The University’s Provost, Professor Wendy Larner, has been shortlisted in the Innovation and Science category for her ground-breaking research in geography, her academic leadership at the University, and her influence on the New Zealand scientific community as the current President of the Royal Society Te Apārangi.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Māori) Professor Rawinia Higgins has been shortlisted in the Board and Management category for her leadership on Māori achievement at the University and her work on te reo Māori revitalisation, which includes a variety of governance roles for organisations such as Te Māngai Pāho, Te Mātāwai and Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori.
Victoria University’s new Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Engagement) Dr Lucy Baragwanath has also been shortlisted in the Board and Management category for her work to reinforce and build the University’s engagement with the communities it serves, and for her previous work in different capacities in developing civic engagement between anchor institutions in response to the amalgamation of local government.
Emeritus Professor Lydia Wevers has been shortlisted for the Arts and Culture category for her long-standing leadership of the University’s Stout Research Centre, her academic research into, and public commentary on, New Zealand literature and culture, and the contributions she has made in governance roles for organisations such as the Marsden Fund, Creative New Zealand’s Arts Board, and the Trustees of the National Library of New Zealand.
Student liaison officer Poppy Norton has been shortlisted in the Young Leader category for her work co-founding Collaborate, a web app that connects people to volunteer opportunities that match their skills and interests. Poppy was also shortlisted for the Women of Influence Awards in 2017 in the same category.
Professor Larner said she was delighted to be shortlisted and was proud to see the achievements of so many Victoria University staff recognised on a national stage.
“I strongly believe you can only be what you can see, and to have so many of us shortlisted serves as a powerful example to women within our own institution but across academia more generally to strive for leadership positions.
“I know I also speak for my colleagues when I say I have never sought awards for their own sake. I’ve focused on my research and, more latterly, on providing a supportive environment within which my colleagues—women and men—can thrive. It’s wonderful to have these efforts publicly recognised but the ultimate goal is to ensure that women’s leadership becomes par for the course and not the exception.”
The Women of Influence Awards will be presented at a ceremony at SKYCITY Auckland on Tuesday 18 September.
The full shortlist for each category can be viewed at www.womenofinfluence.co.nz.