Source: University of Otago
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Grant Robertson rings the trading room bell to signify the opening of the Lab.
The Otago Business School’s Te Taura Takata BNZ Bloomberg Markets Lab is open for business.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Grant Robertson rang the trading bell to signify the Lab’s official opening.
The Lab provides students and faculty access to real-time and historical financial market data, news, and analysis.
Students have access to the same Bloomberg trading platform used by the world’s leading investment companies, banks, corporations and government agencies.
“When I was attending Otago University, we had four computers across the entire campus,” Deputy Prime Minister Robertson said. “Since then, the University has led the way in terms of access to technology and so I want to acknowledge the extraordinary partnerships displayed here today.”
Professor Robin Gauld, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the Otago Business School, speaks at the opening.
The launch featured speeches from BNZ CEO Dan Huggins, NZX Director Nigel Babbage, Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki Chair Matapura Ellison, University of Otago Vice-Chancellor Professor David Murdoch and Professor Robin Gauld, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the Otago Business School.
Before his speech, Mr Allison opened the event with a mihi which acknowledged the importance of the launch.
A waiata was performed by Te Maea, TeTai Tuarā and Te Rōpū Māori, which directly referenced Te Taura Takata, the name gifted to the Bloomberg Trading Lab, and a Pacific Island welcome was also performed by the Otago Pacific Island Commerce Student Group.
Guests took part in the Pacific Island welcome festivities.
The Pacific Island welcome involved leis being presented to guests before the students performed a traditional dance which included the involvement of each of these guests, who happily took part in the festivities.
Professor Gauld was the host for the event, welcoming and acknowledging the attending visitors.
“We have gathered here to open Te Taura Takata and so a big welcome to mana whenua and other esteemed guests who have come along today,” Professor Gauld says.
“A very special thanks to all those who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this room a reality.
“We hoped to stage a grand event to celebrate this and so are glad we were able to gather here today; committed to being your partners and doing work that matters to both people and the planet.”
BNZ CEO Dan Huggins said the bank was “incredibly proud to be a part of this facility”.
“Bloomberg terminals really are the lifeblood of markets, businesses and this lab will be one of the largest in the country; there are more terminals here than we have in the bank!
“This is a huge facility that we know will be really valued by students.”
NZX Director Nigel Babbage shared this sentiment stating that it was an “honour and a privilege” to be invited to speak here today.
As another alumnus of the Otago Business School, he entertained the crowd with tales of his experience at the University, handing out framed quotes as spot prizes to audience participants, including the Deputy Prime Minister himself.
“I came down to the University when I was 17 and was probably the worst commerce student ever,” Mr Babbage says.
“I both went bankrupt at 27 and then somehow retired at 43 and I still don’t know how it all happened.
“What I learnt at the University of Otago is always trade with honesty and integrity; know that if you are true to yourself things will come your way.”
The event also featured a video speech from the Managing Director for Bloomberg Australia and New Zealand, James Bell, who was unable to attend in person but shared how excited Bloomberg was to partner with the University.
“We look forward to empowering your students with the knowledge to succeed,” Mr Bell says.
After the speeches, Deputy Prime Minister Robertson formally unveiled the rooms plaque and rang its trading bell to signify its official opening.
Mr Allison closed with a karakia and guests enjoyed the remainder of the celebration by having some kai and sharing in the significance of the space and all it will hold for the future.
– Kōrero by the Otago Business School Communications Adviser, Kelsey Schutte.
