AUT appoints four Professor Emeriti
Auckland University of Technology has recognised four distinguished academics with the title of Emeritus Professor, acknowledging their exceptional leadership, teaching, research and long-standing service to AUT and communities in Aotearoa and beyond.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Damon Salesa, says the four academics have each made significant contributions to AUT’s reputation and success.
“Their leadership, scholarship and commitment have strengthened AUT and supported the many communities they serve,” says Professor Salesa.
Three Emeritus Professors were appointed in 2025, followed by a fourth appointment in early 2026.
Emeritus Professors appointed in 2025
Emeritus Professor Pare Keiha CNZM
Pare Keiha has made a profound contribution to Māori advancement, education and research over a 26-year career at AUT. He was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the New Year Honours List 2009 for services to business, education and Māori, recognising his work as the Dean of Te Ara Poutama, the Faculty of Māori & Indigenous Development. His leadership at AUT spans roles as Pro Vice-Chancellor Māori Advancement, Dean and Tumuaki of Te Ara Poutama, and Dean of the Faculty of Culture and Society.
As a member of AUT’s Executive Leadership Team, Pare played a key role in shaping the University’s strategic direction and institutional development. He also held senior portfolios in commercialisation and learning and teaching. Nationally, he has contributed to major research initiatives through involvement in the Performance Based Research Fund and the Royal Society of New Zealand. Pare’s influence has strengthened AUT’s support for Māori achievement, enriched learning and teaching, and reinforced the University’s commitment to equity and excellence.
Emeritus Professor Michael Petterson
Michael Petterson is a globally respected leader in science, education and international development. His career includes major contributions across the Pacific region, including leading a significant disaster resilience initiative and supporting the development of scientific capability throughout Pacific Island nations. He served as Director of the Geoscience Division at the Secretariat of the Pacific Community and has dedicated much of his work to strengthening geoscience education and capacity.
At AUT, Michael established the geoscience major within the Bachelor of Science programme and provided steady leadership as Acting Dean of the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences. His work has equipped future generations of scientists to address complex environmental and social challenges.
Emeritus Professor Sharon Mazer
Sharon Mazer is an internationally recognised scholar of theatre and performance. Her research spans performance theory, performance ethnography and kapa haka as performance, and her work is widely cited in the field. Sharon has made significant service and leadership contributions at AUT through academic mentoring, committee service and support for staff preparing Performance Based Research Fund portfolios and academic promotions.
She has shaped curriculum development and strengthened AUT’s engagement with the performing arts community. Sharon’s leadership, scholarship and commitment have supported emerging researchers and enhanced the national and international profile of performance studies.
Emeritus Professor appointed in 2026
Emeritus Professor Ella Henry MNZM
Ella Henry is recognised for her distinguished service over 17 years at AUT and her leadership in Kaupapa Māori and Mātauranga Māori research. She has been a foundational professor, establishing new areas of academic study and mentoring Māori and Indigenous scholars across the University. Her work spans Māori and Indigenous Entrepreneurship, Māori media and organisation behaviour, alongside extensive contributions to Māori scholarship and academic leadership.
Ella is also highly regarded in the screen and media sectors, including her leadership roles in Ngā Aho Whakaari and the Association of Women in Film and Television New Zealand. She has served as a Treaty negotiator and chaired the Post Settlement Governance Entity for Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa. In 2022, she was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori, education and media. Professor Salesa notes that Ella’s leadership and service have enhanced AUT’s reputation and supported generations of Māori and Indigenous scholars.