Changes for PhD's and Other Research Students - of /courses

1 

The Postgraduate News 

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 

MAY 2007 

P O S T G R A D U A T E S T U D E N T S ’ A S S O C I A T I O N 

Changes for PhD’s and 

Other Research Students 

Place The Space 

Identify the place in shot 

above and be the first to 

email your answer to Sue 

Kelly, the PGSA executive 

assistant you will win a $30 

C D v o u c he r. Em ai l 

sue.kelly@vuw.ac.nz 

Inside this issue: 

The PGSA Executive 

Who are these people? 

Sharpening up! 

Making the PGSA effective 

Changing the Rules 

Constitutional changes 

Regulation Changes 

PhDs in for change 

New Research Strategy 

What it means for us 

Represent! 

Who’s talking for you 

2 

3 

3 

4 

4 

5 

Classifieds 7 

Vacancies 10 

The Last Word: 

The Review at Pipitea 

17 

At its March 8 meeting the Academic 

Board considered and 

endorsed the revised PhD Statute, 

and approved the PhD Pol‐ 

icy. Council then approved the 

Statute on April 30 2007. 

The regulations incorporate 

changes discussed and agreed 

upon by the Research Degrees 

Subcommittee during 2006; 

changes intended to provide 

greater clarity; and grammatical 

corrections. . 

The key regulation changes to 

the PhD Statute are as follows: 

4.2 Conditions of Enrolment 

(a) A stipulated period for halftime 

candidates to move from 

provisional to full enrolment 

4.3 Re‐enrolment, Termination, 

Suspension and Extension 

(a) Six‐monthly reporting date 

changes from April and October 

to May and November 

(c) A tightening up on suspen‐ 

sion regulations 

(d) A change from five to four 

years to complete the thesis for 

full‐time candidates and the 

inclusion of six years for half‐ 

time candidates. 

4.4 Course of Study 

(c) Reference to Withholding of 

Theses 

The key regulation changes 

to the PhD Policy are as follows: 

4.6 Course of Study – section 

has been incorporated into 

the Policy from the Statute, 

with more detail. 

4.7 Re‐enrolment, Termination, 

Suspension and Exten‐ 

sion – section has been incorporated 

into the Policy from 

the Statute. 

4.8.1 Confirmation of Full 

Registration ‐ (a) inclusion of 

timeframe for half‐time can‐ 

didates. 

4.11 Evaluating the Progress 

of Students – (d) six‐monthly 

reporting date changes from 

April and October to May 

and November. 

4.14 Submission ‐ (a) clause 

advising that candidates must 

be enrolled at the time of submission. 

4.15 Examination – (b) inclusion 

of the expected length of 

time it takes to have a thesis 

examined. 

4.16 Examination of the Thesis 

– (d) (iv) clarification on 

t h e m e a n i n g o f 

‘resubmission’. 

4.20 Minor Amendments and 

Revisions – (c) clause stating 

that the date on the title page 

of the thesis is in accordance 

with the year of lodgement. 

The revised regulations can 

be found on the Policy Datab 

a s e a t : h t t p : / / 

ww w. v uw. a c . n z / h o me/ 

about_victoria/policy.html 

4.24 Deposit of the Thesis in 

the Library – section on the 

responsibilities of the faculty 

Office. 

The Appendices have been 

removed from the Policy, 

with links to the Research 

Office website, where they 

will be available. For example 

the revised six‐monthly 

report template 

Postgraduate Research Coor‐ 

dinator 

Office of Research & Post‐ 

graduate Studies (ORPS) 

Victoria University of Wel‐ 

lington 

Have Your Say 

What do you think about the 

PhD Statute changes ? 

Email us at sue.kelly@vuw.ac.nz 

We want to hear what you have 

to say. (Thanks to MBA’s Dave, 

Ruiping and Alan). 

1

2 

The Postgraduates Students’ Association Executive 

President 

Vice President Academic 

Wayne Pihema 

PhD Management 

wayne.pihema@vuw.ac.nz 

Ed Challies 

PhD Geography 

ed.challies@vuw.ac.nz 

Vice President Education 

Treasurer 

Hayley Brown 

PhD History 

hayley.brown@vuw.ac.nz 

Pala Molisa 

PhD Accounting 

pala.molisa@vuw.ac.nz 

Exec Member 

Exec Member 

Nestar Russell 

PhD Public Policy 

nestar.russel@vuw.ac.nz 

Zhang Wei 

Masters Geography 

zhang.wei@vuw.ac.nz 

Exec Member 

Roger Hopkins 

Masters Architecture 

roger.hopkins@vuw.ac.nz 

Executive Assistant 

Sue Kelly 


Exec Member 

Sam Mackay 

Masters Law 

sam.mackay@vuw.ac.nz 

No Photo Available 

Exec Member 

Lisa Sacksen 

MA History 

sacksen001@msd.govt.nz 

No Photo Available 

2

Shar pening up the organisational effectiveness of the PGSA 

3 

How can we, the PGSA as an 

organisation most effectively 

support your postgraduate progress? 

How can we as an executive 

make sure that we are serving 

the postgraduate community 

effectively? 

These are questions we asked 

ourselves at the end of last year, 

wanting to start the new year 

fresh. 

We decided to hold a one-day 

retreat at Paekakariki and ask 

ourselves the basic questions that 

should be the basis of our organisation's 

existence: Why do we 

exist? What is our reason for 

being? How can we more effectively 

fulfill this ‘reason for being’? 

How can we more effectively 

create a nurturing and 

supportive postgraduate experience 

here at Victoria? We found 

we needed to create a strong 

organisational culture. 

We then focussed on whether 

the present constitution reflected 

the needs of the present 

postgraduate community and 

its’ executive. We also looked 

at how we could better utilise 

our collective membership to 

get more done. 

The results are a revamped 

constitution which will be put 

to members for a vote at the 

PGSA Annual General Meeting 

to be held at 5.30pm on Monday 

May 28 at Kelburn Parade 

20. The changes will be posted 

on faculty notice boards by May 

18. 

The other major change has 

been the creating of workgroups. 

Workgroups are specially 

formed to deal with a 

specific issue over a specific 

timeframe (usually three 

months) and replace former 

strategy of executive committee 

members trying to do many 

different things at once. 

There are presently workgroups 

convened to look at the 

constitutional revamp, a relationship 

agreement with VU- 

WSA, an inaugural postgraduate 

colloquium (to be held in 

August/September this year), 

the refurbishment of the Wakefield 

Trinity Computer Suite in 

Kelburn Parade 20 and most 

recently, a working group to 

study the impacts of the newly 

released research policy. 

Working groups were responsible 

for organising the Victorias 

Awards Dinner last year 

and the postgraduate Orientation 

events held earlier this 

year. 

The great change has been the 

freedom this gives executive 

members to get on with the 

issue at hand and get it done. 

The working groups are relatively 

autonomous but report to 

the executive on a regular basis. 

Working group convenors may 

also co-opt needed skills from 

outside the executive and this has 

led to a wider pool of skills at the 

service of the postgraduate community. 

The PGSA executive is 

always on the look out for postgraduates 

who might be interested 

in helping build a stronger 

postgraduate community. 

If you would like to take part on 

one of the working groups and 

you think you have the skill and 

time/energy to help us make it 

happen get in touch with Sue 

Kelly and leave your details and 

the area that interests you. We 

would love to hear from you: 


PGSA Annual General Meeting to be held on Monday May 28 

Monday May 28 is the date the 

PGSA executive has set for the 

next PGSA Annual General 

Meeting (AGM). 

It will be held at the Seminar 

Room of Kelburn Parade 20 

starting at 5.30pm with drinks 

and nibbles. 

The two main issues to be resolved 

at the AGM will be the 

revamped PGSA Constitution 

and the election of PGSA executive 

members. 

The main changes in the constitution 

relate to a strengthening 

of the roles of the PGSA executive 

and the PGSA itself, and 

the ability of the constitution to 

enable change. 

The constitution has been going 

through draft revisions since 

December when a working 

group was formed made up of 

the convener Lisa Sacksen and 

working group members 

Wayne Pihema and Sam Mackay. 

The working group has carefully 

considered each existing 

clause of the constitution to 

check if the clauses support and 

enable the main aims of the 

PGSA — to protect, develop 

and represent the postgraduate 

community. 

Both Lisa and Sam have strong 

contracts experience both acting 

in either national or international 

contexts for government 

organizations. 

The PGSA Executive is fortunate 

to have them both on the 

executive at this time. 

The election of executive members 

is crucial to the running of 

the PGSA. It is hoped for some 

form of continuity in the management 

of the PGSA but there 

is also room for new members 

with the executive currently 

running with 8 instead of 10 

members. 

Nominees should expect to 

have some idea of the PGSA, its 

constitution and its aims. 

Other background knowledge 

such as the important relationships 

the PGSA has with other 

university organizations such as 

VUWSA and the Postgraduate 

Office would also be helpful. 

Nominees should also expect to 

attend fortnightly meetings and 

to be involved in several of the 

special events that come up 

every year and to also assist on 

the numerous working groups. 

However the rewards are taking 

part in a key university wide 

organisation that supports the 

growth of the postgraduate community. 

There will also be a short presentation 

by Vice-President Education 

Hayley Brown on the 

draft research policy now out for 

consultation. This document 

needs a strong response from 

postgraduates as it will shape 

many of the aspects of postgraduate 

study that define being 

a postgraduate here at Victoria. 

For those of you that attended 

the highly successful March 1 

occasion, there will be more free 

nibbles, pizza and drinks. 

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4 

PhD Regulation Changes 

The key statute governing PhD 

students has just recently undergone 

substantial change, 

which should be noted by all 

current postgraduate students. 

The changes to the statute are 

“intended to provide greater 

clarity; as well as grammatical 

corrections” according to a 

notice in VicNews (http:// 

w w w . v u w . a c . n z / 

victorianews/print.aspx#826), 

but are also about bringing 

programmes into line with the 

changing funding environment, 

which emphasises (among other 

things) research degree completions. 

All students enrolling in a PhD 

after the passing of the revised 

Statute (on April 30 th 2007) 

will be bound by it, whereas 

PhD students enrolled before 

this date will be subject to the 

prior statute. 

All PhD students are encouraged 

to familiarise themselves 

with the PhD Statute and Policy, 

both of which are available on 

the VUW Policy Website: 

http://policy.vuw.ac.nz/ 

The revised statute is: 

Degree of Doctor of Philosophy 

Statute 

PhD Statute Changes: 

The following changes to the 

PhD Statute, proposed by Professor 

Neil Quigley, DVC 

(Research), were discussed by 

the University Research Degrees 

Sub-Committee in 2006 and 

considered and endorsed by the 

University Research Committee 

on 1 st March 2007. Academic 

Board then approved the revised 

statute on 8 th March 2007, and 

University Council finally approved 

the Statute on 30 th April 

2007. 

In particular the changes have 

implications for enrolment 

arrangements, progress reporting, 

suspension regulations, 

completion times, and procedure 

for withholding a thesis. 

The following summary should 

be read in conjunction with the 

revised statute. 

4.2 Conditions of Enrolment 

(a) A stipulated period for halftime 

candidates to move from 

provisional to full enrolment 

(24 months). 

4.3 Re-enrolment, Termination, 

Suspension and Extension 

(a) Six-monthly reporting date 

changes from April and October 

to May and November. 

(c) A tightening up on suspension 

regulations (a maximum 

of 12 months, measured in 

monthly increments, with no 

access to university services 

including supervision and the 

library). 

(d) A change from 5 to 4 years 

to complete the thesis for fulltime 

candidates, and the inclusion 

of 6 years for half-time 

candidates. 

4.4 Course of Study 

(c) Reference to withholding 

theses (application must be 

made before submission) 

By Ed Challies 

Towards a Research Strategy 

You will all have noted that in 

the recent round of the PBRF, 

Victoria’s ranking fell from third 

to fourth. Upon this ranking 

depends a great deal of research 

funding, therefore the development 

of a research strategy for 

the university is a matter of concern 

to all postgraduate students. 

This paper, “Towards a Research 

Strategy”, by Professor Neil 

Quigley was presented at Academic 

Board on 19 April 2007. 

It had previously been sighted by 

the University Research Committee 

which commented on it 

prior to its present form. 

The paper invites feedback, and 

states that a revised version, 

incorporating the responses to it, 

will be presented at Academic 

Board in the middle of this year. 

The Postgraduate Students’ Association 

has not specifically 

been invited to comment on the 

paper, but nevertheless, feels 

that the voice of postgraduates 

should be heard in the development 

of the University’s research 

strategy. 

The paper is available to 

download, for those on a staff 

account at: http:// 

intranet.vuw.ac.nz/researchoffice/about-us/news.aspx 

otherwise 

please e-mail Sue Kelly 

(sue.kelly@vuw.ac.nz) and she 

will forward you a copy. 

In asking the question “How research-intensive 

is VUW?”, Prof 

Quigley focuses, among other 

factors, on postgraduate research 

students. He notes the value that 

postgraduate students bring to the 

research community of the university 

and the benefits that accrue 

to the university through 

being seen as a teacher of future 

academics. But of course the 25% 

of PBRF funding for research 

degree completion is another 

aspect of our existence which 

brings cheer to the university. 

Specifically dealing with difficulties 

in the postgraduate programme 

Prof Quigley notes: 

VUW has a substantially smaller 

proportion of its total EFTS 

(equivalent full-time students) in 

PhD programmes than its peer 

universities in Australia and New 

Zealand. 

VUW has strong masters programmes 

in some Schools, and 

overall has a relatively high proportion 

of research EFTS in masters 

degrees. But VUW’s research 

EFTS in PhD programmes 

are low by comparison with peer 

universities in New Zealand and 

substantially lower than those at 

Australian universities. 

Forty percent of the Schools at 

VUW have fewer than 10 PhD 

students which makes it unlikely 

that those schools are able to 

offer postgraduate students a 

learning experience that includes 

substantial interaction with peers 

working in similar areas. 

There is a very large variation in 

the postgraduate supervision 

workloads of staff across Schools 

at VUW, with eight Schools having 

two or more research students 

per Full-Time Equivalent staff. 

Only one School in the University 

meets the target set in the Strategic 

Plan if 20% of EFTS in postgraduate 

research programmes. 

This will give you a flavour of the 

whole document. Please 

download it and read it and give 

us your comments. You can email 

them to sue.kelly@vuw.ac.nz 

We will bring you further news 

on the shape our submission is 

taking in the next newsletter. 

By Lisa Sacksen 

4

VUW FACULTY DELEGATES 5 2007 

Academic Board 

5 Faculty Delegates 

1 VUWSA President, VUWSA EVP, 1 NT, 1 PG, 1 General 

Joel Cosgrove, VUWSA, EVP, joel.cosgrove@vuwsa.org.nz 

Geoff Hayward, VUWSA, President, 

geoff.hayward@vuwsa.org.nz 

Matt Gifford, Ngai Tauira, matthew.gifford@ngaitauira.org.nz 

Hayley Brown, PGSA, hayley.brown@vuw.ac.nz 

Chris Smith, chris@ewebfoot.com 

Sandra Crews, VUWSA, Education Coordinator, Attendee 

Faculty of Science 


1 NT, 1 Pacific Nation Student, 1 PG, 4 General 

Polina Jilina, xtr608668@xtra.co.nz 

Tush Kodikara, kodikatu@vuwsa.org.nz 

Stefan Tyler, tylerst@vuwsa.org.nz 

Stephen Lwee, Stephen.lwee@mcs.vuw.ac.nz, 589 8621 

Greg Haslett, Greg_haslett@hotmail.com, 027 257 1824 


Ngai Tauira, Reuben Tipoki, tipokireub@student.vuw.ac.nz 

Academic Committee 


1 PG, 1 General 

Ed Challies, PGSA, ed..challies@vuw.ac.nz 

Charles Ropitini, charles_ropitini@hotmail.com 

Science Teaching & Learning Committee 

Stefan Tyler, member 


Faculty of Science Research Committee 

Patrick Farrell, cisreyyah@yahoo.com 


University Research Committee 

1 PG, Lisa Sacksen, PGSA, lisa.sacksen001@msd.govt.nz 

Research Degrees Sub Committee 

1 PG, Hayley Brown, PGSA Exec, haley.brown@vuw.ac.nz 

Intellectual Property Committee 

1 PG Observer, Sally, ping.xiong@vuw.ac.nz 

University Council 

1 General, 1 VUWSA President 

Geoff Hayward, VUWSA President, 

geoff.hayward@vuwsa.org.nz 

Cordelia Black, cordelia.black@vuwsa.org.nz, 021 108 0863 

Faculty of Architecture & Design 


1 PG, 1 NT 6 General 

Mathew Fraser, madfraser@gmail.com, 021 1895726 

Kurt Rehder, kurtrehder@yahoo.com, 021 0611758 

Alain Bruner, alainbruner@gmail.com, 476 3026 

Florence McNeill, mcneilflor@student.vuw.ac.nz, 021 139 3581) 

Roger Hopkins, hopkinroge@student.vuw.ac.nz, x6259, PGSA 

Exec 


027 3151366r, Attendee 

Sam McKay, PGSA, sam.mackay@minedu.govt.nz, x8828 


5

VUW FACULTY DELEGATES 6 2007 

Faculty of Law 

Faculty of Commerce 



2 LSS Elected Reps, 1 Ngā Rangahautira, 1 PGSA 

1 Ngā Taura Ūmaga, 1 PGSA, 3 General 

Denise Carter, intelligentsia.nzer@gmail.com 

Henry Clayton, LSS, claytohenr@student.vuw.ac.nz, 0272 

301516 

Kat Helms, LSS, kat.helms@gmail.com, 027 699 9656 

Sam McKay, PGSA, sam.mackay@minedu.govt.nz, x8828 


Grace Wang, jashu16@hotmail.com 

Anna Wang, wangan1@student.vuw.ac.nz 

Fiona Shi, yshi@hotmail.com 

Hori Henare-Tamihana, horiht@paradise.net.nz 

NTU, Tuku Kururangi, kururatuku@student.vuw.ac.nz 


Faculty of Humanities & Social Science 


5 UG, 1 Ngai Tauira, 2 PG 

Heleyni Pratley, pratlehe@vuwsa.org.nz 

Maria Beatriz, brujita_karren@yahoo.co.nz 

Stuart Martin, Eng & Classics UG, spy_daddy47@hotmail.com, 

027 3151366 

Stefan Tyler 

Faculty of Education 

FOE Board 

Positions Open 

Joel Cosgrove, VUWSA Attendee 

Research Committee 


Academic Board 


Graeme Whimp, PG, Graeme.whimp@vuw.ac.nz 

Shaun McGirr, PG, shaunmcgirr@gmail.com 

Milan Magan, PG, milan.magan@gmail.com 

NT Open 


6

CLASSIFIED NOTICES 7 

7 

STUDENT LEARNING SUPPORT SERVICES 

The SLSS Research Seminars (covering topics such 

as Research Proposals, Ethical Approval, Lit Reviews, 

Academic Integrity, Advanced Database 

Searches, Qualitative Research, Managing your Studies, 

and Applying for Funding) will begin again in the 

first weeks of Trimester 2. 

Please email deborah.laurs@vuw.ac.nz if there are 

any other topics you'd like covered. 

'Dropin' writing network: every Tuesday, 12 

1pm, in KK001. An informal opportunity to meet with 

other students to discuss your workinprogress. 

Online Forum: As part of the development of the 

PostgradLife website, focus groups clearly identified 

the desire for an online forum where postgrads could 

'talk' to each other about their experiences. Thanks to 

MyVictoria, this is now possible. Check it out: PostgradLife, 

accessed via the Groups tab, under 'Social', 

offers 'chat' possibilities as well as a noticeboard 

but only if people use it! 

Services offered by SLSS: for postgraduate 

speakers of other languages: conversation groups, 

academic speaking & writing workshops, and grammar 

troubleshooting sessions; for all postgraduate 

students: 1to1 appointments at Kelburn and Pipitea 

(Ph 463 5999); online and hardcopy resources on 

thesis writing & research skills. 

Check out http://www.vuw.ac.nz/st_services/slss/ 

Postgraduate Learning Adviser: Dr Deborah Laurs, 

ph 463 5908, email deborah.laurs@vuw.ac.nz 

PostgradLife: "everything you need to know about 

postgraduate study": http://www.vuw.ac.nz/ 

postgradlife/ 

Help for Postgrads: 

The Education Coordinator at VUWSA is Sandra Crews, a 

full time staff member working with all VUW students to 

resolve academic & education issues. Sandra works with 

the PGSA to help postgraduate students with all sorts of 

issues from computer resources to termination of 

PhD’s. Sandra is always happy to support and listen to 

students and help to resolve issues. 

You are welcome to email sandra.crews@vuwsa.org.nz or 

463 6984. 

Sandra Crews - Education Coordinator 

Victoria University of Wellington Students' Association (Inc.) 

Te Ropu Tauira o te Kura Wananga o te Upoko o te Ika a Maui 

(04) 463 6984 Direct Dial 

(04) 463 6716 VUWSA Office 

(04) 463 6990 facsimile www.vuwsa.org.nz 

SCHOLARSHIPS 

· O ut wa rd B ou nd S ch o la rs h ip App lic at ion 

de ad line 30 Ma y Ope n t o a ny student to attend 

one of three types of Outward Bound courses 

i.e. aged between 1826 (at the tim e of their selected 

course), or any student aged over 27 years, 

or a student with with a disability. Application 

forms available from http://www.fis.org.nz/ 

BreakOut/vuw/schols.phtml?detail+600424 

· V ice Ch ance llor's S t rat eg ic Rese ar ch 

S ch o la rs h ips App lica t io n dead line fo r 20 07 

F r id ay 13 July 2 0 07 . App licat ion form a nd 

t op ics a va ilab le from ht tp ://ww w. fis .o rg .n z/ 

B re a kOu t /vu w/sch o ls .ph tm l? 

de ta il+6 00 4 25 or from a link o n t he V ic to r ia 

Ho mepage from t h is wee kend 

· V ict o r ia P hD Sc ho la rs h ips A pp lica t io n 

de ad line for first ro und 200 7 is F r id a y 20 

July 20 0 7. A pp lica t io n fo rm s a va ilab le fr om 

h t tp://www . fis .o rg. nz /Bre a kOu t /vu w/ 

s ch o ls.p h tm l?de ta il+1 00 0 08 

· 

For more information contact:Scholarships Office 463 7493 

philippa.hay@vuw.ac.nz www.vuw.ac.nz/scholarships 

Researcher Exchange Programme Funding Pool Open 

Applications are now open for the Researcher Exchange Programme 

(RXP) an initiative aimed at supporting new links between 

early stage researcher in the UK and around the world. 

RXP is a 250,000 pounds (UK) initiative that provides individual 

researchers with awards covering the travel and living costs 

in order to help them form new scientific collaborations and 

contacts through exchange visits. 

The research link can be in any area of science, engineering and 

technology, including social sciences and humanities. 

The award is open to early stage researchers. This means applicants 

must have: 

Either obtained a doctoral qualification or be within twelve 

months of obtaining one. 

No more than two years full tenure in a university or research 

institute 

No more than six years overall active researcher experience. 

The maximum per award is 5,000 pounds (UK). 

More than one researcher from the same research group can 

apply for this award, but each must submit a separate application. 

APPLICATION PROCEDURES: The closing date for applications 

is 2 June 2007. Applications forms and more information 

are available at www.britishcouncil.org/science-rxp 

For further information please contact Richard Kyle, Project 

Manager, British Council. Ph 04 924 2851 or 

Email: richard.kyle@britishcouncil.org.nz


British Council is pleased to announce the next Researcher Exchange 

Programme (RXP) funding round. 

Travel grants of up to £5,000 are available to researchers in any field 

of science, including social science and humanities. The grants are 

designed to encourage research links between NZ and the UK. 

Applications for this funding round close 2 June 2007. I have attached 

more details about these awards. 

I would be very grateful if you could post this on your websites or 

forward to your networks. 

Please do let me know if you would like any more information, 

Contact: Nicola Chilton - Marketing & Communications 

Manager 

British Council, PO BOX 1812, Wellington 6011 

44 Hill Street, Wellington, New Zealand 

T +64 924 2843 F +64 473 6261 M +(0) 21 244 2054 

Creating Opportunity Worldwide 

www.britishcouncil.org.nz 

……………………………………………………………………………………... 

The Hansard Society is now accepting applications for the 

exciting new postgraduate Hansard Society/University of Edinburgh 

Research Scholars Programme. 

The Autumn 2007 Programme will run from 22 September – 15 

December, 2007 and Scholars will be based in Edinburgh. Therefore, 

if any of your graduate (or recently graduated) students are 

interested in studying British politics at the University of Edinburgh, 

and doing an internship at the Scottish Parliament or 

in other prominent political organisations, please let us know. 

This is the 300 th anniversary of the Treaty of Union between the 

English and Scottish Parliaments, and the recent Scottish Parliament 

elections have resulted in a narrow win for the Scottish National 

Party. What could be more exciting for students of parliamentary 

democracy than to engage with a new Parliament – founded in 

1999? And in one of the most beautiful northern European cities: 

birthplace of the Scottish Enlightenment, home to Walter Scott, 

Robert Louis Stevenson, Ian Rankin and J.K.Rowling. 

Full details about the Hansard Society /University of Edinburgh 

Research Scholars Programme can be found on our website at: 

www.hansardsociety.org.uk/programmes/ 

hansard_society_scotland 

Should you need any further details on the Hansard Society or the 

Hansard Scholars Programmes, please do not hesitate to ask: 

Angela Wrapson — Programme Director 

Hansard Society Scotland, 20 Forth Street,Edinburgh EH1 3LH 

Tel. 0131 550 3797 Mob. 07788 101549 

www.hansardsociety.org.uk/scotland 

Promoting Democracy - Strengthening Parliament 

Registered in England and Wales. Charity No: 1091364 

Registration No: 4332105 

To sign up for the Hansard Society's monthly e-bulletin, email 

hans_admin@hansard.lse.ac.uk 

Free seminar for postgraduate students hosted by the Foundation 

for Research, Science and Technology as part of the 

MacDiarmid Young Scientists of the Year Awards celebration. 

This year for the first time we are hosting a seminar in the South 

Island in Dunedin, as well as a seminar on the day of the 

Awards in Auckland. 

Auckland Seminar: 

Wednesday 20 June 2007 at the Sky City Events Centre 

Dunedin Seminar: 

Tuesday 26 June at the Otago Museum 

The purpose of the seminar is to encourage students to continue 

their career into the RS&T sector, to give them an opportunity 

to network, and to provide some skills and information that 

will help them with their career. 

I would be grateful if you could promote this seminar to as many 

of your postgraduate students as possible. 

For more information on the seminar please visit 

http://www.frst.govt.nz/awards/StudentSeminar.cfm 

Kate McDavitt—Senior Communications Advisor 

Direct: 04 917 7859 Mobile: 021 595 283 

Eail:kate.mcdavitt@frst.govt.nz 

Level 11 AT&T Tower, 1517 Murphy St 

PO Box 12240 Wellington 6144 

__________________________________________ 

On the occasion of the celebration of the International 

Year of Planet Earth in 2008, please find below information 

concerning the International Conference on 

“Studying, Modeling and Sense Making of Planet 

Earth” organized by the Department of Geography of 

the University of the Aegean with the support of the 

UNESCO Natural Sciences Sector. 

For more information contact: 

ftp://ftp.aegean.gr/Anakoinoseis/Geography/07_04_01/ 

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2008 

1st_announcement.pdf 

http://www.aegean.gr/geography/earthconference2008/ 

_______________________________________________ 

FULBRIGHT NEW ZEALAND OUTREACH TOUR 

Fulbright New Zealand's educational advising team are visiting 

the Victoria University of Wellington campus as part of their 

annual Outreach Tour to inform students and staff about options 

for studying, researching and teaching in the United States of 

America. Come along to hear unbiased, current and comprehensive 

information on educational opportunities in the US and an 

introduction to the Fulbright programme's range of awards to help 

you get there. 

Victoria University of Wellington 

10:00-11:00am, Tuesday 15 May 

HULT220 Lecture Theatre, Hunter Building, Gate 1 or 2, 

Kelburn Parade 

8

Dear Mature Student 


Scheduled events so far: 

We are organising a catered lunch on Monday May 14th, 

featuring the following menu: 

Sushi Platter 

Vegetarian Platter 

Savoury Platter 

As we are still getting to know each other, instead of a theme 

speaker, we will have a round of introductions, (which you are 

free to pass on if you are shy). 

On FRIDAY 25 MAY at 6.30 in the TOWN HALL, the NZSO is 

collaborating with the brilliant saxophonist Nathan Haines, the 

children's choir Lyrica, and others, (see www.nzso.co.nz) to 

perform these interesting contemporary works: 

EVE DE CASTROROBINSON 

These Arms to Hold You (poem by Bill Manhire) Commission 

for Children's Voices and Orchestra 

ALFRED HILL—The Moon's Golden Horn 

ROSS HARRIS—Cento 

LYELL CRESSWELLYlur 

JOHN PSATHASSaxophone Concerto No 1 Omnifenix 

'A' tickets are $30, and 'B' tickets are $20, so depending on 

the subsidy offered by Mature Students Network, which we 

have yet to confirm with Jono, we'll get you in for something 

under $20. At this stage I think we can get the personal cost 

down to $12.50 each. 

If you'd like to join a Mature Student's Network subsidised 

group to go to the concert, please RSVP to Peter on 475 8147 

or by return email, or at the Monday lunch meeting on May 

14th. Bring cash then also, and we will announce the subsidy, 

confirm numbers, and do the booking that afternoon. 

We would also like 

(1) To ask any of you who have receipts for personal spending 

on MSN business to contact Jono for reimbursement, preferably 

at the lunch meeting next Monday or Wednesday. 

(2) To tell you that a budget of $2000 has been approved by 

VUWSA for MSN to put towards paying for interesting and 

exciting events this year. 

(3) To tell you that at the Monday lunch meeting of MSN, and 

then in committee on Wednesday, planning began in earnest 

for the spending of the budget. 

(4) To commit to any of the scheduled events below as soon 

as possible by emailing Peter, and to give us feedback on the 

ideas further below—what you’d prefer or would commit to if it 

were organised. 

Catered Lunches (with theme speaker) 

Room 1 Students Union 

Monday 14 May 12 pm 

Monday 10 September 12 pm 

Dinners out 

Café Istanbul, Cuba St 

Fri 1 June 7 pm 

Japanese Restaurant suggested 

Fri 17 Aug 7 pm 

Barbecues 

Fri 20 July 

Mount St Bar, Student Union 

Late afternoon 

Film Society film outings 

Fri 20 July to Sun 5 Aug 

let us know what you’d like to see 

Ten Pin Bowling 

Fri 3rd August 

Courtenay Place 

Day Out and Dinner 

Sun 30 Sept 

7.30 pm 

Beyond the above we didn’t set any firm dates, but these ideas 

were put forward: 

Walks 

Hire a van through VUWSA to go to Makara, Kaitoke, Red 

Rocks, Seatoun Breaker Bay, or ?? 

Concerts 

Someone thought Leonard Cohen was coming to NZ this year. 

NZ Symphony Orchestra, or ?? 

Plays ?? 

Dancing Lessons Hire a teacher for a few sessions for Sirroc, 

Rock’n Roll, Salsa, Ballroom (Use the yoga room at the Rec 

Centre) 

Ferry Trip to Somes Island 

Best wishes, 

Peter, Louise, Jono, Megan 

9

VACANCIES 10 

Information Services Librarian - Part time 

Libraries - Informing Communities 

This is an exciting opportunity to join a specialised team at Nelson 

Public Libraries. The team takes pride in providing information 

and research services to the Nelson community. It's a chance 

to interact with customers and share new technology, publications 

and resources. 

The role also takes particular responsibility for interloans. This is 

a professional library role but applications will also be considered 

from those studying towards a degree or post graduate degree in 

librarianship. 

You will have the satisfaction of ensuring excellent customer 

service to diverse customers and community groups. It's a chance 

to answer questions, and help your community access information. 

This is a part-time position, working on average 24 hours per 

week, on weekdays and rostered weekends in the Elma Turner 

Library in beautiful Nelson City. 

APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Find out more about the role, 

register and apply on line on Nelson City Council's website 

www.nelsoncitycouncil.co.nz or contact Human Resources (03) 

546 8250; nccvacancy@ncc.govt.nz 

Applications close 4pm Monday, 14 May 2007. 

Nelson City Council is an equal opportunities employer 

Viesturs Altments 

Chief Executive 

…………………………………………………………….. 

Study Director - Part time (Fixed Term) 

Wellington School of Medicine & Health Science 

We are seeking a motivated and highly organised person for the 

position of Study Director to oversee the operation and management 

of a large cross-sectional study of the possible health effects 

of chronic hydrogen sulphide exposure in Rotorua. The Study 

Director will be based in Wellington but will need to travel to 

Rotorua. 

Duties will include the recruitment of an appropriate team to 

carry out fieldwork in Rotorua, obtaining ethics committee approval 

in NZ, facilitating the recruitment and processing of 1800 

study participants over the 3 years of fieldwork, maintaining upto-date 

study documentation, ensuring that the study costs are 

within the budget and managing the compilation of a complete 

and accurate study database, ready for analysis. 

This is part time 0.5 FTE fixed term three-year position. 

Equal opportunity in employment is University policy 

E tautoko ana Te Whare o Otago in t kaupapa whakaorite whiwhinga 

mahi 

APPLICATION PROCEDURES: If you are interested in applying 

for either of these positions then please complete the application 

form, including the names and contact numbers of two referees 

and the EEO form with a covering letter and your curriculum vitae 

and quoting reference number MEDSD05 and forward to: 

The Supervisor 

Support Services Unit 

Wellington School of Medicine 

PO Box 7343 

Wellington South 

No later than the closing date of Monday 14 May 2007 

Please Do not send original documents in support of your 

application. Copies are adequate and preferred. 

For ease of processing and to avoid cost and waste (we often 

need to make numerous copies), we ask that applications 

are unbound (paper clipped not stapled), not on coloured 

paper and not presented in folders. 

Please remember to include the application form with your 

covering letter and CV. 

It is preferable that you post your application rather than 

sending it electronically. 

………………………………………………………………… 

Graduate Policy Analysts & Summer Interns - Ministry of Economic 

Development 

GROW YOUR CAREER. As New Zealand's leading economic 

agency the Ministry of Economic Development offers outstanding 

opportunities to develop yourself and your career as part of our 

Graduate Programme. 

As a Policy Analyst, you will be involved in a wide range of issues 

that really matter to New Zealand's economy. 

The work will be challenging and varied, and you'll have the 

chance to contribute to New Zealand's future while enhancing 

your own. Our Graduate Programme provides ongoing learning 

and career development opportunities, and our rotation scheme 

enables you to move throughout the Ministry to work with other 

teams, branches and Ministers and develop the breadth and depth 

of your knowledge and skills. You'll work with great people who 

set high standards and work hard, but who are supportive and like 

to have fun along the way. 

Our Policy Analysts come from a diverse range of backgrounds. 

What they have in common are strong critical thinking skills, clear 

and concise written communication skills and great interpersonal 

skills. If you enjoy the challenge of critical analysis, strategic thinking, 

and want to develop yourself and our economy, then take the 

first step towards joining New Zealand's leading economic agency 

by visiting our website today: www.med.govt.nz/graduate 

We will be at the Campus Careers Fair, Thursday 10 May, 11am- 

2pm at Maclaurin Foyer and will be holding a presentation on Wed 

16 May (sign up on CareerHub under Events - on the right) 

10

11 

VACANCIES 11 

APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Applications for the Ministry's 

Graduate Programme are now open. We typically employ between 

8-12 graduates each year through the Programme. 

Applications close on Friday, 18 May 2007. 

If you are in your second to last year of study you can join us as 

an Intern over summer. Last summer we took on 4 students 

across the Ministry. Applications for the 2007/2008 summer 

internship programme open in August 2007. Other specialist 

graduate level vacancies are also advertised on our website 

throughout the year. For further information on the graduate 

programme, summer internships or specialist graduate level vacancies, 

visit our web site: www.med.govt.nz/graduate 

…………………………………………………………… 

PhD Scholarships in Health & Biomedical Informatics 

The Centre for Health Informatics, University of New South 

Wales, Australia is seeking candidates for four full-time PhD 

scholarships in biomedical and health informatics. DETAILS: 

Four full-time PhD scholarships to undertake research in the 

following areas: 

- Decision-making and computational discovery technologies for 

the clinical biosciences 

- Agent-based models of communication in health organisations 

- Clinical communication system design 

- Infectious disease informatics and biosurveillance 

Further details about each of these topic are available at http:// 

www.chi.unsw.edu.au/CHIweb.nsf/page/Scholarships. We are 

also happy to review proposals from exceptional candidates to 

carry out research in other areas related to the Centre's overall 

research program. 

CHI is Australia's largest academic research group in Health Informatics. 

The Centre's work is internationally recognized for its 

groundbreaking contributions in evidence-based decision support, 

evaluation methodologies for IT, and in understanding how 

communication shapes the safety and quality of healthcare delivery. 

APPLICATION 

PROCEDURES: In the first instance queries should be directed 

to Prof. Enrico Coiera on +61 2 9385 9026 or email 

e.coiera@unsw.edu.au 

Candidates should be Australian citizens or permanent residents. 

New Zealand citizens are also eligible. Other selection criteria 

include: 

quality of academic record (HI or HIIA honours degree or 

equivalent in computer science, engineering, bioinformatics, 

a medical or health science related degree, or 

other relevant discipline) 

interest in health and biomedical informatics, 

potential for completing a PhD 

good communication skills and commitment to team 

working. 

Your application should address the selection criteria and include 

a detailed CV, academic transcripts, examples of research writing 

( e.g. published journals or student research projects) plus contact 

details of two referees. 

Please direct general queries and applications to: 

Dr Farah Magrabi 

Tel: +61 (2) 9385 9009 

Fax: +61 (2) 9385 9006 

Email: f.magrabi@unsw.edu.au 

……………………………………………………………. 

Probation Officers - Department of Corrections 

Do you want to make a real difference to your community? 

Do you have the drive, integrity, and skills to become a Probation 

Officer in the Department of Corrections? 

Join us in making our communities safer 

Probation Officers provide advice to Judges and the NZ Parole 

Board, and work with offenders in the community, including people 

on community work, home detention and parole. 

Our staff come from different backgrounds, cultures, education 

and experience - but they all share the ability to motivate others to 

make positive changes in their lives. 

If you have effective communication skills and desirably have an 

academic qualification or experience in the social services sector 

then apply now. 

We will give you the training and support you need to be part of 

our team working to make communities safer. 

It's a powerful career choice; making change that matters to individuals, 

their families and their communities. 

GOT THE SKILLS? Want to join the team ? 

APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Find out more and apply now: 

www.corrections.govt.nz 

O800 177 622 

0800 1 PROBATION 

…………………………………………………………….. 

Overseas Vacancies VSA 

DETAILS: Management Advisor (Womens's Development) Bougainville 

Develop management and operations systems to support the social 

development work of the Leitana Nehan Women's Development 

Agency in Buka. 

Communications Advisor for PAPUA NEW GUINEA 

Develop and produce a range of promotional materials to support 

an agricultural training program in the East New Britain Province. 

Community Development Advisor for BOUGAINVILLE 

Work with Nikana Ma'atara - an umbrella organisation supporting 

local community groups - to develop operational and management 

systems to support their development programmes. 

Farmer for TANZANIA 

Work with the staff at Leguruki/King'ori Education Centre to 

develop under utilised farm land.

VACANCIES 12 

Business Advisor for PAPUA NEW GUINEA 

Develop sound business and financial practices for the Kairak 

Resource and Training Centre in East New Britain. 

Pharmacist for VIETNAM 

Work with staff at the Binh Dinh Department of Health to improve 

drug management systems in province hospitals. 

Laboratory Quality Assurance Advisor for VIETNAM 

Assist the Binh Dinh Department of Health with the development 

of a Quality System in line with ISO 15189 for selected 

hospital medical laboratories and specialist health centres. 

Monitoring and Evaluation for PAPUA NEW GUINEA 

Work with local staff at the Kairak Resource and Training Centre 

in the East New Britain Province to implement suitable 

monitoring and evaluation techniques. 

Teachers and Educators for AFRICA & the PACIFIC 

VSA is recruiting for a Distance Education Advisor for Bougainville, 

a teacher for Tokelau, a science teacher for South 

Africa, and an Education Development Advisor for Tanzania. 

VSA volunteers must be New Zealand citizens or have New 

Zealand permanent residency status and preferably have lived 

in New Zealand for at least two years. 

APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Check our website for other 

vacancies. Closing date for applications: 18 May 2007 

For an application form and assignment description please 

contact: Karnan Saba, email: ksaba@vsa.org.nz Phone: (04) 

472 5759 

…………………………………………………………….. 

Humanities adjunct faculty on site September 07 (last week of 

August to first week of October, the latter to be confirmed) 

Time: 7 hours a day, two days a week 

Pay: hourly $30, to be confirmed. 

Task: student support and administrative support for Humanities 

major, in particular 74104 Introducing Humanities, 74109 

Representations of NZ in Art and Literature and preferably 

though not essentially 74305 The Renaissance in Europe: a 

cultural enquiry. Liaison with humanities staff (Dr Luke 

Strongman and other adjunct faculty) and with Social Sciences 

major leader Dr Tina Jamieson and with the centre 

team generally. 

Report: to Dr Raymond Young, Centre Manager 

Qualifications: Masters or Phd in a Humanities discipline, e.g 

English Literature, New Zealand Studies, classical studies, 

History, Art History. 

Future plans: ongoing as adjunct faculty off campus. 

Enquiries to: 

Dr Jane Clendon—Senior Lecturer Humanitiesjane.clendon@openpolytechnic.ac.nz 

0508 650 200 ext 5584 

DDI 913 5584 

……………………………………………………………………….. 

Business and Market Analyst 

This organisation has the vision, drive and opportunities to enable it 

to be the industry leader in its sector. Working within the Commercial 

team you will have the scope to support the development and 

delivery of the commercial strategy. 

DETAILS: 

*Dynamic, growth business *Graduate career development opportunities 

*Impact on the strategic direction 

This organisation has the vision, drive and opportunities to enable it 

to be the industry leader in its sector. Working within the Commercial 

team you will have the scope to support the development and 

delivery of the commercial strategy. 

In this role you will investigate, analyse and report to the Management 

team on results, trends, opportunities and risks that could impact 

the organisation's strategic direction. The successful candidate 

will assist the commercial team in ensuring that service offerings are 

designed to meet clients' needs and will help to identify opportunities 

for increased penetration and growth, including both addon business 

and new opportunities. You will also play a key role in coordinating 

the company's external communications including the annual customer 

survey, Annual Report, company website and customer magazine. 

Tertiary qualification in Business, Sales, Marketing or other relevant 

field is required or you have two to three years work experience. A 

high skill level in analysis and reporting software, eg Excel, Access, 

Word etc, is also required. 

If you are a great communicator and team player with all of the 

above, then get on board. 

APPLICATION PROCEDURES: For the position description, or to 

apply, visit our website www.powerhousepeople.co.nz and refer to 

11653. For further information please contact Jonathan Court or 

Bruce Johnston on (04) 931 9444. 

………………………………………………………………… 

Research Officer Malaghan Institute of Medical Research 

Fulltime 1year Research Officer Position 

Applications are invited for a Fulltime 1year position in the 

Malaghan Institute of Medical Research for immediate start. 

The Malaghan Institute is based in Wellington at the Kelburn Campus 

of Victoria University. Previous experience of research laboratory 

environment, ability to work independently and attention to detail 

are essential. Successful applicant will be responsible to the Infectious 

Diseases Group working on a rotavirus strain surveillance 

project. Experience in RTPCR, cell culture and assay development 

would be an advantage. Duties will include coordinating sample collection 

across multiple centres, record keeping, data analysis and 

general lab support. Candidates should hold suitable qualification in 

biological sciences (BSc(Hons), MSc, BMedSci) and/or have proven 

laboratory experience. 

Job description and employment application form can be obtained on 

contact to Tel: (04) 499 6914 or email: mimr@malaghan.org.nz 

APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Completed application form to be 

returned with covering letter, current CV which should include academic 

qualifications, work experience, together with the names of 3 

referees from whom a confidential report can be obtained. Closing 

date for receipt of applications: 5pm, Monday 28 May 2007. 

Application is open to NZ Citizens and residents, or holders of a 

current Work Visa/Permit. 

12

VACANCIES 13 

Planning and Reporting Adviser Department of Labour 

Want to make NZ work better? 

Better work for us. 

Planning and Reporting Adviser 

Permanent, Wellington 

The Workplace Group at The Department of Labour 

helps raise the quality and productivity of New Zealand 

workplaces. They facilitate good health and safety, encourage 

positive employment relationships, develop 

effective policy and support workplace best practice. 

As Planning and Reporting Adviser in the Group Performance 

team, you will support the planning and reporting 

framework across the Workplace Group. You 

will coordinate input, join up the project outcomes and 

outputs reported to provide a collective overview for 

Workplace. You will support the flow of information 

through relationships internally and external to the 

Group. 

We look forward to hearing from you if you have some 

experience in: 

The process for developing organisational planning 

and strategy 

The process of continuous improvement 

Planning projects and reporting progress 

Relationship management 

Coordinating input from people, with the ability to 

work in a crossorganisational context 

To obtain an application pack, or for any questions 

about this role, please contact Nicky Thornton by email 

Nicky.Thornton@dol.govt.nz or on 04 915 4725. 

APPLICATION PROCEDURES: All applications must 

include your CV, letter, and completed application form 

and be sent by email to Nicky.Thornton@dol.govt.nz 

Applications close 5 pm, Wednesday 23 May 2007. 

Applicants must hold New Zealand citizenship, or permanent 

residency. 

At the Department of Labour, we're the experts on work. 

We take the lead on immigration, workplace health and 

safety, the labour market and employment relations. 

Our work helps promote productive workplaces and 

high quality working lives for all New Zealanders. 

The Department of Labour is an EEO employer and 

invites applications from all sectors of the community. 

……………………………………………………………….. 

PhD Studentship (Vacancy 1014) - HortResearch 

Chemical Ecology of Social Wasps Lincoln 

A PhD position is available at HortResearch Lincoln, enrolled 

through the University of Auckland in New Zealand to work on the 

odour-mediated behaviour in two species of social wasps. The objective 

of the project is to investigate the role of odour in regulation 

of the social behaviour of two species of social wasps, the German 

wasp, Vespula germanica and the common wasp, V. vulgaris. This 

position is part of a new project which aims to provide environmentally-friendly 

solutions for managing invasive Hymenoptera. 

The 3-year scholarship, including stipend, university fees and operating 

costs is available immediately. This prestigious position will 

be funded by the New Zealand Foundation of Research Science & 

Technology (FRST) and HortResearch. The student will be physically 

located with HortResearch's chemical ecology team at Lincoln, 

while registered at the School of Biological Sciences, University 

of Auckland. The PhD project will be under the supervision of 

Dr Ashraf El-Sayed, Dr Max Suckling (HortResearch) and Dr Jacqueline 

Beggs (University of Auckland). 

The preferred candidate will have a background in chemistry and 

ecology. Familiarity with chemical ecology methods and social insects 

would be an advantage. 

HortResearch is located in the charming township of Lincoln which 

is about 20 km south of Christchurch (pop 360,000), the main city 

in the South Island. Lincoln is the home to a major campus of 

Crown Research Institutes and several commercial research facilities. 

For information about HortResearch's Chemical Ecology Group, 

please visit the website at: http://www.pherobase.com/ 

chemecol/cheecol_hort.htm 

APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Full details available on: http:// 

www.hortresearch.co.nz/index/vacancy/404 

For further queries, please contact: 

Dr. Ashraf El-Sayed 

HortResearch 

Canterbury Research Centre, 

P.O.Box 51, Lincoln, New Zealand 

Tel: 64 3 3256601 

Fax: 64 3 3256063 

Email: ael-sayed@hortrresearch.co.nz 

or 

Dr. Jacqueline Beggs 

School of Biological Sciences 

University of Auckland 

Private Bag 92019 

Auckland, New Zealand 

Phone: 64 9 373 7599 ext 86823 

Fax: 64 9 373 7042 

Email : j.beggs@auckland.ac.nz 

13

Librarians and Customer Service Team Members 

- Huestt City Librariies 

VACANCIES 14 

We have a range of opportunities from fully qualified Librarians 

through to part time Customer Service Team members. DE- 

TAILS: Calling all Qualified Book Lovers 

Put your theory into practice! 

Are you studying towards a Library qualification, or maybe you 

already have achieved Level 6 or your Masters? 

We're looking for passionate book-lovers to work in local libraries. 

The Hutt City Libraries help thousands of local people connect 

with knowledge and information. 

sector. You will be a team player, who can build relationships with 

a wide range of people. 

We are a small, friendly Crown Entity, and will offer the preferred 

candidates a competitive salary, generous annual leave provisions, 

training and development opportunities and the option of joining 

our subsidised State Sector Retirement Savings Scheme. 

For further information on the above positions please visit 

www.charities.govt.nz for a job description and application form 

or, phone Linda Scott on 04 978 7789. APPLICATION 

PROCEDURES: To apply, please email your CV and completed 

application 

form to recruitment@charities.govt.nz. Emails will be electronically 

acknowledged and further correspondence may be by email. 

Their new emphasis in the community is all about: 

Innovation Inspiration Information 

Day to day you will spend time issuing, returning and shelving 

books, but you will also become involved in other activities from 

preparing displays through to preschool story time. 

We have a range of opportunities from fully qualified Librarians 

through to Customer Service Team members. At a more senior 

level you will be required to mentor and motivate others in your 

team. We have both part time and full time roles available. 

APPLICATION PROCEDURES: To find out more call Fiona or 

Julia on 499 0195 or email you resume to recruit@challenger.co.nz 

Level 1, Challenger House, 136 The Terrace, PO Box 8004, 

Wellington. 

Tel (04) 499 0195, www.challenger.co.nz 

…………………………………………………………….. 

Registration Analysts - Charities Commission 

Fixed Term Agreement ending 28 October 2008) 

The Charities Commission is responsible for registering organisations 

seeking charitable status, monitoring their activities, receiving 

annual returns, providing education and support to the sector 

in relation to matters of good governance and management, and 

advising the government on charity-related issues. 

Registration Analysts are responsible for analysing and assessing 

applications, annual returns and notices of change submitted to 

the Commission. This includes research, writing opinions and 

making judgments on whether organisations meet the requirements 

of the Charities Act. You will be required to liaise with 

applicants and work closely with the Principal Advisor and Senior 

Analysts. 

To be considered for one of the roles, applicants will ideally be 

recent law graduates, or have experience in a compliance registration 

role within the state sector; have experience in interpreting 

legislation and be able to gain an appreciation of the charitable 

Applications close Friday 18 May 2007. 

www.charities.govt.nz 

………………………………………………………………. 

Researcher, Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of NZ - Ministry for Culture 

and Heritage 

The Ministry for Culture and Heritage is working on an Encyclopedia 

of New Zealand, published progressively both on the internet 

and in print form. The Encyclopedia aims to provide a comprehensive 

guide to the peoples, natural environment, history, culture, 

and social development of New Zealand. It is a resource for a 

wide range of users, from school students working on projects 

through to academics doing research. 

The Ministry now seeks applications for a researcher to assist with 

the gathering of images, sounds, film clips, maps and original 

documents to enhance encyclopedia entries online. 

The appointee should possess a good knowledge of New Zealand 

history. They should also have a demonstrable familiarity with 

New Zealand's heritage institutions, well-developed skills in research 

and some acquaintance with New Zealand's visual and material 

cultures. A high level of computer literacy would be an advantage. 

The appointment will be for the remainder of the project 

(approximately 4 years), starting in June 2007. For further information 

regarding this position please contact Dawn Deavin on 04- 

471 3384 or alternatively the job description is available on our 

website www.mch.govt.nz 

APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Applications including a curriculum 

vitae should be addressed to: Vacancy 2007-11, Dawn 

Deavin, Ministry for Culture and Heritage, P O Box 5364, Wellington 

or emailed to dawn.deavin@mch.govt.nz. 

Applications close on 19 May 2007. 

……………………………………………………………… 

14

VACANCIES 15 

Internships at the New Zealand Permanent Mission to the United 

Nations, New York 

The New Zealand Permanent Mission to the United Nations in 

New York is now accepting applications for internships. Interns 

will be accepted as required and eligible on a rolling year-round 

basis, including for the yearly General Assembly period from 

September to December. Generally the period of internship 

would range from 3 - 4 months. 

The position: Interns will support the New Zealand Mission staff 

to advance New Zealand's interests at the United Nations. In 

doing so they will need to be able to quickly develop a sound 

understanding of New Zealand's foreign policy positions. Interns 

may be required to cover various meetings and briefings at the 

United Nations, and assist as required with research and other 

duties at the Mission. 

Eligibility: Internship positions at the New Zealand Permanent 

Mission are open to New Zealand citizens or permanent residents. 

Graduate students are particularly encouraged. An intern's 

background/field of study should be relevant to the opportunity 

to work for New Zealand at the United Nations for example in 

International Relations, International Law, Politics, Economics 

or Development. 

Interns are fully responsible for their own costs and no salary or 

remuneration is offered for internship positions. However, a 

small stipend may be available for part of the internship - see 

attachment for details. 

APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Prospective interns should 

send a covering letter setting out their suitability for an internship 

position, accompanied by a curriculum vitae, an academic 

transcript, and the contact details of referees or at least one letter 

of reference. Applications should also detail the period of work 

when the intern would be available. Applications should be sent 

to: 

The Administration Officer 

New Zealand Permanent Mission to the United Nations 

One UN Plaza, 25th Floor 

New York, NY 10017, USA 

Email: nzmissionny@earthlink.net 

Facsimile: 001 212 758 0827 

Closing dates for applications: July 18 2007 for an internship 

September - December. 

…………………………………………………………….. 

Physicist/Electrical or Electronics Engineer - Industrial Research 

Ltd 

Vacancy for a physicist/engineer at the Measurement Standards 

Laboratory Lower Hutt site working on advancing electrical measurement 

science and technology with a goal of assisting the growth 

and competitiveness of New Zealand industry. 

DETAILS: The Measurement Standards Laboratory of Industrial 

Research Limited is New Zealand's premier Measurement Science 

research group (www.irl.cri.nz/msl/). 

It is an international leader in a number of areas of measurement 

including: measurement of fundamental constants; state of the art 

measurement techniques; realisations of physical measurement 

standards; and improved industrial measurement techniques. An 

opportunity exists to join our research and development team 

working on an exciting range of projects in the electrical energy, 

quantum electrical standards, and ac impedance areas that have the 

goal of assisting the growth and competitiveness of New Zealand 

industry 

. 

Key responsibilities: 

Reviewing, maintaining and improving existing electrical measurement 

systems. 

Delivering calibration services to clients. 

Developing effective relationships with new and existing clients. 

Supporting the research and development into electrical measurements 

to improve national measurement standards. 

Providing technical expertise, guidance and support to other members 

of the Electrical Standards Team. 

The successful applicant will possess: 

BSc, BE or higher qualification in Physics or Electrical/Electronic 

Engineering. 

Experience with electronic design. 

Experience with programming and instrument control preferred. 

An attention to detail and a systematic and logical approach to problem 

solving. 

Good understanding of basic statistics. 

Strong written and oral communication skills. 

APPLICATION PROCEDURES: 

Please forward applications to: 

Stacey Farquhar Phone: 64 4 931 3022 

Human Resources Fax: 64 4 931 3019 

Industrial Research Limited Email: vacancy@irl.cri.nz 

PO Box 31-310 , Lower Hutt 5040, New Zealand. 

Applications close on Thursday, 31 May 2007. 

15

VACANCIES 16 

Research and Development Scientist/Engineer - Industrial Research 

Ltd 

Vacancy for experimental physicist/engineer in the Measurement 

Standards Laboratory at its Lower Hutt site to work on an exciting 

range of projects in the electrical energy, quantum electrical 

standards, and ac impedance areas. DETAILS: The Measurement 

Standards Laboratory of Industrial Research Limited is New 

Zealand's premier Measurement Science research group 

(www.irl.cri.nz/msl/). 

It is an international leader in a number of areas of measurement 

including: measurement of fundamental constants; state of the art 

measurement techniques; realisations of physical measurement 

standards; and improved industrial measurement techniques. 

An opportunity exists to join our research and development team 

working on an exciting range of projects in the electrical energy, 

quantum electrical standards, and ac impedance areas that have 

the goal of assisting the growth and competitiveness of New Zealand 

industry 

. 

Key responsibilities: 

Delivering original research on assigned research and development 

projects in the electrical metrology area. 

Delivering quality services to clients and developing effective 

relationships with new and existing clients. 

Developing new areas of capability, including the science research 

programmes and business directions, and identifying new 

funding opportunities for electrical metrology. 

Contributing to the management and quality systems. 

The successful applicant will possess: 

PhD degree or similar experience in experimental Physics or 

Electrical/Electronic Engineering. 

Experience with electronic design preferred. 

Experience with programming and instrument control preferred. 

An attention to detail and a systematic and logical approach to 

problem solving. 

Ability to think strategically. 

Strong written and oral communication skills. 

Strong interpersonal skills and leadership ability. 

APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Please forward applications to: 

Stacey Farquhar Phone: 64 4 931 3022 Human Resources Fax: 

64 4 931 3019 Industrial Research Limited Email: vacancy@irl.cri.nz 

PO Box 31-310 Lower Hutt 5040 New Zealand. 

Applications close on Friday, 25 May 2007. 

Scientist Autonomous Systems 

Devonport Naval Base 

The Defence Technology Agency (DTA), located at Devonport 

Naval Base, Auckland, is the technological research and development 

agency of the New Zealand Defence Force and supports 

the operations of the Royal New Zealand Navy, Royal New 

Zealand Air Force, and the New Zealand Army. 

DTA has a vacancy for a scientist or engineer to undertake independent 

research in the area of autonomous systems. 

The Autonomous Systems Section focuses on the application of 

mathematical techniques to artificial intelligence, robotics and 

autonomy. You will become part of a team working on a range 

of tasks in the area of autonomous systems research. 

You should possess an appropriate tertiary qualification as well 

as the following skills: 

· Expertise in the development of optimal methods 

for the operation of autonomous vehicles 

· Knowledge of algorithmic development for failure 

prevention 

· Experience in the application of artificial intelligence 

techniques to high level autonomy 

· Ability to grow a theoretical knowledge base 

underpinning autonomous systems 

In addition, you will have excellent written and verbal communication 

skills. This position requires an adaptable, flexible approach 

to workflow and project management, and the ability to 

work autonomously within a team environment. 

Salary Range: $50,000 - $ 75,000. 

To view the job description and to apply online, please visit 

NZDF website www.nzdf.mil.nz/careers 

Alternatively, contact Reception on phone (09) 445 5901, or 

email leanne.mccune@nzdf.mil.nz, quoting Ref. No. dta-08- 

06. 

APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Please note: Applicants must 

be legally entitled to work in New Zealand and be able to obtain 

and maintain the required NZDF security clearance. Because a 

security clearance is required for the role, applicants must be 

New Zealand citizens, or have resided in New Zealand for a 

minimum of 5 years, or have been citizens of the UK, Canada, 

Australia or the USA for 10 years or more. If you cannot meet 

these requirements we may not respond to your application. 

Applications close 4 June 2007. 

16

The Last Word: Reviewing the Review at Pipitea Campus 

17 

The recent withdrawal of 

University representatives 

(Dean of Law, Dean of Commerce 

and Maori PVC from 

the review of Services to 

Maori and Pacific Island Students 

at Pipitea Campus is a 

sign that government disinterest 

in Maori postgraduate 

achievement is being reflected 

by tertiary institutions. 

The invisibility of Maori and 

Pacific Island peoples within 

the latest Tertiary Education 

Commission’s strategic plan 

is a clear signal from government 

to tertiary institutions 

that Maori and Pacific Islands 

students are less attractive in 

terms of generating external 

funds than international students. 

The accountants have 

already done the maths. 

The Pipitea review was expected 

to create a raft of 

Maori/Pasifika friendly initiatives 

to help achieve higher 

enrollment figures .from 

those two under-represented 

communities. 

There was a series of meet- 

17 

ings between student representative 

groups and interested 

parties on one side and 

the representatives of the 

university on the other over 

two years. The withdrawal 

of the university representatives 

because there was no 

funding to institute the recommendations. 

The current round of cuts 

forced by Victoria’s fall in 

PBRF generated funding had 

nothing to do with it. The 

university withdrew from the 

review process when the 

university still held third 

place. The implications for 

non-Maori domestic students 

a r e n o t p r o m i s i n g . 

If the dominant mode of 

thinking is now more than 

ever to internalize profits and 

externalize costs—then it is 

obvious that domestic students 

( of any variety) are far 

less profitable for the university 

than international students. 

From this perspective Maori 

and Pacifika students are just 

the first casualties of a long 

and drawn out engagement. 

What is at stake is not any 

divide between international 

and domestic students but an 

urgent reappraisal of the motives 

and intentions that 

shape the policies of our tertiary 

institutions whether in 

regard to the enrollment of 

one type of student over another 

because of the potential 

to raise revenue. 

The whole philosophic stance 

of the university and its reason 

for being is called to 

question. There must be 

more to the tertiary sector 

than a rush to corner the 

market in value-laden enrollments. 

The universities cannot 

take all the blame as a 

major part lies with the government 

policy. 

Beyond any approach or call 

to the Principles o Te Tiriti o 

Waitangi there is the broader 

issue about who university 

serves. There will be no parttime 

Associate-Dean for 

Maori at Pipitea, neither will 

there be any increase in the 

support or services offered as 

the Maori/Pasifika representatives 

were negotiating for. 

POSTGRADUATES BY THE NUMBERS: 

With thanks to Kevin Duggan 

22 

The percentage 

of the Victoria 

students who are 

postgraduates 

517 

The number of 

masochists enrolled 

in doctorate 

(PhD) study 

72 

The percentage 

of masters students 

enrolled 

parttime 

The bad news is all domestic 

students could be headed 

the same way. 

This will undoubtedly have a 

bearing on the shape of New 

Zealand society in the near 

future as many potential 

domestic students find it 

increasingly difficult to gain 

entry into universities because 

the clear preference 

will be for higher value feepaying 

students. 

By Wayne Pihema 

PGSA 

AGM 

ANNUAL GENERAL 

MEETING 

5.30pm 

Monday May 28 

Seminar Room 

Kelburn Parade 20

Changes for PhD's and Other Research Students - of /courses

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