AUT names 2026 Matariki Award winners
AUT has named the winners of the 2026 Ngā Whakamānawa o Matariki | AUT Matariki Awards, recognising outstanding achievement by staff across research, education, and professional services.
The awards were presented at the university’s Matariki Staff Celebration on 16 July, highlighting the depth of expertise and commitment across the AUT community. They recognise individuals and teams whose work is making a meaningful difference through teaching, research, and service.
Now in their third year, the awards reflect AUT’s commitment to excellence grounded in pono, tika, and aroha.
AUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Damon Salesa says the awards highlight the impact of staff across the university.
“The Matariki Awards recognise the contribution our people make every day through their research, teaching, and professional practice. This year’s winners demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence and to the communities we serve.
I congratulate all of our award winners for the impact they are making at AUT and beyond.”
Ngā Whakamānawa o Matariki (Award winners)
Research Awards
Tupu-ā-nuku | Early 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.
Waitī | Postgraduate 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 Matariki | Research 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 health care, 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.
Professional Services Awards
Hiwa-i-te-rangi | Professional 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.
Waitā | Professional 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-rangi | Professional 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.
Educator Awards
Matariki | General 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.
Ururangi | Pacific 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-rangi | Kaupapa 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