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<\/p>\nProfessor Nic Smith is returning to the University of Auckland as its new vice-chancellor. <\/p>\n
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Professor Nic Smith, who was Dean of Engineering at the University of Auckland from 2013-2020, will become its new vice-chancellor in August. <\/p>\n
Professor Nic Smith has been appointed vice-chancellor of Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland. He will take up the role on 3 August.<\/p>\n
Professor Smith brings a sustained record of leadership in the tertiary sector. He is currently vice-chancellor of Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University of Wellington, a role he has held since 2023. He has also served as Provost at Queensland University of Technology (2020-2022), head of Biomedical Engineering at King’s College London (2011-2013) and was professor of computational physiology at the University of Oxford (2008-2011).<\/p>\n
From 2013 to 2020, he was Dean of Engineering at the University of Auckland. As Dean, alongside strengthening research performance and industry engagement, he led the Faculty\u2019s response to the long-standing grievance relating to the Haka Party practices of the 1950s-70s. This was an important step towards acknowledging past harm and advancing reconciliation in the spirit of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.<\/p>\n
At a time when public debate can feel increasingly short-term and polarised, universities matter profoundly as a place of careful analysis, long-term perspective and respectful disagreement.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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An alumnus of the University of Auckland with a doctorate in Engineering, Professor Smith said he was honoured to be returning to lead his alma mater, in a city that has shaped both his life and his career.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe University of Auckland plays a uniquely important role in our national life. It brings together diverse expertise to contribute trusted, evidence-based insights into the complex issues facing Aotearoa New Zealand. At a time when public debate can feel increasingly short-term and polarised, universities matter profoundly as a place of careful analysis, long-term perspective and respectful disagreement. This contribution to our shared future has never been more important.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said Auckland was a city of extraordinary energy, diversity and ambition, and that the University both reflects and helps shape that character.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving first come to Waipapa Taumata Rau as a student, and later as a member of staff, I understand how formative this place can be. At its heart are its people, students, scholars and professional staff, whose ideas and commitment lift society in ways that often exceed what can be immediately measured.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat personal connection shapes how I see the role of vice-chancellor. My responsibility is to provide conditions that enable our students and colleagues to do work that is distinctive, courageous and of lasting value, strengthening Auckland and contributing to the future of Aotearoa New Zealand.\u201d<\/p>\n
Professor Nic Smith is a leader who is grounded in our region, who appreciates the significance of returning to serve the institution that helped shape his own academic journey, and who is committed to advancing M\u0101ori and Pacific aspirations.<\/p>\n
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Chancellor Cecilia Tarrant said the University held a comprehensive international search for the new vice-chancellor, which included consultation with staff, students, alumni and other stakeholders to identify preferred skills and characteristics.<\/p>\n
She said she is delighted with the University Council\u2019s appointment of Professor Smith, noting that he joins New Zealand\u2019s pre-eminent research institution at a time of real strength.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe University is in a healthy financial position, is ranked 65th in the QS World University Rankings, and has attracted a growing number of students, both domestic and international, over the past five years.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said that, as well as strong academic and professional leadership capability, it was important that the new vice-chancellor brought qualities that resonated deeply with the University community.<\/p>\n
\u201cProfessor Nic Smith is a leader who is grounded in our region, who appreciates the significance of returning to serve the institution that helped shape his own academic journey, and who is committed to advancing M\u0101ori and Pacific aspirations. He reflects the values expressed in our strategic plan, Taumata Teitei, and will build on our success in civic, regional and global engagement.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are confident that this appointment reflects all of these priorities and that Professor Smith will provide Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland with vision and stewardship.\u201d<\/p>\n