Before her arrival at the University of Otago, Study Abroad student Neve Oettinger never imagined she wouldn’t be returning to her home in Minnesota, USA, at the end of her semester in New Zealand. In fact, Neve hadn’t initially planned on attending Otago at all, having already applied and paid application fees for another New Zealand university. Yet, in what she describes as a ‘miracle,’ Neve discovered Otago for the first time when by chance, she decided to look at other options, having only seen her prior choice when previously searching her major.
“One day I randomly looked at my university’s study abroad page and typed in New Zealand, then Otago came up and I looked at the pictures of the surrounding area, did more research, and found they offered my papers. So I cancelled my other application and applied to Otago! It’s like a miracle now because it’s perfect.”
Today, as semester one comes to a close, Neve sits before us as a full degree University of Otago student and will remain here next year to graduate. So we sat down with Neve to reflect on her self-labelled ‘bold choices’ and to hear how her Otago experience has been beautifully shaped by community, friendship, support, nature and connection.
Neve, it is wonderful to have you here! What are you currently studying?
“Sociology and I’m majoring in Criminology.”
What inspired you to choose New Zealand as your country of study?
“A lot of people from the United States go to Europe, and I knew I wanted a unique experience, somewhere with a lot of nature. New Zealand has a lot of nature and is a lot smaller than the United States which is exactly what I wanted.”
Have you felt a sense of community since you’ve been here? Have you fit in easily?
“Yes, it’s actually crazy. First of all [Otago] is a lot smaller than my home university which I really like because at home I always felt lost in the crowd, I didn’t know my professors’ names and they didn’t know mine- we had like 800 people in a lecture. So it’s nice here, it almost feels like the size of high-school classes which is nice because I actually have relationships with my lecturers and other students!
I always see familiar faces, I might not know their name, but I see the same people around, which is so different, because you would never see the same person twice where I am from.
Before I came here I was researching Otago on social media and a Kiwi girl called Ruby popped up and she felt like my vibe so I reached out. We have talked ever since then and now it has been over a year since and when I arrived we met right away- now she’s like my best friend and I am living with her next year. It’s something I felt I really missed back home [people that I clicked with closely].”
Why did you choose the University of Otago? What about our University stood out to you specifically?
“Otago is perfect. I love that it is so close to nature, and that is something that I don’t think other places have to the same extent. It’s just crazy, there are so many things to do in the South Island even that I have already done and it’s all relatively close- especially coming from the United States.
It surprised me how much everyone loves international students here, as soon as they hear me they want to know where I am from, what my life has been like…it is so cool.”
As a Study Abroad student, when you came here, did you feel adequately supported?
“I definitely think so. Teri (Regional Market Manager) was my first form of contact, if I ever needed anything I could ask her. I came here a month early and I travelled so I didn’t plan that much, all of my course plans for classes have a section for International Support, and I haven’t needed to reach out so I guess that’s a good sign! Living in UniFlats as well, my Kiwi host Claire answers all of my questions.”
How has your experience been living in a UniFlat so far?
“I love it. It’s awesome. I got really lucky with my friends, I live in a house with four girls including me, the others are from Ireland, Columbia and the UK. It’s been great. UniFlat’s and the UniFlat Facebook group is basically how I met all of my friends here.
On the Facebook page, everyone will post about themselves before they come and I even met another girl from Minnesota and we hang out here. At least fifteen friends I’ve made through the Facebook page, it’s not been hard, of course you have to make some effort but that goes for everything!”
“I have the most amazing location. It’s nice because UniFlats is spread throughout [the student area] so you’re mixed with other students- it’s really nice. Even my Kiwi friend Ruby lives six houses down from me by chance!
It is so awesome getting to live by people who are all in the same situation as you, which is something I didn’t have at home- it could be very dangerous for girls to live alone in houses.”
Have you felt safe here?
“Weirdly safe, so safe. It is so weird being able to walk alone in the dark and not feel scared, which is not quite the case where I am from.”
What inspired you to transition to becoming a full degree University of Otago student?
“I knew when I came here and met all my friends, instantly I knew that this is where I was meant to be.
It was a little stressful trying to make the decision but I thought if I am happy here I should follow that, I feel so at home, I knew I was happier here.”
What have been your favourite experiences at Otago so far?
“Meeting all new people. I love meeting new people, I have friends from Hungary, Ireland, the UK, Columbia, Sweden, all these different places. It’s cool learning about their cultures- it has just been awesome. It is nice having everyone in the same situation, everyone is looking for friends, everyone wants the most out of their experience.
People are very welcoming and inclusive, including my friends from New Zealand (…) they love to take me out and show me new things.”
A huge drawcard for international students here is the accessibility of study and travel. Have you taken advantage of this?
“Before school started I was here for a month, but I didn’t do much travel. We went to St Clair beach a tonne while I was settling in, we went to the Peninsula and did the Penguin experience, it was so fun.
Over mid-sem break myself and my flatmate took a road trip, we rented a car from the airport and we just figured it out. We went to Mount Cook, which is beautiful, I love Mount Cook. Then from there to Lake Tekapo, Kaikōura, Nelson, Akaroa and then back to Dunedin (…) it was so great. I think my favourite was Mount Cook and I can’t wait to go back to Lake Tekapo in the summer. We went sunset Kayaking in Nelson and we saw so many seals, they swam right by us!
I’ve been to Queenstown twice (…) we took the bus which is really nice, the bus will take you so many places here, like Queenstown and back which is so easy, way easier than renting a car, it’s so awesome. We did a lake hike and there is a bead shop [in Queenstown] where we all made bracelets and earrings, it helped us all get to know each other and it was so wholesome.”
What are the stand-out highlights of the University of Otago?
“The community, the nature, friendships, connection with my lecturers and the international support. Honestly, the accessibility to travel is so nice (…) it is so easy because everyone does it, people text all the time in the UniFlat page with extra spots in their cars for road trips.
This summer I am going to Mount Manganui, then for my 21st we are visiting Wellington and I have plans to go to Christchurch next semester. There’s a lot to do!”
What would you say to future students considering a Study Abroad experience at the University of Otago?
“Definitely do it. I’ve had so many people reaching out to me on Instagram wanting to come here! It is such a hidden gem. When people think of New Zealand they think of Auckland or the North Island, but the South Island just has so many things to see. I think it’s awesome, it’s a great sense of community.”
You’re a Kiwi girl at heart it seems…
“Exactly yeah, I am meant to be here!”
Do you have a taste for adventure? Ready to try something new? Study Abroad at the University of Otago and like Neve, experience a world-class education while travelling the country. Have an authentic “Kiwi” student experience living amongst the locals in our University-owned UniFlats, and receive excellent support from our International Support Team.
Start your adventure today!
Check out our Study Abroad options here.
Rachel Ginieis is studying towards a PhD in Food Science and Psychology, at the University of Otago.
People usually describe me as a little bit hyperactive and crazy! The crazy part usually results in building innovative projects and developing new ideas while I often use the hyperactivity part to realize those projects in a dynamic way. But I’m also tempted to describe myself as curious. Understanding processes, reactions, reasons why …since I was a child, I have always asked heaps of questions. I came to Dunedin in 2016 for a 6-month internship studying the effect of sweetness on cognitive functions. That time fuelled my interest and passion for sensory science and neuroscience, mainly due to the trust that Dr Mei Peng (Senior Lecturer, Department of Food Science, University of Otago) had in me. We ended up writing and publishing my first paper on the topic as well.
Dunedin is more than 20,000 km away from Montpellier, my hometown in France, and I first came here with my friend Agathe for the opportunity to discover a new culture and have the kind of life experience which happens only once. Since being here we have seen breath-taking landscapes every single weekend, hitchhiked all over New Zealand, and met amazing people; but we were always back on Monday morning, ready to do more research.
My love for the topic never stopped and I returned to start my PhD, again under supervision of Dr Mei Peng, Professor Elizabeth Franz and Professor Indrawati Oey. My “baby” which we often call our PhD project (although sometimes I think that it would be easier to have an actual baby) is about assessing a Human Sensory Fingerprint, including all five senses, and see if we can link individual sensory perceptions to modifications of the brain’s reward circuitry. This brain pathway evolved to increase organism’s behaviours that improve its chances to survive. However an over-stimulation of this circuitry can alter this pathway and lead to different type of addictions and compulsive behaviours. My research could bring some explanations to the overconsumption and craving for sweet, salty and fatty food around the world. I find it exciting and I am looking forward to another one and a half years full of craziness, hyperactivity and curiosity…. and “envoûtante” research, which means “bewitching” or “delightful”.
Nicky Richardson is an International Marketing Coordinator at the University of Otago. With degrees in music and marketing, both from Otago, she is passionate about education, and the places it can take you.
Growing up in an academic family, in Yangon, Myanmar, with an emphatic value placed on education, my parents always wanted to give me an education abroad.
As I had never been away from home and as parents they wanted somewhere their child would be safe and still be offered the quality education they were after, it is not surprising New Zealand was at the top of their list.
With an interest in biomedical sciences from an early age, together with my parents, I made the decision to study at the University of Otago, New Zealand’s first university with excellence in medical and biomedical research and teaching.
Dr Htin Lin Aung
I started my affiliation with the University of Otago in 2001, firstly completing a foundation studies course before moving onto studying genetics. I received my Bachelor of Science Degree, with first class honours in Genetics in 2005, after which I worked as a research assistant both at the University of Otago and Massey University in order to have the skills to pursue my PhD in 2010. I was awarded a PhD in Microbiology in 2013.
Immediately after my BSc (Hons) graduation and my PhD graduation, I started my employment at the University of Otago. I am currently leading an international research programme combating tuberculosis (TB) in New Zealand and my home country Myanmar through a prestigious Sir Charles Hercus Research Fellowship awarded to me by the New Zealand Health Research Council.
How did you find the learning/teaching environment at Otago? Do you think it gave you the skills and knowledge to enable you to find employment?
I would say that my experience at Otago gave me a chance to discover myself and my purpose in life. I have always wanted to make a difference and to contribute back to the community. Therefore, I selected the health sector as my way of doing so, particularly TB, which daily claims 5,000 lives mainly from socioeconomically disadvantaged communities.
What was your experience with your lecturers/supervisors like? Were they approachable and helpful?
Lecturers and teaching fellows were so helpful and supportive. Some of them are my longstanding mentors, and I can proudly call them my lifetime friends.
How have you found the ‘culture’ of the students, staff, and people that work at the University of Otago?
The culture of the students and staff at the University is that we courageously keep on tackling big challenges, which is the reflection of the University’s motto “Dare to Be Wise”.
How would you describe the University of Otago to somebody who was thinking of studying as an international student at Otago?
Truly home away from home – when I first arrived here I felt homesickness. But people here at the University and in Dunedin are amicable and welcoming, so Dunedin quickly became my home away from home.
Did Otago met your expectations?
Exceeded.
How does it feel to be an Otago alumni?
I am a proud scarfie and a true University of Otago product (from Foundation Studies to PhD and now an employee of the University).
What is the best memory you have from your time at the University of Otago?
Unforgettable student experience – some of my best memories include my time at Cumberland College, a residential college I lived in first as a student and later as a residential assistant supporting other students. I am now a College Fellow at Cumberland, providing mentor ship to students within and beyond their academic life.
Nicky Richardson is an International Marketing Coordinator at the University of Otago. With degrees in music and marketing, both from Otago, she is passionate about education, and the places it can take you.
Otago alumna Bhavneet Chahal
E-learning company GoSkills’ co-founder Bhavneet Chahal says her experiences at the University of Otago kick-started a career helping others learn about IT and realise their potential.
Bhavneet completed a Bachelor of Applied Science with first-class honours, majoring in molecular biology in 2006. She later gained a Master of Entrepreneurship.
While working for Groupon in Sydney, Bhavneet realised that online courses were a growth area but that they were not always providing the quality content required by professionals looking to expand their skills.
Since being founded in New Zealand in 2013 – with input from Otago Professor Paul Hansen – more than 104,000 users have signed up to access GoSkills’ 50+ online learning courses.
Bhavneet backs up her advice for young women wanting to start their own business with practical assistance; she proudly supports two $2,000 scholarships each year. The title of these awards leaves little room for misinterpretation: they are called the Scholarship for Women Who Want to be the Boss.
How did Otago help to shape your life and career success?I studied Applied Science as an undergraduate and, while I always enjoyed science, I couldn’t see myself pursuing a career as a researcher or scientist.
During the last year of that degree I found a student business competition on campus called Kickstart. I entered the competition with a business idea and I was a winner in the first round and a finalist in the competition’s second round.
This opened up my eyes to a totally different world of business and entrepreneurship. I then completed a Master of Entrepreneurship to learn practical skills to start and grow a business.
This degree was right up my alley, I learned the fundamentals of business and felt prepared to one day start my own company.
Highlights and interesting memories of your university days?Definitely the residential colleges; when I first arrived at Otago I stayed at St Margaret’s College. I later worked as a Residential Assistant (RA) at Cumberland College, which was known at the time as being a bit of a party Hall. It was then that I realised what being an undergraduate at Otago was truly like! I was glad I started off at a relatively tame place and could ease into uni life. Some of my best friends today are people I met at both St Margaret’s and Cumberland!
Recollections of favourite or standout lecturers?I had two standout lecturers. The first was Richard Higham – he was about 79 when I took his class during the Master of Entrepreneurship. I was inspired by his sharp intellect, boundless energy and superior Excel spreadsheet skills! He was able to bring our class together and teach us how to grow a business in a fun and dynamic environment.
The other standout lecture is Professor Paul Hansen – an economics lecturer and part-time surfer. I was drawn to Paul’s energy and passion for his craft – economics and business. It’s no wonder he’s won student popularity awards and it’s also no coincidence that he’s now my business partner at GoSkills.
What are your career or personal highlights?Starting a company from scratch, pulling together people and resources and growing it into a global business. Our team can work from anywhere in the world and we sell to customers the world over. Building a business that pushes the boundaries of being in a global and connected world has been extremely fulfilling.
What are your future goals?Keep building businesses, help others build and grow businesses, and world peace – naturally!
What advice do you have for current students or students considering studying at Otago?Make the most of every opportunity. There are so many facets to university life – try them all. Join random clubs, try sports you might not have ever considered, enjoy the unexpected friendships you will form along the way. It’s only when you try loads of different things that you discover what you truly like and figure out who you are. University is a time to try things in a safe environment and set yourself up for a future that most aligns to who you are and where you want to be.
Many thanks to the team at the University of Otago Alumni & Friends for providing the content for this blog!
Nicky Richardson is an International Marketing Coordinator at the University of Otago. With degrees in music and marketing, both from Otago, she is passionate about education, and the places it can take you.
For previous generations the completion of an undergraduate degree would provide a direct pathway to secure employment. But in 2019, with the advent of globalisation, world travel is now affordable and accessible, the global population is increasing and living longer, so naturally competition for employment has subsequently increased.
So, as much as an undergraduate degree is an achievement and a sign to a potential employer that you have the tenacity to commit to a period of study, it may no longer be enough to give you the edge over another candidate/student, and that’s where postgraduate study comes in.
The University of Otago has a range of postgraduate study options, and today we will focus on the Master of Finance (MFinc), and associated scholarship opportunities offered by the Otago Business School’s Department of Accountancy & Finance.
Where to from here?
So, you’ve completed an undergraduate degree – congratulations! Or, perhaps you’ve been working for a number of years and you feel that there are gaps in your knowledge base/skill set that are holding you back from moving forward in your chosen career path? If you are seeking/currently in a career in the finance industry or for financial specialists in non-financial firms the Master of Finance (MFinc) is the qualification for you. The study options within the degree are designed to offer a number of pathways for you depending on your academic background and career aspirations. The primary pathway is for strong graduates of mathematically-oriented degrees such as mathematics and statistics, physics and economics.
Key information about the Master of Finance (MFinc):
If you complete the Applied Project (FINC501) option you will have a wide range of career opportunities in commercial and investment banks, brokerage and investment firms, insurance companies, treasury departments of non-financial corporations, regulatory agencies, consulting and accounting firms. If on the other hand you complete the Research Project (FINC580) you will also have the ability to design and pursue a large project of independent research and consider a Master of Commerce (MCom) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Finance.
The Master of Finance (MFinc) will equip you to be either:
Internationally renowned lecturers
Professor Jin Zhang is Professor of Finance at the University of Otago. Jin was previously Associate Professor at the School of Economics and Finance, the University of Hong Kong (HKU). Jin Zhang received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Tsinghua University in 1985 and 1988, respectively. He received his Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology in 1996. After spending one-year as an associate at Morgan Stanley in New York, he went to Hong Kong to teach Financial Engineering at City University Hong Kong from 1997 to 2001, and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology from 2001 to 2004, and then HKU from 2004 to 2012. He has served as the Director of Master of Finance program and Associate Director, Center for Financial Innovation and Risk Management (CFIRM) at University of Hong Kong from 2009. PLUS on top of all of these academic achievements Jin was awarded the OUSA 2018 supervisor of the year award for the Accountancy and Finance Department!
Advice from a former Master of Finance (MFinc) student
Long Bui graduated with a Master of Finance (MFinc) in May 2019 and he had this to say about his experience:
“Completing the MFINC degree at the University of Otago has given me an opportunity to take a step forward in my finance career, i.e. to become a portfolio manager. As I moved on to management level in the asset management industry, I realised that having a solid background in financial analysis and fluent asset pricing technique is just not enough. You also need to be confident when encountering and discussing different advanced topics with your management colleagues and other specialists in this industry.
Confidence comes when you get rid of your fear and “the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown”.
In this regard, the MFINC program enhances my knowledge on various aspects of finance, which were unknown to me before, such as mathematical finance, advanced corporate finance, advanced financial econometrics and energy carbon finance. I also had a chance to learn how to prepare and write academic research. Not to mention that I had hands-on experience in doing real life projects in risk management, electricity trading, stocks momentum effect using Matlab, STATA, and Excel simulation. All of the above fill the missing pieces in my whole picture of the broader finance world.
Besides, the MFINC lecturers are very supportive and dedicated, with their “heavy” and comprehensive course materials. Therefore, I would be more than happy to recommend the MFINC program to not only someone who wants to climb higher in their career ladder but also to those who think of starting their very first journey into the finance world.”
Apply now and receive a $10,000 scholarship
The Department of Accountancy and Finance is currently offering international students, who fit the admission requirements of the Master of Finance (MFinc), and wish to commence study in February 2020, the opportunity to receive (based on academic merit) a NZD $10,000 scholarship.
Further your knowledge and your career with the Master of Finance (MFinc) from the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Applications close 31 October 2019.
Nicky Richardson is an International Marketing Coordinator at the University of Otago. With degrees in music and marketing, both from Otago, she is passionate about education, and the places it can take you.
The topic of our native and particularly endemic wildlife in New Zealand, and Dunedin is a passion close to my heart. I think you will find that many local Dunedin people feel the same way that I do, we recognise the precious taonga that we are surrounded by, and increasingly we are feeling a need to protect, care for and nurture these remarkable animals that made their lives here long before humans walked on our shores. This blog is also timed to promote the upcoming ‘Wild Dunedin – New Zealand Festival of Nature‘, that runs from 22 – 28 April 2019.
Let’s find out some of the reasons that two of the most well known and passionate naturalists in the world used these words to describe our environment – ” Otago Peninsula and Taiaroa Head is a unique and very special place. It is a place that every visitor to Dunedin should see” – Sir David Attenborough. ” In my opinion the Otago Peninsula is the finest example of eco-tourism in the world” Professor David Bellamy.
The Northern Royal Albatross/Toroa
We have so many taonga to choose from, it really is a question of where to start? But I think starting with this magnificent sea bird is the place – the Northern Royal Albatross or Toroa. This largest of all sea birds spends it’s entire life at sea, only returning to land to breed. And the Otago Peninsula, and specifically Taiaroa Head is the only mainland breeding colony in the world.
Yes, you can visit, observe and learn more about this at risk species by visiting the Royal Albatross Centre. Birds mate for life and return to raise one chick every year between them. Due to various challenges human intervention has proved to be necessary. Chicks are carefully monitored and assisted with the least amount of stress as possible to enable them to continue spreading their enormous wing span of over three metres around the world. Follow the drama, often hilarity and sometimes tragedy of the albatross breeding season on the Department of Conservations Royal Cam.
The Yellow-Eyed Penguin/Hoiho (photo credit: Shaun Templeton).
Yellow Eyed Penguin/Hoiho and Little Blue Penguin/Kororā
I haven’t met many people that don’t find these quirky birds endearing. Perhaps it is the comical way in which they waddle to and from the ocean on a daily basis, or the soap opera style lives they lead when it comes to finding, securing and keeping a mate! Either way, I have no doubt that you will fall in love with either the Yellow Eyed Penguin/Hoiho and the world’s smallest penguin the Little Blue Penguin/Kororā, both of which can be found and observed on the Otago Peninsula. Sadly, both species are threatened and at risk but the people of Dunedin don’t just sit idly by. Initiatives like Penguin Place, a private conservation area rely solely on their tours to fund the conservation of the Yellow Eyed – including restoration of habitat, predator control and a rehabilitation centre for sick and injured birds.
An adult male and two juvenile male NZ Sealions, previously known as the Hooker’s Sea Lion.
New Zealand Fur Seal/Kekeno & New Zealand sea lion / rāpoka / whakahao
The New Zealand Fur Seal is sometimes mistaken for its larger neighbour the New Zealand Sea Lion, but there are some distinct differences that will help you identify which is which:
1. The fur seal is found in abundance all around the Otago peninsula, the sea lion is endangered with an albeit increasing, but much smaller population.
2. The fur seal is distinctly smaller than the sea lion.
3. Both male and female fur seals have a pointy nose unlike the sea lion.
4. Seals prefer rocky outcrops to sunbathe, whereas sealions will often be seen lying on one of Dunedin’s many sandy beaches.
Recently there have been instances of the public attempting to interact with these animals, so if you are visiting Dunedin please take the time to read here about why you must leave them be, and tips on how to deal with an encounter with a sea lion.
New Zealand Marine Studies Centre
It should come as no surprise, given that we live right on the doorstep of the South Pacific Ocean and that we are home to New Zealand’s first university, that we have a marine studies centre. The New Zealand Marine Studies Centre is located at Portobello, a beautiful 20 minute drive from Dunedin city.
The University of Otago uses this as their practical base to conduct research, but also as a way to showcase local marine life and to educate. The centre is no longer open to the public but during the ‘Wild Dunedin – New Zealand Festival of Nature‘, there are sessions open to the public where you can join a marine scientist to find out about marine food webs and who eats what in the ocean in ‘Wild Food Webs and Fishy Feasts.’
The reintroduction of Kaka at Orokonui Ecosanctuary is believed to be the first to the South Island mainland.
Orokonui Ecosanctuary
Across the harbour from the Otago Peninsula is another remarkable, locally led conservation project – the Orokonui Ecosanctuary. Over 300 hectares of native New Zealand bush has been eradicated of predators and due to a predator proof fence is now home to an ever increasing population of native NZ birds, reptiles and plants.
The Ecosanctuary really is an example of what happens when a idea becomes a plan, and that plan becomes a reality. Walking inside the gates of this impressive project feels very much like stepping back in time to what New Zealand would have been like prior to the arrival of humans. Tui, Bellebird, Kaka, Takahe and Kiwi are some of the many birds who have been brought to live within this sanctuary and their numbers are on the up.
If you want to get up close and personal with NZ native birds, on their terms, this place is a must. Plus, you’ll find a cafe, gift shop and plenty of educational resources available. If you’re interested in finding out just what bird you are listening to, I found this fabulous resource from DOC that provides audio for some of the songs and calls of New Zealand birds.
This little guy was plucking his feathers out around a wound site, so staff decided a onesie would provide the solution to that problem, and it did!
The Wildlife Hospital
We have a Wildlife Hospital, and if that isn’t testament enough to our claims regarding being the wildlife capital, I don’t know what is. I have not visited the hospital, so have taken this description from their website:
“The Wildlife Hospital is a partnership with Otago Polytechnic, and its School of Veterinary Nursing. We’re also collaborating with many other organisations across the community, to create opportunities for education, training and research.
Before the hospital opened, sick or injured endangered species were flown to the North Island for treatment – a journey that seriously reduced their chances of pulling through. Animals that aren’t endangered were left to either fight for themselves, or were euthanased.
A quick, local response, maximises the survival rates of all native wildlife. Ultimately, we’ll be increasing animal populations right across the lower South Island.
Up to 80% of the native species in New Zealand are now under threat of extinction, and while there are many great initiatives to reduce predators and increase safe havens for these animals, there is a pressing need to save every single one we can – right now. As habitats are slowly recovered, we need to make sure the animals are still in existence to populate them.”
A Southern Right Whale mother and calf. Photo courtesy of Steve Dawson from the University of Otago.
Southern Right Whale
When early settlers arrived in Otago they were kept awake at night by the noise created by Southern Right Whales who used the harbour as a natural nursery to safely birth their young. The name ‘right’ whale was given by the whalers who came here to hunt them as they were so easy to kill. Our history with this beautiful animal is a very sad one, at one stage the population of this species due to commercial whaling operations was down to a couple of hundred animals – thankfully now that number is in the thousands.
As the whale population increases, so do sightings around Otago. What used to be rare is now more common place as the animals take up their natural migratory routes and return to their ‘rightful’ (excuse the pun) place. University of Otago researchers have been studying the population that lives near the Auckland Islands and this will no doubt continue to assist in understanding and protecting this recovering population.
Dunedin, Otago Peninsula & harbour
Well, there we have it, and there is so much more to say on this topic that I may have to revisit it! I haven’t even mentioned the thousands of sea birds that nest along our rocky coastlines, the orca and dolphins that frequent our harbour, literally stopping traffic as people pull over in their vehicles trying to take a picture. Take a look at the ‘Wild Dunedin – NZ Festival of Nature’ programme and see all the opportunities to immerse, educate and engage yourself in. Ultimately in doing so you will help protect our precious taonga and we will be able to continue to call Dunedin, the Wildlife Capital of New Zealand.
Nicky Richardson is an International Marketing Coordinator at the University of Otago. With degrees in music and marketing, she is a recent graduate of Otago herself – she loves Otago so much she ended up getting a job here!
I attended a career presentation last week, held by the University of Otago Career Development Centre that reported on the forecasts and trends in the international market when it came to AI (artificial intelligence) and robots and the impact that this technology would have on human careers. One thing was abundantly clear, robots and AI will never replace the unique blend of characteristics and empathy that make us human. Another notable mention was that the new intake of generation Z students at Otago, are very concerned about social responsibility, and motivated to making a difference to the world. This semester the number of students volunteering through UniCrew, the University of Otago’s flagship volunteer programme, has reached an all-time high, and it’s student volunteer week this week, so let’s find out a bit more about what volunteering can do for you, the wider community and your CV!
UniCrew
UniCrew began in 2014, the idea behind it being that students get matched up with local organisations through volunteering and social impact opportunities. This would then provide a way of connecting and engaging students with the wider community, building relationships around projects and subjects that matter and getting hands on experience outside of the university lecture theatres and classrooms . Since then UniCrew has over 200 organisations registered with them, and they offer a range of long term, short term or micro one-off events that students can be involved in, plus they connect “every volunteering opportunity and community organisation to the United Nation’s global goals in the mission to leave the world at a better place by 2030. By measuring ourselves against these goals, we are able to measure our impact in the global context, find areas of development in which we can improve on and champion sustainable development by educating every young person and organisation in UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.”
What kind of volunteer work can I do?
There are so many options, whether you like the idea of getting outside and planting out trees like the UniCrew volunteers pictured above, or collecting donations for Dunedin’s Wildlife Hospital or be involved with the Yellow Eyed Penguin Trust? Or perhaps if you enjoy being around children sign up for the Reading Oasis programme, or the Garden to Table programme which teaches how to grow, harvest, prepare and share food. Longer term, short term and one off options are available and it is the intrinsic benefits that you’ll feel that will probably be the most rewarding part of this kind of work.
Volunteer work on your CV
After attending the career presentation last week, and talking with University of Otago career advisors, it is clear that volunteering work is looked at very favourably from an employer perspective. In many respects, volunteer work may be seen and used as a form of internship. Let alone the fact that the connections that you make volunteering, around subjects and projects that interest you, may very well lead you straight into the path of a future employer. Showing you are interested, giving your unpaid time to something you care about is showing initiative, social responsibility and it’s also giving you hands on experience outside of study.
Made with love
UniCrew got the call from O-Red, the student group associated with the Otago Red Cross the day after the Christchurch mosque attacks to ask “students and staff to bake, and write letters of support and thanks to Muslim and migrant families in Dunedin, and to Christchurch police and hospital staff – and they were overwhelmed by the response.
Manager of Otago’s Volunteer Centre Sze-En Watts says more than two cubic metres of baking was dropped off at OUSA Clubs and Societies building on Albany Street between 1pm and 7pm on Wednesday, as well as many letters and cards.”
Student Volunteer Week
So, if you’re interested in volunteering, or you just want to find out more about the mutual benefits it presents, the Student Volunteer fair is running today from 11am – 2pm at UniCrew Volunteers, 65 Albany Street, Dunedin, or find out more on the UniCrew website – it’s a win, win for everyone if you just take the time to find out more.
Credit to the UniCrew website and the Otago Bulletin Board for the quoted information in this blog
Nicky Richardson is an International Marketing Coordinator at the University of Otago. With degrees in music and marketing, she is a recent graduate of Otago herself – she loves Otago so much she ended up getting a job here!
.
So, you’re thinking of being brave, adventurous and independent and leaving your home country to come and study at the University of Otago? We love to see all the new and returning faces of our international students, and we also like to think that we can answer a few of the many questions you may have before you get on board that plane and take a leap of faith to come to our beautiful little corner of the world. So today’s blog focuses on where you will live when you come here, we’ve got a few options to offer accommodation wise – it all depends on what kind of living experience you are looking for, so here we go!
University Flats (Uni Flats)
Uni Flats is probably our most popular option for international students. Before I go any further I think a little translation of kiwi is necessary, a flat in New Zealand is actually accommodation, often a house like the one pictured above, which is shared with others. These flats are very close to campus so you will be right in the heart of student life. Each flatmate has their own bedroom with kitchen, bathroom, laundry and living areas as shared spaces. So you’re living pretty independently, but you’re not alone.
The S1 2019 Uni Flats rowing team came third in the inter-college rowing competition.
Any full time international student who is coming to Otago for one or two semesters can apply to live in a Uni Flat. Up to six international students live in a co-ed flat, accompanied by one or two kiwi hosts. A kiwi host is a New Zealand student, who will help you settle in to your new environment and this is one of the best ways to assimilate into a culture – by hanging out with the locals! These flats are extremely popular and are managed by the University, are autonomous but offer a supportive and pastoral care service, have plenty of recreational and social activities – so if you’re thinking of coming to Otago, make sure you apply as soon as possible.
Knox College
Residential Colleges
If you like the idea of having your breakfast, lunch and dinner prepared for you (sounds good to me), and enjoy meeting and living with lots of people, perhaps one of our residential colleges is what you need? We have 15 residential colleges at Otago that accommodate 3,500 students and plans are afoot to build more! There are so many different options, if you like the idea of a traditional, historic and architecturally impressive college, look no further than the castle like Knox College (pictured above) or Selwyn College.
Looking out across campus from Unicol
Or if you want to be right in the heart of campus St Margaret’s College is one to note, or take a look at the view from Unicol (University College) in the photo above – Unicol is our largest and possibly liveliest college. We also understand that post-graduate students may also like the care provided by a college, but aren’t quite as interested in the social aspect so we have a designated post-graduate college – Abbey College.
Private, Short Term or Temporary Accommodation
If for whatever reason you’re not interested in flatting, or living in a college, or you’re just wanting to find private accommodation, or accommodation for a short time or you have any queries our international accommodation adviser from the University of Otago Accommodation Centre can offer advice – international.accommodation@otago.ac.nz.
Dunedin flats in general require a particular mention here, recently Sarah Gallagher, of the Dunedin Flat Names Project, and Dr Ian Chapman, Senior Lecturer in Performing Arts at the University of Otago, have collaborated together to create a visually appealing and witty book entitled ‘Scarfie Flats of Dunedin’ featuring a selection of well known and lesser known named flats – yes, students have named their flats.
And remember If past domestic and international student’s testimonials are anything to go by, the time you spend at Otago, outside of classes and laboratories will no doubt lead you to new experiences, opportunities, friendships and memories that will stay with you for your lifetime. Many alumni lament and say……oh, those were the days……take me back to Otago……!
Nicky Richardson is an International Marketing Coordinator at the University of Otago. With degrees in music and marketing, she is a recent graduate of Otago herself – she loves Otago so much she ended up getting a job here!
International Women’s Day, the mere idea of this notion would have been considered ridiculous 150 years ago during the early days of Otago University. I think it is important on a day like today for everybody – men and women, to remember the women that came before. The women that literally paved the way for the women of today, and opened up doors that had been closed shut and bolted to women for time immortal. Today’s blog focuses on just a couple of these remarkable women (there are so many to mention), from the past, the present and is a reminder for the future that whilst we are still not yet on an equal playing field, much has been done and the collective attitudes of men and women including perceptions and behaviour can make a difference to future generations.
Caroline Freeman
You just cannot go past a discussion on International Women’s Day at the University of Otago without mentioning Caroline Freeman. In 1878 Caroline Freeman became the first matriculated woman to enrol at the University of Otago. At this time she lived in Green Island, which in those days required her to walk 11 kilometres after lectures in a long dress, through muddy wet tracks. Her health suffered as a result and she was forced to find accommodation in Dunedin. Her academic environment also proved to be hostile with Professor of Classics G.S. Sale, known to be a ‘veritable ogre’ to female students. A staff member once commented that had Freeman been a fighting man, rather an a studious woman, she would have been merited for her ‘pluck and perserverance.’ Caroline Freeman graduated in 1885, to a large applause with flowers thrown across the stage, and by the time of her capping 11 more women were enrolled at the university at different levels. Recognition of her courage, perserverance and passion for education was highlighted when the University of Otago named one of their residential colleges after her – Caroline Freeman College.
Emily Siedeberg
Next up on our list of those who paved the way is Emily Hancock Siedeberg. From an early age her father believed she should train as a doctor, she accepted this and the pair went through the process of enrolling her. Although the university council had already decided that medical training should be open to both women and men, her decision was certainly not celebrated – some showed enthusiasm while others were openly hostile. The dean of the Otago Medical School Dr John Scott was reluctant, but alongside other staff accepted the university’s decision so that in April 1891 Emily became a medical student, graduating in 1896 as New Zealand’s first woman medical graduate. During her time as a student she was told not to show her feelings, to keep men at a distance and not be frivolous. She went on to complete a BSc, and did postgraduate work in obstetrics, gynaecology and children’s diseases. In 1898 with considerable financial support from her father she registered as a medical practioner and set up private practice in Dunedin, which she maintained for the next 30 years.
Ethel Benjamin
Ethel Benjamin was New Zealand’s first woman lawyer – and we have to mention here that the University of Otago was the first university in Australasia to permit women to pursue a law degree – I don’t know about you, but permit? Seriously? It seems crazy now. This really shows how much these women had to fight for what is taken as a given today. Benjamin graduated with an Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in July 1897, and at her graduation she made the official reply on behalf of the graduands. This was the first time a current graduand rather than a past graduate had made the speech, and it was also the first occasion any woman had made an official speech at the university.
However the Otago District Law Society did not take kindly to a woman entering their male dominated profession. Discrimation against her included restricted access to the society’s library, an attempt to propose an alternative dress code to the wig and gown, her complete exclusion from annual bar dinners and whereas young members were usually offered support, she received little.
Vice Chancellor of the University of Otago – Professor Harlene Hayne
It is 2019 and the year that the university celebrates 150 years of education and achievement. When it comes to talking about present women at the University of Otago we cannot go past the fact that the Vice-Chancellor of our university is a woman. Effectively she is at the top of the food chain here, well above my rank and station, so I decided that Professor Hayne could probably address her own thoughts on International Women’s Day herself, in her own words, this excerpt was taken from the VC’s Comment – Issue 42. of the Otago Magazine:
Since my appointment as Vice-Chancellor in 2011, much has been made about my gender. I was the first woman to lead the Psychology Department at the University of Otago and the first woman to become a Deputy Vice-Chancellor. I am the first woman to be the Vice-Chancellor at the University of Otago and only the second woman to become a Vice-Chancellor in New Zealand.
Every time the issue of my gender is raised, however, it takes me by surprise. In the course of my own academic career, my gender has never been an issue. I have never felt that people have expected less of me because I am a woman, and I never felt that a glass ceiling prevented me from pursuing my goals and aspirations.
When I was growing up, my father used to tell me that girls could do anything. At Otago, I have certainly found that to be true. In this way, my own career has been remarkably gender blind.
But I recognise that the privilege of gender blindness is due, in part, to the historical period in which I live and to the places in which I have been lucky enough to grow up, study and work. I know too that I owe a huge debt of gratitude to those women who came before me.
As a university, we have a very proud history when it comes to women.
Dr Carla Meledandri
Dr Carla Meledandri from the Department of Chemistry is an expert in nanoscience, the world’s smallest particles, working at a scale of billionths of a metre. But don’t be fooled by her tiny content, she and her colleagues are looking to tackle the world’s largest problems – ranging from dental decay to climate change.
“Pushing the boundaries of fundamental research is vital – taking what we have found and applying it to solve problems follows on.”
Her expertise in nanoscience, working at a scale of billionths of a metre, helped win her the 2017 Prime Minister’s MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize, the latest in a series of research awards.
Interdisciplinary collaborations with the Faculty of Dentistry have enabled the development of new materials designed to treat some of the causes of oral disease rather than the symptoms, hopefully leading to reduced costs and improving health worldwide.
The Future?
What about the women of the future? The young women like the ones pictured above who are exploring the world, educating themselves and finding out what makes them tick? Well, their future (and those of us who are somewhat further down the life journey) is down to all of us, men and women. We must learn from the past – celebrate success, challenge stereotypes, support each other, don’t accept pay inequality and not settle for anything less than our male counterparts, and that takes all of us. It’s all about balance. Happy International Women’s Day!
Special note to Te Ara – the Encyclopaedia of New Zealand for much of the historical content.
Nicky Richardson is an International Marketing Coordinator at the University of Otago. With degrees in music and marketing, she is a recent graduate of Otago herself – she loves Otago so much she ended up getting a job here!
Food, glorious food…..it is something we all need and hopefully enjoy, and no longer is today’s consumer happy with something that is bland, boring and and tasteless……today’s consumer demands fresh, innovative food and really good coffee……so what is available to you within 5 minutes of the University of Otago campus? I went for a bit of a stroll today to let you see the food outlets that we think are worth a mention.
Te Mātiti
Te Mātiti is the University of Otago’s new kid on the block. It is located in the newly refurbished Otago Business School, and offers a range of food and coffee prepared by the University Union, our in house catering and food suppliers. It’s a pretty awesome space within the large open plan ground floor of the business school and large glass windows that look out to the Leith river below make it feel light and airy – plus, they’re a friendly bunch that work here. The University of Otago operations manager was recently awarded a special He Toki award for introducing bilingual signage so that you can order your coffee in te reo – from a mowai (flat white) to a ratei tiai (chai latte) at Te Mātiti and seven of the nine cafes on campus! Ka pai!
Sushi Station
Slightly reluctantly the lovely owner of Sushi Station agreed to let me take his picture……he is always on hand with a smile and to open the door for you, and ensures that there is a steady stream of food coming from the busy kitchen. Sushi Station is located on Albany Street, directly opposite our central library and popular choices to takeaway include rice balls, bento boxes, dumplings and pokē bowls. But if you’re wanting something a little more substantial, they have a hot menu that, not that we are into naming names, is very popular with Highlanders Rugby Team and the Volts (our cricket team) players and management and you will often see them dining in at Sushi Station. The decor is cute, with little flower boxes in the window and the queue often extends out onto the footpath, a clear sign this little business is a winner.
Formosa Delight
Like quite a few things in our little city, Formosa Delight is a very humble looking little cafe from the outside – but do not let this appearance deceive you. Staff and students alike flock to this little cafe in Albany Street that serves up predominantly vegan or vegetarian Taiwanese food. The herbs, salad greens, kale and garlic chives are grown by owner Beatrice Lin (pictured here) in her large organic garden, the eggs are from her free range hens, plus all the food served by Beatrice and her husband is made from scratch. I have had the pleasure of dining here and I can definitely recommend paying this quiet little eatery a visit.
Fluid Espresso
This is another favourite for staff and students, just a block from campus and you’ll find this little stunner. Again, another passionate group of people at Fluid Espresso making the food predominantly from scratch with super fresh ingredients. INCREDIBLE cabinet selection of beautiful sweet treats, but also a really good range of fresh salads, wraps and bagels. Pictured here are their smoothies, and if you’re a coffee drinker apparently these guys know how to make a good brew. They also stock a few small gift items and the space is beautifully decorated and accessorised without being intimidating. Again, awesome and friendly service.
Dispensary Cafe
One of Dunedin’s little hidden gems, this tiny cafe could easily be missed if you didn’t know it was there, but the locals know all about it and you’ll see a busy line of people buzzing in and out throughout the day. Again located on Albany Street, the Dispensary Cafe is fresh, great scones (apparently you have to get in early) and slices, light and airy and by all reports provides great coffee……I am not a coffee drinker so I can only go on the feedback of others – my colleagues in the office next door are hooked on the stuff, so if they go there, it must be good.
Food Trucks
You’ll find a range of food trucks in Dunedin both on campus and dotted around the city, including these guys ‘Jian bing’ who serve a Chinese savoury crepe, they’re neighbours to ‘Rising Sun Dumplings’ whose $6 for five pork or vegetarian dumplings and fried rice have fuelled many a student during their time at Otago. Plus, Hussey & Laredo are currently around the corner in their sunny yellow caravan and serve up coffee, and locally sourced produce to make their gorgeous haloumi bagels amongst other things. Citizens Food Truck regularly parks up on the museum reserve serving bao buns and loaded fries – yup they’re loaded alright, with cheese or gravy.
The Good Earth Cafe
Another little cafe that attracts the staff and students of the university, the Good Earth Cafe is housed in a typically Dunedin styled old historic building. Once again this cafe provides a warm, friendly vibe and offers a range of organic, free range and made from scratch food. It has little tables for days like today when the sun is shining and provides a comforting country style/home atmosphere with vases of fresh flowers laid out on the mismatched vintage wooden chairs and tables.
So there you have it, the top 7 places to eat around campus, but don’t take our word for it, try them yourself. We have only scratched the surface on eateries in Dunedin, and we will take you on another food journey in a later blog, but rest assured if you are a student or staff member at the University of Otago there is a range of options to satisfy whatever your taste buds are after.
Thanks to Dunedinnz.com for imagery and content on Formosa Delight.
Nicky Richardson is an International Marketing Coordinator at the University of Otago. With degrees in music and marketing, she is a recent graduate of Otago herself – she loves Otago so much she ended up getting a job here!
