Ngā Whakamānawa o MatarikiStaff awards: AUT Matariki Awards

2026 winners

Tupu-ā-nukuEarly Career Researcher Award

Dr Amy Errmann (Business School)

Dr Amy Errmann is recognised for her internationally recognised research at the intersection of consumer wellbeing, decision-making, and emerging technologies. Her work examines how attention, time and digital systems influence everyday choices, with a strong focus on ethical and socially beneficial outcomes. Since completing her PhD in 2022, she has built a highly productive and influential research programme, publishing extensively in top-ranked international journals and receiving multiple global awards. Her research is widely translated through media, industry engagement and teaching innovation, contributing to better decision-making for consumers, organisations and society.

WaitīPostgraduate Research Student Support Award

Professor Crystal Yap (Business School)

Professor Crystal Yap is recognised for her exceptional commitment to developing confident, capable and resilient postgraduate researchers. Her supervision is characterised by deep pastoral care, high academic standards and a sustained focus on transforming students into independent scholars. She has supported dozens of postgraduate completions and continues to mentor students beyond graduation, guiding them into publication, academic roles and leadership positions. Anchored in pono, tika and aroha, she fosters inclusive research communities, champions Māori student success and models a supervision approach that balances compassion with challenge, leaving a lasting impact on both people and research culture at AUT.

Te Huihuinga o MatarikiResearch Excellence Award

Professor Andrew Lowe (School of Engineering, Computer & Mathematical Sciences)

Professor Andrew Lowe is recognised for his sustained and translational research excellence in biomedical engineering and cardiovascular health. His work focuses on developing innovative, non-invasive medical devices that improve the accuracy, accessibility and equity of healthcare, particularly in home and primary care settings. Over more than two decades, his research has led to internationally recognised technologies, multiple patents and successful commercialisation, alongside significant competitive funding and industry collaboration. His research leadership has influenced international standards, supported Māori and Pacific health equity initiatives and strengthened AUT’s impact in health technology innovation.

Hiwa-i-te-rangiProfessional Rising Star Award

Angela Tsai (Office of Learning, Teaching and Educational Design)

Angela Tsai is recognised for her strong early-career contribution and her commitment to excellence in professional practice at AUT. Known for her reliability, initiative and collaborative approach, Angela supports effective service delivery and contributes to team capability. Her work demonstrates growing leadership confidence and a clear ability to add value beyond her role. Through her professionalism and potential, Angela represents the next generation of emerging talent within AUT’s professional workforce.

WaitāProfessional Innovation Award

Bionic Implementation Team (Brand and Marketing Services)

The Bionic Implementation Team is recognised for the successful delivery of a complex, university-wide digital transformation initiative. Through careful planning, strong stakeholder engagement and a focus on user needs, the team implemented the Bionic system in a way that supports consistent processes, data integrity and improved operational efficiency. Their work required close collaboration across divisions and sustained support for staff through change, laying a strong foundation for more connected, effective ways of working across AUT.

Team members: Alex Hiramatsu, Kalvin Thai, Lani Thomson and Tanki Li

Tupu-ā-rangiProfessional Service Excellence Award

AUT Relocations Team (Estates)

The AUT Relocations Team, led by Louis Eaton and Dale Edwards, is recognised for outstanding service excellence and a people-focused approach to managing change across the university. In 2025 alone, the team completed more than 1,700 relocation jobs across AUT’s campuses, supporting staff, students and research activity with care, precision and professionalism. Their work goes beyond logistics, ensuring spaces are functional, welcoming and ready for people to do their best work. Trusted across faculties and known for calm, solutions-focused delivery, the team makes periods of transition smoother and more supportive for the AUT community.

MatarikiGeneral Educator Award

Dr Jing Ma (School of Engineering, Computer & Mathematical Sciences)

Dr Jing Ma is recognised for her innovative and student-centred approach to teaching in computer and information sciences. Since joining AUT, she has delivered high-quality courses across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, with strong curriculum design, engaging delivery and assessments grounded in real-world application. Known for her inclusive teaching style and commitment to supporting individual student success, she consistently achieves excellent student feedback and outcomes. Her leadership in course development, supervision and mentoring is preparing graduates to succeed across industry and research.

UrurangiPacific Educator Award

Dr Cecelia Faumuina (School of Art and Design)

Dr Cecelia Faumuina is recognised for her outstanding contribution to Pacific learner success through creative, culturally grounded teaching practice. Drawing on her Tongan and Samoan heritage, she integrates Pacific knowledge systems, storytelling and artistic practice into her teaching, creating learning environments where students experience a strong sense of identity, belonging and confidence. Her approach combines creativity, performance and design to support student wellbeing, self-expression and academic success. Through sustained mentoring, community engagement and innovative pedagogy, she empowers Pacific learners to thrive within and beyond the classroom.

Waipuna-ā-rangiKaupapa Māori Educator Award

The Kaupapa Māori Education Collective (School of Education & Te Ara Poutama)

The Kaupapa Māori Education Collective is recognised for its transformative contribution to teaching and learning across initial teacher education programmes. Through the integration of te reo Māori and tikanga Māori across courses, marae-based learning experiences and staff development initiatives, the team has strengthened both student capability and staff confidence in engaging with te ao Māori. Their work has extended beyond course delivery to shape programme development, inform school-wide strategies and strengthen partnerships across AUT. This sustained and collaborative approach is making a significant difference to how future teachers are prepared to work in diverse educational settings across Aotearoa.

Team members: Abel Johnston, Dr Sandy Hata, Dr Yo Heta Lensen and Zayne Collier