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Amy Malcolm has been appointed to the role of Head of the Vice-Chancellor’s Office and will join the whānau at the end of June 2022.

Amy is currently Manager, Strategic Relations in the Office of DVC, Strategic Engagement at the University of Auckland. In a career at the University spanning 20 years, Amy has made significant contributions across a range of functions, including student recruitment, marketing, student life, fundraising, and strategic engagement.

Amy also serves on several boards, including Auckland City Centre Advisory Board, The Big Idea, and Create Auckland 2030.

As Head of the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Amy will support university strategy, the office’s day-to-day operations, and manage strategic relationships.

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Inside a decade, Northcote has become a residential community that exemplifies smart growth, in line with Auckland Council’s long-term vision for Tāmaki Makaurau.

The ongoing renewal of Northcote is enabled by the Auckland Unitary Plan, boosting housing capacity and delivering more choices including apartments and townhouses near public transport hubs and town centres.

This proximity is giving Aucklanders easier access to jobs, parks and schools, and Northcote is becoming a model of the vision in the Plan.

A network of rebuilt streets now flourishes with landscaped terrace housing and apartment buildings, a partly daylighted Awataha Stream sees the sun, and tuna (eel) and kaka have returned – indicators of the stream’s growing good health.

Locals stroll along walkways lined with foliage, children play on new playgrounds, mana whenua expression is woven throughout, a market garden has been re-born and local schools are thriving.

North Shore Councillor Richard Hills says the transformation of Northcote has been many years in the making, with much more to come as well.

“Growth needed to be masterplanned and supported by our investment in quality infrastructure, including flood mitigation, new parks and community facilities. We’ve increased services on popular bus routes too.

“The council wants excellent growth in Auckland. Growth for the greater good. And that’s what we’re seeing in Northcote.

“As housing choices expand, communities are more connected, transport links are more seamless, people are healthier as warm, dry housing becomes the norm, and walking is increasingly the way families get around.

“Northcote is growing for all generations, with younger families moving in and more homes coming for our older residents.

Northcote new housing complex.

“We want to lock in these benefits for many more Auckland suburbs across the region, so more people can experience the same,” Councillor Hills says.

Auckland Council Chief Economist Gary Blick says the Northcote redesign illustrates how the Auckland Unitary Plan has enabled more efficient use of urban land.

“The Terrace Housing and Apartment Buildings Zone is allowing for more households to live near a town centre and access its amenities,” he says.

Read about Auckland’s improving affordability trends on OurAuckland.

Northcote, the new norm

It will be another decade before the upgrade of Northcote will be fully delivered including Auckland Council’s regeneration of the Northcote town centre, but the community is embracing the change they’re seeing already and giving it life.

One of the people whose work has been instrumental in helping Northcote flourish is the Principal of Northcote Intermediate School Phil Muir.

“We have healthy confident children here now. The kids and some of our teachers are able to walk a short distance to school. Not only are we seeing regenerated housing we are also seeing a regenerated community and school.

“Our neighbourhood is reflective of a modern city. It respects traditions, remembers where we are and looks to a positive future. Sometimes we feel like we are flying a 70-year-old DC3 while turning it into a Dreamliner! Our beautiful new school building has come about because of roll growth,” Mr Muir says.

The growth of the school roll reflects not only the school’s strong leadership but also the broader impact of the community’s renewal, with more families having the opportunity to live closer to the school, thanks to new housing choices.

“The change in the health of our children is like chalk and cheese. They used to live in dusty old wooden houses. Their new housing is sustainable, warm and dry now and the children are sick less often. Attendance is now over 90%.

“We are the most multi-cultural school on the shore. It’s a harmonious place to be. The students are accepting of all of our ethnicities and gender diversity. It’s a privilege to lead a diverse community and see our kids thriving,” Mr Muir says.

Phil Muir, Principal of Northcote Intermediate School.

Principal Phil Muir speaks with gratitude to the Auckland Council group for the ongoing work to daylight the stream, the shared Te Ara Awataha greenway and restored environment. The area is used as an outdoor classroom and a pleasant walk to school, away from dense traffic along Lake Road.

Northcote intermediate students in Te Ara Awataha greenway play.

He speaks also about the reduction in crime recorded in the area, a by-product of the new compact, quality housing and restored natural environment. The change has enabled the school to remove the bars from school windows.

The ongoing transformation of Northcote highlights how well-designed, well-planned, higher density housing can build a strong sense of belonging in the community, especially when it is located close to jobs, transport, schools, improved parks, playgrounds and public spaces – many of the things they value most.

Northcote Intermediate students with their chicken coop.

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An established writer with an affinity for the ocean is thrilled to have the opportunity to live at the idyllic seaside Barr Cottage in Huia, as Auckland Council’s regional parks’ artist in residence for 2025. 

Michelle Elvy’s preoccupation with the sea and coastal places is clear in both her fiction and non-fiction writing. Author Witi Ihimaera considers her a “creature of the sea… a blue-water person” and indeed, her focus on exploring the sea, harbours and shorelines has taken her on long sailing journeys across oceans before landing in New Zealand by sailboat in 2008.  

Michelle says the opportunity to live right on the southern coastline of the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park for the eight weeks of her residency aligns perfectly with her interests, instincts and goals.  

“For me, the close view of nature afforded by this residency is a special opportunity. My project is focused on the intersection of what is naturally here, what we create from it, and how we preserve it,” she says. “I am grateful for the chance to work and produce new creative material about the park.”

From October 2025, Michelle will move into Barr Cottage to start writing from a desk overlooking the everchanging seascape. She says she can’t wait to immerse herself in the Little Huia lifestyle and small coastal community. 

Regional Parks Manager Scott De Silva says the residency programme gives Aucklanders the chance to view specific regional parks through a creative lens.

“Our artists experience and reveal aspects of our parks that are unique. The works that have emerged from each park stay provide a rich and valued tapestry of perceptions on nature that visitors can enjoy for years to come. I look forward to reading Michelle’s wordsmithing once she’s completed her stay,” says Scott.

Michelle has already written work about a sea-facing place in the South Island and hopes during this residency to write a companion story, showcasing the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park cottage and its outlook over the Manukau Harbour.  

She’s particularly interested in the juxtaposition of a park as a wild place, yet a space which is managed and has maintained edges; ‘a place that holds nature at its centre, yet a place that is curated, a place for community’.

Aucklanders will be able to read her poetry at Barr Cottage during the Waitākere Open Studios event in November 2025, and later at Arataki Visitor Centre.

To celebrate the natural beauty of Auckland’s expansive regional parks, the council has been offering the Artist in Residence programme to one lucky artist each year since 2008.  

If you would like to learn more…

• See what previous artists in residence have created during their park stays

• Read Michelle Elvy’s published books and poetry, like the other side of better, or the everrumble.

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Music and the arts continue to be a beacon of light in the regeneration of Auckland’s midtown, and that leading role is ever-present this NZ Music Month across the city centre.

Kicking off with Opera in the Strand on 1 May, a month-long festival of music will see people dancing or at least tapping their toes in streets, squares and lanes. Every tune, beat, pulse and rhythm will imprint our place in the world as a UNESCO City of Music.

Auckland Council is hosting this free public programme of music for NZ Music Month, supported by the city centre targeted rate.

You’ll hear a live rendition of Whakaaria Mai in the purest of opera voices from the bridges of Strand Arcade and a debut screening of acclaimed jazz pianist Joe Kaptein, soul/ funk grooves of Romi Wrights and hip hop lyricist Idol Essence at Academy Theatre for Auckland Council’s 2025 edition of Ka Mua Ka Muri Te Iho Ahau.

Fruju Peak to play in Vulcan Lane

Fruju Peak will rock experimental jazz in historic Vulcan Lane and the pulse of haka, the call of ancient Māori instruments, and the rhythm of poi will surround waterfront kiosk Te Wharekura.

And with Mighty a 10-foot container hosting top musicians at Te Komititanga, music in photo form adorning the walls of Ellen Melville Centre and street-side light boxes, a music-filled midtown street party and live bands at iconic music stores, audiences will hear the diverse and unique sounds of Tāmaki Makaurau.

Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson understands the importance of music in building community and celebrating diversity in a city.

“This programme is so extensive we won’t need to walk far to hear live music – from opera in Strand Arcade to jazz in Vulcan Lane and the sound of ancient Māori instruments on the waterfront,” Councillor Simpson says.

“I’m proud to see the city continuing to stamp its mark as a UNESCO City of Music and amplify the uniqueness of our place in the world through music,” she says.  

A handful of highlights:

Music in the city centre

Rumpus Machine play in Music in the city centre

Local talent is taking to the streets with live performances every Wednesday and Friday afternoon in the city. Catch rock classics from Rumpus Machine outside JB Hi-Fi and avant jazz tones from Joe Kaptein. Liven up your afternoons with George Villa and Lucian Rice at Real Groovy and local singer-songwriters cropping up across Elliott Street, Wellesley Street, Queen Street and more.

More detail and performance times for music in the city centre.

Music in pictures

A pop-up photographic exhibition will showcase the talent of music photographers across Aotearoa. Since its inception in 2021, the Aotearoa Music Photography Award has awarded over $8,000 in prizes, championing photographic excellence in capturing the vibrant energy of the music scene.

Explore compelling images from gigs, festivals, and community events, where artists and audiences connect through the lens of photography. The exhibition offers a diverse and inclusive platform for artistic expression and dialogue, highlighting photography as a cultural and creative art form. The Auckland Festival of Photography Trust presents this event as part of its annual city-wide celebration of photography and visual culture, championing emerging and established talent and promoting New Zealand’s photographic excellence.

More detail and dates at Our Auckland.

Music in the morning

Dance to the beat of a special NZ Music Month edition of Morning People, featuring Pixie Lane x Kazi Flip at Il Brutto, one of Auckland’s finest dance dens – all free.

Expect a high-energy morning rave with crisp sound, deep grooves, and a morning rave that’ll leave you buzzing. Plus, enjoy complimentary Altezano Brothers coffee, All Good bananas, and Karma Drinks to keep you fuelled.

More detail and dates at Our Auckland.

Music on the waterfront

Te Whare Karioi perform at Te Wharekura

Join Rhythm Nation with Te Whare Karioi every Saturday in May at Te Wharekura, historic kiosk turned environmental education space, at the western end of Te Wānanga in Quay Street. The group brings vibrant, interactive performances celebrating Māori music and movement as part of NZ Music Month.

These free, whānau-friendly events invite you to connect with the rich whakapapa of Tāmaki Makaurau through live performance and hands-on musical experiences.

More detail and dates at Our Auckland.

Music at Te Komititanga

Te Komititanga

This NZ Music Month, step into Mighty – a 10-foot container transformed into a micro theatre in the heart of Te Komititanga. With a ticket booth, red carpet, and velvet-draped interior, this pocket-sized venue sets the stage for unforgettable one-song performances.

The lineup is stacked with top musicians, but there’s a twist – you won’t know who you’re seeing until you step inside. With space for just a handful of people at a time, Mighty offers a rare, up-close encounter with live music in its most intimate form.

More detail and dates at Our Auckland.

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Aucklanders may have spotted new signs on catchpit trucks and CCTV vans across Tāmaki Makaurau—and for good reason.

These hardworking vehicles are the front line of a major initiative to boost flood resilience across the city, proudly displaying messages like “Clearing catchpits to prevent flooding” and “Keeping our stormwater pipes flowing.”

With over 120,000 catchpits across Auckland, these underground chambers are crucial for collecting stormwater runoff, debris, and litter. Keeping them clear is essential to prevent streets from flooding, especially during heavy rains. Now, thanks to Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters team and their contractor Intergroup Limited, these efforts are more visible than ever.

High-tech CCTV vans deployed across the city.

The work is part of Healthy Waters’ 10-year Making Space for Water programme, which focuses on strengthening the city’s stormwater network.

General Manager Healthy Waters, Craig Mcilroy, says the initiative is not just about innovation—it’s about reassurance.

“It’s vital Aucklanders know that their neighbourhoods are being looked after,” Mcilroy explains.

“Seeing the trucks and vans out there gives people confidence that we’re proactively servicing drains to reduce flood risk. The new technology, signage, and maintenance routines are all about creating a safer, more resilient Auckland.”

Innovation is a big part of the story. Alongside the catchpit trucks, three high-tech CCTV vans are now deployed across the city, particularly in vulnerable areas like Māngere, which was hard-hit during the 2023 storms. These smart vans are fitted with solar-powered cameras and AI technology, allowing contractors to detect and respond to blockages faster than ever.

Adding another layer of protection, three two-man ute teams are targeting streets known for heavy leaf fall. They clear grates, CCTV inspect catchpit leads and report any blockages for immediate flushing by combo trucks.

Together, these efforts spotlight the unsung heroes of Auckland’s stormwater system—teams working tirelessly, often in tough conditions, to keep Tāmaki Makaurau safe and dry. So next time you see a catchpit truck or CCTV van, give them a wave—they’re helping protect your community, one clear drain at a time.

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After 48 years and many career highlights, Auckland Council’s Manager of Auckland Botanic Gardens Jack Hobbs is stepping down.   

Jack’s connection to the gardens goes right back to its beginning when, as a young recruit, he helped shape the Manurewa grounds into a public botanical garden for its official opening in 1982.

Director of Community Rachel Kelleher says that while many Aucklanders will certainly be sad to see Jack go, he has achieved the extraordinary vision of helping transform what was originally farmland into the beautiful gardens and thriving visitor attraction that it is today.

“Under Jack’s leadership, the gardens have grown into a world-leading showcase where the focus is not only on plants but also people, with its exceptional collections attracting more than 1 million visitors of all ages each year,” Rachel says.

“Jack is unique in his approach to horticulture because of his ability to connect with people and inspire them to learn more about why plants are so important. For as long as I can remember, he has worked hard to welcome new visitors into the gardens by making their experience more meaningful,” she says.

Manager of Visitor Services, Micheline Newton, says Jack’s departure will leave large shoes to fill for the Gardens’ team and for supporters like the Friends of Auckland Botanic Gardens.  

“Nobody knows the gardens as well as Jack does, and his vision and leadership are evident everywhere you go. We are all proud to have worked alongside him and learnt so much,” says Micheline.

“Though we can never replace the depth and breadth of Jack’s 48 years of experience, he leaves behind a team of passionate and skilled people who will continue his legacy and vision to connect Aucklanders to the wonderful world of plants.”

Mid-way through his career, Jack made the bold move of establishing sustainable horticultural practices at the gardens that reduced the need for spraying. This represented a major shift in direction at the time and kept the wellbeing of visitors and staff as a priority.

“I am proud of the work we achieved to stop the use of pesticides on our plants. It was controversial 25 years ago but thanks to the team’s commitment, it has now become almost mainstream,” Jack says.

A few years later, Jack advocated for an education centre to be built and fought hard to get the Huakaiwaka Visitor Centre and café across the line, which has become an incredibly popular destination for people to connect.

Similarly, he pushed to get the Potter Children’s Garden established, which now provides thousands of students with the opportunity to learn how humans, plants, animals and insects are inter-connected in our environment. 

Jack says the decision to leave a job he loves so much has been tough, but the timing feels right following another two major highlights of his career.

“It’s been such a privilege to be involved in the opportunity to acquire the Nathan property adjacent to the Botanic Gardens, followed by Rosemary Platt’s offer to donate her 14 acres of land in Greenhithe complete with the most significant collection of trees I have encountered,” he says.

Over the years, Jack has earned huge respect as a horticulturist internationally and won multiple awards for plant breeding, with his star performers from the Wiri species now established around the world.

He’s starred in various television gardening programmes and published books, sharing his extensive knowledge far and wide. He developed a pivotal connection with the Friends of the Botanic Gardens and ensured this relationship was prioritised by all staff.

In keeping with this approach, Jack is quick to acknowledge the many talented staff who have supported along the way.

“Most of all I am proud of the passionate and dedicated teams we have at the Botanic Gardens and the Domain who have a common vision to connect people with plants, and who work so hard to deliver great experiences for our visitors,” Jack says. “I feel privileged to have been part of such a great bunch.”

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Lefaoali’i Dion Enari is a lecturer in sport leadership and recreation at AUT and also a PhD candidate exploring Fa’a Samoa (Samoan way) in the Faculty of Society and Design, Bond University, Australia.

We asked him five questions about his research and the importance of placing sustainability at the heart of research activity.

How did you come to a career in academia?

I was doing my PhD in Australia and I saw this awesome opportunity at AUT as a Research Active Lecturer, applied for it and the rest was history. I am home now.

Just how important is pursuing sustainability through research?

It is crucial, for we must ensure all the awesome work happening is not only done for us now, but future generations to come.

How do you incorporate sustainability into your research?

By ensuring my research is done by and with the people. Through ensuring my research is community based and centred, it allows for everyone to shape and position how we move forward, together.

What motivates you?

Seeing my students become social change advocates, expanding their thinking and challenging the status quo is what motivates me. Seeing the awesome work in our communities, and being able to collaborate with these people to make a better difference gives me the motivation to keep on pushing.

What advice would you give to new or aspiring researchers?

We are in a position of privilege. I pray that we may use these positions to be servants to our communities and future generations through our research. Use your research to make the world a better place. We can do it.

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A 40-foot container full of desks and chairs has been shipped over to schools in Tonga following January’s volcanic eruption.

Several schools in Tonga were devasted by the tsunami that followed the eruption with equipment and furniture being lost or destroyed.

AUT Office for Pacific Advancement and South Campus, with a contribution from the AUT Brand and Marketing team responded to a request for assistance by leaders of the Tongan community by donating over 150 desks and chairs, as well as sponsoring the shipping container used in its transportation.

Assistant Vice-Chancellor Walter Fraser says while AUT’s small contribution is symbolic of us responding to our place in the world there is still much work to be done to fully understand that we are inextricably linked to the futures of Pacific communities both here in Tamaki Makaurau, Aotearoa and in our region of Te Moana Nui a Kiwa.

“We are privileged to have many Tongan staff, students and alumni who are a part of our own AUT family. Responding to the impact of the tsunami in Tonga is us extending manaakitanga to our own kin or kāinga.”

The New Zealand Tongan community set up a relief response collection point at Mt Smart (Rarotonga) stadium.

From 25 to 27 February, the donated furniture from AUT was loaded into the container at the response site ready to be shipped to Tonga.

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