We are excited to host the 2026 DASSH Aotearoa in-person member gathering in Wellington. This is a chance to connect in person, share what’s happening across institutions, and reflect on the challenges and opportunities shaping the higher education landscape. We are especially looking forward to welcoming a broad mix of participants including new Heads of School who have recently joined the DASSH network. This is a day for different cohorts of leaders to come together in a supportive and collegial setting.
Tuesday 17 March 2026
10am – 4pm (NZDT)
Rutherford House, Te Whanganui-a-Tara | Wellington
All members welcome
Free to attend
Dean Amo Aronui Averil Coxhead from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Te Wāhanga Aronui looks forward to welcoming you to the Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) campus.
She will be joined by DASSH Vice President Professor Cynthia White, Pro Vice-Chancellor, College of Humanities and Social Sciences Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University and DASSH President Heather Zwicker, Executive Dean Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences & Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Campus Culture and Leadership), University of Queensland.
What to expect
| 9.30am | Attendees arrive Coffee/tea & refreshments provided |
| 10am | Welcome and introductions Cynthia White, Pro Vice-Chancellor, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University Averil Coxhead, Dean Amo Aronui, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Te Wāhanga Aronui, Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington Plenary session Distinguished Professor Emeritus Paul Spoonley FRSNZ ONZM |
| 12pm | Lunch Lunch provided |
| 1pm | Panel session: Innovations and the Humanities Melanie Beres, Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor, Division of Humanities, University of Otago Tim Smith, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences, University of Waikato Chaired by Averil Coxhead |
| 2pm | Short break Refreshments provided |
| 2.15pm | Group workshops Jeanette King, Associate Dean Academic, University of Canterbury Closing remarks |
| 4pm | Afternoon reception All attendees are invited to join us at the Thistle Inn afterwards for food and drinks. This is not provided for. |
Conveners
Professor Averil Coxhead
Dean | Amo Aronui, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences | Te Wāhanga Aronui
Victoria University of Wellington
Guest Speaker
With member support
Professor Tim Smith
Pro Vice-Chancellor, Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences
The University of Waikato
Professor Bill Fish
Acting Head of School, Humanities, Media and Creative Communication
Massey University
Location details
Rutherford House
23 Lambton Qy Pipitea 6011, Wellington
Rutherford House is home to the Wellington School of Business and Government, Wellington UniProfessional, and The Atom. The 12-storey tower at Rutherford House is now fully renovated. All internal spaces were reconfigured floor by floor, and all windows replaced. The internal spaces were refurbished with modern fittings and décor.
Rutherford House is one of the University’s key buildings in downtown Wellington and, along with the Government Building, forms our Pipitea Campus. The building had a new annexe added several years ago, which provided modern, fit-for-purpose teaching spaces. With these renovations, the building is now the perfect space for current and future innovators and business leaders to learn from our top-notch lecturers.
Getting there
As the campus is based at Wellington’s commuter transport hub, there is easy access for train and bus users to our facilities. Regular bus services link staff and students to the Kelburn campus. Find out how to get to and between campuses on foot, by bike, or on public transport as well as parking options.
With thanks to our host
