Policy, Management & People

1. WITT… staff and students have started an online petition in support of CE Richard Handley, who will step down in July.
2. John Key… repeated comments about an extension of the apprenticeship scheme at his first speech of the year (Gisborne Herald).
3. VC Departure Victoria’s VC Prof Pat Walsh won’t seek a third term at the end of 2013 (TelstraClear, Fairfax), and VUWSA has thanked him for his hard work.
4. Massey… has opened a new sporting academy for youth.
5. AgITO… to run an agricultural training project in Chile.
6. Extras: Lincoln to reform its portfolio of qualifications.

Research & Innovation

1. Dentist Anxiety Otago Uni’s Lyndie Foster Page says a new drill-less method of treating tooth decay reduces children’s anxiety about going to the dentist (NZ Herald, ODT, Newstalk ZB).
2. Cat-Borne Disease Auckland Uni ‘s Mark Thomas says chronic taxoplasmosis may have more serious effects than previously thought (NZ Herald, TVNZ, Fairfax).
3. Punitive Approaches Victoria’s Prof John Pratt has authored a book on different approaches to crime and punishment.
4. Christchurch Suburbs A Canterbury student has looked at the post-quake difference and similarities between Aranui and Sumner (Fairfax).
5. Artefacts 18 boxes of artefacts have been found under the Isaac Theatre Royal and info will be published through Canterbury’s digital repository.
6. Extras: AUT’s Prof Stephen Teo on engaged employees; Canterbury’s Dean Helton investigating worker distraction; WITT to host cyanobacteria exhibition.

Public Issues

1. Postgrad Studies This opinion piece says growing strengths in postgrad research and applied skills is a “bright spot” for Dunedin.
2. SDHB Otago Uni’s Prof Rex Ahdar says the SDHB should be protected from legal challenge over recent decision.
3. Maori Suicide Otago Uni’s Keri Lawson-Te Aho sees a need for a shift in focus regarding Maori suicide.
4. Wild Bees Canterbury’s Prof Jason Tylianakis says declining bee populations could have a profound effect on NZ’s food production (NZ Herald, TelstraClear).
5. Cycling Lanes… should be swapped with carparks so cyclists are further from the road, says Canterbury’s Simon Kingham.
6. Extras: Otago Uni’s Prof Andrew Geddis urging Govt to convene Bain claim panel.

Students

1. Nepal An Otago Uni med student reflects on her experience of rural medicine in Nepal.
2. Extras: AUT student rugby sevens player.

Stakeholders

1. Honorary Prof Chinese animal agriculture specialist Runlin Ma has been made an honorary professor by Massey.
2. Marlborough… business reps visited Canterbury and CPIT recently.
3. Extras: UCOL-built house moving to Carterton; MIT hosting X-Factor auditions.

Teaching & Learning

1. Earthquake Engineers Canterbury will run a specialist postgrad earthquake engineering course in response to demand for the city’s rebuild (NZ Herald, Radio NZ, Fairfax).
2. Walking to Work An AUT student’s daily walk to work is the focus of his Masters of Art and Design.
3. Playwright Massey’s Angie Farrow has won first prize in a Canadian international playwriting competition.
4. Chef Comp An AUT culinary arts student will travel to Melbourne in Feb to compete in the 2013 Fonterra Proud to be a Chef final.
5. Extras: Waikato student heading to Canada for CaseIT comp.