AUT news
@autnews.bsky.social
The AUT News account is dedicated to sharing the innovative and impactful work from academics at Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makau Rau - Auckland University of Technology (AUT) in Aotearoa New Zealand.
https://www.aut.ac.nz/news
https://www.aut.ac.nz/news
"I would be worried if it were my children," AUT Associate Professor Terri-Ann Berry told RNZ. "However, I do need to offer some reassurance and that is that not everyone that gets exposed to asbestos will develop cancer."
How dangerous is the asbestos found in coloured play sand?
How dangerous is the asbestos found in coloured play sand?
Explainer - Why is asbestos such a worry, and what's the risk after coloured play sand has been revealed to be contaminated?
www.rnz.co.nz
November 19, 2025 at 2:03 AM
"I would be worried if it were my children," AUT Associate Professor Terri-Ann Berry told RNZ. "However, I do need to offer some reassurance and that is that not everyone that gets exposed to asbestos will develop cancer."
You can find official information on the recalled magic sand products on the MBIE website: www.mbie.govt.nz/about/news/r...
Recall expanded: samples of Kmart Magic Sand products found to contain asbestos | Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is advising consumers and workplaces that the scope of the coloured sand recall has expanded due to asbestos being detected in further samples.
www.mbie.govt.nz
November 17, 2025 at 2:08 AM
You can find official information on the recalled magic sand products on the MBIE website: www.mbie.govt.nz/about/news/r...
Contamination of kids' sand products with asbestos has triggered recalls by NZ's government. But while the situation is concerning and the risks associated with asbestos should not be taken lightly, Associate Professor Terri-Ann Berry says not all people exposed will develop cancer.
November 17, 2025 at 2:06 AM
Contamination of kids' sand products with asbestos has triggered recalls by NZ's government. But while the situation is concerning and the risks associated with asbestos should not be taken lightly, Associate Professor Terri-Ann Berry says not all people exposed will develop cancer.
Hey, did you know Palestinian statehood is recognised by more than 80 percent of the 193 members of the United Nations? But New Zealand isn't one of them?
Host Susan Strongman dives into this with Dr Myra Williamson in the second episode of our new podcast:
open.spotify.com/episode/5aEu...
Host Susan Strongman dives into this with Dr Myra Williamson in the second episode of our new podcast:
open.spotify.com/episode/5aEu...
Episode 2 - Dr Myra Williamson
open.spotify.com
November 11, 2025 at 8:42 PM
Hey, did you know Palestinian statehood is recognised by more than 80 percent of the 193 members of the United Nations? But New Zealand isn't one of them?
Host Susan Strongman dives into this with Dr Myra Williamson in the second episode of our new podcast:
open.spotify.com/episode/5aEu...
Host Susan Strongman dives into this with Dr Myra Williamson in the second episode of our new podcast:
open.spotify.com/episode/5aEu...
In the first episode of 'Hey, Did You Know?', AUT's brand new podcast, Dr Rebecca Trelease (Te Āti Haunui a Pāpārangi) chats to host Mike Kilpatrick about reality TV, sexism, Taylor Swift and more.
Listen below or wherever you get your favourite podcasts!
open.spotify.com/episode/61gj...
Listen below or wherever you get your favourite podcasts!
open.spotify.com/episode/61gj...
Episode 1 - Dr Rebecca Trelease
open.spotify.com
November 6, 2025 at 12:09 AM
In the first episode of 'Hey, Did You Know?', AUT's brand new podcast, Dr Rebecca Trelease (Te Āti Haunui a Pāpārangi) chats to host Mike Kilpatrick about reality TV, sexism, Taylor Swift and more.
Listen below or wherever you get your favourite podcasts!
open.spotify.com/episode/61gj...
Listen below or wherever you get your favourite podcasts!
open.spotify.com/episode/61gj...
AUT's Professor Regan Potangaroa, a global expert in humanitarian engineering who's been involved in more than 200 UN deployments in 22 countries, on rebuilding Gaza.
www.aut.ac.nz/news/stories...
www.aut.ac.nz/news/stories...
November 4, 2025 at 11:42 PM
AUT's Professor Regan Potangaroa, a global expert in humanitarian engineering who's been involved in more than 200 UN deployments in 22 countries, on rebuilding Gaza.
www.aut.ac.nz/news/stories...
www.aut.ac.nz/news/stories...
AUT researchers in search of asbestos contamination collected samples from east Auckland beaches at the weekend, in an effort to determine the level of public risk posed by the material.
www.aut.ac.nz/news/stories...
www.aut.ac.nz/news/stories...
November 2, 2025 at 7:53 PM
AUT researchers in search of asbestos contamination collected samples from east Auckland beaches at the weekend, in an effort to determine the level of public risk posed by the material.
www.aut.ac.nz/news/stories...
www.aut.ac.nz/news/stories...
Reposted by AUT news
In Gaza, food, medicine and bottled water are the immediate priorities. But how does the city itself get rebuilt?
⚠️ See interactive images of the devastation: theconversation.com/with-83...
⚠️ See interactive images of the devastation: theconversation.com/with-83...
October 16, 2025 at 8:34 PM
In Gaza, food, medicine and bottled water are the immediate priorities. But how does the city itself get rebuilt?
⚠️ See interactive images of the devastation: theconversation.com/with-83...
⚠️ See interactive images of the devastation: theconversation.com/with-83...
Hard hats don't protect against sexism👷
And the challenges faced by women working in construction in Aotearoa - ranging from subtle biases to outright discrimination - are likely hampering efforts to increase female representation in the industry. www.aut.ac.nz/news/stories...
And the challenges faced by women working in construction in Aotearoa - ranging from subtle biases to outright discrimination - are likely hampering efforts to increase female representation in the industry. www.aut.ac.nz/news/stories...
October 13, 2025 at 3:54 AM
Hard hats don't protect against sexism👷
And the challenges faced by women working in construction in Aotearoa - ranging from subtle biases to outright discrimination - are likely hampering efforts to increase female representation in the industry. www.aut.ac.nz/news/stories...
And the challenges faced by women working in construction in Aotearoa - ranging from subtle biases to outright discrimination - are likely hampering efforts to increase female representation in the industry. www.aut.ac.nz/news/stories...
Reposted by AUT news
AUT senior lecturer and registered psychotherapist Dr Brigitte Viljoen says New Zealanders could be at risk from unregulated AI chatbots being promoted for therapy - and the Government needs to act.
"We need scientific proof... not hypothetical claims and hype.”
www.aut.ac.nz/news/stories...
"We need scientific proof... not hypothetical claims and hype.”
www.aut.ac.nz/news/stories...
AI chatbots no substitute for therapy - AUT News - AUT
An AUT senior lecturer says New Zealanders could be at risk from unregulated AI chatbots being promoted for therapy.
www.aut.ac.nz
October 7, 2025 at 8:55 PM
AUT senior lecturer and registered psychotherapist Dr Brigitte Viljoen says New Zealanders could be at risk from unregulated AI chatbots being promoted for therapy - and the Government needs to act.
"We need scientific proof... not hypothetical claims and hype.”
www.aut.ac.nz/news/stories...
"We need scientific proof... not hypothetical claims and hype.”
www.aut.ac.nz/news/stories...
AUT senior lecturer and registered psychotherapist Dr Brigitte Viljoen says New Zealanders could be at risk from unregulated AI chatbots being promoted for therapy - and the Government needs to act.
"We need scientific proof... not hypothetical claims and hype.”
www.aut.ac.nz/news/stories...
"We need scientific proof... not hypothetical claims and hype.”
www.aut.ac.nz/news/stories...
AI chatbots no substitute for therapy - AUT News - AUT
An AUT senior lecturer says New Zealanders could be at risk from unregulated AI chatbots being promoted for therapy.
www.aut.ac.nz
October 7, 2025 at 8:55 PM
AUT senior lecturer and registered psychotherapist Dr Brigitte Viljoen says New Zealanders could be at risk from unregulated AI chatbots being promoted for therapy - and the Government needs to act.
"We need scientific proof... not hypothetical claims and hype.”
www.aut.ac.nz/news/stories...
"We need scientific proof... not hypothetical claims and hype.”
www.aut.ac.nz/news/stories...
Read Dr Aigwi's full response on the @smcnz.bsky.social website:
www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/09/29/q...
www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/09/29/q...
Quake-prone buildings redefined - Expert Reaction
Government changes to the earthquake-prone building system will remove nearly 3000 buildings from the classification.
Following the Seismic Risk Management Review, Building and Construction Minister C...
www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz
October 1, 2025 at 9:59 PM
Read Dr Aigwi's full response on the @smcnz.bsky.social website:
www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/09/29/q...
www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/09/29/q...
"This discrepancy can result in the abandonment of vital heritage structures in regional centres as an unintended consequence of the legislation, ultimately leading to a decline in the overall vitality of regional inner-cities.”
October 1, 2025 at 9:59 PM
"This discrepancy can result in the abandonment of vital heritage structures in regional centres as an unintended consequence of the legislation, ultimately leading to a decline in the overall vitality of regional inner-cities.”
She says regional centres in NZ often contain a higher density of unique earthquake-prone heritage buildings per capita and frequently receive less financial support than their urban counterparts.
October 1, 2025 at 9:59 PM
She says regional centres in NZ often contain a higher density of unique earthquake-prone heritage buildings per capita and frequently receive less financial support than their urban counterparts.
"Another significant gap is that the terms of reference did not explore questions regarding diverse challenges faced by urban vs regional areas," Dr Aigwi told the Science media Centre @smcnz.bsky.social
October 1, 2025 at 9:59 PM
"Another significant gap is that the terms of reference did not explore questions regarding diverse challenges faced by urban vs regional areas," Dr Aigwi told the Science media Centre @smcnz.bsky.social
The government shake-up of earthquake-prone building rules should explore how social connections and community ties to earthquake-prone heritage buildings may affect compliance with the current earthquake-prone building legislation, says AUT's Dr Esther Aigwi.
October 1, 2025 at 9:59 PM
The government shake-up of earthquake-prone building rules should explore how social connections and community ties to earthquake-prone heritage buildings may affect compliance with the current earthquake-prone building legislation, says AUT's Dr Esther Aigwi.
Unity remains elusive at the recent Pacific Islands Forum; Marco de Jong and Sione Tekiteki from AUT Law School explain why: theconversation.com/pacific-lead...
Pacific leaders reach agreement on big issues – but unity remains elusive
Last week’s Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting showed why true integration remains challenging while island nations are at different stages of independence.
theconversation.com
September 21, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Unity remains elusive at the recent Pacific Islands Forum; Marco de Jong and Sione Tekiteki from AUT Law School explain why: theconversation.com/pacific-lead...
We'd never heard the phrase "skin orgasms" until we read Associate Professor Daniel Shepherd's piece on ASMR 😬
Plenty of people use ASMR videos and audio to help them sleep, but is there any scientific evidence that it can be effective?
www.rnz.co.nz/life/wellbei...
Plenty of people use ASMR videos and audio to help them sleep, but is there any scientific evidence that it can be effective?
www.rnz.co.nz/life/wellbei...
Does ASMR really help with anxiety?
Experiencing an involuntary physiological response to a sound helps some people feel a sense of "psychological stability".
www.rnz.co.nz
September 21, 2025 at 9:24 PM
We'd never heard the phrase "skin orgasms" until we read Associate Professor Daniel Shepherd's piece on ASMR 😬
Plenty of people use ASMR videos and audio to help them sleep, but is there any scientific evidence that it can be effective?
www.rnz.co.nz/life/wellbei...
Plenty of people use ASMR videos and audio to help them sleep, but is there any scientific evidence that it can be effective?
www.rnz.co.nz/life/wellbei...
An international law expert from AUT Law School makes a strong, legally-robust call for the NZ government to recognise Palestine as a state... theconversation.com/a-un-finding...
A UN finding of genocide in Gaza adds pressure on NZ to recognise a Palestinian state
If New Zealand expressly recognises Palestine at the UN next week, it will be a significant – but justified – departure from long-standing foreign policy.
theconversation.com
September 17, 2025 at 10:47 PM
An international law expert from AUT Law School makes a strong, legally-robust call for the NZ government to recognise Palestine as a state... theconversation.com/a-un-finding...
"Amidst the speeches, waiata and ceremony, it was the Queen’s wardrobe that set tongues wagging," writes Mairātea Mohi.
Read the full analysis of Te Arikinui's Koroneihana wardrobe, designed by AUT Senior Lecturer Dr Bobby Luke, on Ensemble Magazine:
www.ensemblemagazine.co.nz/articles/mao...
Read the full analysis of Te Arikinui's Koroneihana wardrobe, designed by AUT Senior Lecturer Dr Bobby Luke, on Ensemble Magazine:
www.ensemblemagazine.co.nz/articles/mao...
How Te Arikinui's Koroneihana wardrobe weaves tradition, authority and hope | Ensemble Magazine
Mairātea Mohi on Nga wai hono i te po's five day fashion feast, the fabric of a new era.
www.ensemblemagazine.co.nz
September 9, 2025 at 10:29 PM
"Amidst the speeches, waiata and ceremony, it was the Queen’s wardrobe that set tongues wagging," writes Mairātea Mohi.
Read the full analysis of Te Arikinui's Koroneihana wardrobe, designed by AUT Senior Lecturer Dr Bobby Luke, on Ensemble Magazine:
www.ensemblemagazine.co.nz/articles/mao...
Read the full analysis of Te Arikinui's Koroneihana wardrobe, designed by AUT Senior Lecturer Dr Bobby Luke, on Ensemble Magazine:
www.ensemblemagazine.co.nz/articles/mao...
Have you seen stories about people falling in love with chatbots? Or people using them as therapists? ❤️📲
Dr Brigitte Viljoen, Clinical Sciences lecturer at AUT and registered psychotherapist, explains why the New Zealand Government needs to put regulations in place to protect the public.
Dr Brigitte Viljoen, Clinical Sciences lecturer at AUT and registered psychotherapist, explains why the New Zealand Government needs to put regulations in place to protect the public.
September 9, 2025 at 2:02 AM
Have you seen stories about people falling in love with chatbots? Or people using them as therapists? ❤️📲
Dr Brigitte Viljoen, Clinical Sciences lecturer at AUT and registered psychotherapist, explains why the New Zealand Government needs to put regulations in place to protect the public.
Dr Brigitte Viljoen, Clinical Sciences lecturer at AUT and registered psychotherapist, explains why the New Zealand Government needs to put regulations in place to protect the public.
In theory, reform will speed up the consenting process, but a crucial question remains: how will homeowners be protected if things go wrong?
theconversation.com/building-con...
theconversation.com/building-con...
Building consent reform: how digital technology can make new liability rules watertight
The leaky homes crisis showed the risk of relying on paper trails to track building records. Digital approval and inspection records are the answer.
theconversation.com
September 8, 2025 at 3:08 AM
In theory, reform will speed up the consenting process, but a crucial question remains: how will homeowners be protected if things go wrong?
theconversation.com/building-con...
theconversation.com/building-con...
NEWS ALERT: New tool for catching AI BOTS!! 🤖 LLM-BotGuard is HERE!!! READ now 👉👉👉 www.aut.ac.nz/news/stories... 🔥🔥🔥 #AI #TechNews #WOW #MustRead #DidABotWriteThis? #BOTS #🔥🔥🔥
August 26, 2025 at 10:07 PM
NEWS ALERT: New tool for catching AI BOTS!! 🤖 LLM-BotGuard is HERE!!! READ now 👉👉👉 www.aut.ac.nz/news/stories... 🔥🔥🔥 #AI #TechNews #WOW #MustRead #DidABotWriteThis? #BOTS #🔥🔥🔥
Who will win the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup? We ran 10,000 simulations to rank the contenders. Do you agree with the algorithm? theconversation.com/who-will-win...
Who will win the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup? We ran 10,000 simulations to rank the contenders
England are clear favourites to win the Women’s Rugby World Cup, which kicks off on August 23. But that oval ball can bounce in unexpected directions.
theconversation.com
August 19, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Who will win the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup? We ran 10,000 simulations to rank the contenders. Do you agree with the algorithm? theconversation.com/who-will-win...
The exhibition Between Memories and Objects, at the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art, commemorates the 80th anniversary of the atomic bomb. www.hiroshima-moca.jp/exhibition/m...
被爆80周年記念 記憶と物 ―モニュメント・ミュージアム・アーカイブ― - 展覧会 - 広島市現代美術館 | Hiroshima MOCA
公立では全国初の現代美術を専門に扱う美術館として、現代美術の作品を収集、紹介している広島市現代美術館のウェブサイトです。
www.hiroshima-moca.jp
August 6, 2025 at 1:53 AM
The exhibition Between Memories and Objects, at the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art, commemorates the 80th anniversary of the atomic bomb. www.hiroshima-moca.jp/exhibition/m...