AUT Council

The University's governing body is Council and its membership consists of the Vice-Chancellor, elected staff, a student representative and ministerial and Council appointees.

Legislation

The functions, duties and powers of the Council are prescribed in the Education and Training Act 2020, sections 280, 281 and 283.

The functions of Council include the following:

  • To appoint a chief executive in accordance with the Public Service Act 2020, and to monitor and evaluate the chief executive's performance
  • To prepare and submit a proposed plan if the institution is seeking funding under a funding mechanism that provides for funding via plans
  • If the institution has a plan:
    • To ensure that the institution is managed in accordance with that plan; and
    • To determine policies to implement that plan
  • To determine, subject to the Public Service Act 2020, the policies of the institution in relation to the management of its affairs
  • To undertake planning relating to the institution’s long-term strategic direction

The duties of Council are:

  • To strive to ensure that the institution attains the highest standards of excellence in education, training and research
  • To acknowledge the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi
  • To encourage the greatest possible participation by the communities served by the institution so as to maximise the educational potential of all members of those communities with particular emphasis on those groups in those communities that are under-represented among the students of the institution
  • To ensure that the institution does not discriminate unfairly against any person
  • To ensure that the institution operates in a financially responsible manner that ensures the efficient use of resources and maintains the institution's long-term viability
  • To ensure that proper standards of integrity, conduct, and concern for:
    • The public interest; and
    • The wellbeing of students attending the institution are maintained.

Membership

Constitution of Council membership

From 1 December 2023, the constitution of membership is as follows

(a) Four members appointed by the Minister by written notice to the Council;

(b) The Vice Chancellor of the Auckland University of Technology;

(c) One permanent member of the general staff of the Auckland University of Technology elected by the permanent members of that staff;

(d) One permanent member of the academic staff of the Auckland University of Technology elected by the permanent members of that staff;

(e) One member who is a student of the Auckland University of Technology appointed by the association of students recognised by the Council of the Auckland University of Technology; and

(f) Four members appointed by the Auckland University of Technology Council by resolution, in accordance with its statutes.

Council Members and Term of Office

Name

Holds office until

Rob Campbell CNZM (Chancellor)
Appointed by Council

21.02.2025

Marama Royal (Pro-Chancellor)
Appointed by Council

27.03.2026

Professor Damon Salesa
Vice-Chancellor of AUT

 

Peter Treacy
Appointed by the Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills

17.06.2027

Janine Smith MNZM
Appointed by the Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills

09.04.2026

Shaun Clarke ONZM
Appointed by the Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills

17.06.2028

Mark Darrow
Appointed by the Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills

17.06.2028

Alicia Lemmer
Appointed by AUTSA

01.01.2026

Professor Welby Ings
Elected by the Academic Staff of AUT

03.07.2027

Lani Thomson
Elected by the Professional Staff of AUT

11.09.2027

Leo Foliaki
Appointed by Council

26.09.2025

Michelle Huang
Appointed by Council

28.07.2028

2024 schedule of meetings

The Council is scheduled to meet on the following dates in 2024. The public session of the meetings starts at 3.30pm and meetings are held in the Council Room, Level 7, WA Building, AUT City Campus unless as specified otherwise. Please contact the Council Secretary at andrea.vujnovich@aut.ac.nz if you wish to attend the public session of the meeting:

  • Monday 26 February 2024 - AUT City Campus, WA Building, Council Room
  • Monday 29 April 2024 - AUT City Campus, WA Building, Council Room
  • Monday 27 May 2024 - AUT South Campus, Meeting Room MB317
  • Monday 29 July 2024 - AUT North Campus, AUT North Boardroom, Room AG127-30
  • Monday 30 September 2024 - AUT City Campus, WA Building, Council Room
  • Monday 21 October 2024 - Special Council Meeting - AUT City Campus, WA Building, Council Room
  • Monday 2 December 2024 - AUT City Campus, WA Building, Council Room

Council Agenda Papers

Agenda papers will be uploaded prior to each meeting.

Committees reporting to Council

  • People and Culture Committee
  • Finance and Audit Committee
  • Nominations Committee
  • Honours Committee
  • Executive Committee
  • Vice-Chancellor’s Employment Agreement Committee
  • Ethics Committee
  • Academic Board

Enquiries

Dr Andrea Vujnovich
Council Secretary
Phone +64 9 921 9958
andrea.vujnovich@aut.ac.nz