2024 news

Despite a challenging economic year, Treasury’s Half-Year Economic and Fiscal Update shows cautious optimism for 2025, with lower interest rates and unemployment stabilising below expectations. 

One of the biggest mysteries in science doesn’t actually exist, according to Kiwi researchers looking to solve the riddle of how the universe is expanding.

A University of Canterbury (UC) survey reveals promising trends in sustainable travel, showcasing the effectiveness of cohesive transport policies. 

The University of Canterbury is now home to a new hub aimed at increasing cooperation and security in the Pacific region.

An international study found one in five employees report feeling lonely at work, and being in the office isn’t the key solution finds researchers from UC and the Institute for Life at Work. 

A new University of Canterbury study reveals surprising differences in pipefish, where males carry the young, defying evolutionary norms.

Nearly $600,000 has been awarded to UC researchers for projects that aim to transform early childhood and science education in New Zealand.

A UC student research team have found that across Christchurch, for the median property, cycleways located within one kilometre increased property value by $1000.

Apirana Taylor, 2024 Prime Minister’s Award for Literary Achievement in Poetry recipient, launches 'in the cracks of light' with Canterbury University Press.

Congratulations to the 2025 University of Canterbury (UC) Young New Zealander of the Year (YNZOTY) Te Mātātahi o te Tau Award semi-finalists.

Of 1,751 tertiary institutions UC has ranked second in Aotearoa New Zealand and 78 globally in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025. 

Eye-tracking technology will be used in new University of Canterbury research, comparing the skills of forensic scientists with ‘super-matcher’ novices.

A galactic mystery could soon be solved if University of Canterbury researchers are able to pinpoint the source of lightning-fast cosmic rays.

The University of Canterbury’s annual ‘Redesign with Waste Challenge’ inspires students to transform waste into innovative opportunities. 

Acclaimed international author Sarah Quigley is returning to her alma mater next year as an Ursula Bethell Writer in Residence.

An innovative project to help UC Faculty of Law staff boost their bicultural competency has won the 2024 UC Hapori Community of Practice Award. 

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) scholarship offering like no other in New Zealand has been awarded to three emerging Canterbury business leaders.  

Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) was proud to host the fifth annual NZ-China Early Childhood Education (ECE) Symposium this week.

New Zealand’s 2024 gas shortage wasn’t caused by the 2018 offshore exploration ban, says UC Associate Professor David Dempsey.

UC Civil and Natural Resources Senior Lecturer Dr Rebecca Peer shares her observations after attending climate change conference COP29 in Azerbaijan this month. 

By expanding its Clinical Psychology programme to train more mental health professionals, UC is addressing the country’s growing healthcare needs.

Excited tamariki from across Waitaha Canterbury donned academic gowns for the 2024 Te Mātāpuna Mātātahi | Children’s University graduation ceremonies. 

Celebrating 20 years since its founding, the University of Canterbury’s (UC) GeoHealth Laboratory remains a unique resource in the Southern Hemisphere. 

UC celebrated the outstanding contributions of academic and professional staff at Hui Whakamānawa | Celebration of Success on Wednesday. 

UC has celebrated its newly appointed professors and the achievements of its academic and professional staff at Hui Whakamānawa | Celebration of Success.

A new University of Canterbury scholarship will honour a well-known civil engineer, while supporting postgraduate students following in his footsteps.

From a boy who blew up model cars with firecrackers to an international expert on fire engineering, Charley Fleischman has built his career around fire safety.  

Children who move into more deprived neighbourhoods are more likely to experience mental health issues as teenagers, according to Canterbury research.

Green hydrogen, hailed as the “Swiss army knife” of decarbonisation, could transform New Zealand’s industries, but significant hurdles remain.  

Newly appointed UC Emeritus Professor Stephen Todd shares his legal expertise in a soon-to-be-published children’s book on quirky and unusual legal dilemmas.

UC students are returning to Tonga to train locals in biomedical skills, building self-sufficient healthcare solutions.

We received many amazing essays in our 2024 round of Essay Prizes.

Here are the winners!

Why is New Zealand withholding crucial Covid-19 inquiry findings until 2026? 

Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) is celebrating the success of three outstanding researchers awarded 2024 Mana Tūāpapa Future Leader Fellowships by the Royal Society Te Apārangi.

Having significantly influenced counter-colonial Māori philosophy, Professor Carl Mika (Tuhourangi, Ngāti Whanaunga) explores the impact of colonisation on Māori views of the world. 

Professor Philippa Martin has won the 2024 UC Teaching Medal for transforming engineering education to support greater diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Helping people put food first is a mission for Professor Julia Rucklidge who has become a pioneer in the field of mental health and nutrition.

After more than a decade trapped in a secret man-made WWII cavern, a unique laser that connects New Zealand and Germany has been rescued and restored.

Professor Natalia Chaban has won the Royal Society Te Apārangi Mason Durie Medal for her research on perceptions in international relations and public diplomacy. 

Ground-breaking mathematical research has earned UC’s Distinguished Professor Charles Semple FRSNZ the Royal Society Te Apārangi Hector Medal.

The Indo-Pacific: a concept driving global politics toward tension, not just a geographical region.

Why is New Zealand withholding crucial Covid-19 inquiry findings until 2026?

A team of UC students are in Japan for the global Heart Hackathon, a competition to build a fully operational artificial heart.

Canterbury business leaders gathered on Monday to explore UC’s new Engineering strategy and discuss opportunities for innovation and partnership.

A long-running education initiative that has given hundreds of Kiwi teachers the chance to experience life in a Samoan village is now the subject of new research.

Opinion: Dr Dalila Gharbaoui, Adjunct Research Fellow at the University of Canterbury forecasts the big issues at COP29. 

Bicultural competency in education is fundamental, but what does that look like when you teach a subject focused on a society nearly 3000 years old? 

UC Research Medal winner Professor Dan Zhao advances clean energy and drone technology with his innovative research in aerodynamics and carbon-free solutions.

Dr. Rachel Williamson shares her thoughts on the 2024 film Audrey in a new article for The Conversation. 

UC Distinguished Professor Steven Ratuva will present findings from the largest study of climate adaptation in the Pacific region at COP29 on 11 November. 

UC has been given two new innovative solar-energy systems for its Ilam campus, to allow students to engage with state-of-the-art renewable energy technologies.

UC’s Child Well-being Research Institute Director, Professor Gail Gillon, has been appointed Education Commissioner for the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO. 

Sports law, land law and the legal fall-out of natural disasters such as the Canterbury earthquakes are specialty areas for a retiring Emeritus Professor. 

University of Canterbury research developing a new type of high-strength glass that could revolutionise LED lighting and solar energy has won a $941,000 funding boost. 

Professor Milo Kral has received the title of Emeritus Professor in recognition of a significant and lasting impact on UC and the wider Engineering community.

New Zealand, along with other Commonwealth nations, have committed to bold actions to protect the ocean, as outlined in the Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration. 

The government wants a ‘structured literacy approach’ to teaching reading at school. Hear from an expert about the literacy initiative working for all children.

Presidential candidate Kamala Harris stands to reshape female leadership – can the United States embrace a new vision of power?

From working as a nurse to leading the Health faculty of a large university, Associate Professor Cathy Andrew has always been committed to helping people thrive.

Two UC academics received awards at Aotearoa Business and Economics Research Translation Competition hosted by Te Kura Umanga | UC Business School. 

Statistics show over half the global population spends more than 2.5 hours daily on social media, UC research has looked at the psychological drivers and concerns behind excessive social media use.

Professor Catherine Moran chats with THE’s Eliza Compton to discuss how universities ensure students are safe and supported.

A new scholarship initiated by Dame Jacinda Ardern offers educational opportunities to people impacted by the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings.

UC welcomes Kiri and Lou animators to its Kōawa precinct, where the team has established a new studio for the production of their upcoming feature film.

Warzone bystanders are often mistaken for enemies and ‘acceptable collateral damage’, which could explain the high rate of civilian casualties according to new international research.

UC Pro-Vice-Chancellor Distinguished Professor Steven Ratuva is among the 12 eminent Pacific Island scholars elected as Foundation Fellows to the new Academy.

New UC research into social media use could revolutionise how New Zealand’s premium gourmet foods, such as wine, truffles, and beef, reach global markets. 

Just in time for study break, UC’s biodiversity meadow is blooming back, building on the success of last year’s pilot project and boosting spirits on campus. 

Following the release of its third Pacific Strategy, the University of Canterbury is celebrating stronger ties with its Pacific neighbours.

Tuihono UC | UC Online has partnered with the Institute of Data to offer three new part-time courses focused on bridging the technology skills gap in Aotearoa.

Discover why Aotearoa is sending experiments into space at UC’s out-of-this-world public talk by the woman who sent NZ’s first experiment to orbit Earth.

UC's approach to minimising risks in work-integrated learning enhances safety for students, staff, and host organisations.

As global meat consumption looks set to double by 2050, University of Canterbury research seeks ways to make protein transition painless.

Trailblazing UC digital education leader Professor Cheryl Brown has been appointed a Chair of the Commonwealth of Learning (COL).

UC researchers are contributing to ambitious plans to produce commercially viable, low carbon biofeedstock using local geothermal resources and microorganisms.

New research shows people reject freebies and cheap deals for fear of hidden costs globally.

More University of Canterbury staff and students are choosing to bus or bike to campus, according to a new survey.

The award winning powdered-oat milk brand Teiny, launching in supermarkets in 2025, wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for flight cancellations during covid lockdowns.  

Two standout innovators from Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) were celebrated at the 12th annual KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Awards.

UC research is driving sustainable growth in New Zealand’s premium food industry, adding value and tackling global challenges.

The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025 were released today, featuring 2,092 universities from 155 countries and regions worldwide.

In the icy waters of Antarctica, seals are providing critical data to UC researchers to understand pressing questions about climate change.

UC has won Best in Future of Enterprise Intelligence at the IDC Future Enterprise Awards ANZ, recognising its commitment to technological innovation in education.

Creating a Winning Final Year Design Project.

A Christchurch programme is getting Pacific children excited about healthy eating by helping them and their families grow fresh food in community gardens.

Food resilience means everyone has access to nutritious food. At UC, we are striving to tackle food insecurity through projects such as the edible campus.

A new book by acclaimed poet Jeffrey Paparoa Holman, 'Lily, Oh Lily: Searching for a Nazi Ghost', explores how family histories illuminate both past and present.

A new dataset created by UC researchers gives novel insight into temperature trends across remote areas of Antarctica.

The University recently welcomed international agents for an exclusive event demonstrating the best of its offerings, and its globally lauded student city.

A new project seeks to improve weather prediction models and environmental data collection of polar regions to enhance operational safety and reduce environmental risks.

Richard Taylor, co-founder and creative director of NZ’s legendary Wētā Workshop, presented UC’s Hopkins Lecture last night.

A chemistry educator’s gift will fund advanced learning tools for chemistry students at UC, continuing his legacy of supporting education and innovation.

This obituary is posted on behalf of and with permission of Brian McLay’s son, Geoff McLay.

UC welcomed the Ōtautahi Christchurch community for a special screening of international film ‘Our Blue World – A Water Odyssey’ last night.  

A UC academic has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to tertiary teaching and his inspiring approach of blending sport and mātauranga Māori.  

A UC PhD candidate is contributing to groundbreaking research to determine whether current Aotearoa New Zealand food policies promote healthy, sustainable diets. 

Ontario’s closure of youth detention facilities has not resulted in more support for young people in Canada.

UC will host THE Campus Live ANZ 2025, uniting university leaders from Aotearoa and Australia to explore how to transform higher education for modern learners.

Groundbreaking research suggests cannabis use during pregnancy is directly linked to negative impacts on babies’ brain development.

UC research is investigating gardening and cultivating food as a solution to food insecurity.  

Professor Joce Nuttall has returned from across the Tasman to lead the University of Canterbury (UC) Faculty of Education, where her academic career began. 

New research from the University of Canterbury is paving the way for New Zealand to emerge as a global leader in the Wagyu beef industry.

The 2024 Illuminate Festival was held at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens in September. 

A new device that purifies water cheaply and efficiently could revolutionise hydroponic growing and make farming more sustainable in a changing world.

UC’s annual Trading Competition saw 175 teams navigate global markets using virtual funds, with top students achieving ROI of 334%.

UC researchers are developing an approach to ensure the resilience, sustainability, and profitability of Aotearoa New Zealand’s future of food supply.

UC has announced the establishment of a new scholarship, made possible by the continuing generosity of UC graduate and donor John Rutherford.

As we celebrate Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, UC Professor Jeanette King reflects on the progress made and looks forward to a future where te reo Māori thrives.  

A groundbreaking student-led collaboration with CSO premieres in September, featuring a cyclical musical journey inspired by Lewis Carroll’s poetry.

Innovative UC research aiming to remove megatonnes of carbon from the atmosphere each year has received a $10 million grant from the Government. 

UC’s newest artist-in-residence aims to explore the Pacific diaspora through video and photography at local tourist spots. 

Three UC people have been named finalists in the KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Awards 2024.

The ozone hole above Antarctica will keep opening up each spring for decades to come – here’s why that still matters

University of Canterbury (UC) graduate Alli Kennedy has brought to life her innovative board game, Sharenanigans, from an idea she developed while studying. 

Last night, 20 talks were held across 10 bar venues throughout Ōtautahi Christchurch.

To celebrate International Literacy Day, UC’s Child Well-being Research Institute (CWRI) is launching the second national Mokopuna Ora literacy competition.

Journalism during wartime is difficult, dangerous, and ethically fraught, but it’s also essential if the public are to know what’s going on. 

Congratulations to all our Pacific students celebrating graduation this week.

Congratulations to all ākonga Māori celebrating graduation this week.

Congratulations to all our students celebrating graduation this week.

Are you thinking of Postgraduate study in 2025? We have a number of Postgraduate Scholarships closing mainly between 15 October and 2 December for study in 2025.

A Literacy Symposium Programme was hosted on Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) campus this week. 

UC education expertise has been instrumental in increasing equity and reducing the damaging practice of streaming children in schools.

Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) is proud to host Hui Taumata Hangarau | Tertiary Information Computer Technology (ICT) Conference 2024.

Climate Change Commission Chair and former UC Vice-Chancellor, Dr Rod Carr spoke at UC Business School recently.         

This week, Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) hosted Rongo o te Wā, a two-day conference for Careers Advisors (Cas).

UC has hosted its biggest-ever Open Day, with several thousand people arriving to explore the University’s Ilam and Dovedale campuses.

Secondary school students engage with authors and poets, highlighting UC's commitment to creativity and community. 

New Zealand’s small businesses are encouraged to trade internationally but may be unknowingly taking huge legal risks, a UC human rights expert says. 

Join us at Raising the Bar 2024 and see University of Canterbury lecturers in action at your local pub. 

An alum turned accessibility advocate is helping UC’s Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities and the wider heritage community to enhance accessibility.

A team of Kiwi students are taking their concept for a new device to detect a common infection in cattle to the world’s biggest synthetic biology competition.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, International Relations and Education and now working as an Advisor for the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, Okirano Tilaia is one to watch. 

A journey of curiosity, a love for life and a passion for learning has culminated in a doctorate for UC graduate, Emma Maurice. 

Studying Clinical Psychology at UC enabled a graduate Bruno Unger to make his passion a career and continue his family’s legacy.

While some of us struggle with the basics of mathematics, UC PhD graduate Dr Gerry Toft trains artificial intelligence (AI) in advanced math concepts. 

A new UC business graduate has turned her enthusiasm for new experiences, community building, and advocacy into award-winning success, and a job she loves.

Described as among the top 1% of Physics doctoral graduates in the world, UC’s Dr Samantha Alloo has already won a string of international awards by age 25.

Many organisations are adopting Māori values, but UC research suggests Aotearoa could go further in exploring the benefits of an Indigenous economies approach.

Psychology students who signed up to a new wellbeing course at UC might not have expected to be stepping into ice baths.

Once uncertain about her future due to an autoimmune disease, Zakkaia Waipouri is now among the first to graduate with a Criminal Justice certificate through UC Online.

Wanting to help Pacific and Māori students succeed in education as well as in sport motivated Ratu Lolohea to tackle a postgraduate degree. 

New research reveals a concerning shift in Antarctic Treaty decision-making in the face of rising environmental and governance issues in the region. 

A tertiary sector climate adaptation analysis modelling future scenarios at different levels of global warming is a national sustainability award contender. 

UC students joined an early morning dance party as part of UC’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) awareness month.

[Opinion] The Government's plan to reverse the oil & gas ban faces investor scepticism, environmental concerns, and economic risks.

Growing up in Germany in the 1980s meant Professor Petra Butler witnessed first-hand the impact of inequality and loss of personal freedom.

Rewiring your brain, the menstrual cycle, and a fashion emergency are some of the captivating topics presented at UC’s Research Student Showcase held last night. 

A UC electrical and global humanitarian engineering student is on a mission to bring New Zealand youth to the United Nations (UN). 

The theme for the 2024 Engineering Education conference, ‘The Engineer and the World’, reflects the changing graduate landscape for engineering and focuses on sustainability education for students through the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).   

A long-standing writers residency programme at UC has nurtured numerous Kiwi writers who feature in and contribute to WORD ​Christchurch 2024​ festival.

Researchers say the extent to which children’s worries lead to positive action for change or immobilised fear depends on how sustainability learning is framed.

UC Arts adjunct Glenn Busch has published a retrospective of his influential photography titled A Man Holds a Fish.

[Opinion] The numbers don’t add up: why the government needs to slow down on sweeping changes to NZ’s maths curriculum.

[Opinion] The failure of a hydrogen truck deal and the removal of a major government rebate has cast doubt on New Zealand’s hydrogen energy transition.

Ōtautahi Christchurch is rated a Top 100 Best Student City. UC’s Brett Berquist highlights its unique global appeal to students.

The Health Research Council has announced five recipients from the University of Canterbury who have been awarded grants for their research.

UC students participated in an immersive campus activity to explore the SDGs and their interconnectedness, leading to unexpected results.

UC’s 2024 Volunteering Expo featured twenty-six not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) offering a range of volunteering opportunities to staff and students. 

High school students around the world are now able to access a new learning module that combines practical engineering knowledge with Pacific perspectives. 

The decline in doctoral candidates at New Zealand universities is concerning for the country’s ambitions for a knowledge-based economy.

Two UC research projects have received funding to investigate specific impacts of Parkinson’s disease and Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Have a go at entering one or more of our three Essay Prizes and get yourself some extra cash!

Dr Kaaren Mathias coordinated an international team studying the value of community mental health assets in Ghana, India, Occupied Palestine and South Africa.

The University of Canterbury is enhancing collaboration and innovation through a new framework designed to support Communities of Practice (CoPs).

UC Associate Professor Laura Revell has been elected to the International Ozone Commission (IO3C), one of only 30 scientists to be chosen globally. 

UC’s Professor Ben Kennedy explains in THE Campus+ why going out to share knowledge in schools is a "triple win" for universities, schools, and society.

The government is seeking feedback on a proposal to regulate carbon capture, use, and storage in Aotearoa.

A new, world-first study has used imaging technology to reveal the largest differences yet discovered in the structures of male and female brains.

A new research project will explore whether children’s use of digital devices influences their behaviour growing up. 

What can the stars reveal about the secrets of the Milky Way? Learn about Galactic Archaeology in an upcoming UC public talk with an astroinformatics expert.

What are the wider implications of our receding glaciers and melting snowcaps? Associate Professor Heather Purdie will discuss the global issue in a free talk.

A Canterbury-developed structured literacy program, delivering impressive results for New Zealand children, aims for nationwide use and global reach.

‘Education outside the classroom’ (EOTC) provides valuable experiences for students, but also imposes significant demands on teachers. 

The UC team beat 17 opponent universities on the Gold Coast to win the Oceania Qualifiers and earn a spot at the FISU World University Cup in China in November.