and receieved multiple honours, including the Ames Prize from Harvard University. In 1907 he joined the Office of Law Drafting where he helped draft the Native Land Act alongside Sir Āpirana Ngata. Sir John later became solicitor general, and served on the bench until his death in 1924.
Mark Daldorf
Mark Daldorf joined Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington this year as Director People and Capability bringing 30 years of management experience in leading teams through periods of change. Mark was recently the Head of People and Capability at Airways New Zealand where he repositioned and upskilled their human resources teams to meet the challenges presented by COVID-19 and prepare for a more digital world.
Associate Professor Meegan Hall
Associate Professor Meegan Hall (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Tūwharetoa) is the Assistant Vice-Chancellor Mātauranga Māori. She provides strategic leadership to grow engagement with mātauranga Māori across the University in learning, teaching and research. Her own research combines her experience as an academic developer with her disciplinary background in Māori studies. She is on the research leadership team of Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga, the Principal Investigator of He Pā Mataora, a research project about marae and climate change, and a Principal Fellow of AdvanceHE.
Chief Judge Christina Inglis
Chief Judge Christina Inglis is the Employment Court’s first female Chief Judge. She graduated from the University with a Master of Law with Honours. Since, she has gone on to lead the Crown Law Human Rights Team and sit on the Advisory Board of the New Zealand Centre for Human Rights Law and Practice. This year she is being awarded with an honorary Doctor of Law for her work.
Chris Parkin
Chris Parkin CNZM is a Te Herenga Waka―Victoria University of Wellington alumnus―one of the first to complete degrees in both Science and Commerce. A three-term Wellington City councillor, former hotelier, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and art collector, Chris is now a property investor in Te-Whanganui-a-Tara.
Rachel Taulelei
Rachel Taulelei (Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga, Ngāti Rārua, Ngāti Koata) is a Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington Faculty of Law alumna, who launched her career as New Zealand's Trade Commissioner in the US. She founded sustainable seafood company Yellow Brick Road, worked as CEO for award-winning Māori food company Kono, and has now founded her second start up, Oho.
John Beaglehole
John Beaglehole enrolled at the then Victoria College in 1919, studying history and writing for the student paper Spike. After completing his master's in London, he returned to New Zealand and was later appointed a history lecturer at the University. His most notable achievement was his biography of Captain James Cook, and his dedication to history is why our archives are named after him.
George von Zedlitz
George von Zedlitz was the University's first professor of modern languages, and first president of the Victoria Rugby Club. German born, Professor von Zedlitz felt immense public pressure to resign from his role at the outbreak of WWI. The University council refused to accept his resignation, but when the government passed the Alien Enemy Teachers Act in 1915, they were left with no choice.
Liam Malone
Liam Malone MNZM is a Bachelor of Commerce graduate of the University, a paralympian, and a Member of New Zealand's Order of Merit. Liam spent his final year of university juggling study with the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, where he claimed two gold medals in the 200 and 400 metre events, breaking the record for both. Now, Liam works as an Account Manager for Amazon and as a professional speaker.
Professor Louise Dixon
Professor Louise Dixon is the Dean of the Wellington Faculty of Science and the first woman to be appointed to the role. As Dean, she is responsible for the academic direction of the Faculty. She is an internationally respected researcher. Her work focuses on the prevention of interpersonal aggression and violence, and has influenced practice and policy in correctional, health, psychological, policing, and political areas.
Sir Thomas Easterfield
Sir Thomas Easterfield is one of the founding professors of our University. A renowned chemist, he was professor of physics until T. H. Laby took over in 1909. During his time he published many original papers, and is recognised as one of the most productive chemistry professors at that time. Sir Thomas retired in 1919 and was subsequently appointed as our first emeritus professor.
Eileen Duggan
Eileen May Duggan was a poet and journalist, who graduated from Victoria College in 1917 with a Bachelor of Arts in Latin, Education, and English, and later a Master's in History in 1918. She began teaching after graduating, but after getting ill abandoned her intended career. Instead, she began writing. By 1931 she was a regular publisher of historical and critical material, short stories, and poetry, and is considered the first New Zealand poet to be recognised internationally.
Richard MacLaurin
Richard MacLaurin was one of the University's founding professors and a mathematics scholar. In 1907, he additionally became a professor of law, dean of the Faculty of Law, and an honorary professor of astronomy. Richard left Wellington not long after however, for a position at Columbia, later taking up the role of president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Lisa McLaren
Lisa McLaren is a Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington Faculty of Science alumna, graduating with a Master in Environmental Studies. Now a climate change activist, she was national convenor of the Zero Carbon Act campaign for Generation Zero, and is studying once more to look at how community-led science can be a tool for climate resilience.
George Aitken
George Aitken was an economics graduate and former All Blacks captain. He represented the University in cricket, diving, tennis, and rugby union, playing for the University, Wellington, and later the All Blacks. George received a Rhodes Scholarship to study at Oxford in 1922 and moved to England. There, he won an Oxford rugby blue, and later represented Scotland, playing eight Tests for them between 1921 and 1929. After Oxford, he went into business in England, returning to New Zealand in 1939.
Sir Ernest Marsden
Sir Ernest Marsden was appointed Professor of Physics at the University in 1915, at the recommendation of Sir Ernest Rutherford, having worked together on Rutherford's Nobel Prize-winning model of the atom. In 1926 he was appointed head of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR). The Marsden Medal and Marsden Fund are named after him.
Sir Paul Terence Callaghan
Sir Paul Terence Callaghan GNZM FRS FRSNZ was a New Zealand physicist and the founding director of the MacDiarmid Institute. He studied maths and physics at the University, and excelled, winning a scholarship to study at Oxford University. For his work and research, particularly into nanotechnology and magnetic resonance, Sir Paul received many accolades, including the Rutherford Prize, the Sir Peter Blake medal for leadership, and the title of Principal Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Alicia Robinson
Alicia Robinson is a Cybersecurity Engineering student who is a recipient of the Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington Foundation Trustees’ First-In-Family Scholarship. She is using her experiences to encourage and support other young women in STEM, especially those who are also the first in their families to seek higher education.
Jessica Godfrey
Jessica Godfrey is general manager of VicBooks and a Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington alumna, with a conjoint Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Arts majoring in linguistics. Born and bred in the capital city she is an enthusiastic Wellingtonian who loves interior design, travel, eating out, coffee, and books!
Christina Tay
Christina is the Director of Services, Employee Advisory and Resolution Service (EARS)—Te Rauawa at the University. She studied law at Waikato University, where she was first introduced to the kaupapa of dispute resolution. She later completed her Master's in mediation and conflict resolution in Glasgow. She is a fully trained and accredited restorative justice facilitator, and is passionate about creating more positive work environments.
India Worsnop
India Worsnop (Waikato Tainui) is an undergraduate student in her final year of a Bachelor of Arts, double majoring in Theatre and Film in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. She recently completed an intensive 10-week production process of a full-length live Shakespeare season in Wellington University’s theatre venue, Studio 77.
Professor Mark Hickford
Professor Mark Hickford is a leading Wellington public and Māori law issues specialist and Pro Vice-Chancellor Government, Law and Business at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. In this role, he is responsible for ensuring our programmes maintain and grow their excellent global reputation. With an extensive research and publishing record, Professor Hickford continues to lead legal thinking on local, national and global challenges.
Jeremy Cheng
Jeremy Cheng is a graduate of Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington International Master's in Business Administration. He is the founder of GEN+ Family Business Advisory and Research, an independent advisory firm working with Asian family businesses, and our alumni regional coordinator in Hong Kong.
Nando Azevedo
Nando Azevedo is the Production Manager for Image Services, the University's in-house media production unit. Together with his team, he is responsible for creating video and photographic content that supports the University's mission to transform lives through research, teaching, and engagement. Nando has also recently finished his Master of Communication degree here at the University, and is looking forward to graduating next year.
Michelle Cameron
Michelle Cameron produces video content for the University as part of our Image Services team. An indigenous filmmaker from Borneo, the devastation of palm oil production on native lands fuelled her passion for environmental and social rights. In 2021 she released a 7 episode mental health web series entitled “Fight or Flight: my journey with anxiety” funded by the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, and has worked on several social short films and documentaries.
Dr Aola Richards
Dr Aola Mary Richards was a New Zealand entomologist specialising in the study of wētā. She graduated from Victoria College with a Master of Science in Zoology in 1954, and in 1958 became the first woman in New Zealand to gain a PhD in Biological Science. She is nearly single-handedly responsible for identifying the various native wētā species, as well as classifying new species, and throughout her career contributed greatly to conservation efforts.
Danny Chan
Danny Chan graduated from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington with a Bachelor of Commerce Administration (Honours) in 1974. He founded the Academic Colleges Group (ACG), an education and training company, in 1995—providing education for more than 13,000 students at 35 campuses across New Zealand, Indonesia and Viet Nam.