Embracing diversity and inclusion in the workplace
More than half of AUT's staff were born overseas, in 118 different countries. They bring different backgrounds, identities, cultures and perspectives – and that shapes everything about how we work, teach and research. It's what makes our university what it is.
We back that up with real commitments: staff networks built by the people themselves, development programmes that build cultural capability, and a track record of firsts in workplace inclusion across Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.
Leading on diversity and inclusion
AUT has achieved several New Zealand and world firsts in workplace diversity and inclusion. These aren't badges we collect; they're commitments that shape how we work every day.
Supporting Māori and Pacific staff
AUT launched the Eke Tangaroa programme – the first of its kind – creating pathways for new Māori and Pacific academic staff in teaching and research. We aspire to be the university of choice for Māori and Pacific communities
Championing rainbow inclusion
AUT was New Zealand’s first Rainbow-friendly university. We've taken the Pride Pledge, established the Rainbow Staff Network, appointed a full-time Student Inclusion Manager (Rainbow) and launched Ia, the world's first Rainbow research e-portal.
Advancing gender equity
AUT is the first university to receive the Advanced GenderTick accreditation – recognition of sustained, practical commitment to gender equality in the workplace.
Supporting hidden disabilities
Our Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Programme means staff and students with non-apparent disabilities can choose to be visible in a way that works for them.
Building a hearing-aware workplace
Through the Hearing Accredited Workplace Programme (HAWP) our whole community has the tools and training to support staff and students who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
Supporting menopause at work
AUT has partnered with Nest Consulting on peri/menopause support – recognising the impact of this life stage on our people and building a workplace where everyone can do their best work.
Staff networks
Our staff networks are voluntary and employee-led – built around shared identities, backgrounds and interests, and open to anyone who wants to be part of them. Our staff networks include:
- Cultural Affinity Groups: bringing together staff from Asian, African, Māori and Pacific communities
- OUT@AUT: connecting and supporting staff and allies of rainbow communities
- Access Inclusion Network: supporting staff with lived experiences of physical and hidden disabilities, members of the Deaf community and others with access needs
- Women on Campus: providing formal and informal support for women at AUT and addressing issues that affect women within the university
- Parents @AUT: peer support for working parents navigating their parenting journey
Together, our people are the threads that give strength and colour to our collective whāriki (woven mat); woven together through shared purpose, values and relationships."
Learn from what we teach
AUT teaches the skills and knowledge that build inclusive communities, and our staff have access to that same expertise. Programmes available to all staff include:
Honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi
Our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi is guided by Te Aronui, AUT's Te Tiriti Framework – shaping how we act, how we lead and how we work together. Aronui Ora, our professional development programme, helps staff engage with Te Aronui with real confidence and understanding.
Our values
Three values are at the heart of everything AUT does: pono, tika and aroha. They ground us in truth and shape every decision we make. Find out what that looks like in practice.