Research and Reason

What does it take to support families in crisis? Dr Eileen Joy joins our media adviser Julianne Evans to unpack the Tom Phillips case through the lens of child protection research. They also examine the wider challenges facing child protection in Aotearoa New Zealand, including systemic bias, limited resources and the need for better support and professional development.

Content warning:

This episode contains discussion on child abuse, suicide, racism and substance abuse that some people may find challenging. Discretion is advised.

How is social media changing the way we connect with politicians?

From carefully crafted broadcasts to more personal, everyday content, Dr Sarah Bickerton takes a closer look at how politicians are using social media to connect with voters.

Ahead of the general election, our media adviser Julianne Evans is joined by Sarah to examine the appeal of authenticity, what motivates people to get engaged and whether online activity translates into votes.

Associate Professor Linda Tyler takes us into the world of acclaimed sculptor and alumnus Terry Stringer, from his early days at Elam to his distinctive approach to sculpture. In discussion with our media adviser Julianne Evans, Linda shares how Terry learned to work at scale and the ideas and influences behind his work.

Read more here: Celebrating the art of Terry Stringer – University of Auckland

Terry Stringer & Lois White: A Portrait exhibition is open now until Sunday 6 December 2026 6:30 pm at New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata. 

What does it mean to be a good ancestor? Associate Professor Dan Hikuroa talks to media adviser Julianne Evans about our relationship with the natural world and our responsibilities to future generations. Dan explores legal personhood for rivers and mountains, how we could weave mātauranga Māori and Western science together, and what it means to think beyond ourselves and leave a better world for those who come after us.

Read more here: https://e-tangata.co.nz/comment-and-analysis/dan-hikuroa-let-the-rivers-speak/

We often talk about guns when we talk about violence. But what about the bullets?

Professor Maartje Abbenhuis explores the history of the dum-dum bullet, from its origins in the 19th century British Empire to its manufacturing outposts around the world, including in Mt Eden, Auckland. Joined by our media adviser Julianne Evans, Maartje discusses what the story of one small piece of technology reveals about colonial warfare,  changing ideas about what is considered 'humane,' and why this often-overlooked part of military history deserves a closer look.

Read more: The lethal history of the dum-dum bullet

*Content warning: This episode contains discussion of warfare, violence, and physical impacts of gunshot wounds.

How did diversity become part of a country's identity?

Acting Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Education Associate Professor Kathy Smits explores how changing demographics, human rights, trade and national identity all played a role in shaping multicultural policy in New Zealand, Australia and Canada.

In discussion with our media adviser Julianne Evans, she examines the historical and political forces behind multiculturalism, and why governments have continued to support these policies despite ongoing public debate.

What happens when sporting success comes at an environmental cost?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the biggest in history, with more teams, more matches and more fans travelling from around the world.

Dr Chris McMillan from School of Social Sciences joins our media adviser Julianne Evans to explore the intersection of sport, commercialism and climate change. He discusses the climate impact of mega sporting events, the commercial forces driving the expansion of the tournament, and the political complexities around hosting the World Cup across three countries. He also reflects on how we should reconnect with the excitement, hope and sense of community that sport brings us.

Dr Ritesh Shah specialises in education in conflict and disaster zones and the politics of foreign aid. He sits down with our media adviser Julianne Evans to discuss his work with the Centre for Asia Pacific Refugee Studies (CAPRS), including their latest project: giving voices to the teachers on the frontline in Gaza. 

The research will help document the experiences of educators - including parents and volunteers - who have continued to teach since the Hamas attack on Israel (7 October 2023) and through the attacks on Gaza by Israel since.

Read more about Dr Shah's work here: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2026/03/09/caught-in-the-crossfire-education-in-gaza.html

Refugee Week runs from 15-21 June.

Senior Lecturer Dr Simon Ingram discusses his new immersive installation that combines bird recordings, LiDAR scanning, mathematics, ecology and digital technology to recreate a living pre-colonial, native forest. In conversation with our media adviser Julianne Evans, he also explains how art can help people reconnect with the natural world.

Read more about Vibrating World: Rotokare Forest here: https://govettbrewster.com/exhibitions/2026/direct-bodily-empathy-sound-signal-feedback

What can tiny fragments of ancient bird bones and DNA reveal about the past?

Anthropology doctoral candidate Patricia Pillay's research uncovers how humans and wildlife in the Marquesas Islands have interacted over the past 700 years.

In conversation with our media adviser Julianne Evans, Patricia also shares how tiny bird bones and Indigenous knowledge tell big stories about history, culture and conservation.

Watch another interview of Patricia here: https://www.facebook.com/531pi/videos/699301126539966/

Read more here: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2026/03/02/bird-s-eye-view-of-ancient-pacific-life.html