Latest news with #UniversityofCanterbury
Scoop
16 hours ago
- Science
- Scoop
2025 ENVI Winners Showcase The Best Of Engineering
The winners of the 2025 ENVI Awards - the most prestigious industry awards and the premier recognition of engineering excellence – have been recently announced by Engineering New Zealand. 'The ENVI Awards are a chance to celebrate our amazing engineers and inspirational engineering work across the past two years,' says Engineering New Zealand Chief Executive Richard Templer. 'They shine a spotlight on New Zealand's most inspiring engineers – the innovators, the leaders and the changemakers shaping our future. These awards honour the passion, dedication and bold thinking that define our profession.' This year we had a record number of entries across our nine award categories – with our volunteer judges having the tough job of whittling down all the outstanding entries to 30 finalists. It was a difficult task given the remarkable calibre of the entries, but the winners stood out in their technical excellence and contribution to New Zealand. 'We were incredibly grateful to have Fletcher Construction as our principal sponsor this year. Their support helped us elevate engineering achievements on a national stage,' says Templer. 'We were also fortunate to have Michelle Dickinson, also known as Nanogirl, as our host for the ENVI Awards evening - bringing energy, insight, and a deep appreciation for the engineering stories we celebrated.' The winners for the nine ENVI awards are listed below. Student Engineer Award (sponsored by McConnell Dowell) Winner – Finn Trass, University of Canterbury This award recognises an undergraduate engineering student or group of students demonstrating outstanding design and innovation in their final year tertiary project. It celebrates the next generation of engineering talent and their potential to drive innovation in the field. Judges praised Finn's vanadium recovery project as original and rigorous, with potential impact on New Zealand's vanadium supply. His work demonstrated strong technical innovation, consideration of real-world scalability, clear constraints and success metrics, and a high standard of academic communication. Young Engineer Award (sponsored by MAS) Winner – Sabina Piras, WSP This award recognises early-career engineers who've already made significant accomplishments and show promise for future leadership in the profession. It highlights the importance of nurturing talent and celebrates those making a mark early in their careers. Sabina leads major infrastructure projects with technical excellence and empathy. Judges praised her commitment to knowledge-sharing, mentoring and community connection – from Puketapu Bridge rebuild, to lecturing and shaping national engineering standards. Engineering Educator Award (sponsored by University of Auckland) Winner – Philippa Martin, University of Canterbury This award honours an individual who excels in inspiring the next generation of engineers and has made an outstanding contribution to engineering education in Aotearoa. It recognises the crucial role educators play in shaping the future of the profession. An award-winning educator and long-time champion of diversity and inclusion, Philippa has transformed the first-year engineering experience at the University of Canterbury. Judges praised her sustained impact, leadership through the pandemic and exceptional teaching effectiveness over two decades in academia. Sustainability Champion Award (sponsored by WSP) Winner – Phoebe Moses, Beca This award recognises an engineer who has made an exceptional contribution to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. It celebrates an individual at the forefront of addressing environmental challenges and promoting a sustainable future. Phoebe is a nationally influential carbon advisor, having led over 50 teams to reduce emissions by more than 20,000 tonnes. Judges commended her leadership, communication skills and measurable impact across engineering sectors from structural to transport, shaping best practice and enabling systemic change. Te Toa Takitahi Te Ao Māori Engineering Impact Award (sponsored by Water New Zealand) Winner – Mahi Maioro Professionals, with Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Pikiao and Ministry for the Environment Te Toa Takitahi recognises an engineer or project group positively impacting Te Ao Māori through their mahi by way of innovation, fostering hononga and realising successful project delivery and outcomes. Mahi Maioro Professionals deliver locally led, iwi-connected solutions grounded in kaupapa Māori. Judges highlighted their deep partnership with iwi, innovative use of the mauri-O-meter to monitor mauri ora and their integration of Mātauranga Māori and science to empower communities and protect wai. Transformational Leader Award (sponsored by HERA) Winner – Craig West, Downer This award celebrates an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, inspiring others to embrace change and reshape their organisation, industry or the engineering profession. It recognises leaders who have driven significant transformation and set new standards of excellence. Craig champions Māori leadership and drives transformational change across Aotearoa's engineering and construction sector. Judges praised his inspiring leadership, industry influence and cultural impact – with standout initiatives in collaborative contracting and deep recognition within and beyond his organisation. Innovative Engineer Award (sponsored by Cadpro) Winner – Adrian Dickison, Beca This award recognises an engineer who has demonstrated exceptional creativity and innovation. They advance the field of engineering with groundbreaking ideas and solutions in delivering a project or product. The award celebrates those who push the boundaries of what's possible in engineering. Adrian's Maestro system applies closed-loop machine learning to optimise industrial refrigeration, delivering significant energy savings. Judges noted the strong technical merit, in-market deployment and innovative application of existing methods in a new context, demonstrating clear potential for scalable industry impact. Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award (sponsored by Downer) Winner – Timani Samau, McConnell Dowell This award recognises an individual who has made a profound and lasting contribution to the promotion of diversity and inclusion within the engineering profession. It celebrates those actively working to create a more equitable and representative engineering community. Timani's deeply personal and impactful leadership has changed diversity and inclusion at McConnell Dowell. Judges noted Timani's advocacy for Pasifika communities, gender diversity and grassroots change – including found the Pasifika Working Group (TAPA) and driving tangible, systemic progress. Community Impact Award (sponsored by Gallagher Insurance) Winner – Stan Schwalger, McConnell Dowell This award recognises an engineer who has made a significant and positive social, cultural, and/or economic impact on a community, iwi, or New Zealand society. It celebrates individuals whose work demonstrates a deep commitment to improving the lives of others through engineering. Stan has led lasting change for Māori and Pasifika engineers through the creation of SPIES and SPPEEx to foster mentorship, equity and leadership among these communities. Judges recognised his 30+ years of cultural advocacy, educational impact and dedication to empowering future generations in engineering.
Scoop
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
UC Students Step Into The World Of Stop-Motion Animation
Li Holling and Bayedan Hales, Bachelor of Digital Screen with Honours students at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC), are gaining hands-on experience with Christchurch animation studio Stretchy, creators of the global stop-motion animation kids' show Kiri and Lou. 'Stop-motion is such a difficult industry to get into,' says Holling. 'The Kiri and Lou internship is an incredible opportunity. I'm only halfway through my second year, and already I'm getting to work in a high-quality studio." By working alongside professional animators and contributing to a major local production, Hales and Holling are applying their studies in a real-world context. Their internships are part of UC's Digital Screen Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) programme which connects students with professional experiences relevant to their degrees. 'The chance to work in a production environment is very different from being in class. You're surrounded by people who are really focused on a shared goal. You pick up so much just by being part of it,' Hales says. Producer Fiona Copland says it's been great having Li and Bayedan in the studio. They've done good work, and our team has enjoyed passing on knowledge to young people who are passionate about craft.' The experience has helped Hales see a creative career as a real option. 'It's been eye-opening to realise this is something I can actually pursue thanks to university support,' Hales says. 'The tools and teaching at UC are already really strong, but being in a working studio takes it to the next level.' As part of the application process, Holling and Hales submitted CVs, completed a knowledge and skills test, and had an interview with the studio team. Holling says sometimes just giving it a go can open doors you never expected. 'Even though I didn't meet all the job criteria when I applied, I threw my hat in the ring. I studied hard to upskill in areas I was less confident in. Even the interview taught me a lot. Whether you get the role or not, you're gaining experience, and that builds confidence for the next opportunity.' Both students are passionate about promoting the value of stop-motion animation in Aotearoa. 'Kids' TV is a huge industry here. Everyone's chasing the next blockbuster, but there are so many amazing, more accessible local projects out there. The team is at the top of their game — it's incredible that we are bringing in that sort of creative talent,' says Hales. Holling describes stop-motion as having a tactile charm that's hard to replicate in other formats. 'There needs to be more recognition of how important projects like Kiri and Lou are,' Holling says. 'It's not just beautiful storytelling for kids, its world-class stop-motion animation coming out of New Zealand. It's physical, it's hands-on, and it should be kept alive.' The internship was made possible through UC's Kōawa Studios, which develops partnerships with screen and creative technology sectors to provide students with regular access and exposure to industry experts and real-world project opportunities as they build portfolios, connect with industry mentors, and find pathways into Aotearoa New Zealand's screen sector. 'Having something like this based in Christchurch is absolutely amazing,' Hales says. 'It's amazing to be a part of it.'
Scoop
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
UC Scientist To Serve On United Nations Panel
Press Release – University of Canterbury Laura Revell, Associate Professor in Atmospheric Chemistry at Te Whare Wnanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC), is the only New Zealand representative on the independent Scientific Panel on the Effects of Nuclear War. A University of Canterbury academic has been appointed to a United Nations expert panel examining the physical effects and social impact of nuclear war. Laura Revell, Associate Professor in Atmospheric Chemistry at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC), is the only New Zealand representative on the independent Scientific Panel on the Effects of Nuclear War. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced the 21-member expert panel this week, saying it would examine the physical effects and societal consequences of a nuclear war on a local, regional and planetary scale in the days, weeks and decades following a nuclear war. The panel is tasked with publishing a comprehensive report, making key conclusions, and identifying areas requiring future research. Associate Professor Revell was nominated by the Royal Society Te Apārangi and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for the panel because of her expertise in atmospheric chemistry, climate modelling, and recent research into the environmental consequences of a rapidly intensifying rocket launch industry. She is also a member of the UNEP Environmental Effects Assessment Panel, which assesses the effects of ozone depletion and UV radiation on life on Earth. 'Obviously we live in uncertain geopolitical times and it's unnerving that research into the consequences of nuclear war is relevant again, four decades since the United Nations last studied its effects,' she says. 'I'm honoured to serve on this panel which I believe will contribute to a greater understanding of the far-reaching consequences of this kind of event.' A report prepared by the scientific panel will be considered by the United Nations General Assembly in 2027.
Scoop
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
UC Scientist To Serve On United Nations Panel
Press Release – University of Canterbury Laura Revell, Associate Professor in Atmospheric Chemistry at Te Whare Wnanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC), is the only New Zealand representative on the independent Scientific Panel on the Effects of Nuclear War. A University of Canterbury academic has been appointed to a United Nations expert panel examining the physical effects and social impact of nuclear war. Laura Revell, Associate Professor in Atmospheric Chemistry at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC), is the only New Zealand representative on the independent Scientific Panel on the Effects of Nuclear War. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced the 21-member expert panel this week, saying it would examine the physical effects and societal consequences of a nuclear war on a local, regional and planetary scale in the days, weeks and decades following a nuclear war. The panel is tasked with publishing a comprehensive report, making key conclusions, and identifying areas requiring future research. Associate Professor Revell was nominated by the Royal Society Te Apārangi and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for the panel because of her expertise in atmospheric chemistry, climate modelling, and recent research into the environmental consequences of a rapidly intensifying rocket launch industry. She is also a member of the UNEP Environmental Effects Assessment Panel, which assesses the effects of ozone depletion and UV radiation on life on Earth. 'Obviously we live in uncertain geopolitical times and it's unnerving that research into the consequences of nuclear war is relevant again, four decades since the United Nations last studied its effects,' she says. 'I'm honoured to serve on this panel which I believe will contribute to a greater understanding of the far-reaching consequences of this kind of event.' A report prepared by the scientific panel will be considered by the United Nations General Assembly in 2027.
Scoop
24-07-2025
- Science
- Scoop
UC Scientist To Serve On United Nations Panel
A University of Canterbury academic has been appointed to a United Nations expert panel examining the physical effects and social impact of nuclear war. Laura Revell, Associate Professor in Atmospheric Chemistry at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC), is the only New Zealand representative on the independent Scientific Panel on the Effects of Nuclear War. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced the 21-member expert panel this week, saying it would examine the physical effects and societal consequences of a nuclear war on a local, regional and planetary scale in the days, weeks and decades following a nuclear war. The panel is tasked with publishing a comprehensive report, making key conclusions, and identifying areas requiring future research. Associate Professor Revell was nominated by the Royal Society Te Apārangi and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for the panel because of her expertise in atmospheric chemistry, climate modelling, and recent research into the environmental consequences of a rapidly intensifying rocket launch industry. She is also a member of the UNEP Environmental Effects Assessment Panel, which assesses the effects of ozone depletion and UV radiation on life on Earth. 'Obviously we live in uncertain geopolitical times and it's unnerving that research into the consequences of nuclear war is relevant again, four decades since the United Nations last studied its effects,' she says. 'I'm honoured to serve on this panel which I believe will contribute to a greater understanding of the far-reaching consequences of this kind of event.' A report prepared by the scientific panel will be considered by the United Nations General Assembly in 2027.
