University of Waikato Update

Tuesday October 17

This weekly update is supplied by the University of Waikato’s media relations team.

GO-AHEAD FOR AMBITIOUS CAMPUS DEVELOPMENT
Waikato University is to embark on an ambitious $55 million capital works programme to build a landmark, one-stop-shop student “hub” at the heart of the campus, and a new facility to house the Law and Management Schools. It is also planning an expanded presence for its Tauranga campus. Media releases attached.
Contact: Liz Glasgow, ph 021 2699440.

NUMBERS STACK UP FOR WAIKATO UNI COMMERCIALISATION
A new initiative to benchmark Waikato University’s commercialisation performance against the best in the US shows it is more efficient at turning research funding into commercial results than all the high profile US universities. Media release attached.
Contact: Mark Stuart, ph 07-838 4307. Email: mstuart@waikatolink.co.nz

CULT COUTURE STAR
Waikato University lecturer Donna Campbell won the Supreme Award at the outstanding Villa Maria Cult Couture 2006 event, held in Auckland at the weekend. Cult Couture melds art, culture and high fashion to create a wearable taonga. Donna is a lecturer in the School of Maori and Pacific Development.
Contact: Louise Tainui, ph 07-838 4960. Email: ltainui@waikato.ac.nz

HIKOI AIMS TO LIFT MAORI COLLEGE STUDENTS’ SIGHTS
A roadshow taking an inspirational programme of speakers, music and activities to Auckland and Northland secondary schools is happening this week, with the aim of motivating Maori students to excel in NCEA exams and chart an exciting future for themselves. Fact sheet attached.
Contact: Duke Boon, ph 021-022 76935

SCIENCE IN THE PUB: UNPACK THE MYSTERIES OF DNA
Nearly every cell in the human body contains two metres of DNA. Yet each cell is only a few millionths of a metre across. Waikato University scientist Vic Arcus will explain how this miracle of packaging happens and why it’s so important at this week’s Café Scientifique. The cafés provide an opportunity for the public to meet and talk with scientists about scientific issues. Tuesday 17 October, 7.30pm at Hamilton's Cardiff Arms. Website: http://sci.waikato.ac.nz/news/Lectures/CafeScientifique.shtml
Contact: Ph Alison Campbell, 07-838 4798. Email: acampbel@waikato.ac.nz.

ENVIRONMENTAL SYMPOSIUM A FIRST
Researchers in the areas of environment and sustainability will take part in the inaugural Waikato University Environmental Symposium to be held this Wednesday. Staff from the biology, chemistry, earth and ocean sciences, economics, education and geography departments will talk about their work in 20 minute presentations. The Symposium is an opportunity to meet leading researchers in this area. Programme attached.
Contact: Chris Eames, Ph 07-838 4357. Email: c.eames@waikato.ac.nz

STUDENTS FLOCK TO CHEM QUEST
More than 150 high school science students from around the Waikato will take part in this Wednesday’s Chemquest at Waikato University. Organised by the Department of Chemistry, the annual event puts Year 12 chemistry students through their paces by testing their knowledge in four rounds – Periodic Puzzlers, Sensing the Senses, The Wide World of Chemistry and Demon Demos. Students compete for prize money, medals and a trophy and all are rewarded with t-shirts, spot prizes, pizza and drinks.
Contact: Michele Prinsep, Ph 07 856 2889 Ext 8902. Email: m.prinsep@waikato.ac.nz

ENERGY DEBATE HEATS UP
Everyone wants sustainable energy solutions but progress is slow, there is no cohesive plan of action and habits are hard to change. Sustainable Energy Solutions: Overcoming the Barriers to Change, is a free public seminar being held at Waikato University on Tuesday October 24. Debating the best way forward will be WEL Networks CEO Mike Underhill, Waikato Management School economists Professors Frank Scrimgeour and Riccardo Scarpa, and Waikato Sustainable Business Network manager Steven Perdia.
Contact: Angie Knox, ph 07-858 5014, 027-240 4074. Email: angiek@waikato.ac.nz

FOREIGN INVADER DISRUPTS LAKE ECOLOGY
A small freshwater animal has joined the list of foreign invaders transforming New Zealand’s ecology. Waikato University biologist Ian Duggan says Daphnia dentifera, commonly known as water flea, has spread rapidly through central North Island lakes since he identified it in Hamilton Lake in the early 90s. It is now beginning to appear in the Rotorua lakes. The exotic water flea is impacting on the country’s biodiversity by competing with several indigenous species including a much larger native Daphnia. Effects on fish populations are also possible.

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