2023

After two seasons of record-breaking lows, Antarctica’s sea ice remains in dramatic decline, tracking well below any winter maximum levels observed since satellite monitoring began during the late 1970s.

John Chrisstoffels is a senior lecturer at the University of Canterbury and a critically acclaimed filmmaker and musician of over 35 years. A respected member of the New Zealand film-making community, John regularly assists and mentors young filmmakers around the country, lending his support to film organisations and events. His latest film, Building Bridges: Bill Youren's Vision of Peace, chronicles the life and times of Hawkes Bay farmer and peace activist Bill Youren during the post-war years

Melissa Lee has been appointed as the inaugural chief executive of the Chinese Canadian Museum. Opening later this year in Vancouver, "the establishment of the museum comes at a critical time and addresses the need for ongoing public education surrounding cultural respect and inclusion" says Melissa. Looking back on her time at UC, she thinks fondly of Aotearoa and reminisces on the flat whites and Anzac biscuits.

Cleve Cameron is the founder and managing director of Big Street Bikers, an organisation all about establishing and operating a new electric infrastructure and leading a culture of electric biking.

Beginning her filmmaking career here at the Ilam School of Fine Art, Zoe McIntosh is now an award-winning director of commercial, documentary and dramatic works. Her latest feature film, Stylebender, had its global premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in June 2023, where it was nominated for Best Documentary and Best New Director.

Award winning 'technical storyteller' Karen Wrigglesworth graduated from UC with a Bachelor of Engineering in 1994, now she combines her engineering expertise and geographic and heritage knowledge to share stories of regional New Zealand.

A love of travel and adventure has taken Ghislaine Lewis around the world. Originally from the Caribbean, Ghislaine has studied in Virginia, Florida, New Zealand, and Australia. She is now an Associate Professor of Communication Studies at the University of Lynchburg in Virginia with research interests in new media, global politics, and policy. We caught up with Ghislaine almost 10 years after living and completing her PhD here at UC.

Hamish Laird grew up working with electrical circuits and electronics so it's no wonder that he went on to study engineering and start his own company, ELMG Digital Power. Hamish is also an Adjunct Senior Fellow here at the University of Canterbury, supervising the next generation of electrical engineers.

A new study from University of Canterbury (UC) researchers, focusing on reliable energy generation, could be the key to recharging our communities.

Sonia Yee has worked in broadcast media for over a decade, specialising in podcasting, radio documentaries and long-form features. A passionate and creative storyteller, Sonia runs production company Double Ten Media, and has recently launched her new platform, Close to the Mic, a place that gives voice to the podcasting industry.

Carl Davidson is one of New Zealand's best-known social scientists, with over 30 years of experience in the insights industry. His busy schedule includes being the founding partner of Research First, Senior Adjunct Fellow here at the University of Canterbury, and author of 10 books and has recently been selected as a 2023 Insight250 winner, acknowledging him as a leader in market research, data-driven marketing and insights.

Designing a redress system for survivors of abuse in care is of utmost importance to achieve healing, new co-chair says.

Psychology Professor Randolph Grace discusses the miraculous correspondence between mathematics an physical reality on The Conversation.

Jeff Bell is a political cartoonist and illustrator, currently working with the prominent New Zealand media organisation, Stuff. He was named Cartoonist of the Year in 2022 at the Voyager Media Awards and has recently illustrated two children's books, The Sad Banana and The Lonely Lemon. Jeff spoke to us about how he got started in this career and what is perhaps on the cards next.

A graduate of the Ilam School of Fine Arts, Cam McCracken and is putting his exte the Director of the Dunedin Public Art Gallery, Toitū Otago Settlers Museum and the Dunedin Chinese Garden.

After a successful career in marketing, Alastair McLae decided to go back to study and follow his passion for football and sport. Graduating with his Bachelor of Sport Coaching in 2022, he is now the Club Manager for Christchurch United FC, a Director with the Football Federation Samoa, and Director of his own football consultancy business – a true example of someone turning their interests into a career. We spoke with Ali about how all of this came to be.

After completing her undergraduate and master's at the University of Tehran, Zahra and her family emigrated to Aotearoa to embark on a new adventure. Once successfully completing her PhD, Zahra is now working to support ethnic communities in her role with the Ministry of Education.

Tuaopepe Abba Fidow is the Deputy Secretary, Service Delivery at the Ministry for Pacific Peoples. "I’ve been extremely blessed to have worked with and for passionate, intelligent and generous people, committed towards a single goal of improving the lives of New Zealanders" says Abba when reflecting on his career in the public service.

Over a thousand tamariki from across Waitaha Canterbury participated in Te Mātāpuna Mātātahi I Children’s University’s On-Campus Experience Day.

Amid global calls to reduce plastic production, new research shows high amounts of plastic in Arctic Sea ice and sediment.

It’s a motivating feeling helping students get back on track by being a sounding board, adviser and problem solver.

Tim Hume is a London-based reporter for VICE World News covering extremism, migration, and politics in Europe. He is also the host of Decade of Hate, a VICE series of short documentaries covering the far-right in Europe.

Improving access for diverse learners is a common theme among the 2023 winners of Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury’s annual Teaching Awards.

Rachel Evans (Ngāti Tama) had planned a career in law, working as a clerk, solicitor, legal advisor before returning to UC to lecture. At the start of 2023, Rachael was awarded an $80,000 scholarship for PhD research investigating how iwi can exercise rangatiratanga (sovereignty or autonomy) through the development of fiscal authority. We spoke to her about her research, teaching and highlight from her UC experience.

A new study at the University of Canterbury will explore how public buildings, including schools, could be designed to use sustainable cooling and heating technology and help New Zealand achieve its net-zero 2050 goal.

A research facility prototype developed at the University of Canterbury will soon orbit Earth aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

To explore what is possible, non-Indigenous scholars Mahdis Azarmandi and Sara Tolbert offer an anticolonial feminist praxis for unsettling settler institutions.

Breaking down barriers to equitable healthcare using technology and innovation has become the mission of Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) engineering researchers.

Inspiring experts and business leaders, including former Director-General of Health Sir Ashley Bloomfield, are sharing their knowledge in a new series of video interviews.

On the Conversation, Dr James Mehigan explains why Australia and NZ could become republics, and still stay in the Commonwealth.

UC postgraduate student has been selected by NASA and the NZ Space Agency for an internship in the United States.

UC student is in her element operating machinery in a processing plant that extracts an edible protein from leafy crops.

UC Engineering PhD students have created a tool, affectionately known as BOB, to help prevent the third leading cause of death in New Zealand.

Wood and paper-based disposable cutlery is seen as a greener option than plastic, but a Canterbury academic is warning it could actually present more of a threat when it comes to climate change.

When three Christchurch friends found out they’d been awarded the same full-fee scholarship to study at university they called everyone they knew to share the news.

A first-year UC mentorship programme is a finalist in the national Engineering New Zealand, ENVI awards.

Shaneel Lal was named 2023 UC Young New Zealander of the Year for leading the way to a more inclusive Aotearoa.

CSO musicians will use river stones as instruments when they perform the world premiere of a new work inspired by Christchurch and marking 150 years of the University of Canterbury.

EPECentre and Aruhiko – PEET hosted 27 engineering students on the four-day South Island Power Systems Field Trip. 

Over 150 years, the University of Canterbury has left an indelible mark on Christchurch, with buildings reflecting the architecture of the times, from Gothic Revival to Brutalist beauty and modernism to contemporary architecture.

A conservation effort has eradicated mammalian pests on all Mercury Islands, providing a haven for native species.

Two University of Canterbury students have spent their summer developing and 3D printing a model stink bug to help raise awareness of the potential for a costly invasion of the pest in Aotearoa New Zealand.

An 83-year-old is travelling from Canada to attend a weekend of 150th anniversary alumni celebrations at his former university in Christchurch.

Do you have Sherlock Holmes-style powers of observation and razor-sharp attention to detail?

Earlier this month UC’s first History PhD graduate Geoff Rice donated an historical manuscript dating from the 15th century to UC’s Macmillan Brown Library.

The top 8 ventures hoping to transform the country’s health sector will be on show at the HealthTech Challenge 2023 Showcase and Award Evening next week at the Christchurch Arts Centre.

New research led by a Canterbury academic identifies that conventional seed banking alone isn’t enough to conserve all of Aotearoa’s endemic plants.

Mane Tahere has been newly appointed chairperson of Te Rūnanga a Iwi o Ngapuhi, Aotearoa New Zealand's largest iwi.

More than 1,100 Canterbury tamariki have put on academic gowns and attended their graduation after taking part in a programme that offers university for kids.

Since 1996, New Zealand’s parliament has become increasingly diverse – until now. 

Medical plastic waste could be transformed into useable energy using a new technique pioneered by a UC team.

In an article on The Conversation, Professor Katie Pickles explains how women broke down the boy's club barriers to surf lifesaving in New Zealand.

Analysing hundreds of small earthquakes is helping University of Canterbury (UC) researchers predict the impact on buildings, depending on the soil beneath them.

In a new article on The Conversation, Professor Jack Heinemann writes that while tenure is not offered in New Zealand, it is important for academic freedom.

Māori and Pacific students taking part in a scholarship programme say it builds friendships and pride in their culture.

University of Cambridge researchers are using overseas data from geysers to inform research on geothermal instability in New Zealand.

University of Canterbury researchers are exploring galaxies far, far away to solve the mystery of what powers the fastest explosions in the universe.

Five Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury researchers and a graduate have been elected to the Academy of the Royal Society Te Apārangi today.

UC Erskine Fellow Ray Jayawardhana from Cornell University will discuss The Quest for Alien Worlds and Life Beyond Earth, in a free public lecture.

On The Conversation, Adjunct Senior Fellow Mark Bloomberg covers why NZ must change how it grows trees on fragile land.

Learn about marketing medicine and lessons on healthcare, technology and reality in a pandemic from experts.

A new study identifying regions around the world where people are most at risk from flooding caused by melting glaciers could help save vulnerable lives.

An opinion piece on Stuff reflects on our past, and sheds light on the future of the University of Canterbury.

The patu parāoa is a symbol of the ocean voyaging migrations that resulted in waves of settlement in Waitaha Canterbury.

Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) saved the most carbon emissions of any organisation during this year’s national Aotearoa Bike Challenge in February.

From a fun card game to sustainable fishing gear, students have pitched their business ideas to a live audience.

Aotearoa New Zealand is likely to have a competitive advantage when it comes to generating clean, green hydrogen and this edge should help the country reduce its future reliance on fossil fuels, says a leading sustainable energy researcher at the University of Canterbury.

New international rankings have placed three University of Canterbury (UC) subjects in the Top 100 of all universities globally.

A new initiative offers Master of Business Administration graduates the ability to enrol in one free course each year.

Can the path to a sustainable future be found in the past? Global experts on water policy and management in the Pacific gathered on 7 February at The Piano in Christchurch for Tauhere UC Connect public talk, The Path to a Sustainable Future.

150 years on, Canterbury's unwavering commitment to higher education persists.

You might not think you’re good with numbers, but UC researchers believe people use instinctive mathematics to navigate.

UC researchers have summarised the possible threats in an article published in the Journal of the Royal Society of NZ.

Associate Professor Laura Revell, Dr Michele Bannister and master's student Tyler Brown discuss rocket industry impacts.

A University of Canterbury scientist is leading a world-first study exploring how microplastics in our air and oceans could be influencing the global climate.

Using a dog toy, a Master’s student conducted research showing that brushtail possums can learn from their peers.

The University’s community came together to participate in Ōtautahi Christchurch’s famous City2Surf race over the weekend.

A newly published UC study may help town planners and policymakers design better services for their communities.

Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) student could help identify eye problems and 50 other diseases, including diabetes and cancer.

University of Canterbury (UC) PhD student Chichi Zhang is developing technology and relevant metal oxide materials to help produce green hydrogen from New Zealand’s abundant supply of woody biomass.

An ‘eco-fiction’ writer and a musician-poet who plans to explore the current te reo Māori renaissance will bring their creativity to the University of Canterbury this year.

In the hands of expert percussionist Justin DeHart even a 747-jet engine cowling can become an instrument.

A book launched at Parliament analyses prosecutions for intimate partner rape and aims to improve the trial process.

Wearing the same unique manaia around his neck as when his bronze statue was created in 2009, Tā Tipene O’Regan attended the official opening of the new Twelve Local Heroes Trail at the University of Canterbury (UC) today with his wife, Lady Sandra, and two of their mokopuna, Manuhaea Mamaru-O’Regan and Hemi Johnson who are both current UC students.

Visiting NASA staff and Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall were welcomed to the University of Canterbury campus.

Distinguished Professor Steven Ratuva has added yet another first to his long list of accomplishments, becoming the University of Canterbury’s first Te Amorangi | Pro-Vice-Chancellor Pacific.

People living with endometriosis may soon be able to use natural products to manage symptoms, thanks to a University of Canterbury (UC) student.

Pioneering airborne technology developed by UC researchers will be used to measure a vast stretch of Antarctic Sea ice.

Is New Zealand the next Glass Onion? The famous movie depicts a false idea of the future, using tiny particles of crystallised hydrogen for energy.

UC’s CEISMIC archive is used in a audio experience to help understand the human impact of the Canterbury earthquakes.

A University of Canterbury (UC) PhD student has identified a renewable and affordable energy source with the ability to remove carbon dioxide ( CO2) from the atmosphere.

A new scholarship is offering three Canterbury businesspeople the chance to learn from top mentors in their field.

Rainbow community members in Aotearoa could soon be able to jump online to find doctors who are friendly and well-informed when it comes to meeting their health needs.

University of Canterbury Professor Neville Watson is two years into leading a seven-year project to integrate renewable energy into Aotearoa New Zealand’s century-old electrical grid.

University of Canterbury (UC) research to turn woody biomass, into green hydrogen and establish its commercial viability could contribute to New Zealand achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Associate Professor Clemens Altaner discusses the local use of preservative linked to arsenic pollution.

What does it mean to be a Māori or Polynesian male in Aotearoa New Zealand today? How is that shaped?

Climate change expert Professor Bronwyn Hayward comments on the latest IPCC report on The Conversation.

While most people are taking it easy over the summer break, a University of Canterbury student is gearing up to swim 300km around a South Island lake, making a splash for mental health.

Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) alumni Dr Janice Wright has been appointed Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

University of Canterbury (UC) law lecturer Rachael Evans has been awarded an $80,000 scholarship for PhD research investigating how iwi can exercise rangatiratanga (sovereignty or autonomy) through the development of fiscal authority.

Emeritus Professor David Norton discusses the need to invest in native forests instead of pine and other exotic trees.

From last year Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury has offered a fund designed to inspire UC academics to think of ways to contribute to UC's Vision Mātauranga.

Launched in 2022, Unity Week is a coordinated approach to remember and honor the lives lost, while also promoting a socially cohesive society.

A UC Science graduate is confident her studies have equipped her to be a future environmental leader and changemaker.

Getting older is no reason to stop challenging your brain, says 82-year-old Christchurch student Robert Walker.

Is 25 too young to understand that sexual assault is wrong? Too many young sex offenders are avoiding jail writes Associate Professor Debra Wilson for The Conversation

A belief in effective teaching compelled Associate Professor Adrian Clark to gain his latest tertiary qualification.

The grants will fund research into crisis health messaging, wearable ultrasonic devices, Parkinson’s disease biomarkers, and mutations in myeloid leukaemia.

New Zealand research could help track the path of searingly hot rock and gas flows that are the world’s most deadly volcanic hazard.

Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | the University of Canterbury aims to inspire its academics to discover new ways to contribute to the University's Vision Mātauranga.

UC researchers believe remote sensing technologies such as satellites, planes, and drones will cause a paradigm shift in auditing Aotearoa’s biodiversity.

When imagining the stereotypical surfer, skateboarder or snowboarder, we likely picture a young, fit, reckless male.

A leading history scholar will be awarded an honorary degree in recognition for his work revitalising te reo Māori.

Professor of History Katie Pickles discusses keeping the complex story of Anzac Day relevant in the 21st century on The Conversation.

Magnified 3D images of the inside of a maple tree could take Kiwi scientists from UC a step closer to making home-grown maple syrup.

Isla didn’t grow up with te reo Māori. Now, with a Master of Teaching and Learning, she’s inspiring the next generation.

Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) researchers have discovered a link between the frequency of rain events and the intensity of those rain events.

Amid global calls to reduce plastic production, new research shows high amounts of plastic in Arctic Sea ice and sediment.

On The Conversation Senior Lecturer in Child and Family Psychology Sarah Whitcombe-Dobbs considers the long-term impacts of child abuse and why New Zealand should require mandatory reporting.

Take a teaspoon of baking powder, fold in an art deco building and legacy gardens, add an iconic Kiwi brand, a dash of philanthropy, and you’ve got a rich slice of social and culinary history.

The University of Canterbury (UC) and Environment Canterbury are teaming up to tackle some of the most pressing environmental issues of our time.

Part of 150th – and 140th – anniversary celebration events, University of Canterbury Rugby Club’s day of games against Lincoln University were all won by UC.

PhD student Sarah Sale gave an award-winning presentation at the International Conference on Biological Invasions.

UC is bestowing an honorary doctorate on educator, politician, scientist and community advocate, Margaret Austin.

Study with data from nearly a million young people reveals link between environmental factors and youth mental health.

Research has revealed the historic 1987 Edgecumbe earthquake caused more land damage than initially thought.

Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury and Work-Integrated Learning New Zealand (WILNZ) are set to host the Work-Integrated Learning International Conference 2023 at the Te Pae Convention Centre in Ōtautahi Christchurch this month.

Passion to improve supply chains for real-world impact has landed graduate Jessica Cameron a role to quench her thirst.

John McCall MacBain’s donation to UC includes $825,000 from McCall MacBain Foundation and $200,000 from his business.

The University of Canterbury is turning a prime piece of Ilam campus lawn over to wildflowers to provide habitats and food sources for insects, as it strives towards ambitious biodiversity goals.

UC Professor Santiago Pujol is leading research to provide vital insights for improving construction standards.

Eminent graduate, international businessman and philanthropist Mark Stewart awarded with an honorary Doctor of Commerce.

Valuable new information about the future risk of wildfires has been discovered in Australian sand dunes where researchers have uncovered the remnants of fires lit thousands of years ago.

What are the biggest influences on youth mental health and how does experiencing climate change-related events, such as floods and bushfires, affect young people?

The University of Canterbury is Raising the Bar, with 20 talks in 10 bars on 1 night in Christchurch, Lyttelton and Lincoln on topics that matter.

UC academics are set to host a conference that aims to put Indigenous knowledge at the centre of communication research.

It’s graduation time in Ōtautahi Christchurch, with over 1000 University of Canterbury (UC) graduates celebrating successfully completing their studies.

An exceptional ‘teacher of teachers’ is celebrating her own scholarly success, graduating with a Doctorate in Education.

Self-development was Xavier’s priority at first. The double degree graduate is now pursuing his passion for business.

The GWC team will be responsible for fitting out over 1100 students graduating from the University of Canterbury (UC) at Christchurch Arena next week.

Noticing inequalities in access to dental care, oral health therapist, Joanne Lee was inspired to complete her Masters.

Delving into Australia's fire history: Insights from Dr Patton and Professor Shulmeister on The Conversation.

On The Conversation Research Engineer Patricio Gallardo writes how a shift to coastal shipping and rail could cut New Zealand’s freight transport emissions and asks why we are not doing it.

Dr Jonathan Tonkin has won the 2022 Te Puiaki Kaipūtaiao Maea, Prime Minister’s MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize, it was announced last night.

Agricultural methane is responsible for 41% of New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions, but researchers want to change that by harnessing help from tiny living organisms.

Student, lecturer and international student supporter, Mengping Cheng graduates with a Doctor of Education from UC.

Congratulations to all our Pasifika students celebrating graduation this month.

One of Samoa’s top judges is to be awarded an Honorary Doctorate - Doctor of Laws from UC in recognition for his work.

Recent sightings of a kārearea (native falcon) at the University of Canterbury suggests strategies to attract native birds back to campus are proving effective.

Ōtautahi’s food sustainability organisations, researchers and the public will gather to share kai, ideas and resources for a Community Feast on 28 April.

Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) placed =256 of 2,963 institutions evaluated in QS Quacquarelli Symonds’ 2024 World University Rankings.

West Coaster Maddy Sweetman is loving the challenges of university life in Christchurch and the opportunity to pursue a passion for film and game design.

On The Conversation UC Senior Lecturer David Jefferson highlights the recent decision in “one of the most complex and long running” trademark cases. A loss for the country’s mānuka honey producers also serves to highlight just how ill-equipped our laws are for protecting Māori taonga (treasures) and mātauranga Māori (traditional knowledge).

A new academic paper published in the prestigious International Affairs journal (published by Oxford University Press) explores Aotearoa New Zealand's ‘Māori foreign policy’ and China, and the implications of using te ao Māori principles in the face of increasing great power tensions.

Canterbury’s first university will honour a milestone anniversary today, marking 150 years since it first opened in central Christchurch on 16 June, 1873.

On the Conversation Political Science and International Relations Lecturer Linda Mussell speaks about the several Canadian provinces that will no longer allow the CBSA to detain immigrants in provincial jails.

On the Conversation, Sociology Professor Nik Taylor and Lecturer Zoei Sutton speak on the current funding crisis.

A first-year UC mentorship programme is a finalist in the national Engineering New Zealand, ENVI awards.

An engineering graduate turned entrepreneur is driving a new solution to the environmental problem of dust pollution kicked up on gravel roads.

Stepping into a University of Canterbury PACE internship helped a new graduate appreciate how his Arts degree has equipped him for the future.

Jack Aimer is one of nine recipients nationwide to receive a competitive William Georgetti Scholarship from Universities New Zealand.

UC Professor of Physics David Wiltshire, and co-authors Eoin O Colgain, Jenny Wagner and Shahin Sheikh-Jabbari suggest that new discoveries force us to change our understanding of the Universe on the Conversation.

Reviving a 114-year tradition, University of Canterbury astronomers are bringing stargazing back to the centre of Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Last week, Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) and the Canterbury Network of Teachers of Japanese held the 10th annual NCEA Japanese workshop, which attracted 520 secondary school students from 18 Canterbury schools.

For the first time, a neutrino image of the Milky Way was produced by an international team of scientists, including researchers from the University of Canterbury, using a huge Antarctic telescope.

Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) introduces Young Alumni Awards as part of its 150th Anniversary.

New research from Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) explores people’s experience of plastic-free food shopping in Aotearoa New Zealand.