My trip to New Zealand Aotearoa was lovely. I was a guest of the Women in Science group, the New Zealand Association of Scientists and various other partner and sponsor agencies. In Wellington, I gave a talk about gender equity and diversity. I discussed how intersectionality can be used in various national models of change, to increase the number of minorities and White women in leadership positions. I also addressed some considerations for creating a more inclusive research culture that draws leadership from Indigenous scientists. I then joined a panel of distinguished academics to further discuss diversity in the local context.
Most of my trip in New Zealand was spent at the University of Auckland. I gave a talk on intersectionality and the March for Science as well as attending various meetings providing advice and listening to progress and thinking on inclusion in science. The campus is stunning. This is the inside of the Clock Tower, an impressive tall, white building with beautiful architecture.
Check out more about my trip, the art, culture and food.
Art
Occulture: The Dark Arts. 20 September
Occulture: The Dark Arts. In glass case: various works by John Milton (1688); Leo Bensemann (1937); Robert Louis Stevenson (2010); Dante Alighieri (1867); William Blake (1978). On wall, Leo Bensemann, Fantastica: Thirteen Drawings (1937). Two large paintings Lorene Taurerewa. Glass case: Fiona Pardington (2013).
Is our table fancy enough? Probably not! This is a recreation of the Corsini family table from the 1850s. This setting includes China plates and many French elements. They hired a French chef to provide them with seven course meals including multiple soups, seafood, chicken, lamb cutlets, fowl, ham and dessert. The opulence of such a meal is jarring, and highlights social inequalities of the day that continue in the present. 22 September
Judy Darragh, “Limbo.” At the Art Gallery of Auckland Toi O Tāmaki. 22 September
Australian artist, John Nixon. Abstracted works from 1970s to 2000s, presented in non-chronological order. He uses the same nine principal colours throughout his work. 22 September
Te Puāwai o Te Arawa (The Flower of Te Arawa). This is a pātaka (raised storehouse) completed in the early 1870s that also serves to show the status of the Chief, Te Potiha. The carvings pay homage to ancestors and document the Chief’s genealogy. 24 September
Shark
Sharks ahoy. 24 September
Sociology of Hotel Art
Sociology Of Hotel Art, international edition! This is actually not bad at all. Thanks Auckland. It is a black and white photograph of a statue against an outdoor setting. If you’re a new follower, take a look at the hashtag for some shocking examples of just how tacky hotel art can get. 18 September
Sociology of Hotel Art Wellington, New Zealand – this is pretty good. New Zealand putting Australia to shame with relatively nice art. Australia has some shockers – as documented in my hashtag. 22 September
Made you a cuppa, my friends. 24 September
The Other Sociologist 