Culture and society news

Diwali festival a feast for the senses

It was a feast for the senses at AUT’s Hikuwai Plaza when students and staff from across the University came together to celebrate Diwali.

Identify and challenge blackface

This Halloween is a good time to identify and challenge instances of blackface and cultural appropriation, Senior Lecturer Elba Ramirez says.

'Nature markets' exploitation risk

As the latest global biodiversity summit gets underway in Colombia, nature markets pose risks as well as opportunities for Indigenous peoples.

AI and visual effects: does it work?

Lionsgate’s partnership with AI startup Runway has sparked concerns about whether visual effects will lose their ‘human touch’ with AI.

AUT winners at Best Awards 2024

This year at the 2024 Best Awards, staff and students achieved an incredible 48 pins, surpassing AUT’s record performance from last year.

High placing in trans-Tasman cook-off

An AUT culinary arts student has done well in a trans-Tasman live cook-off competition for apprentice and young chefs.

Public Money Well Spent?

New research shows that public funding for news media during Covid didn’t prevent long term layoffs and has led to unintended negative consequences.  

Can a $5 T-shirt ever be ethical?

Everyone loves a deal, but can a $5 t-shirt ever be ethical? Probably not, says Lisa McEwan, AUT senior lecturer in design for sustainability and fashion.

Jack and Jill can teach us about the CGT

In NZ, capital gains tax debates are like zombies, constantly getting killed off and coming back to life. The debate needs a broader definition of “fair”.

NZ sentencing reforms: dogma or data?

The proposals ignore the fact that most of the people in the judicial system have a reduced capacity to take personal responsibility for their actions.