Issue 39 – Monday 17th August 2020

August 17, 2020 • bzai791

COVID-19: no time for complacency, stay well, keep UOA open…oh darn!

Say yes to the test

HeadSup

There is a forum tomorrow for all ENV teaching and professional staff from 3-4pm to raise concerns and ask questions about our current Covid-19 response.

Kia ora koutou

Well, here we go again: another bout of glorious sunshine and a resurgence of COVID-19. At least the weekend was marvelous, I hope you all got to enjoy it. Monte Cecilia Park is on the edge of my ‘neighbourhood’; it is exceptional with outstanding views. I took the dogs there on the bike, which made me super happy and got smiles from kids along the way. Please give yourself permission to deliver less this year and take time to find something joyful to do every day.

On the teaching front, live zoom has made things a bit easier but there are still significant challenges in remote delivery. We are now operating week by week: please resist the temptation to over plan – as we saw last week, things may change with half a day’s notice. Please remember that remote learning is challenging and you may need to cut back on expectations. Keep it simple, stay nimble.

I am developing a ‘GTA covid-response team‘ of post-graduates who have completed tutor training and who would like to increase their hours or can be deployed where there is a need. If you are interested in joining this team, please contact Samantha Huang (samantha.huang@auckland.ac.nz) by Wednesday this week. This will get you on the list so that we can contact you if we need your help. If you are coordinating a course and would benefit from extra tutor hours during remote teaching please get in touch with David Hayward.

On the research front, some contracted work and PG projects may be getting parlous. Primary supervisors, if you have yet to do so, please check in on your students and ensure you have a good plan in place to manage the Covid-19 disruption. In some cases it may be time for Plan B. Students: if you are stressed and concerned about the impact of this shut-down on your progress please discuss with your supervisor in the first instance. We are looking at ways to support PG Research students through this time – more on this soon. PIs: please let me know if your projects are getting critical.

On another matter, there’s been slippage in the field work planning process that compromises our ability to ensure appropriate risk management. It is a requirement of the University that all field work is signed off before being undertaken. Unfortunately, forms have been coming in late allowing insufficient time for consideration and amendment if required. Please demonstrate respect for our technical staff and our Health and Safety processes by ensuring forms are submitted on time. Forms submitted late may be returned without approval.

Lastly, all the best for the week everyone. I hear zoom drinks may by on again this Friday…

Whakawhanaungatanga – communities

ENV 2021-2023 Strategic Plan Update

It’s time to think about staffing priorities for the future – think 3-5 years out. This may sound strange given we have been told the shape, size and composition of the university will change, with a reduction in FTE as a result of COVID-19. However, it is critical that we take a pro-active and strategic view of our staffing needs into the future – where should we appoint, where will we need to appoint, and why? Please get responses back to JR asap. A draft plan will be distributed for comment later this week.

Unstable Foundations

Anna Lehner is an interdisciplinary artist working at the intersections of art and structural geology. Anna was awarded a US Graduate Fulbright Fellowship to New Zealand. From February-November 2020, Anna will be spending time with researchers, scientists and artists to gain a better understanding of the seismic activity of our planet. Anna will be giving an artist talk about the ways that technology, data and science can be woven together to create conceptual artwork. For details, please click here

Website: www.annalehner.com

Date: 26 August 2020

Time: 17.00-18.00

Building/Room: 303-G01

ENV Laboratory Inductions – Reminder

Now is a good time for you or your students to complete induction courses. All of our induction courses are run through Canvas. To request access to the induction course, please send an email to, b.sowman@auckland.ac.nz, with your UPI.

Inductions for General Facilities, Chemistry and Geochemical Laboratories, Earth Science Processing (ESP), Electron microprobe (EPMA), X-Ray Laboratories (XRF, Prep, and Itrax) and the Transitional Facility can be found in the Schools induction course; https://canvas.auckland.ac.nz/courses/16362

Meeting, Seminars and Events

Please Note

Due to the timing of Covid-19 restrictions the complementary Hochstetter Lecture Monday 17^th August at 1 pm “The Southern Alps of New Zealand: an integrated picture of an evolving plate boundary” by Phaedra Upton and the main Hochstetter Lecture at 7 pm on Tuesday 18^th “How tectonic and surface processes interact to shape the landscape” at the Auckland Museum are now cancelled. The Auckland Branch of the Geoscience Society of New Zealand hopes to reschedule these or bring them to your remotely later in the year.

Ako – Teaching and Learning

Inaugural Lecture

By Professor Renate Meyer, Department of Statistics, Hosted by the Faculty of Science

Date & Time: Thursday 15th October, 6:30pm

Venue: Physics Lecture Theatre 1 (303-G20), Science Centre, 23 Symonds Street

Refreshments will be served in the basement foyer of building 303 (303-B00L2) from 5:45pm, prior to the lecture.

Please register at: https://renatemeyer.eventbrite.co.nz

A Survey

The School’s Ako Innovation Committee would like staff to complete a short survey to assess the software / apps that school staff have access to for teaching, or wish to have access to for teaching, beyond the standard University software. Could you please complete our very short survey. The survey is a google form and can be found here: https://forms.gle/FTqma2WvpUY49GvA9

Rangahau – Research

Postgraduate Research Showcase: 22 September – Update

In-person or virtual – the Postgraduate Research Showcase PRS 2020 is taking place on Tue 22 September. Awards for best oral, poster and photo/video presentations.

Want to be part of this fantastic event?

Submit the title of your presentation and your format to env-PSC@auckland.ac.nz. Also, you can submit a lab/field photo or a 2-minute video that highlights your research and the great people that make it happen. These events are significant because of you and your research! So, do your part to spread the science and present or attend the PRS 2020.

For further information please contact,

Luitgard Schwendenmann (Chair Postgraduate Research Committee), Carlos Carvajal (Co-chair PhD student committee)

Discussion Paper

To read the complete article co-authored by Tom Baker on Early Career Researchers in Aotearoa: Safeguarding and strengthening opportunity after COVID-19, please click here

Angus Dowell’s 3 minute thesis competition

A Master of Environmental Management student working with human geographers in the School’s Cities, Politics and Economy Research Group, has come 2nd in the University wide Masters Finals for the 3 Minute Thesis competition. Angus, supervised by Nick Lewis and Ryan Jones, is studying the construction of regenerative economies in New Zealand. Regenerative economies are assemblages of green investment, social enterprise, socio-scientific knowledge, environmentally responsible production, and socio-cultural ethics that are committed to performing economy differently from a new moral economy standpoint. Angus seeks to understand how they are being constructed in Aotearoa New Zealand, what it will take to make these initiatives successful, and what their construction can tell us about things like environmental, social and economic justice. At the point where climate change meets uncertain Covid futures, it is pivotal to rethink economic futures. Angus’ work gives us some tools for doing this.

You can find out more about what happened at the finals here:

https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2020/08/07/three-minute-thesis-finals.html

Research and Funding Opportunities

2020 FRDF Main Round

In the main round applications can be made to the Staff Research Fund and the Post-doctoral and Large Research Project Fund. New staff Fund applications can be made throughout the year but not as part of the main round.

Please find all the required information and documents at this link:

https://www.sciencestaff.auckland.ac.nz/en/about/research/faculty-research-development-fund.html

Deadline: 5pm on Monday 24 August

Social Science Research Council – Just Tech Covid-19 Rapid Response Grants

The Social Science Research Council (SSRC), as part of its Just Tech program, seeks proposals from across the social sciences and related fields that address the risks, opportunities, and challenges posed by public health surveillance stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Just Tech Rapid-Response Grants will thus support innovative research projects that deploy remote research methods to shed light on both the short and potential long term implications of public health interventions for a range of rights, liberties, and public goods. Subjects may include, but are not limited to:

• Contact tracing and public health surveillance.
• Voting access and rights amid “lockdowns” and widespread social distancing.
• Disparities in the collection, representation, and use of health data.
• The digital divide in remote work and learning, education, and public health.
• Precarity of labour and work in the tech industry or gig economy.
• Remote organising, campaigning, and social movements.
• The impact of predictive algorithms on the provision of social welfare and policing.

Awards will range from USD $5,000 to $10,000. The typical research project duration is 6 months.

The first internal UoA deadline is August 24, 2020 (The funder has currently planned a rolling deadline)

For more info please see the funding guidelines and resources page

Catalyst Fund – Seeding

Seeding facilitates new small and medium pre-research strategic partnerships with international collaborators that cannot be supported through other means.

General Programme:

Funding is for research exchanges, research activities, and expenses related to hosting workshops for new strategic research partnerships with international collaborators.
A maximum of NZ $80,000 (excl. GST) in total is available per proposal for projects lasting up to two years.

NZ – Japan Joint Research Projects:

Funding for research exchanges, research activities, and expenses related to hosting meetings in collaboration with Japanese researchers. Up to 3 joint research projects may be funded in the current round.
Up to $30,000 per annum for up to two years.

Deadline: 5pm, Tuesday 6 October 2020.

For further information, see the Catalyst Seeding website, or contact your RPC.

Catalyst Fund – Leaders

Leaders supports incoming and outgoing targeted international fellowships for exceptional individuals that cannot be supported through other means.

Julius von Haast Fellowship:

Supports an internationally recognised researcher from Germany to undertake research in New Zealand for a minimum of 4 weeks per year for up to 3 years.
Up to one (1) Fellow will be awarded in the 2020 funding round
Up to $50,000 per annum for up to three years comprising of $20,000 stipend, $20,000 research and travel allowance, $10,000 host institution administration allowance

JSPS HOPE Meeting:

Supports excellent PhD students and/or young researchers to attend the HOPE meetings with Nobel Laureates in Japan for 5 days, providing Flights, accommodation, and meeting registration.
Up to one (1) award in the 2020 funding round, comprising: Return economy flight to Japan, Insurance, Accommodation and meals, Meeting registration

Deadline: 5pm Tuesday, 6 October 2020.

For further information, see the Catalyst – Leaders website or contact your RPC

2021 Te Pūnaha Hihiko: Vision Mātauranga Capability Fund

Fund Purpose:

Strengthen capability, capacity, skills and networks between Māori and the science and innovation system, and
Increase understanding of how research can contribute to the aspirations of Māori organisations and deliver benefit for Aotearoa.

Key Features:

Proposal must be co-developed with a Māori organisation
Proposal must include co-funding at a minimum of 10% of requested amount
Research must support the themes and outcomes of MBIE’s Vision Mātauranga policy
Fund includes 2 schemes: ‘connect’ and placement’ – Connect Scheme: Build new connections between Māori organisations and the science and innovation system; Placement scheme: Enhance the development of an individual(s) through placement in a Partner organisation

Grant Value:

The work programme term for both Connect and Placement schemes is up to two years.

$150,000 (ex GST) – max funding per proposal for projects up to 1 year in length
$250,000 (ex GST) – max funding per proposal between 1-2 years in length

Internal Deadline: 12 noon Monday 2 November 2020

For further information, including details on eligibility, please visit the MBIE website or contact your RPC

WUN Research Development Fund

Each year, the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN) awards small grants of matched seed funding to establish new collaborative projects among members via its Research Development Fund (RDF). Researchers may submit proposals for Auckland-led projects or join partner-led projects initiated by researchers at other WUN institutions.

Research groups typically receive GBP 20-40,000 in total from WUN and university contributions. Funding is awarded on a competitive basis taking into account the selection criteria listed in the guidelines.

This year’s research theme focuses on ‘Sustainable Recovery’ from the COVID-19 pandemic with proposals encouraged addressing one or more of the following UN SDGs; 3 Good Health & Wellbeing, 4 Quality Education, 7 Affordable and Clean Energy, 10 reduced Inequalities, 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, 13 Climate Action.

As usual, there will be a two-stage selection process (internal and external). The internal process will select two proposals to develop into full bids from Auckland. Further information can be found on the networks-related funding page; or by contacting Deborah McAllister (International Networks Manager)

Closing date for proposals: 12noon, Tuesday 2 September 2020

Pacific Development and Conservation Trust

Purpose: Promote sustainable development in the Pacific and New Zealand, while conserving the natural environment and cultural heritage of its people.

Grant Value: The Trust has about $250,000 to give as grants each year. There is no minimum or maximum grant amount. Grants generally range from $2,000 to $50,000 NZD.

Internal Deadline: 5pm, Monday 14 September 2020

For further guidelines, please visit the Trust website

Meeting, Seminars and Events

MBIE 2021 Endeavour Seminar Series

This series is designed to connect you to critical strategic & practical information, informed by MBIE requirement and insights, which if critically applied to your proposal will strengthen your capability to engage successfully in this increasingly competitive science and innovation funding pool.

Session 1 – Responsiveness to Māori (25 August, 1 – 2:30 pm)

Session 2 – Government Themes (1 September, 1 – 2:30 pm)

Session 3 – Industry Insights (8 September, 1 – 2:30 pm)

Session 4 – Contracts (15 September, 1 – 2: 30 pm)

Session 5 – Research Impact (22 September, 1 – 2:30 pm)

School of Environment Research Forum: River Futures in Aotearoa

Please put aside late afternoon/early evening of Thursday September 24^th for a combined Bartrum/Cumberland/Hay Research Event. Mike Joy and Anne Salmond have already indicated their willingness to participate … three other panelists have already been approached.

More details will follow soon … for now, please make a note in your diaries as we’d like as many people as possible to attend. For more details please contact Gary Brierley

New Publications

Document Title	Authors	Year	Source
Erionite in Auckland bedrock and malignant mesothelioma: an emerging public and occupational health hazard?	Brook, M.S., Black, P.M., Salmond, J., (…), Berry, T.-A., Steinhorn, G.	2020	The New Zealand medical journal, 133(1518), pp. 73-78.
Local Grid Refinement in New Zealand’s Earth System Model: Tasman Sea Ocean Circulation Improvements and Super-Gyre Circulation Implications	Behrens, E., Williams, J., Morgenstern, O., (…), Rickard, G., Williams, M.J.M.	2020	Journal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems, 12(7), art. no. e2019MS001996.
‘Serious’ Disaster Video Games: An Innovative Approach to Teaching and Learning about Disasters and Disaster Risk Reduction	Gampell, A., Gaillard, J.C., Parsons, M., Le Dé, L.	2020	Journal of Geography, pp. 1-12.

Copy deadline for next edition of P-cubed: Friday 28th August to Bizza

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Issue 38 – Monday 3rd August 2020

August 3, 2020 • bzai791

COVID-19: no time for complacency, stay well, keep UOA open

If you are sick, stay home, get tested

HeadSup

Kia ora koutou

We have had some staff movements over the past couple of weeks. First, welcome Martin Talie who has taken on Farnaz’ role on the ENV/CHEM front desk in Level 6. Bizza has kindly taken on the co-ordination and operation of p-cubed, for which I am immensely grateful. It’s lovely to have Martin and Ingo back from RSL – welcome back! Mila, Michael R., JC, Jay, Lorna, Anthony and Paul are heading on RSL in a modified sort of way – we wish you a productive and regenerative time. Annie is remaining in the United States for Semester 2. Brendon Blue, Linda Madden and Selene Schoffel-Armstrong are stepping in to cover teaching gaps – thank you very much. Ingrid Ukstins remains stuck in the US awaiting her VISA and we hope that this situation is resolved as fast as possible.

I’m excited already about the Spring Graduation and am keeping all my digits crossed in the hope that we stay open and can celebrate the event in appropriate style. To that end, I am wondering whether there would be interest in starting up a group of ENV Singers, to pull together a waiata for the occasion. I do a very good 5-part disharmony so I need friends to pull this off. I know you’re out there, bathroom diva, divo and divex! If this is something you would like to contribute to, or dare I hope…lead…please get in touch. I need at least one champion to take this bold step, one brave and generous soul. I’ll provide the mallowpuffs.

JC’s Inaugural Professorial Lecture is coming up. This is a big to-do in the career of an academic. Check out the poster below. It would be great to see as many of ENV as possible turn up to acknowledge this terrific step in JC’s career.

I’d like to make special mention of Angus Dowell, who has made it through to the finals of the University 3-minute Thesis competition. Well done Angus and good luck for the final (details below – come along and support Angus!).

Lastly – don’t forget the VC is visiting the FOS, Wednesday 5 August, 3-4 pm in the Plaza area of our building. All staff are invited to attend.

Whakawhanaungatanga – communities

ENV 2021-2023 Strategic Plan Update

It’s time to think about staffing priorities for the future – think 3-5 years out. This may sound strange given we have been told the shape, size and composition of the university will change, with a reduction in FTE as a result of COVID-19. However, it is critical that we take a pro-active and strategic view of our staffing needs into the future – where should we appoint, where will we need to appoint, and why? Please discuss in your disciplinary groups and prioritise staffing needs over the next 7-10 days. You can also make individual submissions on this question to JR.

Environment Taiao Association

The SoE has a new student association called the ETA (Environment Taiao Association) which integrates all previously individual SoE student clubs (AUGA, GA, GSC, and ESA).

The objective of this governing body is to affiliate the clubs with AUSA and to provide social/academic outreach to all UoA students incorporated within the SoE.

For more information please visit the facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ETAUOA/ or email Gina: gswa730@aucklanduni.ac.nz

To become a member fill out the google form: https://forms.gle/e5XbBVTSH1GwzcYK6 . Please note this is for students only.

NZGS Auckland (Geography Auckland) August Newsletter

The Auckland branch of NZGS promotes the activities of geographers and the development of the discipline in the Auckland region. It has proven an effective platform for hosting and sponsoring public seminars and workshops, and talks by prominent local and international geographers; running competitions for schools; providing opportunities for young geographers to attend conferences; and for bringing geographers together to discuss issues of public and disciplinary concern. One initiative is to seek better links with professional geographers beyond the university and schools.

To see the newsletter please click on this link NZGS Auck_newsletter August 2020

Meeting, Seminars and Events

5^th ENV seminar

Date & Time: Tuesday 25^th of August, 15:00 – 16:00

Venue: OGH, Federation Room

Join us to learn about research your colleagues do. All staff members and students from the School of Environment are warmly invited to attend this brilliant seminar.

As you may be already aware we are running the seminars every three months and so far they have been incredibly fascinating.

In the upcoming ENV Seminar, we will have three presenters: Kevin Simon, Marie McEntee and Marta Ribo and their talks will be followed by drinks at OGH.

‘The First Meeting’ of the School of Environment International Students

Date & Time: Friday 7 August, 10am (the second week of Semester II)

Venue: Ontology room (B 302 – 551, 5th floor)

Guest speaker: Mr. John Dorado (Career development and employability office)

Topic: How to prepare for employment in New Zealand or other countries.

Followed by Morning tea & Informal socialising session

How Tectonic and Surface Processes Interact to Shape the Landscape

Date & Time: 18th August, 7 pm

Venue: Auckland Museum Auditorium

For more information, please click here

Ako – Teaching and Learning

What’s a Professor

If you wish to attend an inaugural lecture by Prof. JC Gaillard from the School of Environment please see the poster below

IT Committee:

Thankfully, we are back to teaching almost as before the lockdown. Nevertheless, please still let us know of any soft- (or hard-) ware we should consider for online delivery based on your experience of the past few months.

Thank you, Ingo (i.pecher@auckland.ac.nz)

Meeting, Seminars and Events

Have your say! University of Auckland Education Strategy

As part of the development of a new Strategic Plan for the University (2021-2030), a Working Group convened by the DVC (Academic) has drafted one of five initial position papers.

Robin Kearns, Chair of AKO, has been part of this group and invites you to join he and members of the wider AKO network to an open forum to discuss this draft.

Comments and suggestions arising at this School of Environment forum will be taken back to the Education Working Group later that week.

Where: 302-551 (Ontology Lab)

When: Monday 10^th August, 11am – 12 noon

To be discussed: https://www.staff.auckland.ac.nz/assets/staff/how-the-university-works/documents/Education%20Position%20Paper.pdf

All welcome!

Rangahau – Research

Evolution of Queen Charlotte Sound-Tōtaranui and Tory Channel-Kura Te Au

To read a short article written by Drs Lorna Strachan, Marta Ribó, and BSc Hons student Alysha Jones from the University of Auckland, and Dr Sally Watson of the National Institute of Water focused on understating the deeper time environmental and geological evolution of the region and more please click here

Wanderings in the muddy Waimatā at Gisborne, East Cape

Reflections by Danielle Cairns, Khendra Harvey, Gary Brierley, Gretel Boswijk and Jon Tunnicliffe. To read this short article please click here

Postgraduate Research Showcase: Save the Date – Tuesday 22 September

The annual Postgraduate Research Showcase will take place on Tuesday 22 September in the Fale Pasifika. Tea and Lunch are provided. The 2020 Research Showcase will be a fantastic opportunity for postgraduate students to share their latest research findings as many other conferences have been postponed this year. Currently, we are in the planning stage. So far, the event will include different types of presentation formats by postgraduate students and a panel discussion. If you would like to be part of the organizing committee, please send an email to env-PSC@auckland.ac.nz. Also, any suggestions and comments on the format of the event are very welcomed.

Please make the time to attend this event and support our postgraduate research students.

This post is also a call for SoE faculty to participate and be part of the efforts to make the 2020 Research Showcase a great event.

For further information please contact,

Luitgard Schwendenmann (Chair Postgraduate Research Committee), Carlos Carvajal (Co-chair PhD student committee)

Other Updates

Kathy Campbell has just received an honorary “corresponding member” appointment to the Geological Association of Argentina for her work there on Jurassic hot spring deposits in Patagonia and associations with geoscientists in the country.

Miembro Correspondiente de la Asociación Geológica Argentina

https://www.instagram.com/asociacion.geologica.argentina/

Angus Dowell, a Master of Environmental Management student working with human geographers in the School’s Cities, Politics and Economy Research Group, has made it through to the university finals for the 3 minute thesis competition. Angus, supervised by Nick Lewis and Ryan Jones, is studying the construction of regenerative economies in New Zealand. Regenerative economies are assemblages of green investment, social enterprise, socio-scientific knowledge, environmentally responsible production, and socio-cultural ethics that are committed to performing economy differently from a new moral economy standpoint. Angus seeks to understand how they are being constructed in Aotearoa New Zealand, what it will take to make these initiatives successful, and what their construction can tell us about things like environmental, social and economic justice. At the point where climate change meets uncertain Covid futures, it is pivotal to rethink economic futures. Angus’ work gives us some tools for doing this. The University final will be held on the 6th of August at the Conference Centre, Building 423 – 342, from 5-8pm, where he will go up against students from other faculties.

The event can be found here: https://nvite.com/universityofauckland/c68b8

Research and Funding Opportunities

2020 FRDF Main Round

Please find all the required information and documents at this link:

https://www.sciencestaff.auckland.ac.nz/en/about/research/faculty-research-development-fund.html

Deadline: 5pm on Monday 24 August

Kate Edger Educational Charitable Trust Post-Doctoral Research Awards – Dame Joan Metge and Emeritus Professor Dame Charmian J O’Connor Awards

To assist women who have qualified to graduate with a doctoral degree within the last two years to carry out research on a specified, independent project at an approved Institute in the Auckland area

ELIGIBILITY:

Must be women who have qualified to graduate with a doctoral degree within the last two years;
Must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents;
Must be affiliated with an Auckland research Institute and have access to the infrastructural support needed to complete the proposed project;
Must not undertake more than 20 hours per week employment during tenure of the award.

The Award is worth $16,000. No overheads will be paid (normally the project should be completed within six months).

Internal Deadline: 5pm, Thursday 13 August 2020

The application guide, form and checklist and be found on the Kate Edger Website.

Social Science Research Council – Just Tech Covid-19 Rapid Response Grants

Awards will range from USD $5,000 to $10,000. The typical research project duration is 6 months.

The first internal UoA deadline is August 24, 2020 (The funder has currently planned a rolling deadline)

For more info please see the funding guidelines and resources page

SfTI has now released a request for Expressions of Capability (EoC).

We are seeking interest from physical sciences and engineering researchers based within New Zealand organisations who are willing to be part of a team to bring their relevant capability to the mission. Please note, we are not accepting investigator-led research ideas and proposals.

The EoC provides a summary of the process and what to expect, and the Application form asks for a summary of where your research interest lies, your expertise and experience.

Selected researchers will be invited to attend a research development workshop. Due to the impacts of Covid-19, we explored both physical and virtual options for the workshop. We are now pleased to confirm a physical workshop will be held in Wellington, Wednesday 9 September 2020.

The application form and EoC can also be downloaded from our website https://www.sftichallenge.govt.nz/news/biosecurity-technology-mission-calling-for-expressions-of-capability/

Send your completed application form and CV, to SfTIChallenge@callaghaninnovation.govt.nz

Applications close Monday 10 August 2020.

Meeting, Seminars and Events

School of Environment Research Forum: River Futures in Aotearoa

Please put aside late afternoon/early evening of Thursday September 24^th for a combined Bartrum/Cumberland/Hay Research Event.

Mike Joy and Anne Salmond have already indicated their willingness to participate … three other panelists have already been approached.

More details will follow soon … for now, please make a note in your diaries as we’d like as many people as possible to attend. For more details please contact Gary Brierley

New Publications

Han, M. and Brierley, G. (2020) Channel geomorphology and riparian vegetation interactions along four anabranching reaches of the Upper Yellow River, Progress in Physical Geography: Earth and Environment. doi: 10.1177/0309133320938768.
Brook M.S., Black P.M., Salmond J., Dirks K., Berry T-A., Steinhorn G. (2020). Erionite in Auckland bedrock and malignant mesothelioma: an emerging public and occupational health hazard? New Zealand Medical Journal 133(1518): 73-78.
Charlton, D., Kilburn, C. & Edwards, S. Volcanic unrest scenarios and impact assessment at Campi Flegrei caldera, Southern Italy. J Appl. Volcanol. 9, 7 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13617-020-00097-x
Tsang, S.W.R., Lindsay, J.M., Coco, G. et al. The influence of surficial features in lava flow modelling. J Appl. Volcanol. 9, 6 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13617-020-00095-z
Kah, M., & Kookana, R. (2020). Emerging investigator series: nanotechnology to develop novel agrochemicals: critical issues to consider in the global agricultural context. Environmental Science: Nano. https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00271B
Khan, A. U., Xu, Z., Qian, X., Hong, A., Tang, Q., Zeng, T., & Li, L. (2020). Transformations of Ag2S nanoparticles in simulated human gastrointestinal tract: Impacts of the degree and origin of sulfidation. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 123406. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123406

Copy deadline for next edition of P-cubed: Friday 14th August to Bizza: b.zainab@auckland.ac.nz

Categories: Uncategorised

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Issue 37- Monday 20th July 2020

July 20, 2020 • shua623

HeadSup

Kia ora koutou

What a fantastic couple of weeks for ENV in the media. First up was Brendon on RNZ discussing the Government’s ‘jobs for nature’ package (see below), then Anthony’s opinion piece in Newsroom on ‘Fixing Auckland’s water crisis‘. Martin and Jenny were on RNZ’s nine-to-noon discussing erionite and how ‘Auckland earthworks could disturb cancer-causing dust‘, bouncing off a provocative paper just published in the New Zealand Medical Journal. Today, Shane hit the headlines with an RNZ Morning Report interview and article on the new volcano warning system he and David Dempsey from Engineering Science have just published in Nature Comms, which takes a machine learning approach to 10 years of data from Whakaaari White Island. Exciting stuff, thank you all for getting your work into the public arena and thank you to Anne Beston and the UOA Newsroom team for all the work behind the scenes.

As we find our place in a changed world, I think the % of work we do to share directly with the public must increase and our measure of research excellence must reflect this change in expectation. Now’s the time to influence the work of the University and the way in which we view and practice academic excellence into the future. The 2021-2030 UOA Strategic Plan Discussion papers on research and innovation, education, engagement, people and culture, and the sustainable university, will be available for consideration and comment from later this week. We are at a significant moment in human history and the strategic direction we take over the next 10 years needs to be appropriate for the times ahead. We know the size, shape and composition of the University will change. The financial impact of COVID-19 is intensifying due to the border control on international students and we will feel this acutely come 2021. The outcome of this engagement process will influence decisions that will impact each of us directly. It is important that each of us has our say, whether collectively or individually, via the submission process and various engagement fora. Please consider the discussion papers in your various platforms, disciplinary groupings, and student groups and seize your opportunity to influence the direction of this University.

Thanks to those who have been working on the ENV 3-year plan. You’ll see a new draft vision, mission and values statement below. Please feel free to send me comments if you have recommendations for further change.

I’m delighted to advise that Mélanie Kah has accepted the role of Chair, Rangahau, and will transition into the role over the next few months.

Lastly, please come along to the ENV welcome back function, Thursday 30th July – all staff and PG research students are welcome (see RSVP link below).

Whakawhanaungatanga – communities

ENV 2021-2023 Strategic Plan

Our vision, mission and values will need to align with the new UOA 10-year strategic plan. Our development of the 2021-2023 ENV 3-year rolling strategic plan should be viewed as transitional. Here’s what we have so far. By the next edition of P-cubed, we will have pan-ENV projects for your consideration. All feedback welcome (send to JR).

VISION WAWATA An inclusive and vibrant place of learning and research that inspires a deep understanding of people, places and processes resulting in more sustainable environments and just futures.

MISSION KAUPAPA MĀTĀMUA: We will leverage our disciplinary strengths in Geography, Environmental Science and Earth Sciences to provide an outstanding, relevant and transformational education for our students; create knowledge to inform our future founded on a deep understanding of our past; and practice global leadership at the nexus of society, economy and nature that reflects our place, its peoples and processes, based on values of:

Manaakitanga – Reciprocity of kindness, respect, humility, responsible hospitality, caring for others and the environment
Whanaungatanga – fostering practices of care within our community of colleagues, students, and whānau, and instilling a principle of care for others and the environment.
Resilience and courage in the face of rapid change and challenging circumstances, we will speak out.
Kaitiakitanga – individual and collective responsibility for caretaking our environment and place, with respect for Te Ao Māori
Whakaute – Respect for each other and for our shared commitment to excellence, collegiality, academic freedom, equity, and the principles of Te Tiriti ō Waitangi

DOC 3 forms

As an important correction to the last edition’s announcement on doctoral forms, please be aware that DOC 3 examiner nomination forms should not be submitted or handled by students, rather, their supervisors or supervisory teams. All other doctoral forms – DOC 6 (Change to Doctoral Candidate Registration), Doctoral Annual Report and Doctoral Provisional Review forms should still be sent to env-pgadmin@auckland.ac.nz for HoD approval.

IT Committee:

The IT Committee will meet soon. Please let us know if you’d like to request any teaching-related software for S2 – and of course, if there are any other points for discussion. (i.pecher@auckland.ac.nz)

Could the Government Nationalise ECE?

To view an interview of a recent MA Geography graduate on TVNZ, please click on the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1959502787518685

Notice: Changes in Some Labs:

The Cathodoluminescence Microscope has now moved to room 302-581a (darkroom), where it is co-located with the school’s photography equipment. This move means users only need to complete the school’s general induction to gain access to this instrument. We expect that with the knowledge of Drs Michael Rowe, Kathy Campbell, David Adams and the logistical support of Andres Arcila this instrument is going to be quite popular.
Please contact Andres Arcila/Neville Hudson if you are intending to use either photography facilities or CL microscope.

First Aid Courses

Announcement: We did not manage to get the numbers to run either the full course or the revalidation but we can run shorter courses provided all attendees complete the required pre-assessments. This means that for the full course you only need to do one class day, and for the revalidation, this is four hours. Please find attached instructions on how to do this.

Can you please choose suitable dates in the poll below AFTER you have completed the online assessments. There are still minimum numbers required to run the courses, so there is no guarantee we will be able to do this. If we can’t then I will try again during semester break.

Revalidation – https://doodle.com/poll/ds5bgntuk3k3h8pi

Full course – https://doodle.com/poll/2m4mt552ximsuqtr

Complete your First Aid Course through an M-learning (mobile-learning) Approach.

Mobile Learning

For details and instructions, please use the links below:

M-Learning Information Sheet 2016

App & Online instructions

Become an Open Day 2020 Ambassador

Volunteers are needed to help the university create a memorable Open Day experience with manaakitanga, (hospitality, generosity) in order to build whanaungatanga (a sense of family and belonging).

Open Day is one of the biggest events on the university calendar – where we open our doors and showcase our campus to potential new students.

If you would like to represent the University community and help build an unforgettable Open Day experience, we want to hear from you!

Meet new people and make connections with the wider university community
Build memorable shared experiences with your peers
Learn something new!
Add to your CV

Open Day 2020 Details

Date: 29^th August 2020

Time: approx. 8am-3pm (single shift). Times may vary for different roles.

Location: UoA city campus

Lunch: Catered lunch included

*You will also need to be available for one (1) hour-long Ambassador training and briefing session 24 August 2020 at 1pm

Available Ambassador Roles:

Roles	Responsibilities
Help Desk	Provide information and directions to all visitors on campus
Lecture support	Effectively usher visitors into lecture theatres, perform accurate headcounts and provide technical support
Roamer (Welcome & Crowd control)	To welcome guests, help direct and manage the crowd. To provide general support to fill in gaps where needed.
Mascot	Take on the iconic role of our mascot Ed the Kiwi and have fun getting silly, welcoming and engaging with guests
Mascot Minder	To assist and accompany Ed the Kiwi and ensure the safety of the mascot

If you are interested in helping us to showcase the University of Auckland to potential new students, Apply Now!

Application closes 31 July 2020 5pm NZST

The outcome of the application will be notified by 5 August 2020

To show appreciation for your commitment and support, we will provide you with a Westfield voucher.

Meeting, Seminars and Events

ENV Welcome Back Function

Staff and PG Research students are cordially invited to the School of Environment welcome back function;

Time & Date: 4-6pm, Thursday 30 July

Venue: Level 6 Breakout Space.

Please RSVP here by Monday 20 July for catering purposes.

How tectonic and surface processes interact to shape the landscape

Time & Date: 7 pm, 18th August

Venue: Auckland Museum Auditorium

For more information, please click here

Just how on earth do we know what MARS is made of?

Two ‘Showings’ On Friday 31st of July

3.30pm University of Auckland, Rm 303-G16
7.30pm Epsom community Centre, 200 Gillies Ave

For more information, please click here

‘The first meeting’ of the School of Environment international Students

Time & Date: Friday 7 August 10am (the second week of Semester II)

Venue: Ontology room (B 302 – 551, 5th floor)Guest speaker: Mr. John Dorado (Career development and employability office)

Topic: How to prepare for employment in New Zealand or other countries.

Followed by Morning tea & Informal socialising session

Ako – Teaching and Learning

Thank You Note

As this semester draws to a close we can reflect on the many challenges faced by all of us delivering our teaching programme successfully this semester. We are delighted that together we have got most of our student cohort successfully across the finish line despite the very challenging and constantly changing teaching environment. This simply wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the wider academic community and we would like to extend our thanks to the postgraduate community of tutors who played a very significant part in keeping our courses running and students engaged with the course material. At the exam boards, we heard numerous stories of tutors who had gone well above and beyond the call of duty, reaching out extensively to the students they were teaching, often on an individual basis, providing both academic and emotional support to our undergraduate community. There were also many examples of tutors preparing extensive on-line teaching materials for tutorials and even coaching staff in the use of online resources! In a number of cases, this dedication was identified as the reason why so many students stuck with the courses and were able to pass successfully. We are very grateful to everyone who put in extraordinary hours of their time to ensure our courses could run as smoothly as possible and our students were supported as effectively as possible.

As discipline leaders, we would also like to acknowledge the hard work of David Hayward, Mel Wall, Murray Ford and the AKO committee as they navigated us through the challenges of switching to remote delivery. This was a steep learning curve for everyone, and the regular, friendly advice and extreme amounts of patience offered were essential for keeping (most of) us on the straight and narrow. We would also like to acknowledge the effective, efficient support provided by Alex, both in maintaining our community spirit with weekly virtual morning teas and in ensuring all the paperwork was completed. Finally, we would like to thank the teaching staff, for their flexibility, adaptability and patience in this strange environment. Here’s hoping we have a less stressful semester 2.

Jenny Salmond, Kevin Simon and Martin Brook.

Meeting, Seminars and Events

Pandemic, pedagogy and education 4: Teaching and learning remotely

Thursday 23^rd July 2-3pm

Join Zoom Meeting: https://auckland.zoom.us/j/98222705004?pwd=Sk83YW5ENkhmOFZuMGlPellHMS9NQT09

The COVID-19 lockdown has posed considerable challenges and opportunities for educators. This zoom is designed to showcase pedagogies, innovations and tools to assist and enrich remote learning within the Faculty of Science at the University of Auckland. We will begin with three short presentations (approx. 10 minutes) followed by the opportunity for audience participation. Ideally, this will spark a collective conversation that is ongoing, the second in an online series with future opportunities for staff to showcase pedagogical insights and innovations.

The presentations are as follows:

Title: Connectivity and collaboration with our teaching colleagues

Presenters: Caroline Aspden and Julie McIntosh

Lockdown focussed our attention on our students and caused many of us to reflect on the value we place on creating connections with our learners. In this new environment, there was a change in another key dynamic of teaching: connection and communication between teachers in our learning communities. Our ability as teachers to share experience and strategies through incidental conversations and opportunities was far more challenging in the zoom space. In this talk, we reflect on the strategies we implemented in lockdown and the value of what we learned from this experience moving forward.

Title: Stage 1 Psychology laboratories: What we learnt from our online experiences

Presenters: Andrea Mead and Michelle Burstall

Stage 1 Psychology students attend in-person laboratories designed to further their understanding of psychological theories whilst creating opportunities for our students to develop critical thinking, communication, teamwork and collaboration skills. Covid-19 gave us the challenge to rapidly convert in-person laboratories to online learning experiences. This presentation will share feedback from our tutors and students on what worked well for us and what we would change in the future.

Title: Remote teaching in Physics: reflections and future planning

Presenters: Tristan O’Hanlon, Anna Yang, and Miro Erkintalo

We survey the Physics Department’s response to COVID-19 lockdown, discussing pre-lockdown preparations, implementations and outcomes of remote teaching strategies, and initiatives designed to maintain a healthy community. Moreover, we will describe ongoing planning aimed at ensuring the resilience of Physics laboratory components against the possibility of future lockdowns and travel restrictions.

Please come along if you can make it and you’re interested. You are welcome to forward this flyer to anyone interested in attending. The session will be recorded for those who cannot attend. Please email Mel Wall (m.wall@auckland.ac.nz) after the session if you would like a link to the recording.

Creating an engaging online learning and teaching environment – Ako Innovation Seminar

Presenter: Dr. Ella Kahu

Zoom: https://auckland.zoom.us/j/97336580623?pwd=aXovOHFSYytpYzdpcWZGTWxHb3FwUT09

For many academics, successfully engaging students online has been a challenge in Semester 1 in our new COVID-19 reality. Ella Kahu from Massey University has kindly agreed to give a seminar on creating engaging online learning and teaching environment. For those who do not know of Ella’s work, she wrote a seminal article on student engagement in higher education and her subsequent work has only deepened our understanding. Ella currently teaches online and is the winner of multiple awards for Teaching Excellence. Do come along it you can make it. Ella intends to present for 40 minutes leaving ample opportunity for discussion. Her longer description and bio is here

Kahu, E. R. (2013). Framing student engagement in higher education. Studies in Higher Education, 38(5), 758-773. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2011.598505

Rangahau – Research

Critic says govt’s freshwater package doesn’t address the problem – pollution

Research Fellow Brendon Blue provided comments recently for an RNZ National story regarding the government’s ‘Jobs for nature’ package.

The reporter claimed she had never heard someone talk so enthusiastically about floodplains.

Meeting, Seminars and Events

MBIE Kick-off Workshop

UniServices are organising an MBIE kick-off workshop for Monday 27 July in OGH. It will consist of 3 separate sessions over the day (you can join for the whole day or chose a session to participate in):

9:00 – 10:30 MBIE Overview with Jane Shearer (also available on zoom)

10:45 – 12:45 Pitching session – 5-minute pitch to a panel of experts in front of other participants

1:30 – 3:30 Targeted discussions at tables with BDMs, impact managers, Vision Mātauranga advisors etc.

Spaces are limited and some additional information will be required from those wishing to participate in the pitching sessions and table discussions. More information will be provided directly to those who register.

To register, please follow this link.

Climate Science Rendezvous

Tuesday 21 July, 2-4pm, 303-G16. This one-off theme event aims to bring together researchers focused on climate and climate science from all disciplines, hosted by the new Climate Science Research Centre, and the Our World and Universe research theme. See the flyer here.

Research and Funding Opportunities

Social Science Research Council – Just Tech Covid-19 Rapid Response Grants

Awards will range from USD $5,000 to $10,000. The typical research project duration is 6 months.

The first internal UoA deadline is August 24, 2020 (The funder has currently planned a rolling deadline)

For more info please see the funding guidelines and resources page

The Biosecurity Technology research project

The Biosecurity Technology mission is one of several new topics being explored by SfTI for the next stage of this National Science Challenge with our National Science Challenge partner, New Zealand’s Biological Heritage | Ngā Koiora Tuku Iho. The focus is on employing cutting-edge physical sciences and engineering to create new processes and tools that will better protect NZ from harmful biological elements such as non-indigenous flora, pathogens, insects and mammalian species.

SfTI has now released a request for Expressions of Capability (EoC).

The EoC provides a summary of the process and what to expect, and the Application form asks for a summary of where your research interest lies, your expertise and experience.

The application form and EoC can also be downloaded from our website https://www.sftichallenge.govt.nz/news/biosecurity-technology-mission-calling-for-expressions-of-capability/

Send your completed application form and CV, to SfTIChallenge@callaghaninnovation.govt.nz

Applications close Monday 10 August 2020.

New publications

Bedford, R; Kearns, R; Kennedy, D; Le Heron, R; Longhurst, R; Mansvelt, J; Pawson, E; Peace, R; Roche, M. The New Zealand Geographer reaches 75. New Zealand Geographer. July 2020 DOI: 10.1111/nzg.12266 https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/300057406/cancercausing-dust-beneath-auckland-stirred-by-construction-scientists-say
Garnett ST, Christidis L, Conix S, Costello MJ, Zachos FE, Bánki OS, Bao Y, Barik SK, Buckeridge JS, Hobern D, Lien A, Montgomery N, Nikolaeva S, Pyle RL, Thomson SA, van Dijk PP, Whalen A, Zhang Z-Q, Thiele KR. 2020. Principles for creating a single authoritative list of the world’s species. PLoS Biology 18(7): e3000736. https://doi. org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3000736. A Blog post and UoA media release associated with this publication are also available.

Copy deadline for next edition of P-cubed: Friday 31st July to Bizza: b.zainab@auckland.ac.nz

Categories: Uncategorised

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Issue 36-Monday 6th July 2020

July 6, 2020 • fshe556

HeadSup

Michael and Henry Vincent Martin

Kia ora koutou

This week we farewell two people who have contributed in unique ways to the School for a number of years and welcome one wee newcomer. I’m delighted to announce the birth of Henry Vincent Martin – congratulations Michael and Lynne! Riki Taylor concludes his work with Tuākana and the Tertiary Foundation Course at the end of this week, and Kate Kenedi’s Research Fellowship is at end. Kate has worked closely with the Earth Sciences team, taking the initiative with numerous outreach and teaching activities during her time with us. We will have a catered morning tea 10.30am this Wednesday, 8 July, to acknowledge Riki and Kate’s service to the school and wish them well for the future, and sign Henry’s birthday book. If you have yet to make the move back to the university, this would be a great time to come in and catch up.

It’s always inspiring to read the activities listed in p-cubed. I’d like to encourage you to send in details of new publications or other forms of knowledge mobilisation for noting in the Rangahau section. Not many people take advantage of this but it’s great to see the breadth of work being undertaken in the school so don’t be shy!

Much is underway to kick off the University’s 10 year strategic plan including set-up of various working groups (research, education, culture and people, engagement, future University campus) that will develop discussion papers for consideration. It will be important to get engaged with this work as opportunities allow and I encourage everyone to stay on top of developments in this space. For those who have yet to read the VC’s framing document, you can find it here. Our ENV 3-year strategic plan also is underway and I expect to have a draft out for comment in the next edition of p-cubed.

Thank you to those who have put their hat in the ring for the Rangahau service and leadership role. I expect to make an announcement on this position soon.

The response to the call for a Director, Comms and Marketing, has been very disappointing. I would like to emphasise the importance of this role to the future of the School and the opportunity it provides for making a difference that would contribute nicely to a leadership narrative for promotion applications. I would also like to emphasise that the role calls for a ‘Director’, someone who can identify opportunity, develop a plan, and see that the plan is implemented through leadership. The School will resource this role via casual contract support and OPEX. I would like to extend the deadline for expressions of interest to close of day Wednesday. If you are interested but would like to know more about the scope, please get in touch.

Lastly, I would like to extend a very appreciative vote of thanks to Farnaz, who has been doing a great job building p-cubed for us every fortnight. Farnaz has been promoted to a new role (Facilities Coordinator, Psychology and Chemistry) and this is her last p-cubed. Thanks Farnaz!

Whakawhanaungatanga – communities

Congratulations!

The New Zealand Geographical Society’s President’s Award for Best Doctoral Thesis has been made to Dr. Linda Madden of our School for her thesis: ‘Pet Names: A Critical Geography of Non-human Identity Construction in Auckland City’ (supervisors Robin Kearns & Ward Friesen). Linda is currently writing papers from her thesis while teaching Geography and Social Studies at Taylors College.

Notice

This is just a gentle reminder that doctoral students need to send through all DOC 3 (Nomination for the Appointment of Examiners for a Doctoral Degree), DOC 6 (Change to Doctoral Candidate Registration), Doctoral Annual Report and Doctoral Provisional Review forms to env-pgadmin@auckland.ac.nz for HoD approval. Thank you.

ENV Welcome Back Function

Staff and PG Research students are cordially invited to School of Environment welcome back function from 4-6pm, Thursday 30 July in the Level 6 Breakout Space. Please RSVP here by Monday 20 July for catering purpose. See you there soon!

Health and Safety online reporting system is now live

Please use this portal to report any work related Health and Safety Injury, Incident (non injury) or Observation (safe/unsafe) involving staff, students, contractors and/or visitors. Any queries please contact Health Safety and Wellbeing on x84896. If you have any questions as Blair b.sowman@auckland.ac.nz

Injury

Any injury occurring in the course of work-related activities.

To report an injury to an employee, student, contractor or visitor during the course of work activity click here.

Incidents – No Injury

Any unplanned event or occurrence having a potential for injury or ill-health.

To report an unplanned event that under slightly different circumstances could have caused harm, injury or damage click here.

Observation

An observed safe (positive) or unsafe (hazardous) act or condition.

To report an observation, click here.

Students should report incidents, injuries and observations to the Student Contact Centre or via their academic supervisor. To assist with identification of the person involved, please also include their Staff/Student ID number and a contact phone number (if known) in the “What Happened” section.

ENV MPI Transitional/Quarantine Facility – Annual Refresher

If you are a new user or you wish to continue using the Schools MPI Transitional Facility for uncleared risks goods, then please make sure you complete the required inductions in Canvas.

New users will need to complete the induction and pass the TF Quiz.
Those who have already passed the test will need to complete the annual refresher; which is due annually.

Remember that if you wish to import materials the first thing you need to do is talk to Blair. There is an application form you need to complete which includes information such as the size, weight, reasons and length of time you wish to keep the items.

ALL imported shipments of rock, soil, sediment, peat, coral, wood, ash or water must be inspected by MPI and be accompanied by a Biosecurity Authorisation/Clearance Certificate (BACC). Natural materials which fall outside of the allowed materials of the ENV permit cannot be stored in the Transitional Facility and must be transferred to an appropriate holding facility or risk being destroyed. If we receive any unexpected deliveries without the correct paperwork these will be sent back to MPI for destruction.

Maps and Geospatial Collections Review

Libraries and Learning Services | Te Tumu Herenga is currently reviewing its map and geospatial collections, both print and digital, to ensure that we deliver a high-quality service aligned with learning, teaching and research needs at the University of Auckland. The map and geospatial collections include print maps and charts, atlases, aerial photographs, indices, gazetteers, catalogues; and digital maps and charts, aerial and satellite imagery and geospatial datasets. This is part of the overall collections work LLS is continually doing.

Satellite image of Mt Taranaki

To help with the review, LLS is consulting University of Auckland stakeholders about their use of these collections and the extent to which the collections are meeting their needs, now and into the future. The findings from the online survey, distributed this week and available until Friday, 24 July, will be used to determine the future state of the collections.

There is a lot at stake with this review, so please consider making yourself available and provide feedback.

I am available to answer any questions you might have relating to this news item, the survey and the map and geospatial collections review.

Thank you

Igor Drecki
Research Services Adviser, Geospatial Portfolio
Libraries and Learning Services | Te Tumu Herenga
E: i.drecki@auckland.ac.nz
P: 09 923 6506 or ext 86506

Lessons learned from lockdown.

A big thank you to those of you who responded to the online survey, hastily set up by Joe (for the Sustainability Network), on lockdown lessons. Here is a brief overview. While closer scrutiny would be required to improve the accuracy of the percentages, the general sentiment is clear.

Vacant office

With the departure of Ward and Lyndsay there are currently two vacant offices in 302. If you are currently located in 301 and would like to relocate please let JR know.

Meeting, seminars and events

Title: How tectonic and surface processes interact to shape the landscape

6.30pm for 6.45pm 18th August-Auckland Museum Auditorium

For further information please click here.

Title: The Southern Alps of New Zealand- an integrated picture of an evolving plate boundary

1pm 17th August- The University of Auckland- Room 303-B05

For further information please click here.

Title: Just how on earth do we know what mars is made of?

Friday 31st July. Two ‘showings’

3.30pm The University of Auckland- Room 303-G16 OR

7.30pm Epsom Community Centre, 200 Gillies Ave

For further information please click here.

Geoscience Society of New Zealand’s photography competition

We are extending the submission deadline of this year’s Geoscience Society of New Zealand’s photography competition to Monday July 13. Don’t miss the chance to be immortalized on canvas and have bragging rights with all your geo-friends!

What: First annual GSNZ photo competition commemorating Milutin Milankovic’s astronomical theory

When: Submit photos by Monday July 13, 2020

Where: Send photos, along with a brief caption and photo details to geosocietynz@gmail.com

Who: Open to GSNZ members

Why: To have your image featured in the GSNZ Newsletter and on the website, and win a canvas print collage of the top photos from each of the three categories:

Geological Cyclicity
Macro- and micro-scale geoscience
New Zealand geoscience.

We look forward to receiving your entries.

Terms and Conditions attached

Earth Sciences Bickie Briefings

When & Where?

Every week from 10.30-11.00 am starting Thursday 16 July onwards, Level 6 common space unless otherwise advised.

Who?

Everyone – all post-graduate students and staff are welcome, please come.

Why?

Find out what’s happening and what’s coming up in the next week, eat bickies, hear about our success, and help build our Earth Sciences Community.

Ako – Teaching and Learning

The University of Auckland Teaching Excellence Awards 2020

Dear all

Applications are being called for The University of Auckland Teaching Excellence Awards. There are five Teaching Excellence Awards available, in the following categories:

Sustained Excellence in Teaching (two awards)
Early Career Excellence in Teaching (two awards)
Leadership in Teaching and Learning (one award)
In the 2020 round, applications are invited for ‘informal’ leadership in teaching and learning*

In a particular year, if an award is not made in one or more of the categories, an award may be re-assigned to another category if the next best ranked application in that category is of sufficient merit. The Awards are contestable across the University and carry with them a medal and a monetary prize of $6,000.

Selected recipients of University of Auckland Teaching Excellence Awards will usually be considered for nomination by the University for the national awards. The University, however, reserves the right to approach other staff to nominate for the national awards.

The Information to applicants and application forms are available on the University’s Learning and Teaching website at:

http://www.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/excellence-innovation/

For guidance and advice on preparing a teaching portfolio, potential applicants can:

– view the portfolios of the University’s national Tertiary Teaching Excellence Award winners as an example of best practice

– contact a previous Teaching Excellence Award winner from their faculty

The closing date for applications is Friday 4 September 2020 with the Teaching Excellence Awards Secretary, Susan McDowell-Watts, s.mcdowell-watts@auckland.ac.nz

For any enquiries – contact Claire Walters, Academic Reviews Manager, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, c.walters@auckland.ac.nz

Meeting, seminars and events

Title:Using peer-to-peer interaction to enhance student learning: Ako Innovation Committee Workshop

Presenters: Sonia Fonua & Marie McEntee
Date and time: Friday 10th July, 10am
Zoom: https://auckland.zoom.us/j/92737798996

For further information please click here.

Rangahau – Research

People

Franca Scherman (Peverelle) has joined the team as a Research Programme Coordinator supporting researchers in the School of Environment manage their project grant funding. She was previously supporting researchers in the School of Biological Sciences and is looking forward to working with you all. Please continue to email Kathryn (Kathryn.howard@auckland.ac.nz) or Kelly (Kelly.kilpin@auckland.ac.nz) or Franca (Franca.peverelle@auckland.ac.nz) for any research project assistance.

Three Minute Thesis competition

The Three Minute Thesis competition is going ahead this year, with the Science heat at 3pm on July 14th. Please encourage confirmed doctoral and research Masters students to enter the competition. Registration for the heat closes on July 7th and the link for registration is

https://www.forms.auckland.ac.nz/en/student/science/three-minute-thesis-2020.html

The Science heat is in-person only. If you have students that would prefer to do an online presentation, they could join the open heat on July 23rd. See details at

https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/postgraduate-students/3-minute-thesis-competition/3mt.html

The University final will be on August 6th and is an in-person event. More information about how the completion works is at

https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/postgraduate-students/3-minute-thesis-competition/rules-terms-and-conditions.html

Application for retreats

The Rangahau Committee is keen to receive applications for “retreats”. While in the past “retreats” were usually organized by the Disciplinary groups, we would like to encourage retreats by teams keen to develop research ideas into proposals. We could also cover for participation (not travel) of researchers outside the School that play a key role in the research.

Please contact Giovanni g.coco@auckland.ac.nz for more details.

Meeting, seminars and events

Title: Characterisation of deep-marine ichnostructures and their relevance as environmental proxies

Date: Thursday, July 9th at 1PM

Zoom Meeting ID: https://auckland.zoom.us/j/95902706616

Climate Science Rendezvous

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeGl_yDDk-z3JUH_Kw-6bQBBmoZkvD9s0c61YqGwRkof6yeww/viewform

Impact through Culture Change’ Webinar series

The University of Auckland’s Office of Research Strategy and Integrity would like to invite you to the first event of our new research impact webinar series: ‘Impact through Culture Change’.

A Treaty-based approach to creating impact: aligning the expectations of individual researchers and their organisations to achieve collective impact

To our first event of the series we have invited Dr Andrea Byrom, Co-Director, Biological Heritage National Science Challenge and Melanie Mark-Shadbolt, Director Māori, Biological Heritage National Science Challenge to share their experiences and the challenges they have faced whilst leading impact within their organisations.

Date: Monday 6 July

Time: 12:30pm – 1.30pm

Digital research skills workshops for all UoA researchers, July – Sept, 2020, from thc Centre for eResearch

Managing Research Data workshop, online or in-person
An introduction to research data management, best practices and services available at the University. We take a research data lifecycle approach – data management planning for funding and ethics applications, organization, storage, sharing, and archiving and publishing.
Research group sessions available on request.
For more information and booking – https://research-hub.auckland.ac.nz/#/content/44

Tools tips & tricks, part of the Hacky Hour programme
A series on digital research tools, fortnightly 1 hour online sessions are a mix of presentation and discussion for and by researchers or the team at the Centre for eResearch.

All welcome, no booking required.

9^th July | Social media data scraping and wrangling – tips & tricks

23 July | Generating publication-ready figures – tips & tricks

Future topics include NVIVO, Machine learning, Qualtrics (survey tool), etc.
For more information and Zoom link – https://uoa-eresearch.github.io/HackyHour/tips-tricks-sessions/

Introduction to Nectar Virtual Machines workshop
Is your desktop/laptop struggling to perform research analysis?
Join us for this online step-by-step 1 hour introduction to getting a Nectar virtual machine allocation and setting-up a Windows virtual machine.

For more information and booking – http://tiny.cc/nectar-intro-workshop

Research and Funding Opportunities

CBB Māori Student Summer Scholarships

Kia ora koutou,

We are pleased to let you know that the Centre for Biodiversity and Biosecurity (CBB) will offer 4 CBB Māori Student Summer Scholarships (2 funded by the CBB and 2 by Manaaki Whenua LCR) for this summer (2020/2021). The purpose of the scholarships is to:

1) Encourage Māori students to study ecology through exposure/participation in research in this field of study and

2) Improve support and engagement of CBB staff with Māori students.

We are targeting Stage 1 students as we think engaging early will encourage them to pursue studies in ecology. As with other UOA summer scholarships, the CBB scholarships will be for 10 weeks and students will receive a stipend of $6000 each.

Based on feedback from last year’s scholarship students, we would like to package the scholarships differently from the standard UoA studentships. Instead of a student working on one project with one supervisor, students will have the opportunity to work on a combination of projects with different supervisors to enhance their exposure to different areas of research in ecology and to help them build their networks.

We are now writing to seek your support with the supervision of the students. Any CBB staff members are eligible to supervise (if you’d like to join the CBB then please use the attached form). If you are interested, please email us a brief description of potential project(s) including experience & skills to be gained, the number of students you could supervise and the preferred length of time and dates you would like the students involvement (e.g. 7 days lab work for 2 students between 20 Jan and 5 Feb). We will combine projects to give students a range of experience, but will come back to you to negotiate details, depending on other requests. We will be uploading the types of research students can expect to be involved with on the CBB website. Please note that as the scholarship awardees are Stage 1 students, they will likely require more support than Stage 3 counterparts (the usual beneficiaries of UOA Summer Research Scholarship Programme).

We look forward to hearing back from you. Please email your responses to Souad Boudjelas s.boudjelas@auckland.ac.nz by Friday 10 July.

Unlocking the potential of Tamaki Makaurau’s women and girls: Women’s Fund grants for 2020

The Women’s Fund seeks to positively impact the lives of women in Auckland, and unlock potential across generations.

Grants of up to $5,000 are available to support organisations and initiatives that amplify the voices of women, such as promoting leadership; invest in women, through education and training, or building resilience; and accelerate growth and development opportunities, including mentoring.

This year, we also have an additional $20,000 to grant to programmes that specifically lift and empower girls and young women.

Details The full criteria and how to apply can be found on the funders website.

FRDF Strategic round for Early Career Researchers

Hi All

The Faculty of Science is calling for research proposals from Early Career Researchers as part of a strategic use of FRDF funds. The Research Committee felt that a special opportunity for Early Career Researchers at this time would be a strategic use of a portion of FRDF funds at this time.

Central has asked Faculties to hold off their main funding rounds although we envisage we will be about to put out a call for a main round later in July.

Guidelines and FRDF Application form for this strategic round are attached and note that applications are due by Wednesday 29^th July 2020.

Please do not hesitate to contact Wendy if you have any questions.

COVID-19 and future infectious disease threats: new funding round focused on equity, resilience and recovery coming soon

Some information about an upcoming funding call from HRC at the following link:
https://mailchi.mp/hrc/new-covid-19-round-coming-soon-equity-resilience-and-recovery?e=554a8b4562

New publications

Jefferson T, Costello 2020. Hotspots of marine biodiversity. In: Encyclopedia of the World’s Biomes Volume 4, Reference Module in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences, Elsevier, 586-596. ISBN 9780124095489. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-409548-9.11952-9
Morris TC, Costello 2020. The biology, ecology and societal importance of marine parasites. In: Encyclopedia of the World’s Biomes Volume 4, Reference Module in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences, Elsevier, 556-566. ISBN 9780124095489. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-409548-9.11802-0
Costello MJ, Zhao Q, Jayathilake, DRM. 2020. Defining marine spatial units: realms, biomes, ecosystems, seascapes, habitats, biotopes, communities and guilds. In: Encyclopedia of the World’s Biomes Volume 4, Reference Module in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences, Elsevier, 547-555. ISBN 9780124095489. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-409548-9.12515-1
Asaad I, Lundquist CJ, Erdmann MV, Costello 2020. The Coral Triangle: the most species rich marine region on earth. In: Encyclopedia of the World’s Biomes Volume 4, Reference Module in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences, Elsevier, 539-546. ISBN 9780124095489. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-409548-9.11801-9
Arfianti T, Costello J. 2020. The biological, ecological, and ecosystem roles of marine Amphipoda. In: Encyclopedia of the World’s Biomes Volume 4, Reference Module in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences, Elsevier, 518-526. ISBN 9780124095489. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-409548-9.11800-7
Zhao Q, Costello 2020. Marine ecosystems of the world. In: Encyclopedia of the World’s Biomes Volume 4, Reference Module in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences, Elsevier, 514-517. ISBN 9780124095489. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-409548-9.11688-4
Jayathilake DR, Costello 2020. The kelp biome. In: Encyclopedia of the World’s Biomes Volume 4, Reference Module in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences, Elsevier, 509-513. ISBN 9780124095489. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-409548-9.11768-3
Jayathilake DR, Costello 2020. Seagrass biome. In: Encyclopedia of the World’s Biomes Volume 4, Reference Module in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences, Elsevier, 504-508. ISBN 9780124095489. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-409548-9.11748-8.
Pagés-Escolà M, CostelloJ. 2020. The biology, ecology and societal importance of marine Bryozoa. In: Encyclopedia of the World’s Biomes Volume 4, Reference Module in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences, Elsevier, 499-503. ISBN 9780124095489. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-409548-9.12138-4
Saeedi, H, Costello 2020. The biology, ecology, and societal importance of razor clams. In: Encyclopedia of the World’s Biomes Volume 4, Reference Module in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences, Elsevier, 494-498. ISBN 9780124095489, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-409548-9.11681-1.
Basher Z, Costello MJ, 2020. World Maps of Ocean Environment Variables. In: Encyclopedia of the World’s Biomes Volume 4, Reference Module in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences, Elsevier, 479-493. ISBN 9780124095489. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-409548-9.12076-7

Categories: Uncategorised

Comments (1)

Issue 35-Monday 22nd June 2020

June 22, 2020 • fshe556

HeadSup

Kia ora koutou

I’d like to extend a big thank you to all the facilitators who helped run our remote ENV staff retreat last week and all participants for contributing to the various sessions on offer. We had an excellent turn-out! I would be very pleased to receive feedback on the day and suggestions for additional workshops that we could timetable through the semester as upskill options. You can find a largely unedited summary of contributions to ‘Framing the 2021-23 ENV Strategic Plan’ here. If you have further thoughts that you would like to contribute to this topic please email me before the end of this week. PG Students: I will invite comment from you on the school plan in due course.

I would like to invite expressions of interest for the service/leadership roles of Chair, Rangahau (currently held by Giovanni Coco) and Director, Comms & Marketing (a new role). Both roles provide opportunity for strategic development and school-wide leadership and thus are particularly opportune for those who may be building leadership portfolios. The Comms & Marketing role will be supported via a casual contract subject to Faculty approval. If you feel energised at the thought of positively impacting the School through either of these roles please get in touch with me directly.

Congratulations are in order for Tom Baker (VC Early Career Research Excellence Award) and Michael Rowe (newly appointed FOS Research Theme Leader, Our World and Universe). Well done to you both!

We are in the final stages of confirming our revised budget following a ~$200k reduction in spend. All committees and platforms now should have reconfirmed budgets and can recommence spending. If you are running a subcommittee and are not sure of your budget, please get in touch with your platform leader (Karen, Robin or Giovanni). All staff eligible for professional development funding are now able to start spending and it would be appreciated if you could make an effort to spend at least some of your entitlement before the end of 2020.

May I remind all PG research students and supervisors to send any documents requiring my signature to env-pgadmin@auckland.ac.nz. Do not send documents to me directly (they will be lost under a 1000 emails never to be seen again).

Many of us took our desktop computers and other equipment home in the 2-day run up to lock-down. On the assumption that we will remain at Alert Level 1, please start returning them to the School. I would like all items returned before the start of Semester 2 please. And of course, we need to make the adjustment to life back on campus. Guidelines for blended-working arrangements are under development for professional staff and the FOS HODs are discussing guidelines for academic staff. A presence on campus will remain integral to our expression of community.

It’s time for a gathering! I would like to invite all PG Research students and Staff to a ‘welcome back’ function from 4-6 pm, Thursday 30th July in the Level 6 common room. Samantha will be seeking RSVPs presently. It will be great to see you all there.

Ngā mihi

Whakawhanaungatanga – communities

Who’s who in ENV: committees and service roles

The current list of committees, committee members and service/leadership roles can be found here. We will keep this list up-to-date and post it in the top bar of p-cubed from the next edition. If you spot errors or omissions please let JR know. If there are committees that you would like to join in the future please advise JR.

New hire: X-ray Technologist

The technical team is happy to welcome Tania Rico Malacara who will be joining us later this year (if the country is open!).

After an extensive 6-month search we have appointed Tania to look after our x-ray facilities alongside David Adams (Microprobe) and Andres (ESP). Tania will be making the move from Mexico City, where she studied at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, undertaking a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and a Master’s degree in Earth Science with an Environmental Geochemistry specialization. Tania will bring some much needed expertise to our XRF facilities and will be able to get our equipment running beautifully.

You can also find her LinkedIn profile here https://www.linkedin.com/in/tania-rico-malacara-798226161/

Leave Plus

Applications for cashing up 1 week of leave are closing 26 June

The Leave Plus scheme on the staff intranet now has updated information about the process for applying for ‘cashing up’ one week of annual leave. The information about the process can be found here.

You can only apply to purchase leave once per year, within the first three weeks before the 1^st pay period in July. For 2020, the applications for Leave Plus will be from 4 June 2020 to 26 June 2020 and then every subsequent 12 months. The Leave Plus balance will be applied to your leave balances in Employee Self-Service after the first pay of July. Applications can be submitted by checking the eligibility criteria below and by completing the Leave Plus Purchase Form.

Please note, in line with the Vice Chancellor’s communication to all staff, you are encouraged to reduce your annual leave and time off in lieu (TOIL) balances to a maximum of 2 weeks by the end of January 2021. Hence, you are encouraged to incorporate the purchase of an additional week of leave (if eligible and approved) in this leave plan. Leave Plus balances won’t be carried into the next Leave Plus purchase period. If a Leave Plus balance hasn’t been used by the first pay of July 2021 the balance will be cashed up and paid back in the next pay period at the same rate it was purchased at. You will be able to purchase a new week for the following Leave Plus period.

EAP Flyer

Please find the latest EAP e-Flyer. Click here to view.

Topics in this edition include;

Men’s Health Week – 15^th June -21^st June
Why do I feel angry?
Mood boosting tips
How we can prevent bullying in Aotearoa

Academic Promotions 2020

Please take the time to review the information on the Academic Standards and Promotion policy to ensure that you are familiar with what is required as this is a step that many applicants overlook. Information on eligibility and changes made to the Academic Career Portfolio are provided below:

Eligibility

It is important to note that to be eligible to apply for promotion, if your case for promotion rests in part on teaching, you must have been employed and your performance evaluated for at least four teaching sessions (semesters, summer school, quarters) at the University of Auckland. This specification relates to the range and duration of teaching activities necessary to demonstrate sustained performance, not to the duration of employment. For research only staff, you must have been employed for at least 12 months before being eligible for consideration for promotion.

If you are unsure about eligibility please talk to your academic head in the first instance.

Academic Career Portfolio (ACP) changes

Changes were made several years ago to the teaching section of the ACP so it is important to ensure that all appropriate sections of the application are completed and as per Appendix 1, evidence to support statements made about teaching in the ACP are provided.

For more information and documentation please refer to Academic Promotions

Professorial applications – please note:

‘Electronic copies of your five nominated publications must be sent in a separate file along with your application’.
Where a publication is large, as in a book or an extensive report, applicants are requested to supply a ‘link’ to the electronic version of the specific publication where that is available, but in the absence of a ‘link’ an electronic version must be provided in a manageable zipped file in an appropriate format.
These must be in a file that a potential overseas referee, who may not have a University server available, can access. They can be PDF’d together but must be separate to the HR9 & 94.
Books in hard copy will not be accepted.

Promotions Seminar – 24^th June 2020

If you would like to understand more about the promotions process and what to include in your application, Professor Doug Elliffe, Deputy Dean and Chair of the Faculty Staffing Committee will facilitate a Promotions seminar.

The seminar will be held on in Room 303-G15, Wednesday 24^th June from 10-11am.

COVID-19 – Impact on Academic Promotion applications 2020

Academic Promotions process will go ahead in 2020 with the following amendments for all promotion points including Professor:

Staff whose promotion applications are successful will be awarded new academic titles effective 1 February 2021 and will be able to use their new titles from this date
The salary increment for 2020 promotions will be delayed until at least 1 July 2021 and increases will not be backdated
If staff do not feel that they are in a position to agree to these terms, then they will be requested to defer their application to 2021.

Other things to note:

If you are considering applying for promotion, discuss your intention to apply with your Academic Head before submitting. An early discussion can help determine whether your application is timely and what you may wish to include or consider. It is too late to do this on or after the deadline.

If you have a co-appointment with another department, you will need to provide your application to both Academic Heads.

You can expect to receive a letter with the outcome of your application via email to your official University email

address on 8th December 2020.

ENV First aid training

The School is looking to run some first aid training sessions in the near future (once we can organise a facilitator and confirm dates).

If you are interested please send an email to b.sowman@auckland.co.nz nothing which course you need to attend; a full course or a revalidation (you have 6 months after your cert expires).

First Aid Certificate (comprehensive) $150pp
First Aid Refresher (revalidation) $90pp
Minimum numbers are 10 per class.

If you can charge this to an external research project then please let Blair know the appropriate charge codes.

Students; this will be charged to your school account.

Orbit Travel Refund Process

If you have booked travel through Orbit which has subsequently been cancelled due to Covid-19 you may be due a refund – however to get the refund you need to initiate it with Orbit!

Please email Orbit at travel.uoa@orbit.co.nz using the following subject line “Booking Reference COXXXXXX – Cancellation Required” to claim your refund.

Note: Every booking should have a CO+6 digit number

Any questions about this, please contact the STC through the portal using the “Purchase-related Queries” option or Orbit via travel.uoa@orbit.co.nz.

News from the IT Committee:

Semester 2 computer lab. images and FlexIT:

images will be rolled over. If you require any changes please log a request through the staff service centre.
You may also be able to use FlexIT for computer-lab. assignments. Be aware that due to license restrictions, the software is not identical to the what is offered in the images and that students may have access to different software than staff. It is possible to request specific software to be accessible via FlexIT for specific classes. Please contact log a request through the staff service centre.

Centre for eResearch: CER had a brainstorming session on Tuesday regarding future research needs. CER are already providing an impressive range of computer related services, including:

Virtual machines. Ideal if you would like to do work that requires a bit more crunch-power than a desktop
Nectar research cloud: An Australian-led research computing cloud that we have joined in 2017. More powerful than individual VMs, ideal for external collaboration.
NeSI access: New Zealand’s supercomputer(s) for heavy-duty number crunching.
You can also request data storage capacity.

These services are generally free for us. Check it out: https://www.eresearch.auckland.ac.nz/

Future of Geoscience Virtual Summit

The Geological Society (of London) recently hosted the above online summit (via Zoom), attended by over 3000 delegates globally. This was in response to record low numbers of students choosing to study geological or Earth sciences at A-level and university in the UK, possibly due to perception, awareness, diversity and accessibility issues. Arguably, Geoscience is integral to achieving the 17 UN SDGs (2015-), the targets of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030), and the targets of the Paris Climate Agreement (2015-), among other challenges we face as a planet. Geoscience is quite literally our past, present and future. The link to the 3 hour Summit is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-PbVAOyADc&t=8091s

Prof. Iain Stewart’s contribution on Geology 2.0 from 2:05:00 is particularly pertinent to our School.

High School Outreach via Wonder Project

Staff may wish to get involved with Wonder Project. In a previous incarnation it was Future in Tech, run by Callaghan Innovation

https://wonderproject.nz/

Its aimed at school years 9-10 to try and get the students to continue taking science subjects. Its also an excellent outreach opportunity for our School.

You can become an ambassador, where you go into schools and talk about your uni studies/career and career opportunities in your subject area (i.e. probably best not to focus on recommending an academic pathway; rather, roles such as an enviro, planner, geographer, geologist etc etc – career pathways that are achievable for many). It might suit particularly those staff who have spent time working professionally outside of the University system.

The other roles they are looking for are mentors in the Rocket Challenge – you spend a 1 hour/week for 6-8 weeks with a school. All details are on the above website.”

Call for Applications: 2020 Science Medals (NZ Association of Scientists)

The closing date for all applications is Friday 31 July 2020.

Full guidelines are available at: https://scientists.org.nz/2020-awards-applications.

How to apply

Interested applicants should apply directly, rather than seek a nomination.
Please email application to: awards@scientists.org.nz and to buchananp@LandcareResearch.co.nz by 31 July, 2020.
An applicant can be considered for only one NZAS Medal each year, but may also be a member of a team for a second Medal application.
Applications submitted in previous years will remain valid for five years from the original submission date (except for Hill Tinsley Medal applicants if the 15 year post-PhD limit is exceeded), but a previously submitted application should be updated annually using the current format.

Meeting, seminars and events

Impact through Culture Change’ webinar series

About this Event
A Treaty-based approach to creating impact: aligning the expectations of individual researchers and their organisations to achieve collective impact.

The ‘Impact through Culture Change’ webinar series will focus on the achievement of impact from the perspective of organisational change and the important role senior leaders can have in effecting this change. To our first event of the series we have invited Dr Andrea Byrom, Co-Director, Biological Heritage National Science Challenge and Melanie Mark-Shadbolt, Director Māori, Biological Heritage National Science Challenge to share their experiences and the challenges they have faced whilst leading impact within their organisations.

Time: 12.30pm – 1:30pm
Date: Monday 6 July

For further reading please click here.

Introductory R Workshop information: July 9th & 10th

The first Introductory R Workshop for 2020 is being run on Thursday 9th and Friday 10th July. This will be led by Daniel Barnett and Avinesh Pillai, from the Statistical Consulting Centre, in the Department of Statistics. 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). The payment authorisation form for UoA participants paying from a UoA account is attached. The cost for non-UoA attendees is $500 + GST, and if you contact me I will let you know re payment options. Card payment is preferred, however if an invoice is required this can be done if your institution is able to provide a PO number and is registered in the Faculty of Science finance system (e.g. all DHBs are set up within this system). 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 handy 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 re how to do this in our pre-workshop information email.

Access to computers and 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.

For more information please contact Joei Mudaliar <j.mudaliar@auckland.ac.nz>.

Photography Competition June 2020

All members of the Geoscience Society of New Zealand are invited to show off their photographic talent!

THE CATEGORIES
1. Milankovich: Geological Cyclicity
2. Macro- and micro-scale geoscience
3. New Zealand Geoscience

SUBMISSION
To enter, please send the following to geosocietynz@gmail.com by Friday 3 July:
Contact details (full name, email address)
Image details (category, title, location, year)
Image caption (maximum 50 words)
Your image (minimum 72 dpi, 3 MB)

For further reading please click here.

Ako – Teaching and Learning

Faculty Teaching Development Fund

As mentioned in the Faculty meeting on Wed 10 June, the Faculty of Science has established a new Faculty Teaching Development Fund which offers two distinct pathways for funding projects related to teaching: Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Grants, and Teaching Development Grants.

Important dates:

* Application Deadline: June 30 2020

* Notification of success: July 14 2020

Note that grants awarded in this round must be used in the 2020 calendar year. We are aware that this is a tight deadline, both for project planning and delivery. A call for applications for 2021 projects is expected later this year and might be more suitable for projects that required longer lead time.

The webpage and form for online submission of the grant application should be available next week on the Teaching and Learning section of the Science staff intranet:

https://www.sciencestaff.auckland.ac.nz/en/about/teaching-and-learning.html

If you have any further questions that are not addressed in the document attached, then please send them directly to me: a.luxton-reilly@auckland.ac.nz

Meeting, seminars and events

Title: Using Virtual Landscapes for Remote Teaching

Date: Wed, Jul 1, 2020 5:00 AM – 6:00 AM NZST

Register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6837257389718161163

Pandemic, pedagogy and education 3: Teaching and learning remotely

Monday 29^th June 2-3pm

https://auckland.zoom.us/j/98483634365

The COVID-19 lockdown has posed considerable challenges and opportunities for educators. This zoom is designed showcase pedagogies, innovations and tools to assist and enrich remote learning within the Faculty of Science at the University of Auckland. We will begin with three short presentations (approx. 10 minutes) followed by the opportunity for audience participation. Ideally this will spark a collective conversation that is ongoing, the second in an online series with future opportunities for staff to showcase pedagogical insights and innovations. The presentations are as follows:

Title: Level one, job done…..? COVID-19 reflections from a departmental Tuākana programme; Presenters: Brendon Dunphy, Sarah Davis

Title: Supporting student wellbeing on enhance learning*; Presenter: Kerry Gibson

Title: Student feedback on their experience of remote learning during Semester 1 2020* ; Presenters: Murray Ford and Mel Wall

*Please note these are interim titles

Ako Innovation Workshop: Field Trips to the Digital Realm

Date and time: Wednesday 1^st July, 11am

Zoom: https://auckland.zoom.us/j/92574224546

Presenters: Michael Martin, Lorna Strachan, Jon Tunnicliffe

This workshop is designed to showcase online teaching innovations within the School. The presenters will share their teaching developments which emphasis the potential to enhance student learning through fieldtrips in the virtual space.

Tools to enhance the blended learning experience: Ako Innovation Committee Workshop

Presenters: Joe Fagan, Karen Fisher, JC Gaillard
Date and time: Friday 26th June, 10am
Zoom: https://auckland.zoom.us/j/93490337343
Short description:
Teaching remotely during the Covid‐19 lockdown has seen staff seeking ways to
enhance student engagement. Online learning research emphasises the
importance of peer‐to‐peer collaboration, instant responses and rapid feedback to
improve student learning. This workshop seeks to showcase the following tools
which can assist with both online and on‐campus learning including Kialo, Mural,
Socrative, Kahoot and Menti.

Rangahau – Research

Expressions of Interest for the Ngā Rākau Taketake – Risk Assessment & Ecosystem Impacts Research Team

Tēnā koe,

We are reaching out on behalf of the Ngā Rākau Taketake – Risk Assessment and Ecosystem Impacts theme of the Biological Heritage National Science Challenge seeking Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to participate in our work planning and research team.

Ngā Rākau Taketake is the programme within the Challenge to address myrtle rust and kauri dieback. Building on work from the Ngā Rākau Taketake scoping group and the kauri dieback and myrtle rust science strategies, we have been developing a draft three-year research plan (2020/21 – 2022/23) to understand the impacts of the diseases and perform risk assessments to support management and research priorities. Now we are refining the work plan and forming the team to achieve our goals.

For further reading please click here.

Meeting, seminars and events

Coastal Group Meeting/Seminar

The next Coastal Group meeting/seminar will be held on Wednesday June 24^th at 12:00 to 1:00 pm in the Coastal Lab (or Zoom option)

News will be shared and short talks include:

Who Cares? Future Sea Level Rise and House Prices – The Case of Kāpiti Coast (Olga Filippova from the Department of Property)
Building resilience to climate change through modelling managed retreat in a coastal setting (Ashton Eaves) – 3 min speed talk
Current coastal research in the Resilience to Nature’s Challenges National Science Challenge (Emma Ryan) – 3 min speed talk

All welcome to attend – please email Emma Ryan at e.ryan@auckland.ac.nz if you wish to attend and don’t have the calendar invite already.

GSA/NAGT Digital Field Tools for Teaching Webinar Series

Title: Using Gigapan for Remote Teaching

Date: Wed, Jun 24, 2020 5:00 AM – 6:00 AM NZST

Register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3427553084728968459

Research and Funding Opportunities

Te Tahua Taiao Ngā Taonga – Lottery Environment and Heritage grants

Lottery Environment and Heritage grants are available for projects that will help protect, conserve or care for our natural, cultural and physical heritage, or allow us to better understand and access these resources. Grants are for plans, reports and one-off projects that will protect, conserve and promote New Zealand’s natural, cultural and physical heritage.

Grant Value

Small projects, where the grant requested is for less than $250,000.
Large projects, where the grant requested is for $250,000 or more.
A one-off project may be – a discrete stage of a larger, ongoing project; or – a single, stand-alone project.

Internal Deadline: Monday 3 August 2020, 5pm.

Further information can be found on the website

Rutherford Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship (Royal Society Te Apārangi)

The Rutherford Foundation provides early career support for NZ researchers to build capability in science, technology, engineering and mathematics

Eligibility: Must have PhD conferred on or after 01 January 2016, applicants from all fields of research, science and technology, including social sciences and the humanities, are eligible to apply, NZ Citizen or NZ resident visa and have continuously resided in NZ for at least two years.

Grant Value: $75,000 salary support + $10,000 (GST incl, direct and indirect research costs) per year (up to 2 years total)

Internal Deadline: 5pm Tuesday 28 July 2020.

Guidelines are available on the funders website

Please contact Kathryn or Kelly if you are interested in applying, or have been approached by a candidate who would like to apply

Cambridge-Rutherford Memorial PhD Scholarship

The Cambridge-Rutherford Memorial PhD Scholarship is a Jointly funded by Rutherford Foundation Trust and Cambridge Commonwealth, European and International Trust (CCEIT) to support completion of a PhD at the University of Cambridge.

Eligibility: Must have completed undergraduate study in NZ, disciplines of science and technology (includes pure or applied science in the social sciences), NZ Citizen or NZ resident visa and have continuously resided in NZ for at least two years, applicants who hold a New Zealand resident visa are also required to have completed their undergraduate study in New Zealand, must be able to enter the United Kingdom and comply with the regulations for matriculation at the University of Cambridge

Grant Value: Scholarship (including course and college fees) for max three (3) years, Living allowance (maintenance) of approx. £14,777* per annum, Eligible for one (1) non-transferrable, return airfare NZ-UK per annum.(*Indicative only – set by CCEIT annually)

Internal Deadline: 5pm Tuesday 28 July 2020.

Guidelines are available on the funders website

New publications

Bulmer R.H., Stephenson F., Jones H. F. E., Townsend M., Hillman J.R., Schwendenmann L., Lundquist C.J. (2020). Blue Carbon Stocks and Cross-Habitat Subsidies. Frontiers in Marine Science 7, 380. DOI=10.3389/fmars.2020.00380
Jones, R., Baker, T., Huet, k., Murphy, L., Lewis, N. (2020). Treating ecological deficit with debt: The practical and political concerns with green bonds. Geoforum, 114. pp. 49-58.
Peralta, G., Vázquez, D.P., Chacoff, N.P., (…), Perry, G.L.W., Tylianakis, J.M. (2020). Trait matching and phenological overlap increase the spatio-temporal stability and functionality of plant-pollinator interactions. Ecology Letters, 23(7), pp. 1107-1116.
Fryxell, D.C., Hoover, A.N., Alvarez, D.A., (…), Simon, K.S., Palkovacs, E.P. (2020). Recent warming reduces the reproductive advantage of large size and contributes to evolutionary downsizing in nature. Proceedings. Biological Sciences, 287(1928), p. 20200608.

Copy deadline for next edition of P-cubed: Friday 3rd July to Farnaz: f.sheikh@auckland.ac.nz

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Issue 34-Monday 8th June 2020

June 8, 2020 • fshe556

HeadSup

Kia ora koutou

I’m delighted to announce that Mel Wall has become a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. This UK-led international accreditation requires demonstration of a thorough understanding of effective approaches to teaching and learning support as a key contribution to high quality student learning. On the funding front, cross-disciplinary projects focused on environmental science and health have got the nod: Sam Trowsdale’s MBIE sewage tracing proposal ($1.7M over 18 months) was successful and his HRC explorer project came up trumps as well; and Martin Brook and Jenny Salmond got ‘Erionite-causing cancer in New Zealand’ across the line, winning seed funding from the Royal Society Catalyst fund. James Muirhead’s work on the contribution of ancient and deep CO2 to the world’s carbon budget has just been published in Nature (story below). Congratulations to you all!

On the financial front the news is not so encouraging. We have been instructed to save $130,000 from our School discretionary budget. In reality, we need to save rather a lot more because our School budget is constructed based on income from FOS (set at the end of 2019) plus forecast income from new fully-costed external research contracts (that arrive during 2020) and from our ShaRE facility (the kit in the basement). It’s a perfect storm – we have fewer contracts starting in 2020 than expected, plus we anticipate the ShaRE facility will run at a loss due to equipment down time. So cinch in those belts, we will be running on next to nothing and it’s looking tight for 2021 and 2022. All committee and platform budgets remain on hold until the budget has been reconfigured, and sadly the professional development fund is off limits for the remainder of this year. Note that every $ spent on hospitality and travel using the 4140 cost centre is under intense scrutiny by the UOA financial centre.

I want to acknowledge the enormous contribution our Ako and Ako Innovation teams have made, and continue to make, on our behalf. We are a very lucky school to have such capable and generous colleagues smoothing the way for us as we navigate the challenges of remote teaching and learning. Thank you Robin, David, Mel, Murray, Sonia, Marie, JC and Joe – your contribution is greatly appreciated.

As we move forward to a more typical teaching context, we need to remember there will be zero tolerance for coming to University when sick. This means we need to maintain capability for delivering remotely so that unwell students are not disadvantaged. We also need to be ready to switch to remote delivery if we ourselves are unwell. If we end up with a cluster at UOA, we could be straight back into a 2 week lock-down so it’s important that we make wise choices when designing our courses for Semester 2.

Thanks everyone for a superb Semester 1 effort, I’m looking forward to our BYO end-of-year function already…I guess the drinks will be on me!

Whakawhanaungatanga – communities

Preparations for the Staff Retreat

To all ENV staff: This is a call for your best 1-2 photos of a positive thing you did /experience you had in lockdown, and what you did to celebrate Level 2. Include captions if you wish, of up to 5 words per image.

These will be compiled into a ‘Licking Lockdown’ slide show for the School of Environment retreat on 16 June.l

Deadline for submission to Kathy Campbell (ka.campbell@auckland.ac.nz)l Monday 8 June.

IMPORTANT NOTICE ACCESS REQUESTS

Dear all,

All-access requests forms must be emailed to fos.accessrequest@auckland.ac.nz with the Department name in the subject line.

This is for both campus card requests and key requests.

No forms will be accepted at level 6 reception.

Facilities team

Faculty of Science

New Orbit Online Travel Booking Platform – NOW LIVE

You may have seen the notice on the intranet with regards to the Orbit Online Booking Tool upgrade which happened over Queen’s Birthday Weekend. To view the article and key information on how to access Orbit Online click here

The new Orbit Online product has a number of key features and benefits:

Build the complete itinerary on one page
Airline imagery, amenities and fare inclusion details have the same look and feel as individual airline websites. If seat availability on Air NZ domestic flights is very low (1 or 2 seats left), this will be highlighted
Additional accommodation options, ability to book Expedia, Booking.com and Wotif
Feature to add reviews on accommodation suppliers which are only visible to the University and UniServices
Flight, accommodation and rental car search criteria is inputted all at once
Artificial Intelligence will learn traveller’s unique behaviour

- - e.g. destinations travelled to regularly will be presented up front automatically
Feature to request a complex international trip and send to the Orbit consultant.
Te Reo Maori Language setting
Mobile booking app for travellers to book air and accommodation from their phone.

To view the Orbit Online Booking Tool FAQs click here

At present only domestic travel can be booked via Orbit Online as per the New Zealand Government Level 2 Restrictions.

That said, you can still view international itineraries and pricing via Orbit Online, however you will not have the ability to finalise the booking.

There are significant time efficiencies (3-4 minutes to complete a booking and receive documentation required to raise a purchase order) and cost savings (domestic booking fee reduces by 83%) by utilising Orbit Online, therefore I encourage staff who are required to travel for business to consider adopting Orbit Online as their preferred booking method for simple, straight forward itineraries.

Congratulations!

Mirja Heinrich defended her PhD at 3-5 am German time on 2nd June – her thesis focused on the physical and chemical relationships of a major period of tectonic rifting – related volcanism at ~10,000 years ago at Mt Tongariro. She did a fantastic job with only minor emendations requested. Her second paper on the PhD also made it to proof stages this week In the Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research and the examiners suggested that at least two more papers could result. Mirja’s two-month old boy Lasse only woke up a few times during the exam! Well done Mirja!

Also this week Ben Simons who defended his PhD thesis only two weeks ago had his second and third papers accepted- both in Bulletin of Volcanology.

Lockdown gave us an experience of Mason Durie’s Te Pae Māhutonga

Professor Robin Kearns, School of Environment
University of Auckland

Opinion: Professor Robin Kearns from the University of Auckland’s School of Environment reminisces about our enforced slowdown through lockdown.

Little Palm Beach on Waiheke Island. Arvid Olson/Pixabay

Places, like people, never stay the same. Places are always in a state of becoming. How did the places familiar to us change over the time we came to know as ‘lockdown’?

On Waiheke Island where I live, ‘quieter,’ ‘friendlier’ and ‘cleaner’ were three common responses. With all but essential vehicles off the roads, pedestrians turned back the clock. We walked the way people did before the hegemony of cars. When a vehicle did pass, we waved. But we noticed the odour of exhaust emissions more acutely than when immersed in the miasma of Auckland’s rush-hour. For further reading click here.

Leave Plus scheme now fully live

In response to requests for more flexible working benefits, late last year the University announced the introduction of a pilot scheme providing staff with the option of either buying or cashing up one week of leave, to be implemented in 2020.

The first part of the Leave Plus scheme, launched in February, enabled staff to cash up one week of annual leave, subject to eligibility criteria, by completing the Leave Cash Up Form.

Processing these requests paused during the Covid-19 lockdown, however processing has now recommenced. The final part of the pilot scheme – buying an additional week of leave – is now live, and staff can apply by completing the Leave Plus application form by 26 June 2020. This scheme is subject to staff eligibility criteria.

Note that in line with the Vice-Chancellor’s recent communication to all staff, you are encouraged to reduce your annual leave and time off in lieu (TOIL) to a maximum of two weeks by the end of January 2021. Those purchasing an additional week of leave will need to allow for this when working out their 2020 leave plan (due at the end of June 2020).

More details including eligibility criteria and FAQs are available on the Leave Plus intranet page. You can also contact the Staff Service Centre and the appropriate team will get in touch with you.

The World in 2030: UNESCO Global Online Survey

With profound upheavals happening in the contexts of the COVID-19 pandemic and calls to rethink many areas of society, UNESCO is launching a global public survey called “The World in 2030”. The survey, which would take about six-minutes to complete, will help UNESCO gain insights into diverse views on the major global challenges of the coming years, and the solutions needed to address them. The results will help them to set an agenda to guide their work on peace, freedom, creativity and development in the next decade.

PLEASE TAKE THE SURVEY!
https://en.unesco.org/worldin2030

Launched in the context of the UNESCO Strategic Transformation, the survey is open to everyone. It is available in the 6 official UN languages, as well as a selection of additional languages (with more to come soon). The survey is completely anonymous.

Snowman in Arctic Norway

Photos of some friends were made last month in Arctic Norway by Professor Mark Costello.

The Geography Auckland (NZGS Auckland) newsletter

The NZ Geographical Society’s newsletter can be found on http://www.nzgs.co.nz

What’s on?

When: Tuesday 23rd June – 4.00pm to 5.00pm via Zoom (an invitation will be sent in the week before)

Who: Chris McDowall

What: We Are Here: An Atlas of Aotearoa

This award-winning atlas has been described as ‘an extraordinary visual data book like no other’.

Contact Mary June Logie <j.logie@auckland.ac.nz> for Zoom invitation.

Click here for further reading.

Tools, tips & tricks – a new series for Hacky Hour!

Hacky Hour Tools, tips & tricks starts next week! See this website for more information: https://uoa-eresearch.github.io/HackyHour/tips-tricks-sessions/ Hosted by the Centre of eResearch.

	Time
Argggh, my data! An overview of using OpenRefine to tidy up data	11 June 2020, 3 – 4pm
Python – tips and tricks	25 June 2020, 3 – 4pm
Social media data scrapping and wrangling – tips and tricks	9 July 2020, 3 – 4pm

Rangahau – Research

Meeting, seminars and events

Title: Impacts of myrtle rust on plant, soil and ecosystem functions

Presented by Hoa Nguyen

Date: Wednesday, 17 June
Time: 1 PM

Zoom seminar: https://auckland.zoom.us/j/98668379325

Enquiries: Chris Struthers, c.struthers@auckland.ac.nz

ioGAS pluggedIN on-line geochemistry(-structure) training course (week of July 20, 2020)

We have this software and it is awesome for dealing with large geochemical datasets. ioGAS is the industry standard, it dovetails with Leapfrog. Once your start working in ioGAS you will not want to use your bespoke excel spreadsheets anymore. If you want to learn how to use it put up some $$ and enrol in this course (students: twist your supervisors arms): read here.

Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering (AINSE) New Zealand Symposium

AINSE would like to warmly welcome you to attend our regional Symposium for New Zealand members (UoA is a member).

Date: Thursday 11th June 2020

Time: 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm New Zealand Standard Time (NZST)

The Webinar will open from 11:30 am. Please join by 11:50 am for a prompt 12:00 pm start

Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rcDWueJeQkmqeeF6ME6ZmA

If you’re a student or researcher in a STEM discipline, this is an excellent opportunity to connect with established ANSTO researchers and AINSE scholarship holders from New Zealand member universities to learn:

how nuclear science and technology can be applied to your work
about ANSTO’s research infrastructure capabilities
about research by New Zealand students conducted at ANSTO
how AINSE can support you with schools, awards and scholarships

To attend this free 2 hour Symposium, please register your attendance using the link above.

For further information, please contact AINSE on ainse@ainse.edu.au.

Ancient CO2 mystery solved at East Africa

Around 90 percent of the earth’s carbon is locked deep beneath the surface but a team of scientists has provided new understanding of how this ancient CO2 can find its way from hundreds of kilometres beneath the surface to be released into the atmosphere.

Dr James Muirhead (far left) and colleagues

Carbon, in the form of carbon dioxide, has helped regulate the earth’s atmosphere and climate for billions of years but it is also a greenhouse gas generated by human activity that traps heat and contributes to global warming.

While the deep CO2 is hundreds of times less than that produced humans, just how it gets released and how much of it there is, is poorly understood but forms a critical part of accurately calculating the Earth’s overall carbon budget. For further reading please click here.

Research and Funding Opportunities

Despite the crazy times, you might be in the process of planning future research proposals. Keep in mind that there is the possibility of writing support for Marsden 2021 and for MBIE Research programmes. If you are thinking of preparing a proposal, please contact Kelly (kelly.kilpin@auckland.ac.nz) or Kathryn (kathryn.howard@auckland.ac.nz) for details.

Opportunities for Collaboration with Germany + MBIE German Research Links Survey

Germany is a key Research & Innovation partner for New Zealand. In response to the SARS-Cov-2 pandemic, the German government has announced over €1 billion new funding to support development of a vaccine and new medication, and for the establishment of a national network of clinical research facilities. Importantly, German research facilities and large-scale equipment may be available for international collaborators.
Here is an MBIE-created guide to funding opportunities for researchers wishing to collaborate with German partners.
The New Zealand-Germany Science and Innovation Coordinator is also available to assist in the development of institutional and individual researchers’ collaborations with Germany; you are welcome to contact Dr Regina Eisert at germany.coordinator@mbie.govt.nz.
Additionally, MBIE wishes to view any research linkages to Germany and has created the attached survey. If you have any research connection to a German institution, please complete and return the attached survey to h.read@auckland.ac.nz by Monday June 15th.

Our Land and Water NSC – Rural Professionals Fund

The fund is intended to create benefit for New Zealand’s farming communities by matching individuals, businesses, and scientists to test exciting and innovative ideas that could lead to significant improvements in farming systems.

The project team is to include a rural professional who is a member of the NZIPIM, a rural entrepreneur (farmer), and a researcher from one of Our Land and Water’s partner organisations, such as the University of Auckland.

Our Land and Water is looking for ideas that will:

build evidence for innovative ideas and practices
speed up the testing and implementation of exciting and innovative ideas
develop links and collaboration between rural professionals, farmers and researchers
extend what is learned to the wider rural profession and farming community

Projects must align with the three challenge research themes: Future Landscapes, Incentives for Change, Capacity for Transition

Value: Up to $50,000 per project

Duration: 6 months

Internal deadline: Wednesday, 8 July 2020, 5pm.

More information and Guidelines: Our Land and Water website

New publications

Yasuhara M, Wei C-L, Kucera M, Costello MJ., Tittensor D, Kiessling W, Bonebrake TC, Tabor C, Feng R, Baselga A, Kretschmer K, Kusumoto B, Kubota Y. 2020. Past and future decline of tropical pelagic biodiversity. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, online. www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.1916923117
Poeppl, R. E., Fryirs, K. A., Tunnicliffe, J., & Brierley, G. J. (2020). Managing sediment (dis) connectivity in fluvial systems. Science of The Total Environment, 139627.
KEARNS, R.A , NEUWELT, P.M., & EGGLETON, K. (2020). Permeable boundaries? Patient perspectives on space and time in general practice waiting rooms Health & Place (Published online May). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2020.102347
WITTEN, K. KEARNS, R., OPIT, S., & FERGUSSON, E. (2020). Facebook as soft infrastructure: Producing and performing community in a mixed tenure housing development. Housing Studies (Published online 25 May). https://doi.org/10.1080/02673037.2020.1769035
Muirhead, J.D., Fischer, T.P., Laizer, A., Oliva, S.J.C., Judd, E.J., Lee, H., Kazimoto, E., Ebinger, C.J., Sano, Y., Takahata, N., Tiberi, C., van Wijk, J., Dufek, J., Foley, S.F., Currie, C.A., Reiss, M.C., 2020, Displaced cratonic mantle concentrates deep carbon during continental rifting: Nature, doi: 10.1038/s41586-020-2328-3.
Wright, L. J., Muirhead, J. D., & Scholz, C. A., 2020, Spatiotemporal Variations in Upper Crustal Extension Across the Different Basement Terranes of the Lake Tanganyika Rift, East Africa: Tectonics, 39(3), e2019TC006019.

Copy deadline for next edition of P-cubed: Friday 19th June to Farnaz: f.sheikh@auckland.ac.nz

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Issue 33-Monday 25th May 2020

May 25, 2020 • fshe556

HeadSup

Tālofa lava!

It’s Samoan Language Week and the theme is: Tapena sou ōso mo lau malaga – prepare yourself for the gift of travels. What a great theme for Alert Level 2. Offices are opening up again (see the info below) and getting back to on-campus teaching in Semester 2 is increasingly likely, with a few caveats. Once the formal guidelines come through from John Morrow’s office we will send info out to all teaching staff via Ako Online. Currently things are promising but we need to be able to turn on a dime and provide a quality learning experience to those who will not be able to front up in person: in other words, we need to maintain remote learning capacity. I’m mindful of the workload involved and so are our Associate Deans and Dean, who are working to get a little more flexibility and clarity out of the DVC Academic. More on this soon.

Great news on the staffing front: Dr Georgia Piggot has accepted a lectureship in Environmental Management and will be joining us from mid-2021. Georgia currently is with the Stockholm Environment Institute, Seattle. She brings a wealth of experience in environmental social science and is at the forefront of shaping international climate policy.

The Alumni Relations and Development team have got a great project going: the 40 under 40 project. We have till the end of the week to get nominations in and it would be fantastic if we could do this. Please let me know if you have someone in mind.

If you are a staff member, please note that the date of the School Retreat has shifted to June 16 (9am – 4 pm, online, lots of breaks). This will be an opportunity to feed ideas into our annual planning round and to upskill in a couple of areas of your choice. The agenda is being finalised this week. I’m looking forward to seeing you all there.

Lastly, a reminder: If ever there’s a need to take all your leave entitlement it’s this year. Please find time to use it all up: your well-being depends on time away from the job and, if you go on holiday, you will be doing your bit to help others earn a buck. I’d like to remind all PIs on grants that your fixed-term staff accrue annual leave and this needs to be taken before contract-end. Any leave owed will come off the grant and if that is exhausted it will come of your RDA and RE accounts as available.

Manuia le aso

Whakawhanaungatanga – communities

Samoan Language Week

Check out this link and try adding some new language to Zoom this week:

Tālofa lava: Hello (formal)

Mālō le soifua: Hello/Good health

‘O ā mai ‘oe? How are you? (to one person only)

Manuia fa‘afetai: Good, thank you

Manuia le aso: Have a great day

Tōfā soifua: Good bye (formal)

ENV Staff Retreat Day 2020

The Staff Retreat Day will be held virtually on Tuesday 16 June. If you are unable to attend, please send your apology to Samantha (Samantha.huang@auckland.ac.nz ).

Preparations for the Staff Retreat

These will be compiled into a ‘Licking Lockdown’ slide show for the School of Environment retreat on 16 June.

Deadline for submission to Kathy Campbell (ka.campbell@auckland.ac.nz) Monday 8 June.

Staff and Research Students – Return to Campus

Staff

Academic staff from the School of Environment have been approved (by JR) to return to their offices from the 28^th May. If you require earlier access please email our Group Services Manager Michael Groom (m.groom@auckland.ac.nz )

Research Students

With the approval of your supervisor, you will be able to start returning to campus from the 2^nd of June . Managers will need some time to ensure physical distancing and hygiene practices can be maintained in these office spaces, before allowing people to return. Because of this, it is preferred for students to wait until after the Queen’s Birthday weekend to come on campus.

Congratulations!

Catriona Thompson and co-authors have just been awarded the 2020 Michael Kirkby Award for best paper published in Earth Surface Processes and Landforms in 2019: Thompson, CF, Young, AP and Dickson, ME 2019 ‘Wave impacts on coastal cliffs: Do bigger waves drive greater ground motion?’ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/esp.4712.

This is the first paper from Catriona’s PhD, which she successfully defended in early May. Catriona completed a BSc in Geography at Auckland and Mark then hung an Honours project in front of her involving measuring wave impacts against sea cliffs. It turned out it needed a PhD not an Honours to do that project, and it’s exciting to see Catriona’s persistence on the topic recognised with this award. The President of the British Society for Geomorphology wrote that “It gives me great pleasure to be able to personally congratulate you on the award which recognises the importance of your paper which is an exemplary demonstration of the power of new geophysical methods, notably environmental seismology, for monitoring geomorphic processes.” Catriona now gets to wake up in the middle of the night to present the work at the 2020 Annual General Meeting of the BSG!

Call for nominations: 2020 40 under 40 – Alumni Relations & Development

Here are details regarding the 2020 40 Under 40 project from our Alumni Relations and Development team below. Nominations are now open and close on 1 June 2020.

A comprehensive list of potential awardees over the past four years has already been amassed by ARD (see here, you can filter by Science) but if there is anyone else you or your teams would like to nominate please complete the form here.

The 40 Under 40 project aims to shine a light on alumni aged 40 and under who have been making significant contributions to their local as well as global communities. They are selected on three criteria – professional success, community involvement and University engagement.

Please keep in mind the following when making nominations:

We are particularly interested in those who are making contributions in two or more of the criteria areas – professional success, community involvement and University engagement
The six categories are: Humanitarians, Performers, Influencers, Disruptors and Innovators, Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs
We are looking for equitable representation across professions, interests, geographies, faculties, genders and ethnicities
Nominees must be alumni and must be aged 40 and under as of 30 June 2020
Nominees cannot be current UoA staff, current UoA students or current Members of Parliament

Future Voices Forum

There is an urgent need to plan Aotearoa New Zealand’s recovery post-COVID-19. New Zealand’s Government and Business Leaders are coming together to identify ways to put the recovery and our future on a more sustainable path. What needs to happen for New Zealand to be environmentally and economically successful?

We invite you to participate in the Future Voices Forum, a discussion on New Zealand’s future, opened by Her Excellency The Right Honourable Dame Patsy Reddy GNZM, QSO Governor-General of New Zealand.

The Future Voices Forum is an online event and discussion where you will learn about the system level challenges in creating New Zealand’s environmental and economic future and have the opportunity to ideate solutions and opportunities, assisted by a facilitator.

We will be reimagining and exploring New Zealand’s Food, Energy, and Transport systems. Imagine that there is to be $20 billion spent on solving problems in these areas. What solutions would you create?

This is a unique opportunity for you to help inform New Zealand Government and Business. They want the best and brightest to rip up orthodox ideas and challenge the establishment. They want your perspective on designing the future of New Zealand.

At this forum, you will get to:

Think big – stretch yourself to create solutions to critical issues and impact our nation’s future
Inform New Zealand Government and Business Leaders on what you want for New Zealand’s future. This is your chance to inform policy and strategy and influence CEOs including from Air New Zealand, Fonterra, and leaders from the Ministry of the Environment and more
Connect with like-minded students and staff

Date: Thursday 4 June, 4pm-6pm

We look forward to seeing you there.

Ngā mihi,

Darsel Keane
Associate Director, Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Meetings, seminars and events

Volcanology, Geochemistry, & Petrology Research Group

The volcanology, geochemistry, & petrology research group’s final meeting will be on 26 May 2020 at 9 am on Zoom. Lena will be giving a talk titled “Subsoil alteration and degassing in the Rotokawa Geothermal Field, New Zealand” about her masters! As always, everyone is welcome to attend our meetings. Please contact me (Sophia Tsang: s.tsang@auckland.ac.nz) for the link if you don’t have a calendar invite. If you would like to take over my role in VPG next semester, please reach out! For more information, please see our website: vgp.blogs.auckland.ac.nz See you soon!

Calling all Modellers!

The School of Environment has taken an initiative to create a common platform for all Modellers in the University. Join our Slack group via this link.

Coastal Group Webinar

The next Coastal Group meeting/webinar will be held on Wednesday May 27^th at 12:00 to 1:00 pm on zoom

News will be shared and short talks include:

Boron isotope records from Pacific corals: Porites lutea under ocean acidification (Oliver Knebel)
Coral calcification and the effects of the 20^th Century warming ocean in the Central Pacific (Carlos Carvajal)

All welcome to attend – please email Emma Ryan at e.ryan@auckland.ac.nz for the Zoom link if you don’t have a calendar invite already.

Ako – Teaching and Learning

Pandemic, pedagogy and education 2: Teaching and learning remotely

Thursday 28^th May 2-3pm

https://auckland.zoom.us/j/96123720863

We will begin with three short presentations (approx. 10 minutes) followed by the opportunity for audience participation. Ideally this will spark a collective conversation that is ongoing, the second in an online series with future opportunities for staff to showcase pedagogical insights and innovations.

The presentations are as follows:

Title: Strategies for transferring first-year Chemistry experiments to Canvas

Presenters: Ruth Cink & Malini Arewgoda

Description: At its heart, chemistry is an experimental science. Remote learning certainly disrupts our normal structure for introducing students to the practical component of chemistry. We discuss our methods to re-create this essential part of our courses on Canvas and will share the pros and cons of these strategies.

Title: Getting on board the H5P train: Interactive question sets for online learning and engagement in biology education.

Presenter: Kathryn Jones

Description: Formative module question sets made with H5P were set up this year in BIOSCI 201 Cell and Molecular Biology. This talk will cover how anyone in the Faculty of Science can add H5P to their teaching toolkit, and how you can use it to keep students on-track with their learning.

Title: Fostering interactivity and students’ active learning in Zoom sessions

Presenter: JC Gaillard, Tutor Co-Contributors: Anthony Gampell, Martin Joe

This brief presentation will explore opportunities to retain class interactivity in teaching live sessions in a virtual and remote environment. Interactivity entails collaboration amongst students as well as between the lecturers and the students so that the latter actively contribute to their learning.

If you are unable to attend but would like to watch the session at a time which suits, please contact Mel Wall (m.wall@auckland.ac.nz) for access to the recording.

Tip of the fortnight

One of our ENV teaching team got some great feedback from a stage 1 student the other day and it’s worth a read:

Hey there, I’m just an average student going through his first year in uni, and I would just like to thank you for making my life so much easier. I found it very difficult to cope with online lectures which usually have video, audio issues and mainly are hard to understand. But after watching your section …, my life became so much easier. Your explanations are very easy to understand and I very much appreciate the fact that you address the explanation of words and meanings in your recordings. This makes my life so much easier and I would like to thank you very much.

What’s the tip? Define the jargon and keep the terms consistent.

Rangahau – Research

Research and Funding Opportunities

AINSE 2020 Residential Student Scholarships (RSS) – expressions of interest now open (submissions close 31 May 2020)

Residential Student Scholarships (RSSs) are offered by AINSE Limited (the Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering) for suitably-qualified persons wishing to undertake studies aligned with ANSTO’s research programmes for a higher degree at an AINSE-member university. Expressions of interest will be received up to 11:59 pm AEST 31st May 2020.

AINSE RSSs are in the form of “supplements” and are offered to scholars who are, or will be, in receipt of an Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) / Research Training Program (RTP) or equivalent award, and for as long as that Award is current subject to satisfactory progress.

The award provides a stipend of A$7,500 per annum, in addition to up to A$5,000 per annum travel and accommodation allowance (plus an additional accommodation allowance of up to A$5,200 for eligible students travelling from interstate or overseas), to enable students to spend a significant amount of time working at ANSTO facilities.

The RSS differs from a Postgraduate Research Award (PGRA) in that a RSS student must be onsite at an ANSTO facility (at Lucas Heights, Camperdown and/or Clayton) for an average of six months per year or more, which can be as a single block of time or as separate visitations.

Expressions of interest are now being sought from first-year PhD students whose research topics closely align with ANSTO’s research programmes: The Environment, Human Health, the Nuclear Fuel Cycle, Defence and Space Industries, and Fusion. In addition, opportunities may also exist for postgraduate students interested in contracted research and industrial engagement projects in the defence industry area, and for postgraduate students interested in fusion research that aligns with ANSTO and ITER activities.

Applicants are requested to email a one page (A4) only* abstract to ainse@ainse.edu.au outlining the details of their research project and the ANSTO staff member(s) they will be collaborating with. Selected applicants who are successful in the first round will be invited to submit a more detailed online application.

The Terms & Conditions and an ANSTO Capabilities & Facilities Guide can be found on the AINSE website: www.ainse.edu.au. For enquires and further information, please contact the friendly staff at AINSE on ainse@ainse.edu.au | +61 2 9717 3376.

Facebook Research – Explorations of Trust in AR, VR and Smart Devices

Facebook is seeking research proposals for exploring unique challenges, threats, attacks, mitigations, and other considerations in the burgeoning space of AR, VR and smart devices.

Trust and trustworthiness are terms for encompassing security, privacy, integrity and ethics in the products and platforms.

Projects will be funded that help accelerate research in these fields with the hope of helping to foster a world of trustworthy mixed-reality and smart device products.

A broad range of topics relating to applications like AR glasses, VR headsets, other AR or VR form-factors, smart home products and more will be considered by the funder.

Value: $75,000 USD (Max) – award is an unrestricted gift meaning there are no budget restrictions.

Duration: No specified duration but awards generally last for 12-18 months.

Internal Deadline: June 5, 5pm

Full Guidance and call specifications can be found on this webpage.

The Royal Society Te Apārangi is now calling for applications for the following awards and opportunities:

The Sir Hugh Kawharu Masters Scholarship for Innovation in Science

The Sir Hugh Kawharu Scholarship for Innovation in Science, administered by Royal Society Te Aparangi, is a $10,000 scholarship for study at masters level in the sciences. The Scholarship is applicable across a broad range of science disciplines including the physical, mathematical and computational, earth, environment, marine, social, health, biological, biomedical, human, and behavioural sciences. The Call for Applications is now open with a closing date of 31 August 2020. Information about how to apply is available on the Society’s website.

Raewyn Good Study Award for Māori and Pasifika Social Science Research

The Raewyn Good Study Award for Māori and Pasifika Social Science Research is an award of $6,000 for a Māori and Pasifika postgraduate student undertaking a Master’s which involves social sciences research. The study award, tenable at any New Zealand university/wānanga for one year is available to students, who at the time of application, are engaged/enrolled in or applying for a Master’s degree which involves undertaking social sciences research. The Call for Applications is now open with a closing date of 31 August 2020. Information about how to apply is available on the Society’s website.

RHT Bates Postgraduate Scholarship

The RHT Bates Postgraduate Scholarship is a study award of $6,000 for a PhD in the Physical Sciences and Engineering in a New Zealand university. Preference will be given to those whose research aims to apply information/image processing to studies in medicine, the physical sciences, astronomy or engineering. The Call for Applications is now open with a closing date of 31 August 2020. Information about how to apply is available on the Society’s website.

Research in the Pacific – UniServices are interested in any potential research projects based in the Pacific. Please get in touch with Kathryn or Kelly to discuss more.

Master of Science (MSc) research scholarship

A one-year MSc (Geology) scholarship funded by the Royal Society of New Zealand Marsden Fund is available at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. The successful applicant will conduct multi-disciplinary field mapping, microstructural analysis, and geochemical or geophysical investigations to investigate the role fluids play in repairing and restrengthening greywacke fault zones damaged by earthquakes. The research will be supervised by project lead Dr Carolyn Boulton in collaboration with Dr Catriona Menzies, Durham University (UK) and Dr Ludmila Adam, University of Auckland (NZ).
The scholarship provides a 12-month stipend of NZ$17,000 and payment of domestic tuition fees. Students who are not citizens of New Zealand or Australia are encouraged to apply, but will be required to pay international tuition fees unless alternative funding is available (please see https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/international).
To apply, or for further information, please send an email to Dr Carolyn Boulton (carolyn.boulton@vuw.ac.nz).

For for further reading please see here.

New publications

COULSON, G. MOORES, J. WAA, A., KEARNS, R, WITTEN, K., BATSTONE, C., SOMERVELL, E., OLIVARES, G. and HOWDEN-CHAPMAN, P. (2020). Towards a framework for resilience assessments: working across cultures, disciplines and scales in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Frontiers in Sustainable Cities 14 May 2020 | https://doi.org/10.3389/frsc.2020.00011
Costello, MJ. 2020. Taxonomy as the key to life. Megataxa 1, 105-113. https://doi.org/10.11646/megataxa.00.0.0 [this new journal was launched by Professor Zhi-Qiang Zhang of the School of Biological Sciences and Landcare]
Zhao Q, Stephenson F, Lundquist C, Kaschner K, Jayathilake DRM, Costello MJ. 2020. Where Marine Protected Areas would best represent 30% of ocean biodiversity. Biological Conservation 244, 108536. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2020.108536
Arfianti T., Costello MJ. 2020. Global biogeography of marine amphipod crustaceans: latitude, regionalization, and beta diversity. Marine Ecology Progress Series 638: 83–94.
Chao A, Kubota Y, Zelený D, Chiu C-H, Li C-F, Kusumoto B, Yasuhara M, Thorn S, Wei C-L, Costello MJ, Colwell RK. 2020. Quantifying sample completeness and comparing diversities among assemblages. Ecological Research 35, 292–314.
Kusumoto B, Costello MJ, Kubota Y, Shiono T, Wei C-L, Yasuhara M, Chao A. 2020. Global distribution of coral diversity: biodiversity knowledge gradients related to spatial resolution. Ecological Research 35, 315–326. DOI: 10.1111/1440-1703.12096.
Pagès-Escolà M, Bock PE, Gordon DP, Wilson S, Linares C, Hereu B, Costello MJ (2020) Progress in the discovery of extant and fossil bryozoans. Marine Ecology Progress Series 635, 71-79.
Zhao, Q., Basher Z., Costello MJ. 2020. Mapping near surface global marine ecosystems through cluster analysis of environmental data. Ecological Research 35 (2), 327-342.
Thompson, CF, Young, AP and Dickson, ME 2019 ‘Wave impacts on coastal cliffs: Do bigger waves drive greater ground motion?’https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/esp.4712
Le Dé, L., Gaillard, J.C., Gampell, A.V., Loodin, N. & Cadag, J. (2020). Participatory mapping 2.0: new ways for children’s participation in disaster risk reduction. Australian Journal of Emergency Management, 35(2), 34-42.
Gampell, A. V., Gaillard, J.C., Parsons, M. & Le Dé, L. (2020). Fostering student participation in disaster risk reduction through disaster video games. Australian Journal of Emergency Management, 35(2), 43-50.
Gampell, A. V., Gaillard, J.C., Parsons, M. & Le Dé, L. (2020). Exploring the use of the Quake Safe House video game to foster disaster and disaster risk reduction awareness in museum visitors. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 49, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2020.101670

Copy deadline for next edition of P-cubed: Friday 5th June to Farnaz: f.sheikh@auckland.ac.nz

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Issue 32-Monday 11th May 2020

May 11, 2020 • fshe556

HeadSup

Kia ora koutou

This time of year is usually marked by the wonderful Autumn graduation events, where families and friends come together to celebrate the success of our students. Toasting new graduates is one of my favourite jobs in the HOS role and I’m very hopeful that the Spring graduation will go ahead. Hearty congratulations to all who were planning on getting capped last week but were foiled by COVID-19. We are proud of you and your achievements!

The recent search for a Lecturer in Environmental Management / Environmental Geography resulted in a short-list of four outstanding applicants. I’m delighted to advise that Emma Sharp has accepted a lectureship and will take up the role in January 2021. In the meantime she will continue in her fixed-term capacity. Those of you who have worked with Emma will know that her appointment bodes well for our future. Congratulations Emma! Given the strategic opportunity afforded by another of the applicants, the Dean approved a second position in lieu of the failed search for a Professor in Environmental Management. An offer is in progress. If declined we will not appoint another candidate at this juncture.

Other staffing news, I’m very pleased to advise that Marie McEntee was successful in her request to change from Senior Tutor to Lecturer. Marie has been increasingly successful in attracting external research funding. This change to her conditions of service will afford opportunity to pursue her research interests. Congratulations Marie, well deserved!

There also is some movement in service and leadership roles. Michael Rowe is on leave in Semester two and is stepping down from his role as Chair of the Post-Graduate Research Committee. This is a major leadership role with a high service burden. During his tenure, Michael has streamlined processes and improved the strategic functionality of this sector of the school. Michael – thank you very much for a job well done. Michael has handed over to Luitgard Schwendenmann who is now in the role – thank you Luitgard! I’m very grateful to Anthony Fowler, who has been a steady hand in the PhD Advisor role. Anthony is stepping down so that he can take his RSL and Larry Murphy has kindly agreed to take up the role, effective Semester 2.

Lastly – thank you Joe! The cool games that have been going on during the lock-down are fantastic and it’s wonderful to see the images and notifications in p-cubed today. My only frustration is that for some reason unknown to me Mr Zuckerberg is refusing to let me re-join facebook! What did I do?

Ngā mihi
JR

Whakawhanaungatanga – communities

Flu vaccination reimbursement for staff

With most staff unable to receive the flu vaccination on campus this year, the University will instead reimburse the cost of obtaining the vaccine from your medical centre or local pharmacist. All permanent staff and all staff with a fixed term employment agreement are eligible for reimbursement.

Flu shots will be reimbursed through concur with the following codes 732 (Staff related Costs) 8606 (Cost centre).

There is a link below with more detail:

https://www.staff.auckland.ac.nz/en/news-events-and-notices/notices/notices-2020/january-june/flu-vaccination-reimbursement-for-staff.html

COVID-related research

We are creating a list of COVID-related research going on the in Faculty with the aim of using this as a basis to set up a cross-faculty activity (form as yet to be decided). Could you please send details of your research project to Caroline Roughneen (c.roughneen@auckland.ac.nz). Note – we have a pretty good idea of new funded projects – but have less awareness of unfunded research, or situations where existing projects have been modified to focus on COVID.

Congratulations!

Master of Engineering Geology student William Mansell has won a scholarship from the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) NZ branch for his thesis project at Maramarua coal mine. Congratulations William!

Congratulations!

Sophia Tsang successfully defended her PhD thesis “Modelling the Hazard Footprint and Consequences of Lava Flows in an Urban Environment” on 5 May 2020. The examiners commended Sophia for her impressive thesis and performance in the oral exam. Congratulations Sophia!

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Ben Simons (Supervisors: Shane Cronin, Jen Eccles and Art Jolly (GNS Science)) for successfully defending his PhD thesis, “Drivers of Variation in the Eruptive and Magmatic Processes of a Persistently Active Volcano, Yasur, Vanuatu” on 29 April 2020.

Capping at the Robinson Fowler house

Alex, Anthony’s youngest, would have paraded this year, but instead had to make do with being capped (with Angus & Pooh) by dad. A nice short ceremony, with family dialling in, and very cheap regalia hire this year (raincoat, scarf, and weird hat). Alex’s brother Michael, also a Computer Science major, did feel a bit short changed having set aside the normal three hours.

The ENV Lockdown Street Art Challenge

The School of Environment clubs have had, and continue to have, lots of activities to keep boredom at bay throughout Semester One! Students and Staff welcome to join and compete for the JR shield between disciplines (Geography, Geoscience, Geology, Environment). Be in it to WIN it for your major!

Congratulations to Geography for winning the ENV Lockdown Street Art Challenge! This competition continued throughout the level 4 lockdown and promoted isolated exercise where participants were given an object to map out in their run. Super successful and major fun! Here are some of the awesome tracks people created!

SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENT QUIZ LINE

The ENV Quiz Line is continuing throughout Semester One! The quiz works like the “What Am I?” section of a pub quiz where a clue is posted each day until the round ends on the 4th day. If any students or staff would like to get involved or would like more information please visit the Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/543925486258412/). For any further queries please email Gina Swanney (gswa730@aucklanduni.ac.nz).

The ENV Proverb Photo Challenge

The ENV Proverb Photo Challenge is a new competition in where the participant takes a photo (no plagiarism) to illustrate a well known proverb. Proverbs are provided every two days with voting taking place in the afternoon of the second day! If anyone would like to be involved please visit the facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/2305445616430070/). For more information please email Joe Fagan (j.fagan@auckland.ac.nz).

The Great ENV Lockdown Bake Off!

Dust your pans off and get creative! Every a couple of days a theme is set and your goal is to make the best creation! Share the photo/video and recipe to the Facebook group and voting will take place at the end of the 3rd day! If anyone would like to be involved please visit the Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/228086901863054/). For more information please email Michaela Dobson (mdob102@aucklanduni.ac.nz).

Meetings, seminars and events

Coastal Group Webinar

The next Coastal Group meeting/webinar will be held on Wednesday May 13^th at 12:00 to 1:00 pm

News will be shared and short talks include:

Shoreline changes in coral reef islands of the Federated States of Micronesia since the mid-20th century (Meghna Sengupta)
On the use of directional wave spectra to identify swells approaching Majuro (Laura Cagigal)

All welcome to attend – please email Emma Ryan at e.ryan@auckland.ac.nz for the Zoom link if you don’t have a calendar invite already.

Volcanology, Geochemistry, & Petrology Research Group

The volcanology, geochemistry, & petrology research group (VGP) meets during the semester. Our final meeting of the semester will be on 26 May 2020 at 9 am on Zoom. Lena will be giving a talk titled “Subsoil alteration and degassing in the Rotokawa Geothermal Field, New Zealand” about her masters! As always, everyone is welcome to attend our meetings. Please contact me (Sophia Tsang: s.tsang@auckland.ac.nz) for the link if you don’t have a calendar invite. If you would like to take over my role in VPG next semester, please reach out! Additionally, if you have any updates (including new students or projects) you would like to see on the website or would like to contribute a blog post, please email David (dfar197@aucklanduni.ac.nz). For more information, please see our website: vgp.blogs.auckland.ac.nz See you soon!

Ako – Teaching and Learning

Pandemic, pedagogy and education: Teaching and learning remotely

Monday 11^th May 2-3pm

https://auckland.zoom.us/j/99906458825

We will begin with four short presentations (5-10 minutes) followed by the opportunity for audience participation. Ideally this will spark a collective conversation that is ongoing, the first in an online series with future opportunities for staff to showcase pedagogical insights and innovations.

Title: Using Canvas to facilitate student engagement

Speaker: Kaitlin Beare

Our remote learning reality has posed challenges to engage students in self-directed learning in large courses. I share insights into the successes and challenges in utilising Canvas to develop staff-student and student-student connections.

Title: Let’s fly to Muriwai – a virtual field trip.

Speaker: Nick Richards

Description: Field trips can be constrained because of a complex array of real world situations. A virtual field trip has been developed for a Stage 1 Earth Science course that integrates drone imagery, locality videos and other resources.

Title: Engaging with Oceanic ways during COVID-19

Speaker: Sonia Fonua

Embedding Tongan (and other Pacific) values in university teaching and learning spaces can benefit all students. I will share a model that employs a visual tool to enable explicit discussion and demonstration of values in any teaching and learning space.

Title: Engaging and motivating students via digital platforms for remote learning

Speaker: Rhys Jones

A range of engagement activities were created to engage and motivate students, before level-4 lockdown and were refocused and developed during lockdown. This session will include an overview of the activities developed, particularly the use of Google Sheets for students to answer video embedded quizzes, questions and games. They were also used to elicit ideas from students to help keep everyone engaged. Using student responses to direct and adapt activities and learning opportunities became integral, with the absence of in person teaching/live lectures.

From reactive to proactive: Virtual workshop on remote teaching and learning

ENV AKO Innovation Committee

Wednesday 13 May 2020 – 1-2 pm

Zoom: https://auckland.zoom.us/j/91922810088

The AKO Innovation Committee is inviting everyone to participate in a virtual workshop to identify and discuss key issues that staff and students have been facing in our experience of remote teaching and learning. We are hoping to gain insights from staff about how we can better support their practice. We will use these insights to set the groundwork for a subsequent series of more specific and topical webinars/workshops the committee is planning to organise to assist staff with their preparation for the remainder of the semester 1 and semester 2. The workshop will be recorded.

Rangahau – Research

Research and Funding Opportunities

Faculty of Science – Healthy People Healthy Communities Seed Funding

We invite applications from members of the Faculty of Science for seed funding to support research projects. Funding of up to $2000 per project is available, with a particular focus on supporting collaborations across disciplines, Schools and Departments. Further details are available in the attached application form.

Applications are due by 9am Monday 1 June 2020.

Click here to view the Theme’s recent Health Hui which showcases three previous seed funding awardees highlighting how they uses HPHC Theme seed funding to advance their research.

Spencer Foundation: Research Grants on Education: COVID19 Related

The COVID19 Related Research Grants support education research projects that will contribute to understanding the rapid shifts in education in this time of crisis and change.

There are two primary categories of projects of particular interest for this special grant:

supporting studies that aim to understand and disrupt the reproduction and deepening of educational inequality caused by the COVID19 crisis
• opportunities to remake or image new forms of equitable education opportunities when there is great disruption and change.

Grant Value: Maximum of £50,000 (approx NZD 75,900); awarded for 1-3 years.

Internal Deadline: June 2, 5pm

Further guidelines are available at the funders website

Royal Society Te Apārangi – Catalyst Fund update

As previously signalled, we received confirmation from MBIE that the April Catalyst: Seeding and Catalyst: Leaders call has been cancelled. We anticipate the next Catalyst Seeding and Catalyst Leaders call for applications to open on 30 July 2020. Funding from the cancelled April call will be made available for the next call. Further details for the July calls will be made available at the time of the call.

Cancelled: applications for the 2020 New Zealand – Germany Science & Technology Programme (under the April Catalyst: Seeding call)
Postponed: applications for Julius von Haast Fellowship (under the April Catalyst: Leaders call) will be accepted in the July Call

AINSE Early Career Researcher Grants (ECRG) – applications now open (applications close 31 July 2020).

The Early Career Researcher Grant (ECRG) is offered by AINSE Limited (the Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering) to suitably-qualified persons holding a postdoctoral position at an AINSE Member Institution and/or Organisation (the University of Auckland is a member institution) and wishing to undertake work in collaboration with ANSTO. Applications will be received up to 11:59pm AEST 31^st July 2020.

Website: https://www.ainse.edu.au/ecrg/

ECRG Flyer: https://www.ainse.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/ECRG-2020-Flyer.pdf

Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/AINSEltd/posts/2617565655192629

The AINSE ECRG is a one-time payment offered to scholars who are in the first five years of employment as an Early Career Researcher, with allowances made for career breaks of a reasonable time-frame. The recipient must be listed on an approved proposal to commence work at an ANSTO facility between 1st October 2020 and 31st December 2021.

The award provides a grant of A$10,000 excl. GST that can be spent on travel, accommodation and consumables relating to the recipient’s approved ANSTO proposal, and carer requirements, subject to AINSE discretion. The grant will be delivered to the host institution and placed into the recipient’s research account. Responsibility for establishing taxation liability lies with the grant recipient.

The Terms & Conditions, application form, and an ANSTO Capabilities & Facilities Guide can be

found on the AINSE website: www.ainse.edu.au/ecrg. For enquires and further information, please contact AINSE at ainse@ainse.edu.au | +61 2 9717 3376.

New publications

Suzanne Bull, Greg H. Browne, Malcolm J. Arnot and Lorna J. Strachan (2020) Influence of mass transport deposit (MTD) surface topography on deep-water deposition: an example from a predominantly fine-grained continental margin, New Zealand. In: Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 500; Subaqueous Mass Movements and their Consequences: Advances in Process Understanding, Monitoring and Hazard Assessments. https://doi.org/10.1144/SP500-2019-192
Le Heron, E., Le Heron, R., Logie, J., Greenaway, A., Allen, W., Blackett, P., Davies, K., Glavovic, B., and Hikaroa, D. (2020) Participatory Processes as Twenty-First Century Social Knowledge Technology: Metaphors and Narratives at Work. Chapter 11 in Sustaining Seas: Oceanic Space and the Politics of Care; Ed Probyn, E., Johnston, K., and Lee, N. Rowan & Littlefield International, London, New York.

Copy deadline for next edition of P-cubed: Friday 22nd May to Farnaz: f.sheikh@auckland.ac.nz

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Issue 31-Tuesday 28th April 2020

April 28, 2020 • fshe556

HeadSup

Kia ora koutou

Welcome to Alert Level 3! The UOA guidelines for our operation under this Alert Level can be found here. It’s not much different to Level 4 but it does allow for access to Labs and equipment for high priority work. Please see the notice below for details on gaining access. Blair and the ENV Technical Services advisory team (Shane, Kevin, Mark, me) will be finalising our internal processes over the next couple of days. If you are a student needing access, be sure to provide a rationale for your prioritisation when you fill out the form. I’m keeping all my digits crossed for a speedy transition to Alert Level 2. Let’s stay focused on maintaining physical distance and help Aotearoa – New Zealand eliminate COVID-19.

If this week’s p-cubed is anything to go by, we are picking up! Lots of activities are happening. Farnaz has made it simpler for us to get these into our calendars: take a look at the notices, then go to the ‘Events, meetings and seminars’ sidebar where you will be able to click and save the activities you want to attend into your calendar. If you have standing activities that you would like locked into the sidebar, please let Farnaz know.

Thanks to all who attended our ENV forum last Friday. It was great to catch up with everyone. If you have questions/comments feel free to send them through to me anytime or catch up with me at one of my open doors (PG students 11-12 noon, every Thursday; ENV staff 11-12 noon every Wednesday).

Those who attended our Kaupapa 2020 event will remember the QC (questions/comments) exercise. It seems a long time ago now but here is the summary of that exercise. I’m happy to discuss any of these points further. At this event I flagged that 2020 would be the year of the ENV 5-year Review. This review has been postponed to 2021.

Last but definitely not least, on behalf of the School I would like to extend a very warm note of thanks for many years of loyal and creative service to Ward and Lyndsay who are retiring at the end of this week. Thank you Ward, thank you Lyndsay – may you both enjoy a wonderful and long retirement! Although we cannot farewell Ward and Lyndsay in our usual way at this time, we will come together as soon as possible and do this in style. Meanwhile, if you would like to note your thanks and wishes for their happy retirement, here is our card.

Ngā mihi
JR

Whakawhanaungatanga – communities

Ward and Lyndsay are retiring!!!

Two farewells

We bid adieu to Lyndsay Blue and Ward Friesen who retire together at the end of this month. As a pair of human geographers who have a shared affinity with the Pacific they have made an immense contribution to the former Department of Geography and now the School of Environment. Both were appointed (quite independently!) in 1991 and both have been ‘team players’. Two words that handily rhyme sum up their respective contributions: care and flair.

Care pervades Lyndsay’s legacy. Throughout her career she has never been one to highlight her achievements. Reflecting, perhaps, her humility, there is no detail on her School web page apart from the standard auto-generated publications. She came to the School with rich experiences from across the South Pacific, having taught at the University of Papua New Guinea, James Cook University in Queensland, ANU, and having volunteered in Samoa. Alongside her practical depth and academic interests in development and socio-cultural geographies. Lyndsay’s academic interests lie in questions of society-environment relations, especially in the Pacific. She brought to the study of these relations an early recognition of the values of non-human actors and a deep concern for the human condition. Her greatest contribution to the academy has lain in teaching and in opening up the university to those who might not otherwise have had access to its privileges. Lyndsay is a long-serving stalwart of the University of Auckland’s Foundation Studies programme, for which she is a fierce advocate. She has supported her students through the programme into otherwise unlikely undergraduate, masters, and even PhD programmes, as well as through life crises and into senior roles in public and private sector organisations. She has carried this care far beyond her own courses and has worked tirelessly in the interests of equity within School and Faculty. She has been a colleague with a huge heart and someone who has had an immense influence on colleagues as well as students. Her influence is impossible to measure in ways commonly associated with academics. Her legacy is students who have felt supported, who have succeeded and who have felt sustained by the aroha and practical assistance Lyndsay has offered. She has always carried others with her in her roles. In 2012, for instance, Lyndsay was central to the School’s Tuakana team which were winners of a University Excellence in Equity Award. Some geographers write about care; Lyndsay has been the ultimate practitioner of care through being there – for both students and colleagues. We’ll miss her.

Ward has brought a flair to all he’s done. He completed his PhD on mobility in the Solomon Islands in the former Department of Geography (after earlier degrees in his homeland of Canada) and was appointed as Lecturer shortly afterwards. He has since worked across economic, population and urban geography as well as being a well-respected Pacific Studies scholar and a stalwart of Development Studies in the wider Pacific region. Over several decades as a population geographer and mobilities researcher, Ward has produced influential demographic analyses for the Solomon Islands as well as local governments in Auckland. He has brought flair to a field often considered by students to be ‘a bit dry’. In crafting connections between population change and Auckland’s observable landscape his scholarship has given population studies an immediacy for students. His teaching has always been a breath of fresh air aided by the most colourful shirts this School has known as well as wry sense of humour. Many of his shirts tell stories of forty years of research visits that bridged the eastern and western Pacific Islands and allowed Ward to maintain an important research network of Pacific-based and international scholars and government officials (including former students). Closer to home, he has had a sustained research interest in Auckland itself, having worked on suburban residential development and population implications as well as demographic, ethnic and socio-economic change. Many of Ward’s research and teaching interests have crystallised in his more recent theorisation of how migrant groups have shaped urban spaces and institutions, creating new ‘ethnoscapes’ and his study of migration, ethnicity and identity across New Zealand at large. While he’s stood out as an individual for his shirts, in other ways he’s been the ultimate team player. Whether on research projects, field-taught courses or his long-term contributions to Pacific Studies and Development Studies teaching programmes, Ward has carried the kaupapa. He’s had the flair and always been there. We’ll miss him.

Congratulations!

Robin Kearns has been appointed by Minister Eugenie Sage to a position on the New Zealand Geographic Board/ Ngā Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa (NZGB) which is the national place naming authority responsible for official place names in New Zealand.

Access under Alert Level 3

The COVID-19 Level 3: Campus Access and Priority Research Request Form is now live

Please read all the information and guidelines below before you submit an application for research or learning & teaching activity to begin on campus during Alert Level 3.

Research-specific Applications

The Moving to Alert Level 3 Plan details the approval requirements for priority research to begin campus and field activity during Alert Level 3. Please read this document.

Learning & Teaching Applications

All learning & teaching applications require a final approval from the DVC Academic. This final approval is part of the Faculty process.

The Campus Access and Priority Research Request Form is designed to be completed by:

Individual staff or research students (if permissible*) making a request; or
A staff requestor who is making the request for an activity/facility that includes up to 10 staff/research students/contractors/co-locators

*All research students who consider their research to fit the definition of ‘priority research activity’ should discuss this with their supervisor in the first instance. Any applications for on-campus research to be undertaken by research students should normally be submitted by the supervisor on behalf of the research student(s).

Applications for research meeting the definition of Essential Research (e.g. involving face-to-face engagement with the public or related to Covid-19) must continue to be completed through the Essential Research Activities Registration Form as they are reviewed and approved through the SRT Panel.

Approval will not be granted under Level 3 for access to the campus to collect belongings, chairs, etc

If researchers use the wrong form, they will need to re-apply using the correct form.

At the end of the online form there is an option for the requestor to be emailed a PDF copy of the application. It is advised that the requestor select this option.

Any staff members having difficulties accessing the form should contact the SSC, as it is likely related to the Microsoft identity of the requestor.

Once the online form has been submitted, the central BCP Group will distribute the requests and the approval process will begin.

School and Departmental panels will be set up to assess applications and Technical Managers/Technical Team Leads will be key contributors. The role of the Technical Services staff will be to assess the viability of prioritised research to be undertaken within the constraints of the Covid 19 Alert Level 3 guidelines.

Recommendations will then be sent to the Dean’s Authorisation Panel. The panel will endeavour to turn around applications quickly and applicants will be advised whether they have been approved or declined access as soon as possible.

If approved, an official permission letter to be on campus or complete field work at Alert Level 3, will be sent to the requestor. Individual access cards will not be activated until this official letter has been sent.

PBRF Funding

We have funding available and have identified some ways to hopefully stimulate applications:

– casual contracts are a great option. If a student has just finished, financial support from PBRF could help write a paper and support the student.

– we have always been reluctant to use PBRF to pay for publication charges. This year we will consider applications.

– if you needed to buy “data” to seed or start or complete a research project, this is probably the year when PBRF can help.

We have also decided to review proposals at the end of each month so we can speed up the approval process.

Please use the attached template to prepare your proposal and submit it to g.coco@auckland.ac.nz

ENV project assisting school students to learn Maths and Science on Education TV.

Marie McEntee and Joe Fagan were funded undertake a Curious Minds Project in 2017 with the school children of Aotea Great Barrier Island. The project called Sea Science saw Marie, Joe and three ENV students assist the children with their beach cleanups and to use the information to communicate their work and to then work with stakeholders to bring about environmental change. The children told their stories through art, writing, play and song. Together with a kaumatua, Marie and Joe facilitated engagement between the owners of the island’s mussel farms to reduce mussel lanyards landing on the beaches. The project was subsequently picked up by the Ministry of Education and showcased in the Ministry’s Connected Magazine which is distributed to primary schools around the country. Connected Magazine have just let Marie and Joe know that the project has been chosen among a few to be showcased as an example of science and maths on Education TV, the new Ministry’s initiative to educate children while at home.

Postgraduate Matters

Below are updates that have come through Faculty of Science, mostly regarding COVID-19 response.

Access at levels 3: Be prepared for much less “on campus” under level 3 than what you’re hoping for. You are still requested to stay at home and there is unlikely to be fieldwork. Supervisors- please manage expectations with your postgraduate students on this.
Supporting students: Some students are still feeling isolated- please try to facilitate some “group” meetings, even if it means being a little off topic, just to promote inclusivity.
Extensions/suspensions: Please follow the ever updating SGS page as this is the most up to date source for regulations. Please don’t be afraid to sit tight and wait out some of these shorter delays (particularly for stage 3). Suspensions can be retrospective for Masters and PhD students.
New enrolments: When considering new enrolments, particularly international, through the AFA system, make sure that your projects have a plan “B” and that there are contingencies in place for restrictions on travel. This may mean that a new student needs to work from home for the first few months of their enrolment, or maybe you facilitate access for them to work in a lab where they are located for 6-9 months until they are able to get into New Zealand. Be creative, but also realistic- what happens if the student is unable to get a visa? The University is arguing to be able to enrol students even without a visa but this is an ongoing discussion/debate and is not yet resolved.
Financial Matters:
1. The hardship grant is currently undersubscribed- this can help students struggling right now (although you need to be able to provide evidence). This can be if you or your partner have lost work, or for PhD’s if you are suspended (note the suspension rule here does not apply for Masters as they have a separate support grant).
2. Masters need to apply to the general University hardship fund but should consider it if appropriate.
3. Future scholarships- it is still unclear how COVID-19 will impact future scholarship offers- they hope is to maintain current levels but this is uncertain.
4. Continuing scholarships- there will be no “new” scholarship money for PhD- this is important to consider for extra extensions. Currently supporting the 36 months of support (through the UOA doctoral scholarship), 6 month extensions (for GPA >7), but beyond that only a 3 month fee waiver- no additional extensions of the scholarship funds.

2021 CapEx:

If you have any items on your CapEx Wishlist for 2021 (and beyond) please send these to Blair by the end of April.

At this stage all I need is a name and an approximate cost. There is the expectation that a full case will be completed at a later date.

If you have already spoken with one of the techs, they would have most likely already passed the info on to me.

Regards

Blair Sowman
Technical Manager | School of Environment

Te Tumu Herenga | Libraries and Learning Services

Although the Library is physically closed, we are still open for business, and you can send us your queries or set up a consultation appointment by Zoom using the AskUs link.

Our staff have been busy converting our resources and services to online, and

The Learning Online Toolkit has now been released to all students in Canvas.

It contains a range of online study support resources to help students with their academic development. It includes brief tips on:

How to learn online
Technology
Communicating online
Online tests
Working in online groups

It also links to Te Tumu Herenga l Libraries and Learning services, UoA student support services and specialist services provided by English Language Enrichment, Inclusive Learning and Te Fale Pouāwhina.

The toolkit has been added to the Canvas navigation menu along with an announcement on the Dashboard.

See The Learning Online Toolkit

Find our other Te Tumu Herenga | Libraries and Learning Services Covid-19 Support at the following links:

Meetings, seminars and events

The Geography Auckland (NZGS Auckland) newsletter

The Auckland Branch invites you to attend the next meeting via Zoom

Erionite and public health in Auckland: are our soils and rocks killing us?

Presented by Martin Brook

Tuesday 19th May

An invitation will be sent out during the previous week

Please click here to read the newsletter.

Seminar Series is back!

Save the date: ENV (Zoom) Seminar: 1^st of May Friday 16:00 – 16:40 + drinks 😊.

Join us on Friday the 1^st of May from 4 pm to learn about the fantastic research your colleagues do. All staff members and students from the School of Environment are warmly invited to attend this brilliant School of Environment Seminar. As you may be already aware we are running the seminars every three months and they have been incredibly fascinating so far.

In the upcoming ENV Seminar, we will have two presenters Danielle and Ryan and their talks will be followed by Friday virtual drinks.

Zoom location: https://auckland.zoom.us/j/441894919

PSC Cheese and Whine

Time: Apr 23, 2020 05:00 PM Auckland, Wellington

Every week on Thu, 9 occurrence(s)

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.

Weekly: https://auckland.zoom.us/meeting/tJEodeChpjIvHtdpe1Yi445yWcV_70o1paeP/ics?icsToken=98tyKuCtqzkjE9yctR2ERowMGYjoXfPxiFhYgrdZjBq0OikHNlbvAeF0DeUvH4nA

Join Zoom Meeting from here.

Volcanology, Geochemistry & Petrology Research Group

The volcanology, geochemistry, & petrology research group (VGP) meets during the semester. Our next meeting will be on 26 May 2020 at 9 am on Zoom. As always, everyone is welcome to attend our meetings. Please contact me (Sophia Tsang: s.tsang@auckland.ac.nz) for the link if you don’t have a calendar invite. If you would like to be added to this list or to volunteer to take on the organising role for VGP starting next semester, please email me (s.tsang@auckland.ac.nz). Additionally, if you have any updates (including new students or projects) you would like to see on the website or would like to contribute a blog post, please email David (dfar197@aucklanduni.ac.nz). For more information, please see our website: vgp.blogs.auckland.ac.nz See you soon!

Ako – Teaching and Learning

Thanks everyone for your great work keeping courses going and students engaged. Especially big thanks to all the TAs and GTAs who are doing a brilliant job. Let’s keep focused on maintaining engagement – we are remote learning until the end of the Semester and it’s a long way off. Students may start to flag as this drags on. Please prioritise:

engagement – stay in touch with students, stay in touch with TAs/GTAs, personalise feedback/interaction
Delivery methods – keep it simple, keep it accessible by all. I realise live streaming is happening around the university and it definitely is a good option for teaching and learning but not for all. There are genuine equity issues that cannot be addressed at the moment so please do not use live streaming for required work, especially not for assessments.

All the best for the next 7 weeks! – JR

Rangahau – Research

Meetings, seminars and events

Morphological modelling to understand Terrestrial Cosmogenic Nuclide concentrations in rocky coasts

Speaker: Lovleen Acharya Chowdhury (PhD Proposal)
Date: Thursday, April 30th
Time: 9:30 am
Zoom invite: https://auckland.zoom.us/j/7268a92178

Research and Funding Opportunities

NSCs SfTI and BioHeritage are calling for interest in a new SfTI Biosecurity Tech project

The Science for Technological Innovation (SfTI) and New Zealand’s Biological Heritage National Science Challenges (NSCs) are calling for a registration of interest to become part of a cross-disciplinary, multi-organisational research team to contribute to the next mission-led Spearhead project. This will be based around the Biosecurity Technology Mission on employing cutting-edge physical sciences and engineering to create new processes and tools that will better protect New Zealand from harmful biological elements such as non-indigenous flora, pathogens, insects and mammalian species.

Registration Deadline: Friday 1 May 2020 – Please register directly on the funder website

Value: Spearhead projects are typically funded for $1m p.a. over three years.

Deep South National Science Challenge

The Deep South Challenge invites you to submit a research outline which identifies a key climate process for New Zealand and how understanding of this process could be better understood through new observations. The Challenges objectives are: 1) to facilitate a research community consultation to identify the key climate processes for New Zealand; and 2) to fund research into the highest priority processes for New Zealand.

To achieve our first objective, we will be using the research outlines as input to an online workshop in June. Here invited participants will be able to work with the Challenge to identify and prioritise where studies using observations could lead to a better representation of climate processes in models. In August we will release a Request for Proposals with the aim of funding the highest priority studies.

Deadline: Research outline due 15 May 2020

Please get in touch with Kelly or Kathryn if you would like more information.

Our Land and Water National Science Challenge

The Our Land and Water National Science Challenge is looking for a Science Theme Leader (0.4FTE until 30 June 2024) for the Incentives for Change research theme. This theme seeks to identify the rewards, signals and approaches that motivate beneficial behaviours and reciprocal relationships in the agri-food and fibre system. The role and responsibilities of theme leaders are set out in the person specification. If interested, please email a letter outlining your background, experience and overall fit to Ourlandandwater@agresearch.co.nz by Friday 8 May.

Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change (SLMACC) – Freshwater Mitigation

To support field trials of existing farm technologies and practices which protect waterways and wetlands by reducing nutrient run-off and leaching. The programme aims to produce scientific data that can be incorporated into decision-support tools such as Overseer.

Internal Deadline: Wednesday 6 May, 3pm

Value: Between $200,000 and $2 million

Further Guidelines: See the funders website

International Network Funding Calls:

Two of our international networks have released funding calls for projects relating to the needs of universities as a result of the global pandemic:

U21 Global Education Enhancement Fund

Partnerships of two or more U21 member universities can apply for this fund, working together to design better solutions for online teaching, learning and assessment, which can be subsequently shared as resources within the U21 network.

Internal Deadline: 12 noon, 6 May 2020

Value: USD $5,000 per partner awarded.

WUN fund addressing research needs triggered by the pandemic

Proposals are invited for projects that address time-sensitive research problems arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and must include at least three WUN member universities across two or more countries.

Internal Deadline: 12noon, 11 May 2020

Value: GBP £10,000 per project awarded.

Proposals from Auckland researchers must be submitted for internal review prior to submission to the relevant funder.

Further information including application process and deadlines can be found on the intranet page here:https://www.staff.auckland.ac.nz/en/how-the-university-works/international-opportunities-and-linkages/international-networks/covid-19-related-funding-opportunities0.html

Some of our WUN partners are also seeking collaborators on projects, these will also be uploaded to the info page below. Currently four projects are listed.

2020 AINSE Residential Student Scholarships (RSS): expressions of interest now open

Residential Student Scholarships (RSSs) are offered by AINSE Limited (the Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering) for suitably-qualified persons wishing to undertake studies aligned with ANSTO’s research programmes for a higher degree at an AINSE-member university (UoA is a member university). Expressions of interest will be received up to 11:59 pm AEST 31st May 2020.

Online link to RSS Flyer: https://www.ainse.edu.au/AINSE%20RSS%202020.pdf

New publications

Meiqin Han had the first paper from her PhD thesis published in the international journal Catena:Han, M., Brierley, G., Li, B., Li, Z., & Li, X. (2020). Impacts of flow regulation on geomorphic adjustment and riparian vegetation succession along an anabranching reach of the Upper Yellow River. Catena, 190, 104561.
Suyadi, Gao, J., Lundquist, C. J., & Schwendenmann, L. (2020). Aboveground Carbon Stocks in Rapidly Expanding Mangroves in New Zealand: Regional Assessment and Economic Valuation of Blue Carbon. Estuaries and Coasts. 10.1007/s12237-020-00736-xHamilton, D.J., Bulmer, R.H., Schwendenmann, L. , & Lundquist, C. J. (2020). Nitrogen enrichment increases greenhouse gas emissions from emerged intertidal sandflats. Scientific Reports 10, 6686 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-62215-4
Campbell, K.A., Nicholson, K., Lynne, B.Y., Browne, P.R.L., 2020. 3D anatomy of a 60-year-old hot spring deposit at Hipaua-Waihi-Tokaanu geothermal field, Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand. Sedimentary Geology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sedgeo.2020.105652
Ruff, S.W., Campbell, K.A., Van Kranendonk, M.J., Rice, M.S., Farmer, J.D., 2020. The case for ancient hot springs in Gusev crater, Mars. Astrobiology 20, 475-499.
Teece, B.L., George, S.C., DJOKIC, T., Campbell, K.A., Ruff, S.W., Van Kranendonk, M.J., 2020. Biomolecules from fossilized hot-spring sinters: implications for the search for life on Mars. Astrobiology 20, 537-551.
Opit, S., Kearns, R. and Witten, K (2020) Housing Preferences of Young Adults in light of Urban Intensification: Evidence from Auckland, New Zealand Housing Studies 35(1) 123-142.

Copy deadline for next edition of P-cubed: Friday 8th May to Farnaz: f.sheikh@auckland.ac.nz

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Issue 30-Wednesday 15th April 2020

April 15, 2020 • fshe556

HeadSup

Kia ora koutou

Happy Easter, I hope the existential bunny made it to your house. Certainly chocolate and baking seem to be must-have items to stave of third-week-itis. I consumed an entire afghan slice in the space of a day before realizing my bubble is too small for baking. And I’m over Netflix, but the dogs have never been so well-walked. We are getting there though, the curve is flattening. We just have to stay the distance.

I’d like to give a big shout-out to everyone for keeping our teaching and learning going strong. I don’t think a mid-semester break has ever been so welcome. Please take time to relax and blob about a bit.

I know many of us are preparing material for the next 7 weeks of teaching. Please limit the tasks expected of students and make them simple and easy to navigate. Remote tasks take a lot longer to complete than we think. Some students are starting to suffer under the weight of multiple activities. Everyone is stressed so let’s keep the expected workloads down.

If you are a research student or supervisor and have yet to do so, please make a flexible plan to prioritise different activities according to Alert Level. I hope to have more information on access protocols in the next week.

All the best for weeks three and four.

Ngā mihi
JR

Whakawhanaungatanga – communities

IT Committee

The IT-Committee has compiled a number of common IT-related issues and possible solutions. Please check the P-Cubed IT web-page.

https://p-cubed.blogs.auckland.ac.nz/env-it-committe

Meetings, seminars and events

Kāinga Wahine is going online!

Postgrads, and all School of Environment staff who identify as women – welcome to our shared space. As we discussed at our first catch up of the year, we’re hoping to meet monthly to bring us all together, recognise and know the diversity of our women in the School.

Please update your calendars with the dates for the rest of the semester (note we vary the times to try to accommodate different schedules:

14^th May 12-1pm

11^th June 1-2pm

Please also share the invite with your own School of Environment colleagues who may have been missed off of this list.

Join us in this zoom room: https://auckland.zoom.us/j/8913664680

In the absence of a shared plate, feel free to bring a recipe!

Looking forward to seeing you soon,

Emma

(on behalf of the School of Environment Equity Committee)

The Geography Auckland (NZGS Auckland) newsletter

Kia ora, Greetings everyone,

Here is the April newsletter from lockdown Auckland. We do hope everyone is finding WFH a new challenge and possibly with some element of novelty. You will notice a number of cancellations, but a schedule of Dialogues, some of which we hope will happen.

In the meantime here is something from a quotation I saw recently: “Sun is not cancelled. Relationships are not cancelled. Love is not cancelled. Imagination is not cancelled. Music is not cancelled. Kindness is not cancelled. Hope is not cancelled.”

Kia kaha! Noho ora mai. / Say strong, stay well and look after yourself

Please click here to read the newsletter.

Volcanology, Geochemistry & Petrology Research Group

The volcanology, geochemistry, & petrology research group (VGP) meets during the semester. Our next meeting will be on 28 April 2020 at 9 am on Zoom. Phil would like to tell us about some of his recent research! As always, everyone is welcome to attend our meetings. Please contact me (Sophia Tsang: s.tsang@auckland.ac.nz) for the link if you don’t have a calendar invite. If you would like to be added to this list, please email me (s.tsang@auckland.ac.nz). Additionally, if you have any updates (including new students or projects) you would like to see on the website or would like to contribute a blog post, please email David (dfar197@aucklanduni.ac.nz). For more information, please see our website: vgp.blogs.auckland.ac.nz See you soon!

Quiz

The School of Environment student clubs are putting on a quiz throughout the lock down for all students within the faculty.

This quiz acts like the “What Am I?” sections in pub quizzes where each round a clue is given to hint at what the object, place, historic event, technique or person is. This quiz is for all School of Environment students hence will cover Geology, Engineering geology, Geophysics, Geochemistry, Geomorphology, Coastal, Climate, Environment, Human geography, Physical geography, and many more sub categories.

Every “round” will start every 4 days with one clue each day and the What Am I being revealed at approx. 8pm on the 4th day and beginning the new round. We are currently in the 3rd round and is planned to go till the end of semester 1 lectures (approx. 12th June at this point) but the end date will be announced closer to the end of semester.

This is a cool way of getting undergrads and postgrads out of the lock down blues and promotes thinking about the other disciplines in a fun interactive way. If any staff member would like to notify their class of this they are welcome too. There is a facebook page where all the questions are posted and more information is available (https://www.facebook.com/groups/543925486258412/).

Although this is specifically for students (tailored particularly towards undergraduates), if any staff member would like to get involved and possibly come up with a few questions please email Gina Swanney (gswa730@aucklanduni.ac.nz) for more information.

Ako – Teaching and Learning

Enjoy the break!

Rangahau – Research

Help with digital research tools, skills and platforms

The Centre for eResearch (CeR) team is working remotely to provide services that support researchers, including postgraduate/doctoral researchers. These services are described and can be requested in the ResearchHub –research-hub.auckland.ac.nz

Workshops and drop-in sessions are also being offered to help researchers continue their work at home:

Enabling research at home – daily drop-in, 1-1:30pm – https://auckland.zoom.us/j/601455135
Introduction to CeR’s research data, compute and digital research skills services to support working at home (15mins), followed by group or individual question and answer with the CeR team.

Managing Research Data – weekly 1-hour workshops
Part 1: Introduction to planning, organising and storing your research data.
Part 2: Sharing, publishing and archiving your research data.
We will focus on best practices and University services.
Details – https://research-hub.auckland.ac.nz/#/content/44
Booking link – https://www.library.auckland.ac.nz/workshops/?p=view_workshop&id=2360&from-ref=hub

Data analysis at home – 1-hour workshop and practical session.
Ideal for those considering or starting to use Nectar Research Cloud for data analysis, this session will provide practical instruction on getting an allocation and setting up a Windows virtual machine.
Details – https://research-hub.auckland.ac.nz/#/content/70
Booking link – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/research-analysis-at-home-tickets-102118982626

Hacky Hour –Tuesday & Thursday, 3-4pm – https://auckland.zoom.ac.nz/hackyhour
Ask questions, offer solutions, share lockdown tips and chat to your peers.
Aimed at doctoral candidates but all University researchers are very welcome.
Message the Hacky Hour slack channel, sign-up https://uoa-eresearch.github.io/HackyHour/ using your University email.

Please contact researchdata@auckland.ac.nz if you have any suggestions or questions about these or potential sessions.

Coastal Group and Marine Geosciences Webinar

The next Coastal Group and Marine Geosciences Group meetings will be a joint webinar on Wednesday April 22nd at 12:00 to 1:00 pm

Short talks include:

1. Glacial-age coastal processes still influence our modern coast and its response to climate change (Dr Marta Ribó)

2. Seismic spectral signatures of individual wave impacts on coastal cliffs (Catriona Thompson)

All welcome to attend – please email Emma Ryan at e.ryan@auckland.ac.nz for the Zoom link if you don’t have a calendar invite already.

Thank you,

Emma

Research and Funding Opportunities

NSC – Sustainable Seas Innovation Fund

The Sustainable Seas Innovation Fund is open for applications for research projects that will contribute directly to building a ‘blue economy’ in Aotearoa. The maximum project value is $250,000. Detailed information and criteria are specified in the request for proposals (RFP) document. EoIs must be submitted via this online form by 18 May 2020.

MPI- Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change (SLMACC)

The purpose of these awards is to help the agriculture and forestry sectors with challenges arising from climate change.

SLMACC Adaption – Focuses on social impacts, policy research and the science around adaptation to climate change, with the aim to improve resilience to a changing climates; and help farmers move towards a low carbon future

Value: $100,000 – $400,000 (1-2 years)

SLMACC Extension – Focuses on communicating research findings to farmers, growers and other primary industry professionals, with the aim to directly influence engagement, encourage implementation and create lasting changes in behaviour.

Value: up to $300,000 (up to 1 year)

Internal deadline for both awards is Tuesday 21 April. Applications must be submitted by the Funds Advisory Team, please contact your RPC to register your interest

Further guidelines and resources: Funders website

New publications

Blue, B. and M. Tadaki (2020), ‘Getting the measure of nature: the inconspicuous geopolitics of environmental measurement’, in S. O’Lear (ed), A Research Agenda for Environmental Geopolitics, Cheltenham: Edward Elgar. https://doi-org.ezproxy.auckland.ac.nz/10.4337/9781788971249.00008 Please email Brendon if you would like a copy of the chapter.
Brook MS, Hebblewhite B, Mitra R. (2020). Coal mine roof rating (CMRR), rock mass rating (RMR) and strata control: Carborough Downs Mine, Bowen Basin, Australia. International Journal of Mining Science and Technology 30: 225–234. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095268619304070

Copy deadline for next edition of P-cubed: Friday 24th April to Farnaz: f.sheikh@auckland.ac.nz

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Uncategorised

Issue 39 – Monday 17th August 2020

COVID-19: no time for complacency, stay well, keep UOA open…oh darn!

HeadSup

Whakawhanaungatanga – communities

ENV 2021-2023 Strategic Plan Update

Unstable Foundations

Building/Room: 303-G01

ENV Laboratory Inductions – Reminder

Meeting, Seminars and Events

Please Note

Ako – Teaching and Learning

Inaugural Lecture

Rangahau – Research

Postgraduate Research Showcase: 22 September – Update

Discussion Paper

Angus Dowell’s 3 minute thesis competition

Research and Funding Opportunities

2020 FRDF Main Round

Social Science Research Council – Just Tech Covid-19 Rapid Response Grants

Catalyst Fund – Seeding

Catalyst Fund – Leaders

2021 Te Pūnaha Hihiko: Vision Mātauranga Capability Fund

WUN Research Development Fund

Pacific Development and Conservation Trust

Meeting, Seminars and Events

MBIE 2021 Endeavour Seminar Series

School of Environment Research Forum: River Futures in Aotearoa

New Publications

Issue 38 – Monday 3rd August 2020

COVID-19: no time for complacency, stay well, keep UOA open

HeadSup

Whakawhanaungatanga – communities

Environment Taiao Association

NZGS Auckland (Geography Auckland) August Newsletter

Meeting, Seminars and Events

5th ENV seminar

‘The First Meeting’ of the School of Environment International Students

How Tectonic and Surface Processes Interact to Shape the Landscape

Ako – Teaching and Learning

What’s a Professor

IT Committee:

Meeting, Seminars and Events

Rangahau – Research

Evolution of Queen Charlotte Sound-Tōtaranui and Tory Channel-Kura Te Au

Wanderings in the muddy Waimatā at Gisborne, East Cape

Postgraduate Research Showcase: Save the Date – Tuesday 22 September

Other Updates

Research and Funding Opportunities

2020 FRDF Main Round

Kate Edger Educational Charitable Trust Post-Doctoral Research Awards – Dame Joan Metge and Emeritus Professor Dame Charmian J O’Connor Awards

Social Science Research Council – Just Tech Covid-19 Rapid Response Grants

SfTI has now released a request for Expressions of Capability (EoC).

Meeting, Seminars and Events

School of Environment Research Forum: River Futures in Aotearoa

New Publications

Issue 37- Monday 20th July 2020

HeadSup

Whakawhanaungatanga – communities

ENV 2021-2023 Strategic Plan

DOC 3 forms

IT Committee:

Could the Government Nationalise ECE?

Notice: Changes in Some Labs:

First Aid Courses

Mobile Learning

Become an Open Day 2020 Ambassador

Meeting, Seminars and Events

ENV Welcome Back Function

How tectonic and surface processes interact to shape the landscape

Just how on earth do we know what MARS is made of?

‘The first meeting’ of the School of Environment international Students

Ako – Teaching and Learning

Thank You Note

Meeting, Seminars and Events

Pandemic, pedagogy and education 4: Teaching and learning remotely

Creating an engaging online learning and teaching environment – Ako Innovation Seminar

Rangahau – Research

Critic says govt’s freshwater package doesn’t address the problem – pollution

Meeting, Seminars and Events

5^th ENV seminar