Source: University of Otago
Associate Professor Diane Ruwhiu is excited to start in her new role.
The Graduate Research School’s first Deputy Dean Diane Ruwhiu is looking forward to sharing her knowledge on Te Ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, but also to learning about the GRS community.
Diane is an Associate Professor in the Business School’s Management Department, teaching Māori business, management and organisation. She is an experienced post-graduate supervisor and teacher, having been awarded an Otago University teaching award and an Ako Aotearoa teaching excellence award, both in the Kaupapa Māori category, in 2021.
Her research focuses on elements of Māori economic development, specifically understanding the modes of economy within which Māori enterprise operate and considering success factors for Māori business. Current research also includes, indigenising business education, enabling vision mātauranga in science sector research and future of work.
She had enjoyed her interactions with the GRS over the years, saying whenever she contacted GRS with a supervisory query, nothing was ever a problem. The staff at GRS would work to resolve issues quickly and perhaps more importantly, in a friendly and personable manner.
“I see this as an opportunity to work with another University community, outside of the Business School, who share a real excitement and tenacity for the work they do, and the people we support,” Diane says.
“I think it’s going to be fun and challenging, but also exciting, to work with this GRS community.”
GRS Dean David Baxter says the new role was created to provide expanded leadership at the School, but also saw it as an opportunity to bring someone on board with deep knowledge of, and commitment to, Te Ao Māori.
Graduate Research School Dean David Baxter, left, with Deputy Dean Diane Ruwhiu.
“As recently appointed Dean, one of the things I’m very interested in is making what we do more culturally engaged, more culturally safe, particularly for Māori and Pacific students.”
David says the GRS is working to widen participation in graduate research studies and put systems in place to support Māori and Pacific students, ensuring they have the best experience completing their graduate research studies.
What can set the University of Otago apart from other universities internationally is its commitment to incorporating Māori and Pacific culture into all its programmes. It is a point of difference many international students find enriching, he says.
“It’s important that everyone who studies at Otago understands and feels confident in their ability to engage with the diverse communities we have in New Zealand. And it’s also enriching for students from overseas: in my experience, it’s something in which international students find value.”
“If you can frame it appropriately, and engage people in this throughout their journey, they come to see that it is naturally a part of what they do, how they live.
It’s important to our country and for our future because it affects everybody, even if people can’t immediately see how it affects them directly.”
Diane agrees, adding that engaging with Te Tiriti o Waitangi also encourages upskilling, and a developing of new perspectives and capabilities.
