Issue 122 – Monday 13 May 2024
Contents
HeadsUp
I write from home base, caught in the claws of a head cold. Possibly exacerbated by extended periods sitting out in the clear cold night of Saturday past. Wasn’t seeing the aurora amazing? I hope at least some of you saw it. Some environmental phenomena definitely warrant that overused and often diminished word ‘awesome’.
Talking about colourful, it was superb to be in the company of so many ENV staff at graduation last week. On my count there were 13 on stage for the first ceremony. Let’s keep that up for September. Yes, it’s a day largely away from busy-work on our screens or with current students, but ultimately an occasion in which the university celebrates the community of purpose that it is. It’s one of those times we get nudged out of our usual routines and have unexpected conversations and encounters. A few laughs and a lot of clapping. As we should. There’s lots to celebrate even in a fraught world. Special congratulations to Tom Baker whose partner Ash crossed the stage, capped with a PhD!
While on congratulations, a big well done to those who are leading the four Marsden applications which have received invitations to submit to the second round: Michael Rowe, Karin Bryan, Paul Augustinus and (research fellow) Leane Makey. Now the hard work begins again. Of course, few grant successes are individual efforts, so appreciation to Kelly and team – among others – for support. And commiserations to the eight other colleagues whose efforts did not meet with such an invitation. The quest for external research funding is a roller-coaster to say the least. I do hope those to whom the gate wasn’t opened will consider reworking their applications for next, or another, year.
To more mundane matters. You’ll have read JR’s email carefully outlining the new travel policy. As with, for example, ethics applications, being asked questions can clarify out thinking. Questions can prompt us to not make assumptions and take things for granted. So too with the Travel Policy. The new FoS form asks us “how [does] this travel meet the definition of essential travel including why benefits cannot be achieved through teleconferencing or videoconferencing”. This is not a ‘thou shalt not fly’ policy, as was one interpretation. Rather it is a request to reflect carefully and critically on we are proposing to travel. No need for an essay-length response but, likewise, expect your form to be returned if the question is ignored. And it may just be that what you seek to do could indeed be achieved from here. Please also note that no work-related travel is permissible without completion of an approval form.
Apart from writing Heads-up, having ADPR conversations and writing ‘Happy to approve’ the steady flow of requests, what has the Head of School been up to? Well, for the curious, here are three of the more interesting exchanges of the last week: first with Library staff deliberating on what to do with a cabinets full of uncatalogued geological maps and aerial photographs; second, with a consultancy wanting my views on our university’s “Employer Brand” and its “EVP” (Employee Value Proposition”); and third, working with Blair and Thomas to try and save the School a considerable sum from a legacy GIS license (for which we continue to be billed but are now (thanks to Thomas’s forensics) a minority user). And those are only the highlights. Never a dull moment!
I’ll be away next week and I’m grateful to George Perry for being Acting HoS.
Have a great fortnight,
Robin Kearns, HoS
ENV-stories
On fine weekends in the 1970s it was rare not to hear a concrete mixer going in a back garden somewhere. Grownups would gather to create paths and steps and patios using a few simple tools. The day would end with meat on a barbeque and big, brown glass bottles of DB. If you were there, you know what I mean. And even if you weren’t, you might still be enjoying the concrete wonderland in your garden.
My father loved concrete. He was a civil engineer and a founding editor of the International Journal of Ferrocement. However, like most academics, he had never actually built anything. So, he decided to build a ferrocement boat in the garden. We thought this was completely normal because my parents had many friends doing the same thing. They had plastering parties to plaster each other’s boats. They made things they could exchange with each other (stoves, ladders, anchors) because most of what they needed could not be found in the shops or was unaffordable. Unlike most of the others, my parents finished their boat, launched it, and remained married.
We set sail from Auckland for Tahiti. Three weeks later we arrived in Fiji. It wasn’t our fault: there was a persistent anti-cyclone. Fortunately, my mother was excellent with a sextant. (This was before GPS. My job was to time her shots of the sun). We experienced many amazing things, and we made it to Alaska (via American Samoa and Hawaii) two years later. I moved off the boat to go to university, but as far as I know it is still going strong in Alaska. My parents sold it when they retired. My father couldn’t resist for long, though. He is building another ferrocement boat in the garden. It’s almost ready to be launched.
Melissa Bowen
Announcements
Masters and Honours Research Presentations
Please mark in your calendars — Honours and Masters students completing this semester will be presenting their research in short talks on Tuesday, 4th June. We will send out the schedule of talks closer to the date.
Melissa and Lorna
Honours and Taught Masters Examination Forms
Supervisors are reminded to complete examination forms for students finishing this semester. Many thanks to those who have already completed these! The forms are with supervisors and should be returned to Melissa so they can be submitted by 24th May.
Guidelines for Importing Samples: Soil, Rock, Sand, Clay, and Water
Regarding the importation of samples—specifically soil, rock, sand, clay, and water—we want to ensure compliance with the Import Health Standard (IHS) regulations.
Any import of these types of samples must include a Declaration accompanying the parcel, as stipulated by the Import Health Standard for soil, rocks, clay, and water. We strongly advise reviewing the IHS to understand the specific regulations applicable to your type of sample. IHS.
Please be aware that the School of Environment does not function as a Transitional Facility. Therefore, any samples not cleared by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) cannot be brought onto any of the School Facilities. Such samples must be held in a transitional facility until MPI clearance is obtained.
If your samples require clearance, please contact the Hazardous and Containment Team for guidance. You can contact Francesca Casu at francesca.casu@auckland.ac.nz for assistance in navigating these procedures.
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Working with Living Organisms?
Biosecurity and Animal Ethics responsibilities for research with living organisms
Biosecurity
Unwanted Organisms under the Biosecurity Act
If you are planning to work with an unwanted organism under the Biosecurity Act Registers and lists for pests and diseases | NZ Government (mpi.govt.nz) or you are unsure, please contact the Biosafety Officer at francesca.casu@auckland.ac.nz. Permits must be obtained before moving the organism and the Biosafety Officer coordinates the permits.
o if you are unsure, do not move, collect or replicate the organism as you will breach section 52 and/or 53 of the Biosecurity Act and penalties are as below:
“Every person who commits an offence against section 52 or 53 of the Biosecurity Act is liable on conviction, —
(a) in the case of an individual person, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years, a fine not exceeding $100,000, or both:
(b) in the case of a corporation, to a fine not exceeding $200,000.
Examples are plants infected or even suspected to be infected with Kauri dieback or myrtle rust. Some worms, insects, alga, fungus, fish, plants, etc. classified as unwanted
New Organisms (and genetically modified organisms) under the HSNO Act
School of Environment is not a Containment Facility is not possible to bring or use genetically modified organisms or New Organisms in any of the School of Environment spaces, under the HSNO Act. This type of research needs to be carried out in a containment facility. If you are not sure whether your species of interest is a New Organism under the HSNO Act please refer to the EPA website or contact the Biosafety Officer at francesca.casu@auckland.ac.nz.
Animal Ethics
If you want to work with Living Animals, please check if they are cover or not under the Animal Welfare Act
https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1999/0142/latest/DLM49669.html
If you have doubts or will need more information how to apply for an animal ethics approval, please visit the following link.
Essential reading before applying for an animal ethics approval | ResearchHub (auckland.ac.nz)
Whakawhanaungatanga – Communities
Te Rau Hiringa Professional Staff Research Excellence Awards
The Te Rau Hiringa Professional Staff Research Excellence Award will recognise and celebrate the innovative and outstanding contributions that professional staff have made to enable excellent and impactful research at Waipapa Taumata Rau.
| ResearchHub
The ResearchHub connects you with people, resources, and services from across the University to enhance and accelerate your research. research-hub.auckland.ac.nz |
| Details | Description |
| Type (fund/award/prize) | Prize |
| Funding | There are two awards presented annually – one for an individual, and one for an individual or small team. Winners will receive $5,000 (individuals) or $10,000 (small teams of 2 to 4). |
| Eligibility | The award is open to professional staff members employed by the University of Auckland or UniServices on a full time or part time basis; or employed in a fixed term position of six months or more. |
| Deadlines | 7 May 2024: Call for nominations opens
1 July 2024: Deadline for nominations. Submit nomination forms by email to www.internalawards@auckland.ac.nz Winners will be announced at the Te Taumata Rangahau | Celebrating Research Excellence Event |
🎨✨ Postgraduate Event: Art Wellness Night✨🖌️
Join us for an evening of creative relaxation with mixed mode of art! Engaging in artistic activities is known to boost wellbeing, so come unwind with us. This event offers a welcoming environment for creativity, regardless of your skill level! 👩🎨🖼️ Enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks while you unleash your inner artist—don’t miss out! 🍿🥤 🗓️ Date: Friday, May 17th ⏳ Time: 6 – 8pm 📍 Location: Breakout Space, B302 Level 6, University of Auckland 🎟️ Ticket: Free, reserve on Humanitix – https://events.humanitix.com/postgraduate-art-wellness-night 🌴Theme: Connecting with Nature Spread the word to any postgraduate students you know—we can’t wait to meet everyone! 🫶💜
Hands-on projects to promote sustainability
For those interested in participating in hands-on projects to promote sustainability within the school, we will hold our first meeting will on Friday, May 17th, at 1:30 pm in Room 303-310. Feel free to invite friends to drop in.
Some potential projects you can participate in include:
- Designing communication and promotional materials.
- Developing educational materials for new users of the lab and workshops.
- Conducting sustainability audits.
- Green Chemistry
Please let Natalia Abrego n.abrego@auckland.ac.nz, via email if you are interested in participating in any of these.
First off, a big thank you to everyone who has participated in the Great School of Environment Bake Off hosted by COMPASS PG! Your creativity, enthusiasm, and delicious creations have made this event an absolute hit!
Congratulations to our winners listed below for their awesome efforts! Looking forward to the 2025 Great SoE Bake Off where 2024 runners up can get vengeance and take first place!
Winners:
Best Overall: Mila Huebsch for Snow on the Beach
Best Taste: Anne-Fleur van Leeuwen for the Warm Hug Apple Pie
Best Appearance: Kira and Nicole for the Under the Sea Cake
Best Sweet: Basti Steinke with Death by Tiramisu
Best Savoury: Elizabeth Williams with the Rosemary Focaccia
COMPASS Postgrads is excited to present a Wine & Nibbles night for postgraduate students in the School of Environment!
Join us on Friday 17th May 7pm – 11pm at Mr Murdochs Rooftop Tavern for drinks and nibbles to celebrate nearing the end of the semester.
RSVP HERE or by scanning the barcode on the flyer!
Nibbles will be provided.
Postgraduate students and staff are welcome!
An introductory R Workshop is being run on Thursday 11th and Friday 12th of July 2024. The course will be run by the Statistical Consulting Centre (SCC) in the Department of Statistics.
What’s covered in the workshop?
Introduction
Getting familiar with R
Using R Studio and loading projects/scripts
Basic functions using R
Reading in Data Files (.csv, .xls/.xlsx)
Introduction to R Objects. How R thinks (vectors, matrices, basic data formats)
Working with data(sets)
Cleaning and subsetting
Merging datasets and reformatting
Grouping variables and summarising
R graphics
Starting with plots in R (boxplots, histograms, bar graphs)
Graphics in R with ggplot2 (customising plots)
Data analysis
Introduction to performing t-tests, chi-square tests, ANOVA, and general linear models
As per our previous introductory R workshops, the cost is $300 for UoA students and staff.
You can pay using your PRESS account, research grant, or other UoA account.
You can also opt to use a debit/credit card (however we will have to also add GST for this type of payment – please contact Joei Mudaliar j.mudaliar@auckland.ac.nz for further instructions).
The payment authorisation form for UoA participants paying from a UoA account is attached.
The cost for non-UoA attendees is $500 + GST. Please contact Joei Mudaliar (j.mudaliar@auckland.ac.nz) for payment instructions.
We will be sending out a pre-workshop information email the week prior to the course, however here are some of the details:
Location
We will be in room 302.190. Building 302 is on the corner of Symonds St and Wellesley St. The room we will be using is on level 1, room 190.
Time and schedule
The approximate schedule for both days is attached (since this is the schedule from our previous course, it may yet be altered very slightly).
We will start at 9am and finish at 5pm.
Morning and afternoon tea will be provided, and there are cafes nearby for lunch.
Computers
We will be using a Faculty of Science computer lab.
You are also welcome to use your own laptop. However, please make sure that you have downloaded R and RStudio onto your machine before the workshop (they are free to download).
We will also include some instructions on how to do this in our pre-workshop information email.
Access to computers and the internet
We will arrange access to the lab computers for all non-UoA participants.
We will also have a guest wireless password for non-UoA participants who are bringing their own laptops.
UoA staff and students will be able to access the FoS computers using their normal UoA upi and password.
I hope you can make it on the 11th and 12th July 2024, and we look forward to seeing you there.
Ngā mihi (Kind regards),
Joei Mudaliar | Kairuruku Ratonga ā-Rōpū (Group Services Coordinator)
Department of Statistics | Faculty of Science
The University of Auckland | Te Whare Wānanga o Tāmaki Makaurau
28th AINSE Winter School: Expressions of Interest open (expressions of interest received until 15 May 2024) (flyer attached and available online)
The annual AINSE Winter School offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for senior undergraduate students to discover the potential for further research in nuclear science and related technologies. In the online week of the 2024 event, students can meet and engage with future research collaborators, gain deep insight into ANSTO’s landmark research facilities, and network with other like-minded students from all across Australia and New Zealand.
Online participants can apply for a further opportunity to explore two world-class ANSTO research facilities in person in September, after the online event concludes.
Expressions of Interest for the 28th AINSE Winter School, held online from 1-10 July 2024, are open to all senior undergraduate students interested in learning about the techniques of nuclear analysis. Such techniques have applications across a wide range of disciplines, including archaeology, biology, chemistry, engineering, geology, materials science, medicine, nanotechnology, and physics.
The AINSE Winter School provides an ideal opportunity for students in their final year of undergraduate STEM studies to meet potential collaborators and explore potential options for future research projects using ANSTO facilities in collaboration with ANSTO researchers. Throughout the week, students attend a mix of online lectures, social activities, and experiments relating to:
- Neutron Scattering (using neutron beamlines on the OPAL Multipurpose Reactor);
- X-Ray and IR Scattering (using beamlines on the Australian Synchrotron)
- Ion Beam Analysis (using ANSTO’s suite of linear accelerators);
- Environmental studies using natural radioactivity (including sedimentation rates and erosion, geomorphology, and climate change); and
- Nuclear techniques in materials science.
A virtual tour of other major ANSTO facilities is also included in the program, alongside an online Research Roundup networking event for students to discuss future research opportunities working alongside ANSTO researchers.
For more information, please visit the Winter School website or contact AINSE at forum@ainse.edu.au.
Scholarship AINSE ANSTO French Embassies (SAAFE): applications open (applications close 1 July 2024) (flyer attached and available online)
AINSE, in partnership with ANSTO, the Embassy of France in Australia and the Embassy of France in New Zealand, are delighted to announce that applications for the Scholarship AINSE ANSTO French Embassies (SAAFE) Program are currently open, for international travel in the period 1st October 2024 – 31st December 2025.
Applications close 11.59 pm 1st July 2024 (Australian Eastern Standard Time).
The Scholarship AINSE ANSTO French Embassies (SAAFE) Program is an exciting international exchange opportunity open to Early Career Researchers at the Ph.D. and postdoctoral level. Each successful applicant is provided with costs towards a return flight and up to A$200 per week (up to a maximum of 26 weeks) to support accommodation expenses associated with a visit from:
- Australia/New Zealand to France, or
- France to Australia.
The SAAFE Program supports Early Career Researchers to expand research in nuclear science and engineering in the areas of Health, Environment and Nuclear Technologies, and to initiate sustainable research networks and linkages in order to support Australia, New Zealand and France in research and innovation.
Eligible applicants must be a PhD student in, or hold a postdoctoral appointment at, a French university or AINSE-member university. The research project must be in collaboration with at least one researcher employed by ANSTO or another Australian AINSE-member institution (in the field of nuclear science and engineering and in the areas of Health, Environment or Nuclear Technologies), and at least one researcher employed by a French university or French research institution.
The research internship is required to take place over a period of 8–26 weeks between 1st October 2024 – 31st December 2025.
For more information, including the application form and terms & conditions, please visit our SAAFE website or contact AINSE on +61 2 9717 3376 / applications@ainse.edu.au.
FUNDS FOR ENGAGEMENT WITH HAPORI MAORI
School of Environment has a small budget for enabling engagement with Maori, particularly through koha or contributions that may be needed to initiate research relationships. In disbursing that putea, priority is given to academic staff working on behalf of groups of staff or students, pre/consultation activities for ethics approval and collaborations that are not readily funded through other mechanisms. As it is desirable to utilise the budget before the end of the academic year, however, all well-reasoned proposals will be considered. If interested, email a brief, one paragraph description of a proposed activity and a budget for how funds will be utilised to Brad (b.coombes@auckland.ac.nz). Although there are no prescribed maxima or minima for these grants, the limited scope of the overall budget will likely preclude grants in excess of $1000. Applicants should also be mindful of UoA guidelines or policies for gifting and koha.
Post Graduate Wellbeing ….. where to go
If you are currently coordinating a PG course, could you please post the inforgraphic slide to your Canvas course page so students will know the resources that are available throughout the University.
3k writing grant available for students
These are currently on hold. Rangahau will reopen this fund for requests later in the year, please keep an eye on P-cubed for more details.
Rangahau – Research
Funding for Research Retreats
The Rangahau Committee has a small amount of funding set aside to sponsor Research retreats (e.g grant writing workshops, paper writing). This can be up to 2k per team, with a minimum 2 SoE participants.
If you have an idea that you would like considered, please submit a short paragraph explaining the intention and benefits of the retreat to katarzyna.sila-nowicka@auckland.ac.nz.
Proposal development support
The Rangahau Committee has a small fund set aside to help with proposal development (e.g. writing support, support to scope proposals etc). If you have an idea that fits within this scope please get in touch with Kelly Kilpin to discuss further.
Funding
Funding Calls
| Global Research Engagement Fund (GREF) | |||||||||
| This fund aims to support applicants working towards a pre-identified collaboration or funding opportunity to develop new and emerging research partnerships with international collaborators.
*It is open to all international research funding opportunities, including: Horizon Europe, Wellcome Trust, Wellcome Leap, NIH, NSF, CGC, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, US Federal Funding, International Bilateral Funds. |
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| Value | |||||||||
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| · Deadline | 5pm, 29th May 2024 | ||||||||
| Further Information:
· Form, Guidelines and FAQs can be accessed via the Research Hub · For enquiries, please contact international.research@auckland.ac.nz If you are interested, please also get in touch with your FIRST. |
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| New Horizon Europe Calls |
| In mid-April, the European Commission announced a new selection of funding calls covering the remainder of 2024. The funding call details here Horizon Europe Funding Call List on the Horizon Europe Support Materials page on ResearchHub.
New Zealand can participate in these calls on equal terms as our European counterparts. However, the targeted nature of most of these calls means that it is highly likely that it will be more appropriate for us to partner on these projects, joining European-led bids as a collaborator rather than developing a proposal as a lead. Anybody exploring these opportunities should contact International.Research@Auckland.ac.nz to arrange a discussion and explore additional support available. |
MBIE 2025 Endeavour Support
Sessions to support applicants for the 2025 MBIE Endeavour Scheme (Smart Ideas and Research Programs) are underway – there will be additional events added to the list below as the information comes to hand. If you are planning on submitting an application this round, please let your RPC know asap.
Kick-off session: 20 June 2024, 9:30-12:00
An overview of the Endeavour Scheme – useful to those thinking of applying for the first time, or as a refresher for those who have previously applied. Register here
MBIE Real Stories: 27 June 2024, 10:00-11:30
This session provides an interview-style discussion with a successful Research Program applicant. Register here
Further details are on the Research Hub
| Hood Fellowships | |
| The key purpose of Hood Fellowships is to maintain and enhance the international standing and performance of Waipapa Taumata Rau. The Fellowship aims to help the University meet this challenge by:
· Attracting distinguished overseas academics who are leaders in their field · Developing and retaining the University’s best academic staff · Hosting recognised international experts for guest lectures and seminars · Building stronger international networks among its community of scholars |
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| Value/Duration: | Deadline: |
| · Value: Up to $25,000 for each award
(awards are available each year) · Duration: All fellowships must be completed within the 12-month grant period (1 Jan 2025 to 31 Dec 2025). |
Applications open 1 June 2024 and close 30 June 2024
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| Further Information:
· Form, Guidelines and FAQs can be accessed via the Research Hub · For enquiries, please contact sharissa.naidoo@auckland.ac.nz, Donor Relations & Stewardship Senior Adviser If you are interested, please also get in touch with your FIRST. |
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| RSNZ: Catalyst: Seeding (Round2) | |
| This fund aims to facilitates new small and medium pre-research strategic partnerships that cannot be supported through other means, and with a view to developing full collaborations that could be supported through Catalyst: Strategic over time. | |
| Value/Duration: | Internal Deadline: |
| Up to $80,000 (excluding GST) over a maximum of 2 years is available for each successful feasibility study. | 12 pm, Tuesday 9 July 2024. |
| Further Information (funding call, guidelines, registration info):
· Website If you are interested, please notify your FIRST (research support) of your intent to apply for this scheme to receive important information and updates in relation to this fund |
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| Spencer Foundation – Research Grants on Education: Large | |
| This fund is intended to support education research projects that will contribute to the improvement of education. The research concept is “field-initiated” with the grant designed to support rigorous, intellectually ambitious and technically sound research that is relevant to the most pressing questions and compelling opportunities in education | |
| Value/Duration: | Internal Deadline |
| · Value: Grants are worth between USD125,000 and USD500,000 (circa NZD206,000 -NZD826,000), depending on the funding tier selected
· Duration: up to a maximum duration of 60 months |
Two – Stage Submission Process:
· Intent to apply: 5pm, Wednesday 22 May 2024 (this is the funder deadline date) · Full Proposal: 5pm, Tuesday 11 June 2024. |
| Further Information (funding call, guidelines, registration info, templates):
If you are interested, please notify your FIRST (research support) of your intent to apply for this scheme to receive important information and updates in relation to this fund |
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| Ako Aotearoa Research and Innovation Agenda (AARIA) 2024 | |
| Ako Aotearoa requests for proposals to contribute systems change for the tertiary education sector and more equitable learner outcomes by inviting proposals for innovative, ako centred projects. Ako Aotearoa expect all applicants to align their research proposals with all of their four broader priorities, and at least with one of their targeted priorities:
· Ōritetanga (Equity) – Achieving system-wide equality for all ākonga, including Māori, Pacific, neurodiverse, disabled, youth, and learners from low-income backgrounds. · Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi) – Honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi through tertiary education, including Te Reo provision, Kaupapa Māori education, Mātauranga Māori provision. · Auaha (Innovation) – Responding to changes in education, especially developments in technology (e.g. AI), innovative and flexible programmes which can support the immediate needs of ākonga, tertiary education system such as Te Pūkenga and the Reform of Vocational Education (RoVE) and work-based learning. · Hua Akorganga (Learner Outcomes) – Education and training that delivers for all learners, including supporting work readiness of all learners, online and distance learning options meets the needs of all learners, providing learning opportunities for people who wish to change careers. |
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| Value/Duration: | Internal Deadline |
| · Value: Grants are worth between $10,000 and $50,000
· Duration: 5 months – 12 months |
5 pm, Wednesday, 5 June 2024. |
| Further Information (funding call, guidelines, registration info, templates):
If you are interested, please notify your FIRST (research support) of your intent to apply for this scheme to receive important information and updates in relation to this fund |
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New Zealand-German academic exchange programme (ENZ-DAAD)
ENZ-DAAD’s Programmes for Project-Related Personal Exchange (PPP) is open again and inviting applications from students across all subject areas who are completing their doctorate, and from academics who have completed their doctorate in the last five years.
The application for 2024 close on the 28th of June.
Aotearoa New Zealand Tāwhia te Mana Research Fellowships
The first details of the new Aotearoa New Zealand Tāwhia te Mana Research Fellowships, developed as part of the Te Ara Paerangi – Future Pathways reform have been released. These new schemes replace the Rutherford Discovery, Rutherford Foundation and James Cook Fellowships, which will no longer be offered from 2024.
These fellowships will support early, mid, and senior researchers. For further details, please see MBIE’s web page which details eligibility, duration and value.
Funding calls will be publicised via P-cubed once they become available so please keep an eye on this space.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing
Pink Shirt Day is on Friday 17 May 2024!
Take the quiz and learn more about bullying.
psd-bullying-prevention-quiz.pptx
Shorter days and less sunlight make this the perfect season to get blue, inside and out. There are few things you can do to help if you are SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), while a woolly jumper, extra layers of clothing, and a cup of hot cocoa will prevent you from turning purple on the outside.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations available at Unichem Campus Pharmacy.
- Flu vaccine is free for staff and students. It is seasonal and runs until end of September. However, the best time to do it is the next three weeks.
- Covid vaccine can be done any time of the year.
There are more vaccines available. many are free. Follow the link to learn more.
Vaccines available in Aotearoa New Zealand | Immunise | Te Whatu Ora
Some vaccinations can be paid from research grants, if they help mitigate field trip or travel risks.
Personal and Professional development UoA
Academic life is underpinned by other set of skills that are needed or it is good to have. Amongst its many offerings OD offers First Aid certification, both advanced and refresher
There are other alternatives through which you can obtain a First Aid Certificate. These external sources that might fit your busy calendar better, but please seek advice on these options. Before booking double check that the course covers these units
Level 1 – Basic
NZQA 6402 – Provide resuscitation level 2 – 1 Credit
NZQA 6401 – Provide first aid – 1 Credit
Level 2 – Advanced
NZQA 6400 – Manage First Aid in an Emergency Situation (Field Activity Leaders)
Upcoming Comprehensive courses with seats available
First Aid Refresher:
Must have valid first Aid certificate
Upcoming revalidation courses
Other Providers
- Red Cross
- Saint Johns
- Besafe
- Meditrain
- First Training (offers outdoors first aid course)
- A1 first Aid
Through OD you can also get training in the following:
- Mental Health 101 (1-day course)
- Fire safety at work
- Risk assessment
- Health and Safety for Line Managers and Academic Leaders
- Health and Safety Representative Training Sessions
Also Saint John’s offers Online Mental Health Training
Remember near misses should also be reported in Damstra, not only injuries.
Cheqroom equipment booking system update
Exciting news – the Coastal and Hydrology lab is now using Cheqroom to manage equipment bookings. All equipment reservation requests should now be made using the Cheqroom website or mobile app.
The Coastal Lab joins the following spaces that started using Cheqroom in 2023:
- GIScience Lab (302-586): cameras, teaching laptops and iPads, VR headsets
- Microscope Lab (302-489): microscopy accessories and audio recorders, with field equipment stored there coming online in the next few months.
Other items that aren’t stored in labs such as portable TVs are also available on the catalogue, with more items coming soon.
➡️ Bookmark this link for easy access using your University login details: tinyurl.com/cheqroomENV
We are building a series of how-to guides to complete common tasks which are accessible here. If you have any questions or need assistance with Cheqroom you can email cheqroombooking@auckland.ac.nz.
Publications | Articles
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Regional implementation of coastal erosion hazard zones for archaeological applications. Benjamin Jones, Benedict Collings, Mark Dickson, Murray Ford, Dan Hikuroa, Simon Bickler, and Emma Ryan. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1296207424000888#sec0022
- Baker, T., Temenos, C. and Ward, K. (2024) ‘City deals’ are coming to NZ – let’s make sure they’re not ‘city back-room deals’. The Conversation. 9 May.