Make connections

There is plenty to do at the University. Feel free to get amongst it and join some of the numerous social events and groups that the University has to offer. Here are just a few to get you started, and you can find out about official events here.

Uni Ukes

The University’s very own Ukulele band! There is even opportunity to travel and represent the University at ukulele festivals.

Key contact: jennifer.cattermole@otago.ac.nz

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Otago Bulletin

The Otago Bulletin is an online community information source for staff and Postgraduate students.

Find out more about the bulletin here.

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Te Poutama Māori

Te Poutama Māori was originally called the Māori Academic Staff Caucus and is an independent initiative for Māori academic staff to support one another at the University of Otago. We are also committed to supporting research and teaching excellence attuned to Māori values and aspirations on campus.

If you are interested in joining, please email te.poutamamaori@otago.ac.nz

Find out more here.

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Te Puaka Rearea

Affiliated with Te Poutama Māori, Te Puaka Rearea is a peer-support rōpū for self-identified early and mid-career researchers (despite whether their formal job description includes dedicated research time or not) who whakapapa Māori.

If you are interested in joining, please email alana.alexander@otago.ac.nz or julia.wilson@otago.ac.nz

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Staff Women’s Caucus

Staff Women’s Caucus facilitates social and collegial contact among women employed by the University. We provide a forum for discussing common interests, affirming, supporting and strengthening the role of women in the University community.

Wanting to find out more or to join Staff Women’s Caucus, click​​​​ here.

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Rainbow Network

As well as being Rainbow Tick certified since 2018, the University of Otago has a vibrant Rainbow Staff Network. As a University, we are committed to equity as a fundamental value of the organisation.

You can find out more here​​​​.

Key contact: rainbow@otago.ac.nz

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Green your Scene

Help make positive changes at the University and be part of something more with Green Your Scene. Get amongst it and become part of the collective impact.

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He Kaupapa Hononga

He Kaupapa Hononga is a network of University of Otago researchers and collaborators interested in climate change and its impacts. We support interdisciplinary research that utilises and integrates knowledge from a range of sources, including mātauranga Māori – because climate change is a complicated, multifaceted process that requires a united approach at many different levels to achieve the best outcomes possible. Come join us.

Key contact: hekaupapa.hononga@otago.ac.nz​​​​​​​

https://youtu.be/0F6QzMZfzbk

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Wellington U-OWLS

For staff in Wellington, you could join the U-OWLS. A social group made up of University staff who meet for various social and sporting events.

Key contact: u-owls.uow@otago.ac.nz

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