Data and statistics about Auckland University of Technology (AUT) and its students and graduates, qualifications, and teaching and research facilities. Notes about AUT's background and establishment as a university.

AUT's background

We’re New Zealand’s newest university but our history in industry-relevant education is over 110 years old. We perform our teaching, research and other duties as defined under the Education Act (1989).

Established as a university

In 2000, the governor general, by order in council, established the Auckland University of Technology as one of the universities in New Zealand. AUT is the youngest of the eight New Zealand universities and the only one to be established since the 1960s.

View a detailed timeline of AUT's pedigree on our "AUT history" page

Public institution by legislation

AUT and the other seven New Zealand universities are public institutions. We:

• Are funded by government
• Operate according to the provisions of the Education Act (1989)
• Participate in shared quality assurance arrangements

The AUT Council is the governing body of the Auckland University of Technology (AUT). It was established by the Education Act 1989.

Membership

The Council is chaired by the Chancellor, who is appointed by the members. The current Chancellor is Mr John Maasland, and the current Pro Chancellor is Mr Lex Henry.

Other members of the AUT Council are:

Dr Pat Alley MBChB, FRACS, Dip.Prof.Ethics.
Appointment in Consultation with the CTU

Urshula Ansell
Appointed by the Auckland Student Movement at the Auckland University of Technology

Dr Henry Duncan PhD (UCLA), MS, BSc, DipTchg
Appointed from the nominations of the Auckland University of Technology Academic Board

Sophie Hayman PgDipArts, PGCE, BA(Hons)
Elected by the General Staff of the Auckland University of Technology

Lyn Lim LLB (Hons)
Appointed by the Minister of Education

Derek McCormack MSc, DipTchg
Vice Chancellor of the Auckland University of Technology

April Pokino
Appointed by the Auckland Student Movement at the Auckland University of Technology

James Schofield BCom, MSc (Econ) London, FCA
Co-opted Member

Stephen Stehlin BA
Appointed by the Auckland University of Technology Council
(After consultation with Pacific Island organisations and communities of New Zealand)

Judith Thompson BSocSc, MMgt
Appointed by the Minister of Education

Sussan Turner
Appointed by the Minister of Education
 

Legislation

Sections 180-181 of the Education Act 1989 specify the Council's functions, duties and powers. These include:

• To appoint a chief executive in accordance with the State Sector Act 1988
• To prepare and submit a proposed plan if the institution is seeking funding under a funding mechanism that provides for funding via plans
• If the institution has a plan:
• • To ensure that the institution is managed in accordance with that plan; and
  • To determine policies to implement that plan
• To determine, subject to the State Sector Act 1988, the policies of the institution in relation to the management of its affairs
• To undertake planning relating to the institution's long-term strategic direction
• To strive to ensure that the institution attains the highest standards of excellence in education, training and research
• To acknowledge the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi
• To encourage the greatest possible participation by the communities served by the institution so as to maximise the educational potential of all members of those communities with particular emphasis on those groups in those communities that are under-represented among the students of the institution
• To ensure that the institution does not discriminate unfairly against any person
• To ensure that the institution operates in a financially responsible manner that ensures the efficient use of resources and maintains the institution's long-term viability
• To ensure that proper standards of integrity, conduct, and concern for:
• • The public interest; and
  • The wellbeing of students attending the institution are maintained