AUT Chancellor John Maasland Retires
The Chancellor of AUT, John Maasland, will retire at the end of 2020. John originally intended to leave at the end of 2019, but, at the Council AGM in February 2020, agreed to serve one further year.
John’s service to the governance of the University began in 2009 when he was appointed as a member of the University Council. In 2012 he was appointed Chancellor.
In the eight years that John has served as Chancellor, AUT has undergone significant change and development. One of the largest universities in New Zealand, it is also the fastest growing with around 29,500 students enrolled across AUT’s three campuses.
Vice-Chancellor Derek McCormack said: “Many will have met Chancellor John Maasland at AUT events, and thousands of students will have shaken his hand at graduation. Those that have met John will know of his tireless energy, commitment, and dedication in leading our Council. On behalf of everyone at AUT, I would like to thank and acknowledge John for his exemplary service and wish him all the best for the future.”
During John’s leadership of the University Council, AUT has increased its research output and the programmes it offers and has become the third ranked university in New Zealand. The University also embarked on a major capital works programme to meet the needs of its growing student population. City Campus was transformed by the opening of the Sir Paul Reeves Building in 2013, and the Ngā Wai Hono Building in 2018. Manu Huaroa Building, the first major development at AUT’s youngest site expanded South Campus when it opened in 2017. In the same year, the University unveiled AUT Integrated Health (AIH), a state-of-the-art clinical services hub which offers services to the community and exceptional student learning experiences.
Reflecting on his time as Chancellor, John said: "AUT is a young university that places the student experience at the heart of everything that it does. There have been many highlights, but I am especially proud of South Campus. As the first university to have a presence in Manukau, AUT’s continued commitment to grow South Campus is attracting thousands of students who may not otherwise have been able to access higher education.”
Among the highlights, John’s final year as Chancellor has coincided with one of the toughest years the university has faced.
“A very special part of being Chancellor, is the honour to shake the hand of every single student as they come on to the stage and graduate. While I am sad there will be no graduation ceremonies this year, I take great comfort in the fact that despite the enormous challenges resulting from COVID-19 and two lockdowns, our students have shown great strength and resilience. They will go on to become ‘great graduates’ and I would like to thank AUT staff who have worked phenomenally hard to support our students.
It has been a privilege to serve as Chancellor of AUT. I’ve no doubt that this ever-growing, ever-changing university, will continue to evolve to ensure our young people can fulfil their educational ambitions.”
Trained as a lawyer, John has had a distinguished career in business including executive and directorship roles at ICI, Morrison PIM Holdings, Wilson & Horton Limited and APN, and as a former chair of Carter Holt Harvey, Hellaby Holdings and the Auckland International Airport. John was also chair of the South Auckland Health Foundation, and, for nine years, Chair of the Royal New Zealand Ballet.
The Chancellor of AUT is an appointment made each year at the AUT Council AGM.