Contents
HeadsUp
Good news
Good news is always the best news, especially in these ominous times. I’m therefore grateful to Murray Ford for keeping a vigilant eye on how our suite of first year course are tracking. He notes that 254 students have taken 2 or more ENV10X courses and 35 have taken all four courses. These are not only great numbers; they also speak to a student cohort engaging with a school-wide curriculum that promises, regardless of their ultimate major, a breadth of exposure to context. By way of comparison, in 2024 only 2 students took Geog 101,102, Envsci 101 and Earthsci 120. An ongoing well-done to all involved in the development and delivery of these courses. Elsewhere, others in the Faculty are watching with admiration and interest.
ENV in the media
It’s been another good fortnight for our School in the media. Jen Eccles offered expert comment on the magnitude 8.8 earthquake that struck in far Eastern Russia and had our phones buzzing with tsunami emergency warnings. And Nick Lewis offered a Newsroom commentary reflecting on ideas gleaned at the Institute of Australian Geographers conference last month. Perhaps whether via in-School talks or in the media we should be doing more of this. There’s an indirect public investment in our conference participation, after all. (Newsroom – What NZ’s industrial policy can learn from the Aussies)
Outreach
I am often reminded of the efforts that go on behind the scenes and without a big fanfare. On Tuesday last week, for instance, there was the first lecture of a yearly series of events for the Year 13 Scholarship Geography students in partnership with the Auckland Geography Teachers Association (AGTA) organised by JC Gaillard. There were about 50 students from 13 schools from all around Auckland. Just one example of doubtless many. Thanks to all who promote the School, often out of regular working hours and sometimes off-campus.
Chemical waste responsibility
Thanks to our technical services team we are about to make a considerable saving and see the equivalent of the common exhortation in parks to deal with your own litter. Starting this year, the cost of disposing chemical waste—including old chemicals and sensitive substances that must be disposed of annually—will be charged to the account of the student, their supervisor, or the associated research project. We want to move away from the School paying for research chemical disposal (a process that costs ENV around $20-$30k per year) and return responsibility to those who purchases the chemical(s). Reasonable? I think so.
A new Deputy Head
I’m pleased to announce that Mila Adam has agreed to take up the position of Deputy Head (DHoS Teaching and Learning) from later this year. We are still working through details but am grateful that Mila will join the leadership team, bringing her enthusiasm and passion for innovative teaching to the role. I hope to recruit a third DHoS (in this case Research) later this year.
All-staff meeting
The next staff meeting will be on Wednesday 17th September (meeting then kai) – a little delayed due to first my absence (Tom Baker will kindly be Acting HoS 18 August – 3 September) then second graduation.
Kōrero Mai, staff engagement survey
A reminder that an invitation to participate will arrive today, Monday 4th Please be generous with your time and willingness to participate. The results will be a useful barometer for us as a School.
Have great fortnight.
Robin Kearns – Head of School
Announcements, Seminars & Events
School of Environment BBQ
Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa | Massey University Tertiary Educators Survey
Kei aku rangatira, tēnei te mihi maioha e rere kau atu ana ki a koutou. Nō reira tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou
We are a group of researchers from Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa | Massey University undertaking a national survey exploring how tertiary educators in Aotearoa New Zealand understand and apply hope in their teaching practice. Whether you see hope as central to your pedagogy or view it more critically, we’re interested in your experience.
Take the survey now by following this link: Educator Hope in Higher Education Survey
Please feel free to share this invitation with your networks.
The survey takes approximately 15 minutes and is anonymous. It asks about your views on hope, how (or whether) you use it in your teaching, and what supports or challenges your ability to teach with hope.
All responses are confidential and de-identified. No personal or identifying information will be linked to your responses. At the end of the survey, you may choose to enter a draw for one of five $50 grocery vouchers; entry is completely optional and your contact details will be kept separate from your survey data.
The research team consists of staff at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa | Massey University, with expertise in sociology, digital education, planning, and critical pedagogies.
Thank you for considering being part of this project. We appreciate your time and insights!
We would like to thank our advisory panel for their input into this survey, particularly Associate Professor Te Hurunui Clarke (Te Arawa, Ngāi Tahu), University of Waikato.
Any questions? Feel free to contact us at hopeinhighered@gmail.com
Ngā mihi nui,
The Hope in Higher Education Research Team
Dr. Alice Beban; Associate Professor Elaine Khoo; Dr. Clare Mouat; Lisa Vonk.
School of Environment Seminar Series
From the OUTREACH COMMITTEE:
Share Your Latest Academic and Career Achievements with Us!
Share your latest research, conference presentations, fieldwork, and career updates with us! Your achievements could be featured on the School of Environment’s social media to showcase the amazing work happening in our community. Fill out the survey and include photos, titles of papers or theses, and anything else you’d like to share!
https://forms.gle/QAEkcndygHNazXr2A
Faculty of Science Pronouns Workshop | Monday 18 August 2 pm to 3:30 pm | 302-140
Join Andy Fey (he/they), co-chair of the Rainbow Staff Network, for an engaging and informative session focused on the importance of personal pronouns and how to use them in everyday interactions. Whether you are new to using pronouns or seeking to deepen your understanding, this workshop is a welcoming space for learning and discussion. Afternoon tea will be provided as part of the workshop.
Faculty of Science Breakfast Stall | Every Wednesday during semester time from 8:30 am to 9:30 am | 302-G80
Come and grab some breakfast every Wednesday during semester time! Our Science Ambassadors have prepared a range of breakfast options including cereal, bread, muesli bars and hot drinks. We encourage you to bring your own cup and bowl to make this initiative sustainable. No registration is required. See you at the information desk (green cube) in the Science Foyer!
Early Career Researcher Career Planning Workshop Series
This two-part, in-person ECR Career workshop series is a structured, interactive programme designed for postdocs, research fellows, PhD candidates, and other early career researchers who want to take a strategic approach to their career development.
Over two half-day sessions, participants will explore career options both inside and beyond academia, reflect on their professional identity, and develop an action plan for the next steps in their career journey.
Workshop Dates
Participants must attend both sessions.
- Session 1: Monday 11 August, 9:30 – 12:30
- Session 2: Monday 18 August, 9:30 – 12:30
Venue:
Building 201 – Arts & Education, Auckland City Campus
Before the Workshop
Confirmed participants will receive a short pre-workshop digital workbook (~1–2 hours to complete) to help you prepare and make the most of the sessions.
Register your interest here
Any questions can be sent to: researcherdevelopment@auckland.ac.nz
Research Scholarship Information Sheet 2025/26 – Open Now
The Tūpuna Maunga Authority have established this scholarship as a product of the
Tūpuna Maunga Education Strategy.
The scholarship applies to research that aligns with the Tūpuna Maunga Values,
enhancing and protecting the mauri and wairua of the Tūpuna Maunga.
All details about the scholarship, including an overview of the Tūpuna Maunga Values
can be found in the application portal.
Who is eligible?
- You must be a member of a research or education institution.
- You must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
- Research must align with the Tūpuna Maunga Authority Research Policy and
approved project list (refer to maunga.nz/research/ for details) - Applications are open to research from a range of fields including
conservation, archaeology, creative arts, urban-planning, and design, applied
sciences, social sciences, cultural heritage, business, and commercial studies.
How much funding is available?
- A funding pool of $10,000 available annually to support research projects
across the Tūpuna Maunga.
Application details
This year’s scholarship application round is open on 30 June and closes 10pm, 31
August 2025. A decision about the applications will be made by 6 October 2025, with
the funding becoming available as early as November 2025.
Applications are submitted via SmartyGrants
Timeframe & Expectations
- Open to both new and on-going research projects.
- Monthly check-ins required with the Tūpuna Maunga Authority research
scholarship lead. - Final report submitted to the Tūpuna Maunga Authority Board Members in
June 2026.
About the Tūpuna Maunga Authority
The Tūpuna Maunga (ancestral mountains) hold a paramount place in the historical,
spiritual, ancestral, and cultural identity of the thirteen iwi and hapū of Ngā Mana
Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau (the Māori tribes of Auckland).
The Tūpuna Maunga Authority is the statutory authority established under the Ngā
Mana Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau Collective Redress Act 2014 to govern the
fourteen Tūpuna Maunga (ancestral mountains) of Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland.
Head to www.maunga.nz to find our more.
FINAL Research Scholarship Information Sheet_25-26
COMPASS Morning Tea
COMPASS PG is dedicated to creating a vibrant and supportive community for postgraduate students at all levels in the School of Environment. We host regular events designed to foster collaboration, networking, and a sense of community.
All staff and postgrad students are invited to come along, to participate or just to enjoy some home baked goods!
Geoscience Society of New Zealand Student Activity Support
Thanks to the bequest to the Geoscience Society of New Zealand by Jack Grant-Mackie, former faculty (and a Head of Department etc) of the University of Auckland Geology Department who specialised in paleontology and stratigraphy, there are funds to support student activities at branch level to the value of $500 in the coming year.
If you have a proposal about a student Geoscience trip or event (outside of our normal university activities) please contact GSNZ branch rep Jennifer Eccles j.eccles@auckland.ac.nz so we can get a short budget/proposal together. Student led initiatives particularly welcomed!
NIWA Auckland Science Fair
Would you like to join the Judging Team for the NIWA Auckland Science Fair. More information is available at: www.scifair.org.nz.
Location: Auditorium, Michael Park School, 55 Amy Street, Ellerslie
Date: Friday, August 29th
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
There is plenty of parking available, and the venue is within walking distance of the Ellerslie train station. Morning tea will be provided 😊. Please contact Aliona Valyashko alionav@michaelpark.school.nz
ANZIC calls for funding proposals
Funding of up to NZ$25,000 is now available for projects that will advance the field of scientific drilling. ANZIC invites proposals from scientists in Australian & New Zealand Member Institutions – including the University o – for their Continent & Ocean Research & Education (CORE) Funding.
ANZIC CORE funding supports research using previously-collected scientific drilling samples, cores and data; activities that aid future drilling proposals; and educational projects in the sphere of scientific drilling. ANZIC is looking for innovative proposals that align with their science priorities.
Submit your proposal by 8 September!
LEARN MORE: www.iodp.org.au/legacy-funding/
Zero Waste Aotearoa National Hui 2025
For those of you interested in improving and reducing waste, the Zero Waste Aotearoa National Hui will be held at the University of Auckland over 8-10 September this year. More details here and to come: Zero Waste Aotearoa National Hui 2025 | Zero Waste Network New Zealand
Repair Café: Call for Volunteers!
The Faculty of Engineering and Design Sustainability Committee, CIRCUIT Centre, Ngā Ara Whetū, and Sustainability Hub and other faculties are collaborating with Repair Network Aotearoa to host our own Repair Café at the University for our staff and students!
Repair Cafés are pop up events where expert repairers help visitors fix their broken household items for free. It’s all about bringing communities together, sharing skills between generations, keeping repair skills alive, and saving stuff from going to landfill, instead expanding the lifespan of your belongings, and learning how to maintain them.
We are looking for volunteers for the following areas: sewing, electrical (must be qualified electrician), electronics assessment, general (such as bike repairs, chairs, woodwork etc), jewellery and any other skills!
The event will likely be hosted one afternoon either the 14th or 15th October at the City Campus. Final details TBC.
If you are interested in finding out more information and to volunteer, please send an email to foed-sustainability@auckland.ac.nz and the team will send through details.
Download the Repair Café Handbook here: Repair-Café-Handbook- May 2023
Health Safety & Wellbeing
Update to UoA Alert:
Android users can download the app here.
Apple users, please download in the App store.
We are almost done with winter and next season is on its way. Spring in Auckland is a beautiful time: flowers bloom, temperatures rise, and the days get longer. Here are some practical and uplifting tips to help you prepare for the season:
🌱 Home & Garden Prep
- Declutter & Deep Clean: Clear out winter clutter and freshen up your space.
- Garden Refresh: Prune plants, plant spring flowers (like daffodils or tulips), and fertilize your lawn.
- Outdoor Furniture: Clean and set up your patio or balcony for spring lounging.
👕 Wardrobe Transition
- Swap Out Winter Clothes: Store heavy coats and bring out lighter layers.
- Check for Spring Essentials: Think breathable fabrics, rain jackets, and comfy sneakers.
- Donate Unused Items: A great time to give away clothes you didn’t wear over winter.
🧘♀️ Health & Wellness
- Get Active Outdoors: Take advantage of the milder weather with walks, hikes, or bike rides.
- Allergy Prep: Stock up on antihistamines if you’re sensitive to pollen.
- Spring Produce: Enjoy seasonal fruits and veggies like asparagus, strawberries, and spinach.
🗓️ Lifestyle & Planning
- Plan Spring Activities: Look into local events, markets, or weekend getaways.
- Set New Goals: Spring is a great time for a fresh start—personal, professional, or creative.
- Update Your Routine: Adjust your schedule to make the most of longer daylight hours.
Funding Calls
Undergraduate–Postgraduate Pairing Scholarship – 7 scholarships remaining!
This $800 scholarship supports undergraduate students to gain hands-on research experience by shadowing a postgraduate student. Undergraduates will assist with tasks like literature reviews, data analysis, and mapping, while learning valuable research skills and contributing to real projects. If you have postgraduate students that would benefit from this opportunity, please submit a short application.
Applications should include a copy of the undergraduate student’s academic transcript and a short paragraph justifying the proposed project and pairing. This is a great opportunity for collaboration, skill-building, and mentoring across levels of study.
Please email Emma Ryan (e.ryan@auckland.ac.nz) for details or with ready applications.
From the Rangahau Committee co-chairs, Emma and James
Open Access Fund
A reminder about the Open access support fund for high-impact publications (research articles) within the Faculty of Science.
The distribution of funds will be based on a first-come, first-served basis through a Faculty Open Access (OA) working group. Funds will be allocated to cover OA fees for eligible researchers.
To find out more about Open Access publishing as well as Green Access publishing go to: https://research-hub.auckland.ac.nz/subhub/open-access
Please apply here.
Hono data integration are impacting research projects
Do you have research grants? Do you, or a member of your research team, use EIP dashboards to monitor your research funds or Research Development Account (RDA)? If so, please read on.
Recent challenges with Hono data integration are impacting research projects. As a result, EIP dashboards are not correctly reflecting actual salary costs from 20 February, casual staff payments, or future-dated salary commitments. All other actual transactions are correct, however, the left-to-spend balances may not be correct.
What does this mean?
- EIP reports should not be used to confirm a project’s financial status until further notice, as salary details in EIP reports for pay runs after 20 Feb 2025 are not yet available.
- Research Development Account (RDA) balances may not be correct, particularly if fixed-term or casual staff are being paid from the RDA account.
- Surpluses or deficits on research grants cannot be resolved until the balances can be confirmed, so projects ending after 20 Feb 2025 cannot be closed.
- Surpluses or deficits will not be distributed to, or recovered from, RDA accounts (or returned to funders) for projects ending after 20 Feb 2025 until accurate balances can be confirmed.
Resolutions and Timeframes
A Solution Oversight Co-ordination (SOC) Team has been formed and includes a range of experts who understand the issues and the impacts. Members have been drawn from Research Services, OneFinance, HR, Integration Specialists, Vendors, the Risk Team, and the Planning and Information Office to find solutions to the identified issues. Alongside the SOC Team, several continuity groups (including a research continuity group) are working on specific outcomes, the teams meet daily and report to SOC. The Solution Oversight Coordination Team are in the process of identifying and quantifying the risks around these and implementing mitigation strategies.
Please be assured we’ll be providing regular progress updates to the Faculties and Institutes. In the meantime, if you have an urgent query related to your project financials, please contact your Faculty or Institute Research Services Team in the first instance.
2026 Kupe Leadership Scholarships
There are 16 scholarships available and along with a $22,000 stipend (or $10,000 + on campus studio accommodation) and tuition fees for the academic year, scholars also receive mentoring and a unique leadership development programme alongside a cohort of diverse, passionate future leaders. The cross disciplinary nature of the programme provides a rich learning environment for the scholars, and they gain a tremendous amount of insight from their peers.
We have an online session coming up for potential applicants to attend if they want to learn a bit more about Scholarship, please see link below.
Wednesday 23 July, 12-12.45pm (lunchtime): Online Session
For more information go to Kupe Leadership Scholarships.
Transdisciplinary Ideation Fund | |
The Waipapa Taumata Rau Transdisciplinary Ideation Fund (TIF)is a fund that encourages research staff from across the University to develop cross-disciplinary research partnerships, aspiring toward high-quality Transdisciplinary research outputs, research learning initiatives, and successful applications to external research funders.
The Applicant Team must include researchers from at least two disciplines, and evidence the transdisciplinary aspects of the research. |
|
Value/Duration: | Deadline |
|
5pm Monday 29 September 2025 |
APPLICATION FORM AND GUIDELINES View the documents hereIf you are interested, please get in touch with your FIRST. |
Researcher Skills & Development Fund 2026 | |
The RSD Fund has been established to help enhance and expand researcher development offerings across the University to supplement existing funding sources for the design, development, and delivery of researcher development offerings.
Please note this fund is distinct from the Research Development Fund (RDF), also known as FRDF – Faculty Research Development Fund, which provides internal funding for research. |
|
Value/Duration: | Deadline |
|
Friday 29th August 2025 |
Further Information (funding call, guidelines website):
If you are interested, please get in touch with your FIRST. |
KU Leuven Global Seed Fund (GSF) 2026 | |
The GSF aims to initiate or deepen collaborations with researchers from a select group of priority partner institutions, with the goal of developing high-quality proposals for European or other international competitive funding.
Eligible Activities Include:
|
|
Value/Duration: | Deadline |
|
9 October 2025 (exact time TBC) |
Further Information (funding call, guidelines website):
If you are interested, please contact international.research@auckland.ac.nz and further guidance will be provided. |
Global Research Engagement Fund (GREF) – Round 4 & 5 | |
The Global Research Engagement Fund (GREF) is available to UoA researchers and professional research staff to foster the development of new and emerging research partnerships with international collaborators. | |
Value/Duration: | Deadline |
|
2025 Funding Rounds:
|
Further Information (funding call, guidelines website):
If you are interested, please get in touch with your FIRST. |
2025 Research Development Fund (RDF)
The Faculty of Science is pleased to announce that the 2025 funding round of the Contestable Research Development Fund (RDF) is now open for applications.
Three award types are being offered by the Faculty of Science in the 2025 contestable round, as outlined below. The total funding amount is yet to be confirmed; however, based on previous years, we anticipate allocating approximately $1 million, with expenditures distributed across 2026, 2027, and 2028.
Award type |
Duration |
Minimum and maximum funding available per application |
Estimated Number of Awards |
Up to 3 years |
$100,000 – $200,000 |
4 |
|
Staff Research Award |
Up to 2 years |
$10,000 – $40,000 |
9 |
Aronui Pūtaiao Award |
Up to 2 years |
$10,000 – $40,000 |
2 |
Key Dates
Date |
Funding allocation process step |
1st July 2025 |
Application Forms and Guidelines are available on the FoS Staff Intranet. |
1st September 2025 |
Applications must be submitted via RFM/InfoEd by 4:00 PM. |
Early October 2025 |
RDF Panel meets to review applications and make funding recommendations |
Late October 2025 |
Results announced |
1st January 2026 |
Awards begin |
- Full details, including guidelines and the application form, are available on the research page of the staff intranet.
- For general queries, in the first instance, please contact your School/Department Research Programme Coordinator (RPC), or Fos-researchadmin@auckland.ac.nz.
- For an overview of the Research Development Fund, visit the Research Hub RDF page.
- Queries about the Aronui Pūtaiao Award can be directed to Te Taura Here Pūtaiao, and the Associate Dean Māori via FoS-researchadmin@auckland.ac.nz.
- Applications are due by 4:00 PM on Monday, 1st September 2025.
Horizon Europe, Pillar 2, Cluster 3: Civil Security for Society | Key topics
|
Single-stage calls in cluster 3 have various closing dates in November 2025
GUIDELINES |
Horizon Europe, Pillar 2, Cluster 4: Digital, Industry and Space | Key topics
|
Deadline: Single-stage calls in cluster 4 have various closing dates in September/October 2025
GUIDELINES Cluster 4 – Work programme 2025
|
Horizon Europe, Pillar 2, Cluster 5: Climate, Energy and Mobility
|
Key topics
|
Single-stage calls in cluster 5 have various closing dates in September 2025
GUIDELINES Cluster 5 – Work programme 2025
|
Horizon Europe, Pillar 2, Cluster 6: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment | Key topics
|
Single-stage calls in cluster 6 have various closing dates in September 2025.
GUIDELINES |
Horizon Europe, Pillar 2, Missions | For the Horizon Europe 2025–2027 funding period, there are five Missions under “Pillar 2: Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness” of which New Zealand is an associated country enabling organizations to be a funded entity in consortium projects.
The 5 Missions are: 1. Adaptation to Climate Change |
All the 2025 calls for Missions have closing dates in September 2025 onwards
GUIDELINES WEBSITE
SUPPORT |
Value: from NZD110,000 to NZD3,000,000 exclusive of the MBIE top-up
Duration: 3-4 years WEBSITE
SUPPORT ResearchHub Resources here If you are interested, please also get in touch with your FIRST. |
2025 WUN Research Development Fund | |
WUN RDF grants are intended to help stimulate larger collaborative projects that will strengthen research relationships across WUN. Proposals must address the following issues to be considered:
The application must involve at least three WUN member universities from at least two continents. Researchers may submit proposals for projects led by the University of Auckland or may be named as co-investigators on projects led by researchers at other WUN member universities. |
|
Value/Duration: | Internal Deadline |
· Value: up to £10,000 (around NZ$22,000)
· Duration: 12 months |
Monday 15 September 2025, 9am |
Catalyst: Seeding (Round3) | |
Catalyst seeding 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. Funding is for research exchanges, research activities, and expenses related to hosting workshops for new strategic research partnerships with international collaborators | |
Value/Duration: | Internal Deadline |
Seeding General: up to $80,000 (excl. GST) in total for up to two years project
NZ – Japan Joint Research Projects: up to $30,000 (excl. GST) per annum for up to two years project |
12pm, Tuesday 07 October 2025 |
Further Information (funding call, guidelines, registration info):
If you are interested, please also get in touch with your FIRST. |
Catalyst: Leaders (Round3) | |
HOPE Meetings are held for excellent graduate students and young researchers selected from countries/areas around the Asia-Pacific and Africa region. These meetings give an opportunity for the participants to engage in interdisciplinary discussions with Nobel Laureates and other distinguished scientists pioneering the frontiers of knowledge. | |
Value/Duration: | Internal Deadline |
Supports excellent PhD students and/or young researchers to attend the HOPE meetings with Nobel Laureates for 5 days including flights, accommodation, and meeting registration. | 12pm, Tuesday 07 October 2025 |
Further Information (funding call, guidelines, registration info):
If you are interested, please also get in touch with your FIRST. |