Winner of the Vice-Chancellor's Award, Exceptional Performance by Professional Staff, Michelle Taiaroa, left, with Vice-Chancellor Grant Robertson.
Outstanding Otago staff were recognised at the University's annual awards last night. Eight awards were announced for Professional Staff, while previously announced research and teaching awards were also presented at the ceremony.
Professional awards announced last night were:
- Vice-Chancellor's Award, Exceptional Performance by Professional Staff - Michelle Taiaroa
- Exceptional Performance by Professional Staff - Jacqui Bradshaw
- Exceptional Performance by Professional Staff - Thelma Fisher
- Exceptional Performance by Professional Staff - Alison Stewart
- Award for Sustainable Practice by Staff (team) - University Flats
- Award for Sustainable Practice by Staff (individual) - Amanda Hutchinson
- Health, Safety and Wellbeing Award (team) - Grounds Team
- Health, Safety and Wellbeing Award (individual) - Jose Garcia Flores
Michelle Taiaroa – Vice-Chancellor’s Award, Exceptional Performance by Professional Staff
This year’s Vice-Chancellor’s Award recipient is an exceptional and innovative leader, a staunch advocate, and is dedicated to the success of Otago’s kaimahi and tauira Māori.
Her nominators go on to say that the Māori Centre Te Huka Mātauraka Tumaki is an exceptional strategic and operational leader.
“Her leadership extends far beyond her remit and contributes directly to the enhancement of university services and systems for the improvement of tauira Māori outcomes.”
Under Michelle’s leadership Te Huka Mātauraka has gone from strength to strength and showcases the University’s approach supporting tauira Māori.
“She brings a unique combination of skills along with her wealth of connections that extend beyond the University.
“Not only is Michelle committed to enhancing experiences for her staff and tauira she models an exceptional commitment to the success of tauira Māori and to the University’s aspiration to be te Tiriti-led.”
Her dedication to the University's strategic goals is evident as she reviews and aligns Te Huka Mātauraka’s workplan with key priorities. In addition to her active engagement with strategy, Michelle exemplifies all the University’s values in her work. Michelle’s involvement in numerous committees and panels highlights her respected status within the University.
Michelle has been vital in transforming the approach taken to student hardship for both tauira Māori and tauira tauiwi. She has been a staunch advocate for tauira experiencing racism and marginalisation in the University.
Michelle’s commitment to supporting the cultural upskilling of the wider University is unwavering. In addition to providing excellent leadership to her team, Michelle constantly goes above and beyond her role to help tauiwi staff in their personal cultural development.
Michelle’s exceptional leadership, commitment to cultural education, and innovative approaches make her an invaluable asset, driving both the success of Māori students and the University's strategic goals.
Michelle feels “incredibly humbled” to have won the award.
“This role has given me so much hope and excitement for the future of Māori as a people and economy,” she says.
“I come from a criminal justice background so to be witness and play a little part of Māori breaking away from colonial impacts is refreshing and heartwarming.”
She would like the mahi of the entire Te Huka Mātauraka team to be recognised, saying every positive impact they’ve had has happened because they’ve worked together.
“I realise this is a common response, but that is simply because it is so very true,” she says.
“They all believe that they work towards their own redundancy as they strive for a world that places like Te Huka Mātauraka are no longer required.”
Michelle says her job is to ensure her team have all they need in order to carry out their “magnificent mahi”.
“It is about appointing well, supporting well and creating an environment that they can work their magic.
“They are brilliant at what they do, so very dedicated to our tauira, to the cause, to the reason and to the future of Māori. Magnificent humans working with magnificent tauira.”
Michelle says she has been working at Ōtakou Whakaihu Waka and in her role for three years and eight months.
Jacqui Bradshaw – Exceptional Performance by Professional Staff
Jacqui Bradshaw holding her Exceptional Performance by Professional Staff Award.
During Jacqui’s 26 years working for the University, she has shown deep respect for the institution and a commitment to fostering a collaborative community, one of her nominators says.
“Jacqui is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds receive the necessary support to navigate complex enrolment and graduation processes.”
Jacqui is part of the Otago Medical School’s Divisional Services and Administration team in the role of Dean Support.
One of Jacqui’s nominators goes on to say, “Jacqui has consistently demonstrated dedication and adaptability and has been a reliable cornerstone during numerous staffing transitions and structural changes, including the tenure of several Deans”.
“Her extensive institutional knowledge and proactive approach have ensured the uninterrupted continuation of essential operations.”
Jacqui works “meticulously” behind the scenes to oversee the Bachelor of Medical Science and the Master of Medical Science programmes.
“Her contributions are vital to the School’s smooth operation.”
She is dedicated, works with integrity, and has a drive for continuous improvement.
Jacqui says she is humbled by the award.
“To me, the Otago Medical School staff work as a finely tuned and hardworking team and they all deserve an award.”
She started working at the University in 1998 before taking a year-long break in 2007. She returned in 2008 and has been in her current role since July 2009.
The role has changed drastically during this time, she says.
“I have given a lot to the University, and it has, in turn given a lot back to me. I have thoroughly enjoyed working for the University, even in the last seven years which have been interesting to say the least,” she says.
“People are the backbone of the University, and I look forward to watching everything settle back into place and collegiality become strong again.”
Jacqui’s day-to-day role sees her coordinating a variety of workstreams to ensure staff and students remain connected and informed, and that all of this is recorded properly to help the future workforce going forward.
“To me, robust change can’t take place without an understanding of what has come before.”
Thelma Fisher – Exceptional Performance by Professional Staff
Thelma Fisher holding her Exceptional Performance by Professional Staff Award.
Someone from within the University community can now say “my fairy godmother has won an award”.
If you were to take a look at some of the feedback academics and students have left after interacting with Information Services Subject Librarian Thelma Fisher, it’s not hard to see why she was nominated. Comments include; “you’re a star!”, “librarian extraordinaire”, “absolutely incredible” and “my fairy godmother”.
One of Thelma’s nominators says Thelma has been a dedicated librarian at the University since 1994. She is known for providing exceptional service to academic, teaching and administrative staff, as well as postgraduate and undergraduate students.
“Thelma is known for her meticulous planning and preparation, which has led colleagues to frequently seek her advice.”
Initially based at the Central Library, she moved to the Health Sciences Library in 2016 as a Subject Librarian, taking on responsibility for the Schools of Pharmacy and Physiotherapy.
Throughout her long career at Otago, Thelma has embraced challenges and continuously expanded her knowledge by fully integrating into the schools and departments she supports.
“Her dedication to students has been a hallmark of her tenure, and she maintains contact with many of them after graduation, often attending their ceremonies as a long-standing graduation usher,” the nominator concludes.
Thelma is “amazed and honoured to be a recipient of this award, out of a pool of over 4,200 professional staff”.
She says highlights of her job include constantly collaborating with, and learning from, her fellow Subject Librarians, academics and students. Delivering excellent customer experiences is a passion, especially through ,timely interactions with staff and students. She appreciates how receptive departments are to Library initiatives.
Thelma says her role involves a wide range of tasks such as
- Supporting research, teaching and learning needs of Health Science and Science academics, researchers, postgraduates and undergraduate students through consultations and workshops, maintaining online subject guides of recommended Library and scholarly research resources, and assessing information sources
- Assisting staff and postgraduates wanting to conduct literature reviews, or explore their different search topics
- Guidance in citing and referencing varied print and electronic resources in different output styles
- Building and publishing videos that promote independent student learning skills, e.g. search techniques, academic integrity, managing references
- Keeping up to date with search alerts, new databases, new technologies
- Promoting ways to get published and increase research impact
- Collaborating with colleagues to enhance her skills and knowledge, then sharing
whatthat newfound knowledge with others
Thelma started with the University of Otago Library in May 1994. She worked as a Subject Librarian in the Central Library between 2009 and 2016 before shifting to her current role of Subject Librarian in the Health Science Library.
Alison Stewart – Exceptional Performance by Professional Staff
Alison Stewart holding her Exceptional Performance by Professional Staff Award.
“Alison embodies true leadership, focusing on people,” one of her nominators says.
Alison’s role as Head of Acdemic Leaderships Development, Organisational Development, sees her supporting academic leaders, but her exceptional performance and impact are evident in her holistic approach to this role.
“Through her work she treats staff as whole people, providing thoughtful and intelligent guidance.
“Alison is an exceptional listener, attuned to individual needs, strengths, and challenges, and she remembers details about many people, making them feel important and supported.”
Alison creates a collegial, collaborative, and kind atmosphere, fostering creativity and play. She excels in making others excel by creating safe spaces for learning and development and building peer support networks.
Her dedication and care are reflected in the enthusiastic support she received when nominated for recognition.
University Flats - Award for Sustainable Practice by Staff (Team)
Members of the University Flats team with their Sustainable Practice by Staff Award (team).
The team is comprised of:
Tracy de Woeps – Warden
Jenna Lockhart - Deputy Warden
Anne Trainor - Operations Manager
Kirsten Humphry’s - Assistant Warden
Innes Gilbertson - Assistant Warden
Denise Dawson - Administration
Krystal Brens - Administration
Nora Matapo - Facilities Coordinator
Joe Farrant - Facilities Manager
Tiara Das - Kaiāwhina Whare
Aisling Casey - Kaiāwhina Whare
Ethan Lao - Kaiāwhina Whare
Amelia O’Connell - Kaiāwhina Whare
Suraiya Khan - Kaiāwhina Whare
Jonathon Twyman - Kaiāwhina Whare
The University Flats team has worked “tirelessly” to make innovative contributions to sustainability in the University’s residential community, a nominator says.
“Over the past two years, they have worked tirelessly to integrate sustainable practices, championing initiatives like the Drop and Swap station, period poverty support and a food recycling program.”
This mahi aligns with the University’s values of manaakitanga, pono, māhirahira, and whakawhanaungatanga, and supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including food security, waste reduction, and community engagement.
University Flats serves about 1,300 students annually, including mature postgraduates, their families, and international and domestic students.
By engaging with this diverse group of individuals and integrating their varied perspectives, University Flats fosters sustainable behaviours that reflect the values of both Otago University and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Through their work, the University Flats team has established a culture of sustainability and inclusivity, enabling both staff and students to engage meaningfully with environmental stewardship.
University Flats Warden Tracy de Woeps says the team is “very excited” to have won the award.
“We have undertaken a huge amount of work over the past 18 months aligning UniFlats to the United Nations sustainability goals and the UoO sustainability goals,” Tracy says.
“UniFlats did not set out to win a team award, we just wanted to make a difference to the life of our residents and staff.”
The team has implemented more than 60 initiatives but did not do so in isolation.
“We have worked with so many teams across the University and without them we could not have achieved this.”
Tracy says the team is grateful for the support it has received from Te Oraka, the Office of Sustainability, Property Services, the Pacific Island Centre, the International Office and Disability Services, to name but a few.
Some of the highlights for University Flats during 2024 include:
- The opening of the second sustainability neighbourhood
- Providing opportunities for residents to grow and harvest their own kai
- Tackling period and food poverty by providing period products and kai through the UniFlats office. A lot of this kai is donated by exiting residents
- Advertising cheap food options through social pages (OUSA and Bowling Club, as well as fruit and veggie options)
- The introduction of the Te Whare Tapa Wha model of wellbeing for residents and staff
- The introduction of area dinners (building community, getting to know your neighbours, well-being check in)
- Establishing a Lilliput Library
- Providing a wide range of inclusive flatting options (LGBTQAI+, female only, male only, alcohol free etc)
- Working closely with residents and Te Oraka (recycling of unwanted goods)
- Re-covering and re-using old University office chairs as dining chairs in UniFlats homes.
- Recycling furniture from the University Union into flatting furniture
- Replacing carpets with carpet tiles (long term this is a more sustainable option)
Amanda Hutchinson - Award for Sustainable Practice by Staff (individual)
Amanda Hutchinson holding her Sustainable Practice by Staff Award (individual).
Initiating, leading and successfully developing the Robertson Seed Library, led to Amanda being nominated for this award.
“The Seed Library brings a real-world example of sustainability, uniting key issues of the day - food security and the cost-of-living,” her nominator says.
A Subject Librarian in Information Services Amanda has helped build a culture of innovation and sustainability, and encouraged students and colleagues to get involved.
“The Seed Library is ultimately about supporting students in a difficult time in a way that is sustainable, economical, educational and meaningful.”
The project aligns with Tī Kōuka 2030 principles and with the University’s values of pono, manaakitaka, māhirahira and whakawhanaukataka and includes many of the United Nation’s Sustainability Development goals.
Amanda has had a vision for the potential growth of this mahi from the beginning and with her successful implementation and leadership this great work is thriving.
Amanda is honoured to receive recognition for mahi that she is so passionate about.
“Otago has some excellent work going on around sustainability and biodiversity, and it is very rewarding to be a part of that,” she says.
Since starting the seed library in September 2023 more than 1,000 packets of seeds have gone out into the community, she says. The ongoing success of the seed library requires the generous donations of seeds from the public.
“If you have seeds you would like to donate, please drop them off at either the Robertson Library, Hocken Collections or via internal mail to either of those locations,” she says.
Amanda has held the role of Subject Librarian for just over two years, and has been with the University for more than three and a half years.
Her day-to-day work is “incredibly varied”, and centres on supporting library users in their teaching, learning and research pursuits.
“I do this by creating and running skills programs, and guiding humanities students and researchers in using specialised resources. In addition to this, I am able to work on projects which promote various university strategic goals, such as the Seed Library.”
Grounds Team – Campus Services – Health, Safety and Wellbeing Award (team)
Members of the University's Grounds Team with their Health, Safety and Wellbeing Award (team).
The Grounds Team supports the physical health, safety and wellbeing of Otago’s staff and students whilst they are on campus, according to the team’s nominators.
“They are prompt and efficient in addressing any ground issues, treating each report or suggestion with integrity and attention. The care of the grounds directly impacts how staff and others treat the campus, fostering an environment of respect and pride.”
As individuals, the Grounds Team members are friendly and personable.
In addition to taking care of people, they take care of the grounds, creating and maintaining beautiful surroundings that support everyone’s sense of wellbeing.
“The University of Otago grounds are accessible to everyone because they are so well maintained.”
The team is focused on continuously improving the grounds and facilities with regard to safety and is actively engaged in not only reporting incidents but also assessing how healthy and safety can be improved.
“Their sustained excellence is evident through their attention to detail and care for the surroundings, encompassing health, safety, and wellbeing.”
Campus Services Team Leader Andy Laing says the team is responsible for everything that is outside.
“Gardening, composting, tree maintenance, hedge trimming, lawn mowing, lawn maintenance, litter pick-up, paving, pressure washing, annual flower replacements, landscaping, de-icing footpaths in winter, winter leaf drop collection, vandalism cleanups, planting, street sweeping, surfacing maintenance, slips and trips mitigation, and much more.”
The team has won the award as a result of the accumulation of various things they do to make the campus safer, he says.
Jose Garcia Flores – Health, Safety and Wellbeing Award (individual)
Jose Garcia Flores holding his Health, Safety and Wellbeing Award (individual).
Jose’s leadership “reflects a deep sense of responsibility and care for the University community, ensuring the library remains a safe, clean, and welcoming environment”, his nominator says.
As the Library Facilities Services Supervisor, he ensures his team embodies the University’s core values of community, integrity and excellence.
Under Jose’s leadership, the team listens attentively to concerns about library buildings and facilities, engaging openly and working collaboratively to understand and address issues. Jose ensures clear communication when problems need to be escalated and follows up to ensure satisfaction.
He ensures the safety of library spaces by conducting thorough hazard checks across multiple libraries, including Central, Robertson, Law, Science, and Medical Libraries.
Jose, who has been at Otago more than three years, says he feels a bit “awkward” about having won the award.
“While some of us may be carrying a larger role than others in implementations of wellbeing, health and safety, it’s really a shared responsibility and should be a shared celebration,” he says.
“We all benefit when we have a safer and healthier workplace.”
Jose says he takes wellbeing, health and safety “really seriously” - so much so that he feels frustrated at times because there’s "always more we could do".
“There’s so much more to do but I hope we can achieve this together …
“Keeping all people in our community safe is important – I’m just making a small contribution into the work we do across all our campuses and communities.”
Jose is the first point of contact for any wellbeing, health and safety issues for the University’s library system. He and the Library Facilities team conduct regular inspections to identify hazards and make improvements, and he helps investigate incidents when they do happen in an effort to ensure they are not repeated, he says.
“I also run fire drills across our buildings so we can improve our evacuation plans and, of course, respond to real events coordinating with the fire and emergency services.”
Photos from the evening
Teaching and research awards:
- Professor John Crump
- Associate Professor Anna High
- Dr Jude Ball
- Dr Rose Crossin
- Dr Olivia Harrison
- Dr Nathan Kenny
- Dr Daniel Pletzer
- Dr Andrew Reynolds
- Dr Amanda Clifford
- Dr Amber Young
- Dr Emma Powell
- Phage-host interactions (Phi laboratory)
- Dr Gillian MacKay
- Associate Professor Antonie Alm
- Associate Professor Naomi Ingram
- Associate Professor Lara Friedlander
- Dr Mihiata Pirini