Hear it from our people
The best way to know what it's really like to work at AUT? Ask the people who do. Our staff include lecturers and researchers, creatives, people specialists and project managers, all with their own story about what brought them to AUT in Auckland, and what keeps them here.
Associate Professor Adrian Schoone
Head of School
Education
"AUT is a young and agile university, and I feel like we all help shape its direction.”
Alex Hiramatsu
Senior Technology Project Manager
AI Acceleration Centre
"I can see the immediate impact our work has on university students' lives, which I never really got in corporate consulting."
Dr Amy Errmann
Senior Lecturer
Marketing & International Business
"AUT gives me the freedom to be open, candid, and creative in my research and teaching while still being part of something larger."
Andy Feau
Student Transition and Retention Senior Manager
Student Hub
"AUT has given me the opportunity to grow, contribute and be part of something bigger than myself – and that’s what has kept me here."
Associate Professor Benjamin Dehe
Deputy Head, Department of Management, Technology and Organisation
"AUT provides the space and support to pursue ambitious ideas, and the people around you want to see those ideas come to life.”
Brody Manase
Videographer
Brand and Marketing Services
"I've been able to push creative boundaries and explore bolder ideas within a hugely supportive team."
Heather Merrick
Director of Academic Quality
"The genuine and demonstrated willingness staff have to put learners front and centre is what has surprised me most about AUT.”
Helen HuiQun Xue
School Registrar
Future Environments
"AUT has supported my growth, encouraged continuous learning and provided the chance to work with colleagues who genuinely care about students and each other."
Helen Rayner
Senior Manager – Planning and Performance
Strategy and Planning
"What has surprised me most is the way AUT is unapologetically different to other universities. We've carved out our own niche.”
Jacqui Brabant
Manager – Operations Support
Health and Environmental Sciences
"Moving from leading a Sport & Fitness Centre into a faculty-wide operations position is a great example of the pathways available."
Dr Jing (Julia) Ma
Senior Lecturer
Engineering Computer and Mathematical Sciences
"Working at AUT gives me the flexibility to combine teaching, hands-on innovation and research in a very practical way."
Louis Eaton
Relocations Manager
Facilities Services
"Being able to have a positive effect on so many people's lives, both staff and students, even indirectly, is definitely hard to achieve in other places."
Peter Shimwell
Director Student Counselling & Health
"Every day, I see staff across the university go above and beyond for students. The level of care and commitment is inspiring.”
Dr Rufus McEwan
Associate Head of School
Communication Studies
"AUT gives you permission to try something new, discover success – maybe make mistakes – and try again."
Dr Sarah Wymer
Senior Lecturer
Sport Leadership and Management
"Rather than teaching, researching and engaging with industry as separate activities, AUT has created an environment where they all reinforce one another."
Dr Shikha Chaudhary
Senior Lecturer
Physiotherapy
"AUT gives me the opportunity to work across disciplines and connect with people who bring very different perspectives and expertise.”
Sophie Coomber
Lecturer
Law
"I've been blessed to follow my own interests in teaching and research. Having that level of autonomy so early in my career has been invaluable."
Associate Professor Syrus Islam
Associate Professor & Leader of the AUT Accounting for Social Impact Research Group
Accounting
"What has surprised me most is the extent to which AUT has established itself as a leader in the social impact space.”
Tash Puketapu
Kaiurungi
People & Culture
"I've been able to build authentic relationships with people willing to listen, support and help create change together."