In the final edition of introducing our new Heads of School, we meet Head of Architecture, Peter McPherson and Head of Healthcare and Social Practice, Linda Aumua.
Over the past few weeks we’ve profiled all of our Heads of School. Read our previous posts to learn more about Katie Bruffy, Dan Blanchon and Nick Sheppard; Christian Probst, Lee Baglow and Vanessa Byrnes and Paul Jeurissen, Kerry Kirkland and Chris King.
Peter McPherson – Head of Architecture
Tell us about your professional career.
I moved into academia at Unitec in 2010 after a number of years in practice at the international architecture practice Foster+Partners in London, UK. This technology based, research-led practice has influenced my approach to academic pursuits and how they align with the practice of architecture and contribute to the built environment. My particular interest is in the impact of technology on the way we design as architects and subsequently how we prepare a future generation of architects for this paradigm.
What attracted you to this role?
The School of Architecture comprises an outstanding group of academics and teachers incredibly dedicated to their disciplines. It has been a pleasure working alongside this team, including as the Head of Architecture for the past two-and-a-half years, and it was an easy decision to continue to do so. Likewise, we have talented students that are keen to engage beyond the classroom and pursue interesting projects that challenge and reward in equal measure. The opportunity to work across disciplines in the built environment, including construction, is a unique one at academic institutions and is something I believe important for the future education of designers.
What are you looking forward to this year, both professionally and personally?
I’m looking forward to working with my team on our relocation to Building 48 at the end of the year and seeing our staff and students work on producing a vision for the Building 108 site. Professionally I am looking forward to understanding the inner workings of the institution more and working towards solutions that make all of our lives that bit simpler. Personally, I cannot wait to see what my little boy will get up to next!
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I was born in London, moving to Auckland when I was young. Fortunately, one of my hobbies is architecture which can make holidays dull for those with me (unless they are also architects), although I do enjoy getting down to the water at the beach. I very much enjoy a game of football and recently rediscovered the pleasures of a blustery Saturday afternoon at one of our national league games and can highly recommend getting out to support the grassroots.
Linda Aumua – Head of Healthcare and Social Practice
Tell us about your professional career.
Kia ora koutou, Ni sa bula vinaka. My name is Linda Aumua. I come from the village of Noveicovatu, in Tailevu province, Fiji. I came to New Zealand at age 13, residing in Te Atatu North (now called Peninsula) with my family. I’m a teacher by trade and taught throughout West Auckland until moving into the tertiary sector, where my sister and I ran a private training provider which delivered across three sites in Auckland. I have been at Unitec for twenty years in various roles from Marketing, Teaching, Management, Director and now as Head of School. I’ve had a few roles outside Unitec over those years including Board of Director for NZQA, Senior Policy Advisor – Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs, Ako Aotearoa – Tertiary Teaching Excellence and as the Director for the Fiji Higher Education Commission based in Suva, Fiji for the last two years.
What attracted you to this role?
While away I noted the exciting changes occurring within the sector, as well as the advertisement for Heads of School, and in particular the role based at Waitakere campus. West Auckland is home, it’s a community I treasure and one that I have worked with for many years. I knew that it was time to return to Unitec, an institute that I have to say, holds a special place in my heart. Great students, good people and an awesome community.
What are you looking forward to this year, both professionally and personally?
I look forward to the fast paced changes in the sector, in particular the Reform of Vocational Education (RoVE) to see what opportunities lay ahead for Unitec. We are, as always, ready to serve and to meet the needs of our community. We have a great team at Waitakere who have remained engaged and well-networked, with many of our graduates being employed within West Auckland. There is a lot of satisfaction in your work when you see your graduates in the workplace or when they come back onto campus to say hi or update you on their progress.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m a mother of three adult children and wife to a handsome Samoan gentleman, hence the surname Aumua. I enjoy travelling and have travelled extensively through Europe a few times, the Pacific and Asia but I have yet to do Tibet (on my bucket list!). Most of my weekends are spent trying to keep fit, spending time with family and minimising my food intake.
Good to have you back Linda! Malo lava