Podcasts about Victoria University

Power gets loud when it's insecure. Strategy becomes theater. And ideology sneaks in wearing policy jargon. The White House's newest U.S. National Security Strategy claims realism while quietly demanding dominance, preaching restraint while laying groundwork for escalation. Civilizational panic collides with imperial muscle, producing a document that wants everything, everywhere, all at once. Van Jackson, Professor of International Relations at Victoria University of Wellington, sits down with Jacob Shapiro to chat about how culture war thinking seeps into grand strategy, why “prioritization” turns into mission creep, and what this blueprint signals for allies, adversaries, and a world already stretched thin. If this is restraint, buckle up :)--Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:40 Understanding National Security Strategy02:23 Critique of the Current Administration's Strategy07:22 Historical Context and Comparisons13:14 Primitive Accumulation and Geopolitics16:47 Latin American Policy and Imperialism25:33 Military Strategy and Global Implications29:47 China as a Pacing Threat30:47 Misconceptions in Military Strategy31:52 Potential Conflicts in Latin America34:23 US Military Intervention in Mexico35:38 Challenges of Addressing Drug Cartels41:56 Hegemonic Decline and National Security48:24 Global Reactions to US Strategy53:58 Brazil's Role in Latin America56:53 Concluding Thoughts--Referenced in the Show:Van Jackson - https://people.wgtn.ac.nz/van.jacksonNational Security Strategy 2025 - https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-National-Security-Strategy.pdfNSS (2002) - https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/nsc/nss/2002/NSC-68 (1950) - https://history.state.gov/milestones/1945-1952/NSC68--Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.comJacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShapJacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe --The Jacob Shapiro Show is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com --Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today's volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world.--

Happy Wednesday!   This week on Finding Something Real, we are joined with one of our favorite guest, Xandra Grieme. We are also joined with three of our co-host, Ana, Christie and Sarah.    In this episode, we talk about the tension of faith and science, and how they go more hand in hand than you think. Xandra opens up about hard parts of her story and brings light to difficult topics - suffering and free will. And why that keeps a lot of people from fully believing in Jesus. How could a good God allow suffering, abuse, and evil? That's one of the hardest questions, and one we won't know the complete answer to on this side of eternity.    But you can trust this - He's a God of Compassion. His heart was never for any of these things to happen. He became flesh and came down to be in the suffering with you. That's how much He loves you.   Rest in that truth today.   About Xandra: Xandra Grieme received a BS from Colorado State University and later studied at the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics. Xandra continued her studies at Victoria University of Wellington where she completed a master's degree in Conservation Biology. Her scientific research includes work in parasitology, flow cytometry, and ecological restoration. Xandra is passionate about educating youth on our role as stewards of the natural world.   We hope you enjoy this week's episode!  - -- -- -- --    LINKS   Is This Even Real? - Katelyn Deal's Story   Release What God Has Already Given Us with Jesse Childress   Making the Case for Christ with J. Warner Wallace   Dealing with Grief and Church Hurt with Jason Schmidt   How to Love People in Truth and Love with Drew Berryessa   The Difference Jesus Makes - Frankie's Story   Season 8 - First Episode       Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856     Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood

A Victoria University Professor has sparked a debate over what is acceptable language after she posted on social media saying she ignores emails from students if they use the greeting "hey", as she thinks it is rude. However in a statement Victoria University said "so long as correspondence is not ill-mannered, then an informal tone can be quite acceptable". Plain language and writing trainer Colleen Trolove spoke to Lisa Owen.

What if the “right” pathway to success doesn’t exist? In this episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke sits down with WNBA champion and Opals leader Sami Whitcomb, whose story is anything but conventional. Undrafted out of college and cut from early opportunities, Sami took her game to Germany and Australia, grinding away from the spotlight for years before forcing her way into the WNBA at 28 and becoming a two-time champion. Sami and Luke talk about what really separates elite performers and they get into the details of exactly how Sami squeezes every bit of potential out of her own game. Sami shares openly about imposter syndrome at the top level, the leaders who changed everything for her (including Opals captain Tess Madgen and WNBA legend Sue Bird), and why authentic care and collaboration are non-negotiable in great teams. They also dive into the harder questions: how to balance motherhood with elite sport, why having a village matters, how to switch off and be truly present at home, and the role of curiosity and perspective in sustaining a long career. It’s a grounded, generous conversation about resilience, leadership and building a life that isn’t defined by your circumstances. We are privileged to have Sami as part of our Aleda Connect community. Book a discovery call today to find out more about how you can learn and grow alongside people like Sami within our signature leadership program. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head here to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Book a discovery call today. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A visiting defence and foreign policy expert is urging New Zealand to rethink how we prioritise defence spending, arguing we should draw inspiration from the Australian echidna – a small but spiky animal. . Sam Roggeveen, a programme director at the Lowy Institute in Australia, came to New Zealand as a guest of Victoria University's Centre for Strategic Studies. . He says the future of defence of Australia and New Zealand relies on making use of the vast distances any attacker would have to cover, and to purchase equipment designed to sink ships and shoot down aircraft. . Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

How can higher education remain resilient in an age of uncertainty?Universities everywhere are under pressure, from political interference and funding cuts, to rapid technological change and shifting public expectations.In this episode of Our World, Connected, host Christine Wilson speaks with Michael Ignatieff, an award-winning author and historian, former leader of Canada's Liberal Party, and former President and Rector of Central European University (CEU). A keynote speaker at the British Council's Going Global 2025 conference, Michael reflects on the “storm clouds” gathering over higher education, drawing on his experience leading CEU through significant challenges, including political pressure that forced the institution to relocate. Together, they examine what resilience means for higher education today, the role of international partnerships and values-led leadership, the defence of academic freedom, and the human side of teaching and learning.We also hear live reflections from three delegates at last month's Going Global conference. Urvashi Prasad, a public policy and health specialist explores the role of empathy and evidence in shaping education, whilst Rawan Taha, a UN World Food Programme officer and UK Alumni SDG Ambassador shares her experience of adapting, upskilling and building resilience through international study. Finally, Caryn Nery, Director of Transnational Education (TNE) Partnerships at Victoria University, reflects on how TNE models proved robust during Covid and why diversified, student-centred partnerships matter now more than ever. Listen to Our World, Connected, brought to you by the British Council. Subscribe and follow for more conversations on culture, connection, and the power of education.

A new report has found a large increase in the number of university students receiving A grades. The think-tank 'The New Zealand Initiative' has analysed grade data from New Zealand's eight universities and found a 64 percent increase in the number of students earning 'A's' in 2024 compared to 2006. Victoria University of Wellington Students' Association Academic Vice-President Ethan Rogacion chats to Jesse.

Where do Pacific and western MEL approaches naturally align, and where do they clash?  Margaret Eastgate, Seraseini Vulavou and ‘Aulola ‘Ake discuss how MEL practice may honour Pacific ideas and ways of knowing in how we design, implement, and evaluate programs – including the concepts of tā (time) and vā (relational space).  This podcast was made possible through SPC's Funding with Intent initiative, funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.    Please provide us feedback here: https://forms.office.com/r/yHK0eDhrex     Guests:  Margaret Eastgate, consultant - Pacific Magaret has worked in the development space for over 30 years. She is a Pacific MEL Influencer who has: co-authored the Pacific MEL Capacity Strengthening Rebbilib “For the Pacific, By the Pacific, With the Pacific” which situates MEL; co-curated & co-convened the Inaugural Pacific MEL Convening; and was a Member of the MEL Technical Experts Group that endorsed the Pacific MEL Diploma programme.  Seraseini Vulavou, Performance Quality and Learning (MERLA) Manager for Balance of Power - Fiji Seraseini works in the space of legitimizing the leadership of women – politically, culturally and socially – at a regional level, particularly across Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga.  She has been a MEL practitioner for more than 10 years having worked in 9 Pacific island countries in the health sector (International Planned Parenthood Federation), as well as UN entities (UN Women, World Food Program and UNICEF) and Oxfam. ‘Aulola ‘Ake, Programme Officer at SPC – Tonga  ‘Aulola is part of a team that supports Pacific Women Lead at SPC's portfolio of grants, providing technical advice, assistance and capacity building, planning, monitoring and reporting at country and regional level. Prior to SPC, she worked for the Australian High Commission Nuku'alofa as Senior Program Manager managing Australia's bilateral investments in governance, gender equality and infrastructure. Her background is international affairs and development holding both a BA and MA in International Relations from Victoria University of Wellington, NZ, and Monash University, Australia. Links: Pacific MEL Rebbilib: https://www.spc.int/updates/blog/2020/08/pacific-mel-rebbilib-report-on-mel-capacity-available-for-download  Pacific MEL Diploma: https://www.spc.int/DigitalLibrary/SPC/Collection/Pacific_MEL  Reflections on tā and vā  by Ōkusitino Māhina: https://i-m-m.org/onewebmedia/IMM_PDFs/2021_imm_archiv/_archiv_sprache/210406_Ta_VA_Moana_by_Mahina_01.pdf  https://www.vamoana.org/news/talanoa-hufanga-he-ako-moe-lotu-dr-okusitino-mahina  Tongan sociospatial relations by Tevita Ka'ili: https://kealakai.byuh.edu/tevita-kaili-presents-new-book-on-tongan-sociospatial-relations  Decolonisation & Locally Led Development (including practical ideas for action): https://acfid.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/ACFID-Decolonisation-and-Locally-Led-Development-Discussion-Paper.pdf  How can aid be decolonized and localized in the Pacific? by Theresa Meki and Jope Tarai: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/dpr.12732  Kakala Research Framework: (PDF) Kakala Research Framework  Kakala_Research.pdf  Kakala Research Framework | SpringerLink  

What do you do when the thing you love most is also the thing you fear the most? In this episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke sits down with Olympic BMX gold medallist Saya Sakakibara, whose story is as much about courage and inner work as it is about winning in Paris. Saya opens up about watching her brother Kai’s life-changing crash, the strange limbo that followed, and why she chose to keep racing for both of them. She explains how fear didn’t hit all at once, but crept in later through her own crashes, and how that planted a seed of doubt she had to learn to work with, not run from. Saya talks Luke through the mental performance tools that changed everything: rewiring her subconscious, using visualisation as “future memories,” focusing on the 95% of the mind that runs in the background and training it like a muscle. She shares how her “Just go” mantra helped her block out distraction in Paris, and why walking away knowing she didn’t leave anything on the table mattered just as much as the gold medal. Beyond BMX, Saya reflects on becoming an author and public speaker despite a fear of speaking, the tension between being “selfish” as an elite athlete and wanting to give back, and why asking for help has always been her quiet form of leadership. She also shares her dream of helping young athletes and young women find their voice, tell their story and build a life they’re proud of. Saya shares the mindset you can build from the ground up. And reminds us all that courage is not the absence of fear, it’s what you decide to do with it. Grab a copy of Saya’s brand new book “Just Go” for more Saya magic! If you're in Melbourne tonight, head to the The W Club to meet BMX Olympic Gold Medallist Saya Sakakibara and celebrate the release of her brand-new inspiring memoir, 'Just Go'. Tickets are selling fast here. Luke mentions a brilliant episode with Steve Hooker, Olympic Pole Vaulting gold medalist - listen here. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head here to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Book a discovery call today. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ian Williamson is dean of The UC Irvine Paul Merage School of Business. Prior to joining the Merage School, he served as pro vice-chancellor and dean of commerce at the Wellington School of Business and Government at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. Ian has also served as a faculty member in business schools in Australia, Switzerland, and Indonesia. Ian is a globally recognized expert in the area of human resource management and his research has been published in leading academic journals and covered by leading media outlets across the world. Ian received his PhD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a bachelor's degree in business from Miami University. In this episode we discuss the following: Ian sees himself as a steward, making decisions for the person who comes after him, recognizing that he's caring for something that existed long before him and will continue long after him. What a powerful example of long-term thinking Ian encountered with the Māori leaders, who asked, "How will this decision affect our great-grandchildren?'” Not all leadership looks the same, and it's perfectly fine for some leaders to focus on the short term. But the key is being intentional about what our role demands and what kind of leader we want to be.

As schools and homes continue to dispose of asbestos contaminated play sand - the government is being urged to investigate how this happened. Chris Peace, a Senior Lecturer in Workplace Health and Safety at Victoria University spoke to Corin Dann.

From the streets of New York to around the world, the "Mamdani effect" is taking shape. Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani won the city’s mayoralty earlier this month, sparking a new era with an election turnout higher than any race in 50 years. But this isn’t just an American story. The energy around this movement, its bold ideas on justice, economics, and climate, is resonating with Gen Z far beyond the US. Victoria University of Wellington senior lecturer Dr Mona Kewel joins The Front Page to explain how Mamdani is flying in the face of reactionary Republican politicians we’ve seen rise to power in the US in recent years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode ‘Does minor aggression have a major impact?' we confront a sensitive but crucial area: the effects of intimate partner violence and aggression on children. Dr. Jane Gilmour and Professor Umar Toseeb are joined by Dr. Hedwig Eisenbarth from Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand, the lead author of the paper The Impact of Less Severe Intimate Partner Aggression on Child Conduct Problems, published in JCPP Advances. This paper focuses on lower levels of violence, so they use phrases like ‘minor' or ‘less severe'. This phraseology, of course, does not imply that they are considered acceptable.  They explore how attachment theory, social learning, and even genetic factors may intersect with a child's experience of aggression in the home. The discussion covers the importance of the home environment, the need for intervention, and the complex challenge of studying these behaviours across different cultures. More information Read the Open Access paper from JCPP Advances ‘The impact of less severe intimate partner aggression on child conduct problems' Hedwig Eisenbarth, Karina Clavijo Saldias, Paul E. Jose, Johannes A. Karl, Karen E. Waldie https://doi.org/10.1002/jcv2.70024

Recently, ACT Party MP, Laura McClure, has launched a member's bill, proposing the disestablishment of the Broadcasting Standards Authority, or BSA. This member's bill follows a complaint laid to the BSA regarding Sean Plunket's online media network, The Platform. Plunket says the content of his show does not meet the requirements of the Broadcasting Act, and that the BSA had “"woefully and egregiously overstepped its bounds". The BSA, however, says Plunket's show clearly meets the requirements of the ACT. News and Editorial Director Joel spoke to Peter Thompson, an Associate Media and Communications Professor at the Victoria University of Wellington and board member of the Better Public Media Trust, about this member's bill and what the bill is proposing.

Recently, the controversial Regulatory Standards Bill passed its third and final reading. The bill has raised concerns amongst many for a variety of reasons, including its lack of recognition of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the risks it poses to the environment, and what opponents say is its ‘narrow neoliberal framework'. The bill, during public submissions, received 156,000 submissions, with over 98% voicing their opposition to the proposed legislation. News and Editorial Director Joel spoke to Geoffrey Bertram, a visiting scholar and retired lecturer at the Victoria University of Wellington about the bill, why it is so polarising, and what the passing of this bill means heading forward.

This week on the Wednesday Wire: For our weekly catchup w/ the Green Party Wednesday Wire Host Max spoke with MP Ricardo Menendez-March about The Green Party's pledge to revoke, what they consider, the most destructive fast-track mining consents handed out by the current government, the adjustments to the Clean Car Standard, and the official passing of the Regulatory Standards Bill into law. News and Editorial Director Joel spoke to Geoffrey Bertram, a visiting scholar and retired lecturer at the Victoria University of Wellington about the passing of the Regulatory Standards Bill, and what this means heading forward. Max spoke with John Minto from the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa, to discuss the UN Security Council voting 13-0 in favour of implementing US President Donald Trump's plan for a lasting peace in Gaza. And Joel spoke to Peter Thompson, an Associate Media and Communications Professor at the Victoria University of Wellington, and board member of the Better Public Media Trust, about ACT MP Laura McClure's member's bill, proposing the disestablishment of the Broadcasting Standards Authority.

Recently, the controversial Regulatory Standards Bill passed its third and final reading. The bill has raised concerns amongst many for a variety of reasons, including its lack of recognition of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the risks it poses to the environment, and what opponents say is its ‘narrow neoliberal framework'. The bill, during public submissions, received 156,000 submissions, with over 98% voicing their opposition to the proposed legislation. News and Editorial Director Joel spoke to Geoffrey Bertram, a visiting scholar and retired lecturer at the Victoria University of Wellington about the bill, why it is so polarising, and what the passing of this bill means heading forward.

15 years ago, 29 men went to work and never returned home. The Pike River mine explosion shocked New Zealand and the world, prompting three inquiries, a new regulator and new laws. But new research shows New Zealand workers are still more likely to die than those in Australia or Britain. The Public Health Communication Centre Aotearoa report said this country kills twice as many workers as Australia and four times as many as Britain, on a per capita basis. The number of work-related deaths has not substantially reduced since 2010. Victoria University of Wellington workplace health and safety lecturer Dr Chris Peace joins The Front Page to talk about our poor safety standings and what needs to change. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently, ACT Party MP, Laura McClure, has launched a member's bill, proposing the disestablishment of the Broadcasting Standards Authority, or BSA. This member's bill follows a complaint laid to the BSA regarding Sean Plunket's online media network, The Platform. Plunket says the content of his show does not meet the requirements of the Broadcasting Act, and that the BSA had "woefully and egregiously overstepped its bounds". The BSA, however, says Plunket's show clearly meets the requirements of the Act. News and Editorial Director Joel spoke to Peter Thompson, an Associate Media and Communications Professor at the Victoria University of Wellington and board member of the Better Public Media Trust, about this member's bill and what the bill is proposing.

This week on the Wednesday Wire: For our weekly catchup w/ the Green Party Wednesday Wire Host Max spoke with MP Ricardo Menendez-March about The Green Party's pledge to revoke, what they consider, the most destructive fast-track mining consents handed out by the current government, the adjustments to the Clean Car Standard, and the official passing of the Regulatory Standards Bill into law. News and Editorial Director Joel spoke to Geoffrey Bertram, a visiting scholar and retired lecturer at the Victoria University of Wellington about the passing of the Regulatory Standards Bill, and what this means heading forward. Max spoke with John Minto from the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa, to discuss the UN Security Council voting 13-0 in favour of implementing US President Donald Trump's plan for a lasting peace in Gaza. And Joel spoke to Peter Thompson, an Associate Media and Communications Professor at the Victoria University of Wellington, and board member of the Better Public Media Trust, about ACT MP Laura McClure's member's bill, proposing the disestablishment of the Broadcasting Standards Authority.

Today marks the 15th anniversary of the Pike River mine disaster that killed 29 men. Despite reforms following the incident, New Zealand's workplace health and safety record remains poor, with fatality and injury rates among the highest in the developed world. Workplace injuries and illnesses cost the country an estimated $5 billion each year. Victoria University workplace health and safety lecturer Dr Chris Peace told Kerre Woodham that putting ACC in place has taken away a lot of stress and angst, but a strong regulatory system needed to be put in place and wasn't. He says that the legislation imposes a duty of care on businesses, but the problem is that most people don't understand what that amounts to. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What makes the All Blacks the most successful international sporting team of all time? For Gilbert Enoka, who spent 23 years shaping their mindset and culture, the answer begins within. In September, when Luke walked into Aleda’s leadership conference in London, the Head Coach of the United States Women’s National Team, Emma Hayes, was clutching Gilbert’s book in her hands. She looked up at Luke and said, “You have to read this.” (Emma’s recent episode is here.) In this episode of Empowering Leaders, after reading the book as prescribed, Luke sits down with the legendary mental skills coach whose work has transformed how the world thinks about leadership, pressure and performance. From his early years in an orphanage to two decades guiding the All Blacks, Gilbert shares timeless lessons about resilience, self-belief and the quiet power of structure and humility. He explains why you’ll never rise above your opinion of yourself, how great leaders “nail it not nearly it,” and why there can be no external gains without an internal shift. One of our favourite bits (because we do this here at Aleda) is when Gilbert reminds us not to rush past our successes but to instead “vent our joy” just as we vent our problems. You’ll hear Luke mention NBA great Steve Kerr’s recent episode - listen (or listen again) here. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head here to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Book a discovery call today. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Cindy Mitchener and Andrew Clay. First up, the fallout continues from the IPCA's bombshell report into allegations against Jevon McSkimming. Police Commissioner Richard Chambers was quick to minimise the scandal to a few bad actors in an otherwise healthy system. Jan Jordan, emerita professor of criminology at Victoria University, doesn't buy it. Then, new adaptation guidelines suggest no more property buyouts, and much less support for those hit by bad weather. Martien Lubberink, Associate Professor of Accounting and Capital at Victoria University of Wellington says a tough reality is sinking in for homeowners.

What should leaders actually do with AI this year? In this conversation, futurist and CEO Dr Ayesha Khanna gives Luke clear, practical steps for small teams and big organisations: start with personal productivity, build safe team workflows, then move to data-driven pilots that serve customers first. Ayesha explains why governance must sit beside innovation, what recent AI experiments really tell us, and how great leadership in the AI age is defined by ethics, upskilling, and a true growth mindset. She shares lessons from her failed startups and her incredible work teaching AI skills to girls and women. Ayesha believes there’s “something remarkable about everyone” and it shows. Listen in as Luke and Ayesha also touch on quantum computing, Singapore as an iconic national transformation, and Ayesha’s refreshingly human rules to live by including “multitasking is a sin” and taking regular tech and AI fasts. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head here to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The story of the Redcoats, as they were known, has been told in a new book Garrison World by Victoria University history professor Charlotte Macdonald.

Hornet-watcher Phil Lester is a professor of ecology and entomology at Victoria University of Wellington.

Few leaders have captured the world’s attention quite like Jacinda Ardern has! As Prime Minister of New Zealand, she became known for her compassion, her decisiveness, and her ability to lead through crises with grace. Now, after stepping away from politics, Jacinda is finding new ways to influence change - through her work at Harvard, her continued advocacy for kindness and integrity in leadership, and her role as a mother navigating what balance really means. In this episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke Darcy speaks with Jacinda about what she’s learned in reflection, the human cost of leadership, and how we might build a future shaped by empathy rather than fear. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head here to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Book a discovery call today. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 What's the episode about? In this episode, hear Dr Jessica Young on assisteddying, the New Zealand End of Life Choice Bill, culturally responsive research, end of life care and decision making, and sociological approaches.Who is Jessica?Dr Jessica Young is a Senior Research Fellow at Victoria University of Wellington and the University of Auckland, and an adjunct senior lecturer in the Australian Centre for Health Law Research, Queensland University of Technology.She is a sociologist specialising in death, dying andassisted dying. She completed her PhD in 2020 at the University of Otago and received a prestigious post-doctoral fellowship from the Cancer Society of New Zealand.Since the End of Life Choice Bill was introduced in NewZealand, Dr Young has been building a programme of research to investigate multiple facets of assisted dying.  She leads and contributes to several projects on assisteddying, most recently ‘Exploring the early experiences of the assisted dying service in Aotearoa', funded by the Health Research Council. Dr Young has led impactful research in end-of-life care, securing over $3 million in competitive funding.  She is the founder and co-chair of New Zealand'sAssisted Dying Research Network and was appointed by the Director-General of Health to the Support and Consultation for End of Life in NZ (SCENZ) Group (2021–2023). Her work has directly shaped national policy: 13 of her team's recommendations were adopted in the Ministry of Health's 2024 End of Life Choice Act Review.She has published over 40 peer-reviewed articles, six editorials, and three book chapters.  To ensure her research goes beyond academia, she activelyengages with media. She is passionate about improving end-of-life experiences for patients, whānau/families and health practitioners. Committed to ethical, inclusive, and culturally responsive research, she seeks to involve tangatawhenua (indigenous people of NZ), stakeholders and communities. You can find Jessica on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-young-7097a722/ The book introduced in the episode introduction is Death, Commemoration, and Cultural Meaning Past and PresentEdited by Robert Spinelli and Robyn S. Lacy. How do I cite the episode in my research and reading lists?To cite this episode, you can use thefollowing citation: Young, J. (2025) Interview on The Death Studies Podcast hosted by Michael-Fox, B. and Visser, R. Published 1 November 2025. Available at: www.thedeathstudiespodcast.com, DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.30507878 What next?Check out more episodes or find out more about the hosts! Gota question? Get in touch.

It's not often you get to say you've found 40 new species in one go - but that's exactly what a group of Kiwi scientists has done in Fiordland with the discovery of new marine sponges. The finding came as a huge surprise to Professor James Bell, a marine biologist from Victoria University, who says the results exceeded all expectations. He joins Jesse.

Billionaire Bill Gates is shifting his tone on climate change, cautioning against a 'doomsday' future view. In a lengthy online memo, the Microsoft co-founder says he still believes it is a major problem needing solving. But Gates says innovation and breakthroughs shouldn't come at the expense of funding global health or development. Victoria University adjunct professor of climate change, Adrian Macey, says he agrees. "I see what he's saying is - don't assume it's going to be Armageddon if we sail past the 1.5 degrees, which we have already, but think about the positive things you need to do." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An interview with Dr. Ben Mallett — a senior scientist at the Paihau-Robinson Research Institute and co-founder of JxB Space Systems, a bold new space startup positioning New Zealand at the forefront of next-generation spacecraft propulsion.Ben has been instrumental in developing superconducting magnet systems now operating aboard the International Space Station as part of the recently launched Heki mission. He led the creation of a superconducting flux pump. — a device that energizes spacecraft magnets using drastically less power than traditional systems. This is a milestone not just for New Zealand space tech, but for global efforts toward sustainable space propulsion.Ben holds a Bachelors and Doctoral degrees in Physics from the the Macdiarmid Institute and Victoria University of Wellington.Beyond the lab, he was selected into a global space accelerator program in 2023, where he helped shape the commercial vision for JxB while continuing to break technical ground. Ben just won the 2025 KiwiNet Research Commercialisation - Breakthrough Innovation Award  this month. Hosts:  SpaceBase Founder Emeline Paat-DahlstromResourcesPaihau-Robinson Research InstituteHeki Mission - a technology demonstration mission to the International Space Station (ISS) that launched in September 2025.CHIASMA - connecting university students to STEM industriesSupport the show

A climate expert has claimed the Government's reduced methane targets are 'unambitious'. The goal for 2050 has been slashed to a range of 14-to-24 percent below 2017 levels - about half the former target. Agricultural methane emissions won't be taxed. Victoria University's Nathanael Melia says by investing more into research, New Zealand could have aimed for higher. "We're using brand new science and brand new thinking to find out what we should do with our unique makeup to do these sorts of things. We're being a leader here and I think the Government could have been a bit more of a leader." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing support for a call to decriminalise drugs in order to reduce harm. The Drug Foundation's released a report calling drug laws of the past 50 years a 'colossal failure'. It is pushing for decriminalising use - and more investment in health and addiction services. Victoria University criminology professor Fiona Hutton says the status quo isn't working. "Things like drug overdoses are rising, addiction hasn't really been properly addressed, things like methamphetamine use are causing real harm in our communities." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are always excited about the next technological solution. But what if it does not come? Or what if it comes only for the few, or with terrible side-effects? And while we are waiting for the easy tech fix, are we neglecting what we can do now to better our lives?Many of our previous guests have been excited about the prospect of radically extending our lives, and some have been optimistic about the prospect of achieving this in our life time, perhaps even within a few decades. We are Levity, the real longevity podcast after all.Todays guest thinks that we should be less excited about radical longevity, and radical enhancements in general. And he does not think radical life extension is on the horizon.Nicholas Agar is a New Zealand philosopher specializing in ethics. He holds a BA from the University of Auckland, an MA from Victoria University of Wellington, and a PhD from the Australian National University. As of 2022, he is a Professor of Ethics at the University of Waikato. He is a prolific writer and the author of How to think about Progress, and Truly Human Progress, to mention two recent books.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction03:38 The hype and the reality06:02 Too much enthusiasm for radical life extension -- or too little?17:15 Distribution worries -- more life only for the rich?23:06 Pessimism about distribution and feasability29:00 Structural reasons for bad science and big promises33:30 Is it wise to spend money on radical life extension?37:13 Should we die if we have had good life?48:48 Deat as tool for solving housing crisis58:27 Liberal eugenics01:06:45 How to attract funding -- hype + conservative grant proposals01:09:40 What is enhancement?01:25:30 A mechanical Roger Federer with robot arms01:38:12 Is it bad to cease to exist? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Crampton is a Professor of Paleontology and Stratigraphy at Victoria University and joins Nights to explain.

This week on the Monday Wire: For our weekly catch-up with the ACT Party, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to MP Simon Court about the government's recent energy reforms, and about the three New Zealanders aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla who have been intercepted by Israel. Producer Alex spoke to Doctoral Candidate at the University of Auckland Luke Bird about concerns around Sportwashing with the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States in the midst of human rights concerns under the Trump Administration. Joel spoke to the National President of the Tertiary Education Union or TEU, Julie Douglas, about the University of Auckland, Massey University, and the Victoria University of Wellington, all announcing they will not be using software to detect AI in student's work, and what this means heading forward. Following their chat with Douglas, Joel also spoke to Shahper Richter, a Senior Marketing Lecturer at the University of Auckland, about using “interactive oral assessments” or IOA's, as a way to combat AI in testing students. Whakarongo mai!

This week, an underwater mystery connecting New Zealand and Ireland - the puzzle of the disappearing sponges of Lough Hyne. In the late 1990s/early 2000s James Bell was doing PhD research on the sponge communities that coated the underwater cliffs of this small sea inlet in West Cork. When he returned 15 years later, they had vanished. Why did they disappear, are they starting to recover, and can they be helped to return? Now a Professor at Victoria University of Wellington, these are the key questions that James, and PhD candidates from his lab, have been working to answer. Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more.In this episode:00:00 – Divers return, introduction to Lough Hyne and its scientific history.02:50 – James Bell on his early research at Lough Hyne and the surprising disappearance of sponge communities.05:15 – Gabi Wood and Kea Witting get ready to dive at Whirlpool Cliffs.06:30 – James Bell explains the unique tidal regime of Lough Hyne that means it has many diverse habitats.09:00 – Gabi Wood is collecting water samples to study sponge feeding and nutrient levels.11:00 – What caused the sponges to disappear.14:00 – Kea Witting is investigating sponge community recovery.21:00 – Experiments to help the sponges return…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The family of the man Wellington's Gordon Wilson Flats are named after is backing plans to redevelop it rather than knock it over. The government have carved out a section of the law so the earthquake prone abandoned heritage building can be demolished by Victoria University. Nick James reports.

Weekly shoutout: A new essay on HowlRound by theatermaker and friend of the show, Anne Mason! -- Hi there, Today I am delighted to be arts calling author Monica Macansantos! (monicamacansantos.com) About our guest: Monica Macansantos is a Filipino writer from Baguio, and is currently a Marguerite and Lamar Smith Fellow with the Carson McCullers Center in Columbus, Georgia. She is the author of the essay collection, Returning to My Father's Kitchen (Curbstone/Northwestern University Press, 2025), and the story collection, Love and Other Rituals (Grattan Street Press), 2022. She was a 2024-25 Shearing Fellow with the Black Mountain Institute at UNLV, and her work has appeared in Colorado Review, The Hopkins Review, Bennington Review, River Styx, Electric Literature, Literary Hub, and Katherine Mansfield and Children (Edinburgh University Press), among other places. She earned her MFA from the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas at Austin, and her PhD in Creative Writing from the Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand. Her work has been recognized as Notable in Best American Essays 2016 and 2021-2023. RETURNING TO MY FATHER'S KITCHEN, now available from Northwestern University Press/Curbstone Books: Purchase from Northwestern University Press: https://nupress.northwestern.edu/9780810148390/returning-to-my-fathers-kitchen/ From Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/returning-to-my-father-s-kitchen-essays-monica-macansantos/ Purchase from Book People in Austin, which sells signed copies of the book! https://bookpeople.com/book/9780810148390 Also from Monica, LOVE & OTHER RITUALS, a collection of stories: https://www.monicamacansantos.com/loveandotherritualsselectedstories.html Thanks for this amazing conversation, Monica! All the best! Arts Calling is produced by Jaime Alejandro. HOW TO SUPPORT ARTS CALLING: PLEASE CONSIDER LEAVING A REVIEW, OR SHARING THIS EPISODE WITH A FRIEND! YOUR SUPPORT TRULY MAKES A DIFFERENCE! Much love, j artscalling.com

For hayfever sufferers, spring can bring a whole load of unwelcome symptoms. Victoria University of Wellington professor Rewi Newnnam spoke to Corin Dann

David Harland - an international diplomat who has devoted decades to finding ways to overcome armed conflict - is one of this year's Victoria University of Wellington's Distinguished Alumni. 

It's one small step for SpaceX, one giant leap for New Zealand's fledgling space industry. A rocket bearing a first-ever experiment built in Lower Hutt has lifted off from Cape Canaveral. The mission, called Hēki, will plug onto the outside of the International Space Station. Scores of scientists and others watched the launch on a screen at a Victoria University facility in Lower Hutt this morning. Phil Pennington reports.

Kiwi students will soon be learning more about AI in the classroom, potentially as a specialist subject in year 13. It's part of a major curriculum shake-up which the Education Minister says will better prepare students for the future workforce. Professor of AI at Victoria University, Alistair Knott spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

A tech hub based at Victoria University in Wellington is proving to be a success in its first year - contributing $11.9 million to the economy and supporting 127 fulltime jobs in that time. 

More than 20 AI experts have signed an open letter urging the government to better regulate the use of artificial intelligence here. Victoria University senior lecturer in AI Dr Andrew Lensen spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The efforts of physicist Ratu Mataira to deliver almost limit less energy through nuclear fusion have been recognised by Victoria University in Wellington in its Distinguished Alumni awards for the brightest and boldest innovators. 

More and more of us are reaching for low or no-alcohol beers. As the market grows, the options are also expanding – but brewing beer without alcohol fermentation presents a tricky puzzle. In traditional beer brewing the conversion of sugars into ethanol and carbon dioxide through yeast fermentation is a key part of the process. How can you get the same flavour into beer without it? A team at Victoria University of Wellington, including the head of research and development at Garage Project, have begun an interdisciplinary research project to address this. They're hoping to develop a brand-new yeast strain, one that will recreate delicious beer flavours, but without the alcohol.Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more.…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Tune in to The Business of Government Hour with host Michael J. Keegan as he dives into the transformative power of generative AI in the government sector! How is this cutting-edge technology already reshaping public services? What steps can agencies take to foster a culture of safe experimentation while managing risks? And how can they scale AI initiatives from pilot projects to enterprise-wide adoption? Join us for an insightful conversation with Professor Alex Richter from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, author of the IBM Center report, Navigating Generative AI in Government. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Israel's Prime Minister is currently holding a meeting of his security cabinet to discuss plans to take over all of the Gaza Strip. Ilan Noy from is Victoria University in Wellington who holds dual Israel and New Zealand citizenship - and says the impacts of the disaster in Gaza will be felt for generations to come.

Imagine a company that has been pursuing its goal for fifteen years, with mixed progress, if you could call it that. The company, Trans Tasman Resources (TTR) has invested over $85 million toward a deep sea mining project off the South Taranaki Coast. It's Executive Chairman Alan Eggers is a qualified geologist who gained his degree at Victoria University, Wellington. But it's not all been plain sailing... Eggers lays it out in a most interesting interview which covers matters political, racial, social and financial, and helps to understand why New Zealand is poorly served in its search for the success it deserves. It just might share some of the reasons the country comes up short in other areas, like infrastructure and health. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.