Member, Friends of AUT Inc.
Vice Chancellor, AUT University
Derek holds a Masters degree in Biochemistry and began his career as a biochemist working at Otago Polytechnic in New Zealand before moving to roles in tertiary education management. He commenced as Vice-Chancellor of AUT on 2 April 2004 and has participated in education development at a national level over the years. Since taking up the Vice Chancellor role, Derek has led a review of AUT’s faculties and regrouped them to better reflect collaboration between industry, professions, society, the economy and government. Derek is focused on building and enhancing AUT’s contribution as a university and, in particular, is committed to quality teaching and real world learning in an environment that encourages innovation and creativity.