The year 2008 is one of affirmation for The University of Auckland as we celebrate our 125th Jubilee. The Jubilee is an opportunity to take pride in what we have accomplished, and to appreciate the many people involved in the life and development of New Zealand’s largest University. I ask all of our alumni to celebrate the Jubilee alongside us, as each and every one of you has contributed to the success of this Faculty and the University.

Many of the Jubilee celebrations pay tribute to our alumni. One event to fall under the Jubilee banner was the Distinguished Alumni Awards annual dinner, which took place in early March, where the keynote speaker was Chris Liddell, Chief Financial Officer of Microsoft. Chris is one of our most prominent alumni. He followed his Auckland Engineering degree with a Master of Philosophy from Oxford University.

This Faculty has also many other outstanding alumni. One who certainly deserves recognition is Sir Ron Carter, one of the most respected figures in engineering and business in New Zealand, who received a Distinguished Alumni Award at the dinner. All those presented with the Distinguished Alumni Award this year were invited to present public lectures in the week of the dinner and Sir Ron gave a thought provoking and inspiring lecture, entitled “Towards Auckland”. This drew on his vast experience in engineering and public life

and he presented the capacity audience, both in the lecture and the lively question and answer session that followed it, his vision and hopes for the city together with some strategies about how this might be achieved.

Members of our alumni community are prominent all over the world, so I was delighted when I was given the opportunity to connect with our growing alumni based in Perth in Western Australia. This was a very special occasion for the Faculty, as it was our first visit specially undertaken to make contact and build ongoing relationships with our alumni and industry leaders based in and around Perth.

At each Annual Alumni Dinner we invite especially – but not exclusively - those who are celebrating in the year one or more decades of their graduation. Therefore, if you graduated in a year ending with an eight (1958, 1968, etc) then I particularly encourage you to attend this year’s Annual Alumni Dinner. The dinner is an excellent opportunity to reconnect with former classmates and lecturers. The ‘…8’ dinner will be held on 27 September and a registration form is included in this edition of Alumni News.

The Auckland Bioengineering Institute (ABI) has since 2001 been an esteemed part of the Faculty of Engineering, and is known worldwide for its research into biological function and developing new approaches to medical diagnosis and therapy. The Bioengineering Institute has now become the University’s second Large Scale Research Institute (LSRI), giving it autonomy from the Faculty of Engineering. This means it will act financially and administratively as an independent unit within the University. However, the ABI will retain close links with the Faculty of Engineering as its “nearest neighbour” Faculty and staff from the Faculty and the ABI will continue to work together in conducting world leading research and the supervision of students.

As I write this, it is the start of Semester One and our Faculty is once again alive with students. We have a very large intake of new engineering undergraduates again this year. This semester 594 new students have joined the Faculty of Engineering, with about 560 entering Part I. I am sure that distinguished

engineering alumni such as Sir Ron Carter and Chris Liddell will serve as inspiration to them. Students in our intake this year have travelled from Kaitaia in the north of New Zealand to Dunedin in the south to study here in Auckland. They will be the first to embark on the renamed Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree. Essentially, this means that every student will follow an Honours programme. They will also be the first to benefit from refurbishment of many of the lecture theatres in the Faculty that have now been equipped with the latest hi-tech presentation equipment and more comfortable seating, to bring them in line with the world class standards that are expected by our students. The uniformly high standard of the lectures being delivered by my colleagues in the Faculty means that this greater comfort will not result in our students falling asleep! The increased undergraduate numbers means that we are also taking advantage of the large lecture theatres in the recently opened and architecturally outstanding Owen G Glenn Building, that is the home to the Business School and which is named in honour of a generous supporter of The University of Auckland.

I am pleased to see when looking through the roll of first-year students that many are duxes and the highest-achieving to graduate from their year at secondary school. Recently, I was delighted to personally award Kick-Start Scholarships to many of these students and meet a number of, justifiably, very proud parents. These scholarships reward academically outstanding students for the hard work they put in at secondary school in order to secure a place at this University. I welcome all of our new undergraduates to be challenged, to enjoy their studies, and to use their time at the Faculty of Engineering to fulfil their greatest potential.

Professor Michael C.R. DaviesDean of Engineering

May 2008 | A newsletter for Engineering Alumni | Number 18

From the Dean

Engineering Alumni News

Scholarships and Awards

Top students given “Kick-Start”For new engineering student William Galt, the $2000 Kick-Start scholarship he was awarded will help cover the costs of relocating from Wellington to Auckland for study. For Luqman Bachtiar it means he doesn’t need to work part-time this year. For Michael Ford it has taken away the stress of transport costs to and from University.

They are just three of the 23 students who received Kick-Start Scholarships in 2008, awarded to new engineering students who achieved the highest academic results in their final year of secondary school.

Special categories recognise the top students from outside of the Auckland region and of Maori and Pacific heritage. The Faculty received more than 100 applications for the scholarships this year.

A ceremony was held for the recipients on March 18, hosted by the Faculty of Engineering Dean Professor Michael Davies. He says the scholarships assist outstanding first-year students make the transition from school to university.

“Starting university can be a daunting experience. We hope the Kick-Start Scholarships alleviate some of the financial stress of starting a degree, allowing the students to focus on becoming successful young engineers. The recipients are all top

students, and we look forward to seeing them thrive and develop within the Faculty of Engineering,” says Professor Davies.

There are three main categories of Kick-Start Scholarships.

The City of Sails Scholarship is awarded to the top ten applicants who live outside of the Auckland metropolitan area.

The Affirmative Action Scholarship is awarded to three applicants of Maori or Pacific Island heritage who demonstrate academic excellence, personality and drive to make a difference.

The Merit Scholarships are open to all and are awarded to the ten applicants who achieve the top academic results in their final year of secondary school.

This year, the Edward Connelly Scholarships were introduced (see story opposite), allowing two more students to receive a Kick-Start. They are awarded to the top students in the Merit and City of Sails categories.

The grants are to assist with initial set-up costs, such as textbooks, fees and accommodation.

Kick Start Merit Scholarship recipientsLuqman BachtiarWestlake Boys High School, Auckland

Jeremy ChenGlendowie College, Auckland

Michael FordACG Strathallan, Pukekohe

Jonathan FoulkesCarey College, Auckland and home schooled

Ivan LiRangitoto College, Auckland

Alan LinSt Paul’s Collegiate School, Hamilton

Ivan RavlichKerikeri High School, Kerikeri

Kanthavel VivekanandaEdgewater College, Auckland

Melanie Wood (Edward Connelly)St Cuthbert’s College, Auckland

Julie ZouPalmerston North Girls’ High School, Palmerston North

Kick Start City of Sails Scholarship recipientsMarcus da SilvaSt Paul’s Collegiate School, Hamilton

William GaltWellington College, Wellington

Daniel GrahamBethlehem College, Tauranga

Kris HabrakenPukekohe High School, Pukekohe

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2008 Kick Start Scholarship recipients.

Stephanie HazardMahurangi College, Warkworth

Michael McIvor (Edward Connelly)Napier Boys’ High School, Napier

Rhys WilliamsLindisfarne College, Hastings

Jenny ChenHillcrest High School, Hamilton

Christopher MathiesonKamo High School, Whangarei

Corey SterlingWhangarei Boys’ High School, Whangarei

Kick Start Affirmative Action Scholarship recipientsJohn AubreyTKKM o Te Waiu O Ngati Porou, Ruatoria

Zak MataaManurewa High School, Auckland

Te Kopa ReedyTe Kura Maori o Nga Tapuwae, Auckland

Scholarship named in honour of Edward ConnellyThe memory of a former storeman for the Faculty of Engineering has been immortalised in the naming of a new scholarship.

Edward Connelly was a dedicated staff member in the Engineering School for 20 years. He joined the Faculty in 1962 as a cleaner at the Ardmore campus. When he retired in 1982 he had been through a series of promotions from Technical Storeman to Stores Steward.

When Edward passed away, he left his entire estate to The University of Auckland, with the commitment that it be used for providing bursaries and scholarships for engineering students.

The first Edward Connelly Scholarships, worth $2000 each, were awarded to first-year students in March, to assist with the costs of starting University.

Two Edward Connelly Scholarships are awarded each year - one to the applicant with the overall highest secondary school marks entering the Engineering degree, the second to the highest achieving student from outside of the Auckland region.

The 2008 recipients were Melanie Wood,

who graduated from St Cuthbert’s College in Epsom, who has ambitions to complete a PhD in Engineering and work in structural engineering; and Michael McIvor, the former dux of Napier Boys’ High School, who hopes to pursue a career in construc-tion management.

Top scholarsFive engineering postgraduate students have received prestigious Top Achiever Doctoral Scholar awards.

The scholarships are worth up to $75,000 each and are awarded to the country’s brightest scholars undertaking doctoral research.

The Tertiary Education Commission administers the scholarships. Tertiary Education Minister, Pete Hodgson, describes them as “an important investment. It is the critical thinking of our researchers that gives us an opportunity to become an innovation-led country with the skills and knowledge to compete internationally.”

Only 42 scholars were named nationally, 16 were awarded to The University of Auckland, and of that number, five went to the Faculty of Engineering.

The Engineering recipients and their PhD thesis topics are:

Anita McKenzie (Department of Engineer-ing Science) — Selecting evolving perinatal

brain injury in the EEG using wavelets and artificial neural networks.

Rahul Mehta (Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering) — Investigating the sharing capacity of cognitive radio.

Hazim Namik (Department of Mechanical Engineering) — Control of deepwater floating wind turbines (featured on page 4).

Hunter Wu (Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering) — Wireless power transfer for heart assist devices.

Alumnus recognised in New Years HonoursAn engineering alumnus was one of those recognised in this year’s New Years Honours.

John Nelson Duder, who graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering in 1960, has been made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to engineering and the community.

The Dean of Engineering, Professor Michael Davies, and the Faculty of Engineering offer our congratulations to John for this fitting recognition of his enthusiasm and commitment to engineering and the community.

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Dean of Engineering, Professor Michael Davies presenting Michael Ford his Kick Start Merit Scholarship.

Engineer takes up challenge of floating wind turbinesWind turbines are criticised as an eyesore but praised for producing clean energy. But what if they could float at sea?

A University of Auckland engineering doctoral student has received a prestigious government scholarship to study the feasibility of floating wind turbines.

PhD student Hazim Namik, of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, aims to develop an onboard control system to overcome the rocking motions a floating wind turbine experiences in the ocean, allowing it to maintain power production. This is considered a major hurdle to constructing floating turbines.

“Offshore turbines experience stronger and steadier winds. It is a clean, renewable and sustainable source of energy. And, the further they can be placed offshore, the better the winds and the less visual and noise impact they have on communities,” Hazim says.

At present no floating wind turbines exist in the world, although the first commercial prototypes are expected to be built by 2009. Hazim hopes his findings will be valuable to this emerging industry.

Offshore turbines fixed to the sea floor have been constructed, but only in depths up to 44metres.

“For water deeper than 60 metres, the most feasible option is a floating wind turbine. After this point it becomes uneconomical to fix them to the sea floor.”

Wind energy is the fastest growing renewable energy source in the world, and most of the potential lies in offshore winds in deep water.

Hazim believes offshore wind turbines, whether fixed or floating, are an ideal means to secure New Zealand’s future energy supply. The New Zealand Government aims to generate 90 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2025.

“However wind turbine progress has been hindered in New Zealand mainly by complaints from residents about noise and

the visual impact on outstanding landscapes. Offshore wind farms can resolve all of these issues,” Hazim says.

“But the size and cost of offshore wind turbines is significant so energy suppliers and companies would need to be willing to invest in large scale projects.”

Hazim received one of only 42 Top Achiever Doctoral Scholarships, awarded by the Tertiary Education Commission to New Zealand’s brightest scholars conducting doctoral research. He will receive $75,000 over three years.

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Research

3D scale model of a floating offshore wind turbine. The red cylinders represent a two metre tall person.

Robot Vision 08 gives glimpse of the futureSoccer playing robots and cars that drive themselves were just some of the technological advances being displayed at the Robot Vision 08 conference hosted in New Zealand this year by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE).

The event in February attracted engineers and scientists from around the world. The term ‘Robot Vision’ refers to research into how moving machines (cars, wheelchairs, cranes) can use computers to “see” and “move” autonomously.

A good example is the new HAKA1 car – a Mercedes fitted with advanced computing and camera equipment so it can see and predict what is happening on the road around it. The HAKA1 is used for research into vehicles which may eventually do some of the driving themselves. The car is being trialled on Auckland roads by the CITR group, Computer Science Department, Faculty of Science, in collaboration with Daimler AG in Germany and Mercedes New Zealand.

The Faculty of Engineering demonstrated some of its own world-leading research into robotic helicopters and facial recognition software. A highlight talk was by Jacky Baltes of the University of Manitoba, on ‘10 years of robotic soccer competitions’, which

looked at the strong relationship between computer graphics and robotics. A popular session was held by the German Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The DARPA Urban Challenge aims to develop autonomous military vehicles to keep people off the battlefield in war zones. Head of The University of Auckland Robotics Group Dr Bruce MacDonald also invited delegates to tour the Robotics Labs in the ECE Department.

Robot Vision 2008 was the second international workshop to be held in this field, the first was held in 2001, and the next will be in 2010 in Spain.

Funding to establish the Underground Eye Nearly $9 million has been allocated to bring a renowned team to New Zealand to keep an eye below the surface for volcanic and seismic activity and the location of natural resources.

The Underground Eye project has been awarded $8.84 million through the government’s new Strategic Relocation Fund. The grant allows for the relocation of an international team of researchers to New Zealand, along with establishment of equipment and facilities required to monitor and research seismic, volcanic and other activities below the surface of the Earth.

The Underground Eye team consists of six scientists and engineers, led by Professor Peter Malin, inaugural Director of the Institute of Earth Science and Engineering at The University of Auckland. The team is recognised internationally for its expertise in imaging beneath the Earth’s surface, using combinations of surface and sub-surface techniques.

The Underground Eye project will develop new methods and research into the geophysical landscape of New Zealand, allowing the discovery of geothermal power and fossil fuel resources, monitoring of faults and volcanic fields for signs of impending events, and providing an integrated, 3-dimensional subsurface view of New Zealand.

Professor Malin, previously at Duke University, USA, is a renowned geophysicist, and has been lead investigator on a number of projects globally in the field. Recently, he and his team have been instrumental in establishing the San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth (SAFOD), which monitors activity in the fault line at a depth of 3km below the surface, and working with Geopower Basel in the development of a new geothermal power plant.

“New Zealand is a very exciting place for geophysical activity,” says Professor Malin. “Through the Underground Eye project we hope to get a better understanding of the events below the surface, which will ultimately assist in hazard management and exploration for resources. It is also incredibly important, particularly in such a seismically-active area, to build an understanding of the landscape and how human activities, such as mining or harnessing geothermal power, can affect the balance and lead to seismic events, such as earthquakes.”

The Strategic Relocation Fund facilitates world-leading researchers who are working in areas of strategic interest to New Zealand to relocate here and establish research teams. The SRF is administered by the Royal Society of New Zealand on behalf of the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology. The ongoing aim of the SRF is that the research will create sustainable wealth creation opportunities for New Zealand.

Professor Christoph Stiller (University Karlsruhe, Germany) speaks at the Robot Vision 08 workshop about the DARPA Urban Challenge.

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Engineering studentsFormula SAE race in MelbourneThe University of Auckland Formula SAE team hit the international circuit in December last year, recording a top ten placing at the FSAE-Australasia competition in Melbourne.

It was the fourth time the team of engineering students had entered this ultimate event in the Formula SAE calendar. The competition challenges teams of university students to design, build and race small formula-style racing cars. The event was the culmination of a year’s work by the team constructing the small, single seat race car.

The team placed an impressive eighth out of 22 universities - not the top five finish they had been aiming for, but very credible given the circumstances leading up to the competition.

2007 Team Leader Malcolm Graham said the they dealt well with a series of major setbacks leading up to the competition, including damaging the supercharger a week before it was due to fly across the Tasman, then damaging the chassis during testing in Melbourne five days before the start of the event.

“We kept our heads up and worked through the problems persistently to have the car running just in time for the competition,” Malcolm said.

During the competition, the car suffered sensor problems that frustratingly prevented it from passing scrutineering until late on the first day of dynamic events – causing the team to miss out on

acceleration, skid-pan, and the first heat of autocross. However, when the car eventually got on track it showed excellent potential.

“Lap times during the endurance event were highly competitive, and extremely close to that of the fastest teams – which was impressive for what was essentially an out-of-the-box car with no suspension setup tuning,” Malcolm said.

In Endurance, the main dynamic event worth the bulk of the points, the team won their morning heat and ended up 4th overall, equalling their best finish in a dynamic event.

The team also achieved a 2nd placing in the Business Presentation, which involved pitching a business proposal for mass production of their prototype vehicle to a manufacturing firm. This is the best result achieved in any individual event yet, and the outcome of a lot of hard work and practice throughout the year from the team’s presenters Johan de Beurs and Tina Tian.

“There were some great performance highlights throughout, which combined with results from individual events proved that the team is on the correct approach. With the experience of the 2007 FSAE-A competition under their belts, everyone looks forward to an even more successful 2008 campaign,” Malcolm said.

The team wishes to thank all their supporters and sponsors, with a special mention to major sponsor Flotech, and to the Faculty of Engineering and Department of Mechanical Engineering – notably to Faculty members Roger Halkyard and Trevor White who accompanied the team in

Melbourne - Stephen Elder, Simon Bickerton and Mechanical HoD Gordon Mallinson, whose unwavering support and assistance throughout the year made it all possible.

So far this year, led by 2008 Team Leader James Ledingham, the team has exhibited at the A1GP Taupo in January, which drew high levels of interest and great exposure, with the car being signed by many of the A1 drivers. The team also recently attended the Battle of the Streets Paeroa, exhibiting alongside the team’s sponsor Yamaha.

Visit www.fsae.co.nz for full details and results of the competition, and more information about The University of Auckland Formula SAE team.

Engineering Orientation DayEngineering Dean Professor Michael Davies delivered some sage advice to new students attending the Faculty of Engineering Orientation Welcome Day - study hard, and you will succeed.

Professor Davies reminded the new intake that every one of them had the academic ability to excel in the degree, as long as they put in the required effort.

“You are not only embarking on a four year degree but a whole lifetime. Take advantage of the education you can get here and enjoy yourself,” Professor Davies said, adding that a range of exciting professions and a high demand for engineering graduates awaited them at the end.

A morning of orientation advice and activities was held on Friday, February 29 in the Fisher and Paykel Lecture Theatre. This semester 594 new students have joined the Faculty of Engineering, about 560 entering Part I.

Students heard about academic expectations from Deputy Dean David Ryan and mentoring from Associate Dean Undergraduate Liz Godfrey; and were given a rundown on health and safety; computing; the engineering library; scholarships; international exchanges; and practical work opportunities.

Student groups were also introduced to the new intake, with representatives from the Auckland University Engineering Society (AUES); Formula SAE; and STudent

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The University of Auckland Formula SAE team 2007 at the FSAE - Australasia competition in Melbourne.

Engineering PartnershipS (STEPS) speaking at the orientation.

For the first time, the Executive Committee of the Revue for Engineering Faculty Students presented at orientation. This is a theatre group, which is staging the first ever Engineering Revue at the Maidment Theatre, themed ‘A world without engineers’.

After a packed morning, the focus shifted to fun for the afternoon, with a free barbecue lunch and DJ hosted by the AUES in the Level 3 atrium.

More than 500 new students turned out for a free sausage and the chance to mix with their Part I lecturers in an informal setting. Student groups set up information stands and recorded a brilliant response. Among them were Women in Engineering Network (WEN), South Pacific Indigenous Engineering Students (SPIES) and Hong Kong Engineering Students Association (HKESA).

About 300 students stayed on to take part in activities - a pub style quiz in the Level 3 atrium, popular team building games to “break the ice” in the Recreation Centre, and a scavenger hunt geared towards orientating students to the city campus.

“We were thrilled with the turnout this year. The courtyard and the entire cafe was packed out with students all enjoying the food and music. The team building games really got everyone to interact. By the end almost everyone was talking to people they hadn’t met before,” said Jason Feuerstein, AUES President.

Girls look into the futureThe University of Auckland had a vibrant and colourful presence at Girls’ Day Out from 28-29 March at ASB Showgrounds.

With reflective silver and lavender balloons, mind-bending puzzles, games and giveaway silver and pink mirrors, the University was promoted by brightly clad staff and students from Women in Engineering, Equal Educational Opportunities (EEdO), Student Recruitment and the Faculty of Education.

The competitions and prizes for registering interest in The University of Auckland drew large crowds of girls eager to find out what

their futures could hold if they embarked on a study programme at the University.

Robyn MacLeod, the Women in Engineering Equity Advisor, was delighted to see that the young women were full of questions about what programmes the University offered and how they would qualify for them. It was a “silver” opportunity to showcase postgraduate programmes as many mothers accompanied their daughters and expressed interest in further study.

The pink cell phone, portable DVD player and iPOD drew hundreds of entries into the main competition. Most entrants registered their interest in studying at the University.

Dean of Engineering, Professor Michael Davies, welcoming new students to the Faculty of Engineering. New students getting sausages at welcome barbecue hosted by AUES.

Robyn MacLeod, Women in Engineering Equity Advisor, with some of the girls who attended Girls’ Day Out.

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Engineering students CONTINUEDEngineering students improve quality of life in VanuatuA trip to Vanuatu during the mid-year break will be no holiday for a group of engineering students, who will help design a fresh water supply system for villagers on Tanna Island.

The students have enthusiastically taken up the challenge in conjunction with World Vision. Villagers on Tanna Island follow a traditional way of life with few modern amenities. Their current gravity-fed water system, built in the 1980s, is woefully inadequate and does not provide enough water for the island’s inhabitants. The students will help design an upgrade of the system.

The team of seven University of Auckland

engineering students and a professional mentor are from Engineers without Borders New Zealand, which helps engineers apply their skills to projects that benefit developing communities close to home. The team is led by Ross Copland, who is a final year BE/BCom student, and will be accompanied by Victoria Fray, a graduate and professional environmental engineer, who has years of experience in aid projects in South Pacific and will ensure their work is of a high standard.

The University of Auckland team was selected from 63 hopefuls wanting to take part in the voluntarily project.

Team member Jenny Chu says it is a fantastic opportunity to get hands-on project experience in international development.

“It’s the chance to travel with a group of like-minded engineers, and apply skills

you’ve developed to a real community need, all while gaining an invaluable cultural experience and having fun along the way,” she says.

World Vision plans to build a four kilometre extension pipeline to connect the system to a water source with adequate capacity for the island. The student team will spend three weeks surveying the area using GPS equipment and mapping the existing system. They will locate the best new water source and will make recommendations on how to upgrade the system.

They will continue the successful groundwork completed by a previous group of engineering students who were in Tanna Island in 2006. Please email contact@ewb.org.nz for more information.

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The 08 Vanuatu team from left: Jayesh Makan, Ross Copland, Nadeen Papali’I, Paul-Phillip Hagg, Dean of Engineering, Professor Michael Davies, Jenny Chu, Mike Syred. Absent: Natalie Mitchell-Lowe, Victoria Fray.

Graduate Profile

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AlumniDistinguished Alumni Sir Ron Carter on Auckland Sir Ron Carter was honoured as the Faculty of Engineering’s Distinguished Alumni for 2008 at a celebration dinner attended by the Prime Minister Rt Hon Helen Clark and 600 others on 7 March.

Sir Ron was one of six outstanding University of Auckland graduates recognised. Another remarkable engineering graduate at the event was guest speaker Chris Liddell, Microsoft Chief Financial Officer, who encouraged people to think about how they can make a contribution to the future of the University either financially or by giving time and energy.

To mark his award, Sir Ron also gave a separate address titled “Towards Auckland” to an audience of around 280 former colleagues, classmates and members of the public. Sir Ron completed a Master of Engineering (Civil) at The University of Auckland. In 1968 he was one of four founding partners of consulting firm Beca Carter Hollings & Ferner. He played a major role in the development of the Beca Group, which has grown into New Zealand’s largest privately-owned engineering consultancy.

His address reflected on the fact that he was born in Auckland, educated in Auckland and his career has been pursued from an Auckland base.

“It is appropriate that I should now concentrate on helping Auckland deliver the success I have enjoyed to many others,” Sir Ron said.

Sir Ron emphasised the importance of relationships with people, teamwork and leadership, in achieving success in both business and life.

“I have developed a passion to do what I can to celebrate leadership as a primary driver in any undertaking. There is no doubt in my mind that improving leadership improves results for us all,” he said.

“Engineering projects almost always require more specialised knowledge than any one person possesses - they demand well managed team responses - so if there is to be one profession recognised for team work it should be engineering. I believe the reason for my award from the University has been my involvement in leading a business which has brought together the talents of many highly skilled people.”

Sir Ron is Chairman for the Committee for Auckland - a group of Aucklanders who donate their time to enhancing Auckland as a place to live and work. Among the projects The Committee is involved in is the redevelopment of the waterfront, the Omega project (to match skilled migrants with workers), and the Mission in the City project (to redevelop the Auckland City Mission site).

“Through working as a team, seeking the untapped wisdom that exists within our community and endeavoring to unite our society with goals in which we can all believe, Auckland can indeed become a better place for us to live and work,” Sir Ron said.

You can view Sir Ron’s inspiring lecture online at www.alumni.auckland.ac.nz

Sir Ron Carter giving his lecture “Towards Auckland” as part of the University’s distinguisehd Alumni Speaker Series.

Alumnus Cliff Barnett.

Cliff’s career in the hot seatCliff Barnett graduated from The University of Auckland School of Engineering with a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Civil Engineering in 1952.

After completing his degree he spent four years as a site engineer with Fletcher Merritt Raymond, first on the construction

of the Import Wharf and second on the paper mill at Kawarau.

He then spent six years in the New Zealand perlite industry where he gained a wide knowledge in the practical application of fire resistant materials. At this time he designed the first perlite expansion furnace in New Zealand which operated at 1000 °C.

He then decided that he would specialise in fire engineering which occupied much of his time for the remainder of his career.

Alumni CONTINUED

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He joined A J Macdonald Consulting Engineers in 1961 as a partner in the new firm Macdonald & Barnett Consulting Engineers and was then responsible for the design and supervision of a large number of projects over the last 40 years.

Cliff has written over 45 technical papers on fire engineering subjects and presented papers at international conferences in Tokyo, Hong Kong and Melbourne.

After some groundbreaking research he had a paper titled “BFD Curve” published in Fire Safety Journal, July 2002, the official journal of the International Association of Fire Safety Science.

Cliff has acted as an expert witness on fire matters for the New Zealand Fire Service at the Coroner’s Court in Hamilton following the death of six people in a fire at the New Empire Hotel, Hamilton on 4 February 1995. He also acted for the Police at a subsequent court hearing of the arsonist concerned.

Cliff won the Rabone Award in 1980 for his paper Fire Engineering Formulas for Building Designers and in 1986 for Timer in Fires – Review of Chemical and Physical Characteristics. The Rabone Award is awarded by the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ) to recognise papers of special merit.

He was awarded the 2001 Silver Medal from the Royal Society of New Zealand Science and Technology for outstanding contributions to international understanding of fire engineering principles and fire safety requirements.

Cliff became a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit awarded in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in June 2005.

He is an accomplished classical and jazz pianist and has played in classical and operatic orchestras. His other interests are mountaineering, skiing, skin and scuba diving and fishing.

Auckland University Engineers Association (AUEA) Annual General MeetingAs a graduate of the Faculty of Engineering at The University of Auckland you are automatically a member of AUEA, and invited to attend the 2008 Annual General Meeting.

Date: Tuesday 8 JulyTime: 6pmVenue: School of Engineering Building, 20 Symonds St, Auckland

Agenda1 Apologies2 Confirmation of the minutes of the

2007 Annual General Meeting3 Matters arising from the minutes (not

otherwise on the Agenda)4 Report of the Executive Committee5 Secretary / Treasurer’s Report6 Election of Officers

President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Committee Members

7 Report on the AUEA Charitable Trust8 Other business

Engineering Science’s 40th AnniversaryThis year the Department of Engineering Science is celebrating its 40th anniversary. To mark this special occasion, a dinner event will be held at The Langham in Auckland on Saturday 30 August.

From the first cohort of students who graduated in 1968 to the current undergraduate students, this is a chance to meet up with old friends, reminisce, listen to talks from distinguished alumni and hear how the department is gearing up for the future.

A special book will be available on the night documenting the history of the department, from its inception as the Department of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics in 1963 through to the present day.

The celebration will be held the same day as the University’s Courses and Careers Day, providing alumni the opportunity to visit the Department of Engineering Science on the day, see how the department has progressed over the years and see where it is going.

An invitation and registration form will be sent to all Engineering Science alumni in the coming weeks.

If you would like further information in the interim please email engsci40@esc.auckland.ac.nz

Jubilee theme for 2008 Annual Alumni DinnerTake note all alumni who graduated in a year ending with an eight! The 2008 Annual Alumni Dinner is the main event of the year for graduates to reconnect with their Faculty, University and old friends.

This year’s celebration is particularly significant because it coincides with the 125th Jubilee of The University of Auckland.

The 2008 Annual Alumni Dinner takes place on Saturday September 27. A new venue has been arranged to mark the significance of the 2008 Jubilee year. Guests will be hosted in the marquee on the grounds of the Old Government House, instead of the usual location of the Engineering building. This event will be a formal black tie affair.

All University events throughout 2008 will celebrate the Jubilee theme, the main events happening in May when graduation, honorary degrees, exhibitions and performances will be held to mark the occasion.

We particularly encourage those alumni who graduated in a year ending in 8 – 1958, 1968, 1978 etc – to attend the Annual Alumni Dinner but all graduates are always welcome.

To attend this event please complete the enclosed registration form. If you would like help with putting together a table of friends, to reserve a table of ten, or more information please contact Sharon Andersen ats.andersen@auckland.ac.nz orphone +64 9 373 7599 ext 88225.

We look forward to welcoming you back.

Perth alumni and friends receptionIn February, the Faculty of Engineering hosted its first ever Perth alumni and friends reception.

Alumni and friends had the opportunity to meet Sharon Andersen, External Relations Manager, and the new Dean of Engineering, Professor Michael Davies, who presented an overview of the Faculty’s vision going forward.

Alumni CONTINUED

Those attending included a number of Bachelor of Engineering graduands who will graduate in the University’s Autumn Graduation Ceremonies in early May.

The event will become a feature of the annual Australian alumni and friends receptions.

Alumni events 2008We look forward to meeting you at alumni events in 2008. Please diarise the subsequent events and dates.

MayTuesday 20 – London alumni and friends receptionThursday 22 – New York alumni and friends reception

JulyTuesday 22 – Brisbane alumni and friends receptionThursday 24 – Sydney alumni and friends reception

AugustWednesday 6 – Whangarei alumni and friends receptionSaturday 30 – Department of Engineering Science 40th Anniversary Dinner

SeptemberSaturday 27 - Faculty of Engineering 2008 Annual Alumni Dinner

Event details are updated on the University’s alumni events calendar as they become available. To check out upcoming events visit www.alumni.auckland.ac.nz

Lost alumniLost alumni are graduates of The University of Auckland whom we have lost touch with, and no longer hold a current address for. We would like to get back in touch with our Faculty of Engineering lost alumni and we need your help.

You can find a list of our lost alumni online at the University’s Alumni and Friends website. Visit www.alumni.auckland.ac.nz and select ‘Keep in touch’. Search by using one or more of the subsequent options – Year of Graduation, Faculty / School or Name.

If you are able to provide information on someone you can email us at alumni@auckland.ac.nz You can also update your details online.

Foundations for the future – tax updateFrom 1 April 2008, a new government policy came into effect which is designed to encourage charitable giving by allowing a more generous tax rebate for donations to registered charitable organisations, including The University of Auckland Foundation, the destination for charitable gifts to the University.

Previously the tax limit on charitable donations stood at $1,890 for individuals and five percent of a company’s profits. This limit, which was extremely low by international standards, effectively discouraged charitable donations by imposing a substantial tax cost on the generosity of donors.

From 1 April, individuals and companies can claim a 33 1/3 % tax rebate for

donations up to the full amount of their net income. For example, a donation of $15,000, under the old rules, gave the donor a tax rebate of $630. Under the new rules, a $15,000 donation will give a tax rebate of $5,000 - an increase of $4,370 (provided the donor has at least $15,000 net income in the tax year).

There are now few restrictions on the tax savings that can be claimed on charitable donations. In particular, the gift need not have originated from income (it may have originated from savings or the sale of an asset) but it can still be offset against income and generate the full tax rebate, provided it does not exceed the net income of the donor. The result will be that charitable donations can be used to substantially reduce the amount of tax paid by the donor. The bigger the donation - the bigger the rebate and hence the less net tax you pay.

The new regime, in many regards, now gives New Zealand donors the best tax treatment of any OECD country and the Government hopes the increased tax benefits will encourage individuals and companies to give more generously to charities. Charitable donations amounted to $356 million in 2006, but the Government hopes donations will increase to $500 million by 2010.

Sharon Andersen, External Relations Manger encourages all alumni and friends of the Faculty of Engineering and The University of Auckland to take advantage of these tax changes to make donations and settle endowments in favour of The University of Auckland Foundation. Our need is significant, your donation will be carefully stewarded by The University of Auckland Foundation and, under the new regulations, the Government will be making a significant contribution to each tax deductible donation.

If you would like to help build a strong foundation for our future, details of the Faculty of Engineering’s four funds are outlined on page 12 with a donation form, or if you would like to talk to us about other ways in which you would like to assist please contact Sharon Andersen ats.andersen@auckland.ac.nz orphone +64 9 373 7599 ext 88225.

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Email Alumni NewsIn the interest of a sustainable future, the Faculty of Engineering produces this publication on eco-friendly paper and is available in electronic format.If you would like to receive this publication via email please confirm your preferred email address to Catherine Kerins, Communications Manager at c.kerins@auckland.ac.nz

L-R Gary van Eden, Usha Patel and Simon Scott. L-R Dan Ryan, Craig Barry, Matthew Hyde, Patrick Colgan, and Gary van Eden.

YES, I would like to support THE ARDMORE FUND UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPTHE CECIL SEGEDIN ENDOWMENT FUNDCOLOMBO PLAN SCHOLARSHIPSTHE ENGINEERING ENDOWMENT FUND

NAME:

ADDRESS:

TELEPHONE: EMAIL:

YOUR DONATION: $

CHEQUE made payable to The University of Auckland Foundationor

CREDIT CARD Card Type: VISA MASTERCARD AMEX (CIRCLE ONE) Card Number:

Expiry Date: Name on Card: Signature:

Please complete form and return to: Sharon Andersen, External Relations Manager, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand Email: s.andersen@auckland.ac.nz Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext. 88225 Fax: +64 9 373 7613Thank you for your generosity. You can be proud of your commitment to making a difference in our young students’ lives.

Contact

Sharon Andersen

External Relations Manager

Faculty of Engineering

Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 88225

Email: s.andersen@auckland.ac.nz

Web: www.engineering.auckland.ac.nz

Postal Address:

Faculty of Engineering

The University of Auckland

Private Bag 92019

Auckland

New Zealand

Foundations for the futureThank you donorsWe would like to thank Alumni and Friends of the Faculty who have generously supported our funds for the future, we are very grateful for your involvement.Engineer’s skills are essential for maintaining a functional society and they significantly influence our economic prosperity. Despite this, there exists in New Zealand and around the world a critical shortage of skilled engineers. As the country’s leader in engineering education and research it is the Faculty of Engineering’s responsibility to help fill that void. Not only are we charged with attracting greater numbers of undergraduate and postgraduate students, we must also equip them with the best skills and knowledge available. This is becoming increasingly expensive for the students themselves and for the Faculty. Government funding no longer covers the costs of study and independent and private research grants and scholarships are becoming increasingly important. We hope you will play your part and make a real contribution to the future of the Faculty. You can make donations into any one of four

funds listed below. Your contribution will be channelled directly into that fund. Donations can be made by completing the attached form or if you would like to talk to us about other ways in which you would like to assist please contact our External Relations Manager Sharon Andersen (contact details below).

The Cecil Segedin Endowment Fund was established to recognise the significant contribution of Cecil Segedin’s work to the fields of Engineering Science and Applied Mathematics. The Fund will provide financial support for undergraduate students.

The Ardmore Fund was established by students from the Auckland University Faculty of engineering at Ardmore, class of 1957-59, after their successful reunion in April 2000. The awards are made to students who have excelled academically and who exemplify the camaraderie, school spirit and values representative of “The Ardmore Years”. Special consideration is given to students experiencing financial hardship.

Colombo Plan ScholarshipsThe Colombo Plan was formed in 1950 to assist economic development in South and

Southeast Asia. It enabled students from the region to train in more developed countries in areas such as dentistry, agriculture, food processing and engineering. We have had over 220 Colombo Plan students join the Faculty between 1950-1970, many of whom have gone on to become international leaders in industry and research making significant economic and social contributions in their home countries and throughout the world. These Scholarships will go to assisting applicants from participating countries in the Colombo Plan.

The Engineering Endowment Fund has been established with the specific purpose of helping fund much of the specialised equipment needed for research purposes. For the School to be at the forefront of Engineering we need to invest heavily in our future. Research projects, upgrading and expansions of our physical facilities and support for selected academic positions. This Fund will help us to achieve our goals in these more than competitive times, and see us continue to maintain our position as a world wide leader in engineering.

If you are making a donation from the United States, please make cheque payable to Friends of The University of Auckland and send to Friends of The University of Auckland, c/- Angela Rosati, 1209 G Street N.E., Washington DC 20002.

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