Alumni in the News

Legendary netball coach Robyn Broughton honoured at Constellation Cup

Otago alumna and legendary netball coach Robyn Broughton MNZM ONZM, who sadly passed away in September, was honoured at the Silver Ferns game against the Australian Diamonds in Invercargill in October, with the stadium renamed the Robyn Broughton Stadium for the night.

Robyn (nee Quirke) graduated with a Diploma in Physical Education from Otago and was a physical education teacher at Verdon College in Invercargill. An outstanding netballer, Robyn was a non-travelling reserve for New Zealand in 1960 and represented Hutt Valley, Otago and Southland, captaining the latter two provinces. She also captained Otago University and New Zealand Universities, and was awarded Otago and New Zealand University blues.

Robyn was one of New Zealand’s most successful domestic coaches, leading the Southern Sting to seven National Bank Cup titles. Her international achievements included coaching a World 7 to victory over Australia in 2009, a World FastNet title in 2010 and three years as assistant coach to the Silver Ferns. She was appointed a MNZM in 2004 and an ONZM for services to netball in the 2012 Queen’s Birthday and Diamond Jubilee Honours.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/netball/132893950/mother-innovator-netball-mastermind-robyn-broughton-set-the-coaching-standards?cid=app-android

https://www.silverferns.co.nz/silver-ferns/news/latest-news/netball-coach-robyn-broughton-to-be-honoured.html

Law expert Mai Chen to receive Honorary Doctorate

Barrister Mai Chen.

Otago alumna and constitutional and administrative law expert Mai Chen is set to cross the graduation stage this month when the University of Otago awards her with an Honorary Doctor of Laws (Hon LLD ) for her services to Law, particularly to the practice of Public Law and to the legal profession, and to the diversity of the profession.

In addition to being named a Most Influential Lawyer 2022, Ms Chen was placed on the Global Diversity List Top 50 Diversity Figures in Public Life, in the Global Diversity List 2016 (affiliated with the Global Diversity Awards, supported by The Economist), and was twice a top 10 finalist for New Zealander of the Year.

https://www.otago.ac.nz/news/newsroom/the-most-influential-mai-chen-receives-otago-honour

Navigating the Christmas present minefield

In this Fair Go item, Otago alumnus and Marketing Professor Robert Aitken talks about the power of branding and navigating the Christmas present minefield. Professor Aitken’s research found that 80 per cent of parents say there should be restrictions on brand advertising to children and around 50 per cent want to have it banned altogether.

Professor Aitken’s research focuses on marketing to children and the ways in which commercialisation and the promotion of materialistic values are influencing the nature and experience of childhood.

https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/11/21/navigating-the-kids-christmas-present-minefield/

New Dean takes the stage at Christ Church Cathedral

Alongside Theology, university studies in Theatre and Teaching have provided valuable experience and skills for Reverend Canon Ben Truman, who takes up the role of Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, Christchurch, in December.

https://www.otago.ac.nz/alumni/news/news/new-dean-takes-the-stage-at-christ-church-cathedral

Solo cycle across America scoops desert writing prize

With no cycling experience and no fitness training, Otago alumna Anna Welch bought a bike, packed it as if she were going tramping, and set off to cycle solo across the United States (US).

“I just really wanted a bit of adrenalin in my life, I was tired of being comfortable,” says the English Literature honours graduate, who not only completed the journey but has recently received the 2023 Waterston Desert Writing Prize in Oregon for her account of her experiences along the way.

https://www.otago.ac.nz/alumni/news/news/solo-cycle-across-america-scoops-desert-writing-prize