Embracing diversity and inclusion in the workplace
At AUT, we're committed to cultivating a welcoming, safe and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and has a true sense of belonging, no matter their background or identity.
Our culture celebrates diverse perspectives, fostering an environment where different ideas, skills and cultural experiences enrich our community. We actively promote allyship and encourage open dialogue to ensure every voice is heard.
To support this vision, we provide a wide range of learning and development opportunities aimed at enhancing cultural competence and equipping our staff to thrive in a diverse work environment. These include programmes in New Zealand Sign Language and Deaf Studies, and Māori and indigenous development initiatives, all of which contribute to advancing our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi
AUT is dedicated to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi) to benefit the diverse communities we serve. Our commitment is guided by Te Aronui, AUT’s Te Tiriti Framework, which shapes our actions and decisions.
At the heart of our approach are the values of tika, pono and aroha (integrity, respect and compassion), which inform and inspire everything we do.
Supporting our diverse staff community
At AUT, we foster a sense of belonging by encouraging opportunities for staff from diverse communities to connect through voluntary, employee-led affinity groups. These groups are created around shared identities, backgrounds and interests, providing meaningful networks of support and collaboration. These networks reflect AUT’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and fostering connections across our community.
Our staff networks include:
- Cultural Affinity Groups: Bringing together staff from Asian, African, Māori and Pacific communities
- OUT@AUT: Connecting and supporting staff and allies of rainbow communities
- Access Inclusion Network: Supporting staff with lived experiences of physical and hidden disabilities, members of the Deaf community and others with access needs
- Women on Campus: Providing formal and informal support for women at AUT and addressing issues affecting women within the university
- Parents @AUT: Offering peer support for working parents navigating their parenting journey
Setting the standard for workplace diversity
AUT is proud to lead the way in advancing workplace diversity and inclusion. We've achieved several firsts as part of our dedication to fostering a supportive and equitable environment for all. These initiatives underscore AUT’s commitment to setting new standards in workplace diversity and inclusion.
AUT was the first university to launch initiatives like the Eke Tangaroa programme, providing opportunities for new Māori and Pacific academic staff to build successful teaching and research careers.
We aspire to be the university of choice for Māori and Pacific communities in Aotearoa.
As the first Rainbow-friendly university in New Zealand, AUT has taken the Pride Pledge and introduced the Rainbow Staff Network.
We also appointed a full-time Student Inclusion Manager (Rainbow) and launched Ia, the world's first collection of Rainbow research e-portal.
AUT is the first university to receive the Advanced GenderTick accreditation, recognising our consistent efforts to advance advancing gender equality in the workplace.
We introduced the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Programme, empowering staff and students with non-apparent disabilities to be visible in a respectful and inclusive way.
As part of the Hearing Accredited Workplace Programme (HAWP), we equip our community with tools and training to create a supportive environment for staff and students who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
AUT’s values
Our values – tika, pono and aroha (integrity, respect and compassion) – are at the heart of everything we do.