Launch of the Toi o te Ora AUT Wellbeing Research Network

The Toi o te Ora – AUT Wellbeing Research Network was officially launched on 8 September 2025 at AUT’s Tukutuku North Campus, marking a key milestone in the advancement of wellbeing research at the university. The event opened with a welcoming ceremony led by Toiroa Williams (Te Ipukarea Research Institute), grounded in tikanga Māori and setting a tone of partnership, respect, and connection with AUT’s leading research centres.

A highlight of the launch was a keynote address by Ali Mau, renowned journalist and advocate, who spoke on the challenges and opportunities of workplace wellbeing. She highlighted the importance of supportive environments and the shared responsibility for fostering cultures that prioritise staff wellbeing – an approach that reflects the Network’s collaborative philosophy.

The Network is led by Professor Scott Duncan and Dr Leon Iusitini and spans several centres and institutes across AUT. Shaped through an ongoing co-design process, it brings together researchers with strong expertise in wellbeing from across the university. Its broad, multidisciplinary focus aims to advance knowledge and practice in wellbeing, with a particular emphasis on staff wellbeing and fostering a supportive research culture.

The Network creates opportunities for connection, collaboration, and professional growth, strengthening AUT’s collective capacity and visibility in wellbeing research. For more information, contact us at wellbeing@aut.ac.nz.