Professor Suzanne Pitama.
Kia ora and welcome to the University of Otago, Christchurch.
We are excited to have you join our campus here at Te whenua o te Pōtiki-Tautahi (later shortened to Ōtautahi). We acknowledge mana whenua, Ngāi Tūāhuriri, and their guardianship, leadership, and ongoing support of the mahi we undertake. We also acknowledge the whānau from Ōnuku, Wairewa, Rāpaki, Koukourarata, Taumutu and Kaikōura runaka within the CDHB region, and are grateful for our relationships and collaborations alongside them.
Ōtautahi has always been a hub of industry, learning, resources, and innovation. I hope that the time you spend with us will be industrious, provide opportunities for extended learning, and enables you to develop resources that will support your future career, goals, and ambitions in partnerships and teams.
As part of our University of Otago, Christchurch team, we are committed to providing you with a high level of support and care. Our campus has amazing people who will be here to assist you with your academic pursuits and personal development. We will work to ensure you have a culturally safe space to flourish and enjoy. We also want to encourage you to take advantage not just of seeing Ōtautahi, but also the beauty of Te Waipounamu (the landscape is truly breath-taking).
We wish you all the best in your studies and hope that you really enjoy your time here, develop friendships and create positive memories that last a lifetime.
Ngā mihi,
Professor Suzanne Pitama (Ngāti Kahungunu)
Dean and Head of Campus
University of Otago, Christchurch