AUT Excellence Awards: Special Commendation
Richard Hall received a special commendation for ‘Outstanding Strategic Contribution’ at the AUT Excellence Awards, largely for his role in taking university education to the heart of South Auckland.
Hall has a long association with AUT. In the past 16 years, he has held a variety of senior roles across the university, including Director of Planning, Head of the Vice-Chancellor’s Department and General Manager of Corporate Services.
Since 2014, he has served as Executive Officer of AUT South.
The award recognises his superb leadership and commitment in developing a vibrant and sustainable South Campus. In the past three years, enrolments have grown by 75 percent, meeting growth targets jointly set by AUT and the Tertiary Education Commission – a difficult task in the current demographic decline.
He has also overseen the establishment of the South Campus as an important research hub and the completion of the new Mana Hauora Building – AUT’s $56 million commitment to South Auckland. |
What you might not know about Hall is that he retired from the British Army as a colonel and moved to New Zealand in 2000. He was previously awarded an MBE for his role in planning the U.K response to the invasion of Kuwait. In 2001, he was awarded an OBE for implementing a strategic defence review in the U.K.
Five questions with Richard Hall
What is the essence or foundation of a good strategy?
It inspires collective action to achieve profound change.
What is it about a leader that inspires others to ‘follow them into battle’?
Leaders have to build trust, provide direction in times of uncertainty and earn respect for their ability to achieve goals – while understanding the concerns and motivations of those who they lead.
What do you want people at AUT to know about the South Campus?
It is a beautiful campus with great facilities, a diverse and vibrant group of students, and an ever-increasing range of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications.
What are the most common misconceptions about the people of South Auckland? And, why should we think any differently?
Too often, the negative aspects of South Auckland are highlighted without acknowledging the pride of the people in their diversity, cultural heritage and community spirit.
What is the most common misconception about you?
No idea – (That, he is a man of few words).