Ngā Whakamānawa o MatarikiStaff awards: AUT Matariki Awards
Ngā Whakamānawa o Matariki – AUT Matariki Awards are AUT's highest honours for staff. The people who teach with purpose, research with rigour and keep the university running with heart. Every year at Matariki, their work is named, celebrated and recognised across three areas: learning and teaching, research and professional practice.
Nine awards, three in each area – recognising the full range of what it takes to make AUT what it is.
2025 winners
Recipients are formally recognised as part of AUT’s annual Matariki celebrations.
Te Huihuinga o MatarikiResearch Excellence Award
Professor Katherine Ravenswood
Business School
Professor Katherine Ravenswood is recognised for her pioneering research into employment relations and care work and her leadership in Tiriti-led, community-engaged scholarship. Her work is shaping national and international policy, securing major research funding and building research capacity across Aotearoa.
Tupu-ā-nukuEarly Career Research Award
Associate Professor Liesje Donkin
School of Clinical Sciences
Associate Professor Liesje Donkin is recognised for her equity-driven, community-engaged research that transforms mental health care through culturally responsive innovation. Her work bridges digital health, psychological intervention and implementation science to improve outcomes for Māori and underserved communities.
WaitīPostgraduate Research Student Support Award
Professor Peter Kim
School of Hospitality and Tourism
Professor Peter Kim is recognised for his outstanding commitment to postgraduate supervision, grounded in inclusive, student-centred mentoring. He is supporting academic excellence while prioritising student wellbeing, cultural inclusion, and personal growth.
MatarikiGeneral Educator Award
Dr Geri Harris
Business School
Dr Geri Harris is recognised for her innovative, student-centred approach to business education that enhances engagement and learning outcomes. Her teaching is transforming the learning experience through flipped classrooms, gamification and AI tools.
Waipuna-ā-rangiKaupapa Māori Educator Award
MaiSci Māori and Indigenous Science Rōpū and SCIE606 Team
Team members: Dr Antony Vavia, Dr Chris Puliuvea, Professor Georgina Stewart, Associate Professor John Perrott, Kowhai Wilkie, Dr Leilani Walker, Dr Taniela Lolohea, Te Haua Taua and Dr Valance Smith
The team is recognised for their transformative, kaupapa Māori-led approach to science education that centres mātauranga Māori and Indigenous knowledge systems. Together they’ve created a culturally rich learning environment that empowers students to engage confidently with Māori and Indigenous communities.
UrurangiPacific Educator Award
Dr Radilaite Cammock
Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences
Dr Radilaite Cammock is recognised for her Pacific-centred teaching that fosters belonging, reciprocity, and cultural understanding. She is empowering Pacific students and enriching learning through inclusive, values-based pedagogy.
Tupu-ā-rangiProfessional Service Excellence Award
Megumi Kincaid
Commercial Services, Estates Group
Megumi Kincaid is recognised for her unwavering dedication to service excellence over 11 years at AUT. Her warmth, professionalism and values-led approach make her a cornerstone of the university community.
WaitāProfessional Innovation Award
Andre Pham
ICT Services
Andre Pham is recognised for his visionary leadership in digital innovation and AI integration at AUT. He is delivering in-house solutions that improve user experience, increase efficiency and generate significant cost savings.
Hiwa-i-te-rangiProfessional Rising Star Award
Chelsey Watson
Faculty of Business, Economics and Law
Chelsey Watson is recognised for her exceptional leadership, collaboration and impact since joining AUT. Her strategic thinking and empathetic approach have made her a trusted colleague and catalyst for positive change.
2024 winners
Te Huihuinga o MatarikiResearch Excellence Award
Professor Alice Theadom – School of Clinical Sciences
Tupu-ā-nukuEarly Career Researcher Award
Associate Professor Shahab Ramhormozian – School of Future Environments
WaitīPostgraduate Research Student Support Award
SPRINZ Culture Team – Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand
Team members: Charlotte Ashby, Jane Hall, Dr Ed Maunder, Dr Eric Helms and Professor Lesley Ferkins
MatarikiGeneral Educator Award
The New Zealand Sign Language Team – School of Social Sciences and Humanities
Team members: Dr George Major, Senior Lecturer Susie Ovens, Rachel Coppage, Pascal Marceau, Julia Freeman and Melissa Simchowitz
Waipuna-ā-rangiKaupapa Māori Educator Award
Mahitahi Team – Faculty of Design and Creative Technologies
Team members: Associate Professor Rachael Ka’ai Mahuta, Dr Hazel Abraham, Dr Dean Mahuta, Senior Lecturer Donald Ripia and Tania Smith-Henderson
UrurangiPacific Educator Award
Dr Junior Nomani – School of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences
Tupu-ā-rangiProfessional Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award
Pam Laird – School of Sport and Recreation
WaitāProfessional Innovation Award
Jing Boyd – School of Clinical Sciences
Hiwa-i-te-rangiProfessional Rising Star Award
Sandelyn Lua – School of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences
Explore all AUT awards
From students and staff to graduates and honorary recipients – this is where AUT recognises the people whose work makes a difference.
