We are pleased to announce that Professor Damon Salesa has started his tenure as the new Vice-Chancellor of Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makau Rau Auckland University of Technology (AUT).
Damon is a historian, a Rhodes Scholar, and a Fellow of the Royal Society Te Apārangi. He is the author of Island Time: New Zealand’s Pacific Futures (BWB, 2017) and Racial Crossings (Oxford University Press, 2011). He grew up in Glen Innes, Auckland, and got his PhD at the University of Oxford.
With his appointment to lead AUT, Damon becomes New Zealand’s first Pasifika Vice-Chancellor.
Damon has emphasised his commitment to honour what makes AUT distinctive. He prioritises an inclusive education and has spoken widely about ensuring students from all walks of life can access a quality education. You can listen to his vision for AUT in an interview with Radio New Zealand here.
Damon commenced the role from Thursday 31 March, taking over from Derek McCormack, who has retired after 18 years’ service.
Damon is hosting a livestream event for students on Tuesday 12 April at 1pm, where he will share his story and our collective vision on how we can support students to reach their full potential. Sara Youssef, AUTSA President, will also be at the event. You can watch Damon and Sara here.
Talofa lava (greetings), Damon!
