Research students' peer groups
The research students’ peer groups are a network of student-led groups where AUT postgraduate research students can meet, connect and share ideas. Find out which students' peer groups exist at AUT and learn how to start your own group.
Action Research Connections
Join this multi-discipline community that shares action research projects (and related approaches) and ideas for ongoing learning, discussion, mentorship and potential joint projects.
Contact us
Katharine Hoskyn katharine.hoskyn@aut.ac.nz
BEL PhD peer group
A peer support and networking group for PhD students of the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law. We offer a range of resources including guest speakers, facilitated workshops, group discussions and peer support around everything PhD-related over shared kai (food). This forum is also great for networking and creating friendships with your fellow PhDs.
Contact us
Hansini Gunasekara: hansini.gunasekara@autuni.ac.nz
Retchell Morales: retchell.morales@aut.ac.nz
George Ntor: tdy6025@autuni.ac.nz
Climate Change Researchers' Group
The purpose of the climate change researchers’ group is to promote a supportive environment for climate change postgraduate students to meet on a regular basis. During meetings we talk about our research and share how our research journey is going. Both master's and PhD students are welcome to join.
Contact us
Yunuhen Cruz kwn9102@autuni.ac.nz
Clinical Sciences PhD Students' Group
We welcome PhD students from Clinical Sciences to join this friendly group. Our goal is to support each other to make the PhD journey a little bit easier, and a little bit more fun. We meet on an ad hoc basis on the North Campus and have an active and supportive group chat.
Contact us
Ruth McLaren ruth.mclaren@aut.ac.nz
Immersive Experience Research Group (IERG)
Immersive Experience Research Group (IERG) is an interdisciplinary team of students who explore and experiment with extended reality (XR) technologies—virtual, augmented, and mixed reality—in fields like media, communication and digital experiences. We want to blend experience and insights from as many different sources as possible, like media studies, software development, design, and any other subject interested in understanding how immersive media is transforming storytelling, education, and social interaction. Our goal is to propose innovative and fun projects at the intersection of theory and practice, aimed at exploring the future and possibilities of XR and its societal impact.
Contact us
Sebastian Gil Parga sebastian.gilparga@autuni.ac.nz
Lean Construction Student Association (LCSA)
LCSA connects students across engineering and built environment disciplines, fostering collaboration with peers and industry leaders. We support professional growth through workshops, site visits and research opportunities with LCANZ! By embracing lean principles, our members will contribute to minimising waste, enhancing efficiency, and driving future innovations. We ensure effective learning through hands-on experiences.
Contact us
Veronic Tuivai and Ali Bidhendi lcsa@aut.ac.nz
Please note: this group is open to both postgraduate and undergraduate students but has a strong research focus.
Oral Health Postgraduate Students’ Group
The Oral Health Postgraduate Students' Group fosters an enriching academic network for postgraduate students embarking on or interested in oral health research. The group meets monthly, alternating between the North Campus and the South Campus, with attendees able to join online if they cannot attend in person (hybrid meetings). It creates a forum to discuss research progress, share valuable experiences, and brainstorm innovative ideas. We also facilitate increased learning and networking opportunities with guest speakers. This supportive community encourages peer collaboration and engagement, contributing significantly to the postgraduate research journey.
Contact us
Beth Ketema beth.ketema@aut.ac.nz
Farzana Sarkisova farzana.sarkisova@aut.ac.nz
Jacqui Smith jacqui.smith@aut.ac.nz
PhD Book Club
Join the PhD Book Club, where we talk about books and practice a little public speaking (nothing too serious, unless you’re serious about your favourite books). This club is open to all PhD students and candidates. Your only requirement is an interest in reading. We meet monthly to discuss our recent reads, new favourites, and come up with themes for our reading over the next month.
Contact us
Anna McLeish annamcleish17@gmail.com
Postgraduate Potluck Group
The North-South Postgraduate Potluck Group provides an informal and safe space for you to talk about your research with fellow students, supervisors and people who have been through the process. We meet once a month, usually the last Thursday of each month, alternating between the South Campus and the North Campus. The evening is a couple of hours, starting at 5.30pm with a shared meal (the ‘potluck’) and an opportunity to chat with other likeminded people. This is followed by whanaungatanga around the table, then a presentation or discussion on some topic of relevance and interest.
Contact us
Michael Rafael Vujnovich rch1222@autuni.ac.nz
Research Writing Group
This highly supportive and social group meets twice monthly: once online and once for coffee in person. Our group offers a place to talk about where you are at in your writing and research, and share advice and resources.
Contact us
Holly Butson holly.butson@autuni.ac.nz
Tourism and Hospitality Doctoral Tea Party
A group for tourism and hospitality doctoral students to socialise, share their research journeys (both ups and downs), and learn from expert guest speakers.
Contact us
Email Pauline Marie and Qian Meng at autdoctoralteaparty@gmail.com
Looking to connect with Māori, Pacific, and indigenous research students?
Check out the MAI ki Aronui group.
Contact us
Graduate Research School
Phone: +64 9 921 9907
Email: grs@aut.ac.nz
City Campus - level 5, WU Building
Start your own group
Not interested in these groups? To start one of your own, email the Researcher Education and Development team: