Culture and society news

AUT wins advertising capstone challenge

Two teams of advertising and brand creativity students took out the winning and highly commended places at the 2024 Advertising Capstone Challenge.

AUT Architect Academic wins book award

Architecture lecturer Dr J. Antonio Lara-Hernandez has won a top international award for his book on adapting buildings and structures for new uses.

Diwali festival a feast for the senses

It was a feast for the senses at AUT’s Hikuwai Plaza when students and staff from across the University came together to celebrate Diwali.

Identify and challenge blackface

This Halloween is a good time to identify and challenge instances of blackface and cultural appropriation, Senior Lecturer Elba Ramirez says.

'Nature markets' exploitation risk

As the latest global biodiversity summit gets underway in Colombia, nature markets pose risks as well as opportunities for Indigenous peoples.

AI and visual effects: does it work?

Lionsgate’s partnership with AI startup Runway has sparked concerns about whether visual effects will lose their ‘human touch’ with AI.

AUT winners at Best Awards 2024

This year at the 2024 Best Awards, staff and students achieved an incredible 48 pins, surpassing AUT’s record performance from last year.

High placing in trans-Tasman cook-off

An AUT culinary arts student has done well in a trans-Tasman live cook-off competition for apprentice and young chefs.

Public Money Well Spent?

New research shows that public funding for news media during Covid didn’t prevent long term layoffs and has led to unintended negative consequences.  

Can a $5 T-shirt ever be ethical?

Everyone loves a deal, but can a $5 t-shirt ever be ethical? Probably not, says Lisa McEwan, AUT senior lecturer in design for sustainability and fashion.