Academic chairs

Through the help of donors and partners, we have established a number of academic chairs in areas ranging from business in Asia to sustainable energy.

University chair positions ensure excellence in research and teaching. Chairs are usually funded by government and private organisations that have a need in specific areas of research. Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington currently has 10 academic chairs:

Business in Asia

The Chair in Business in Asia creates and shares knowledge that promotes and supports effective New Zealand business engagement with Asia.

Ethical leadership

The Brian Picot Chair in Ethical Leadership works on facilitating a transparent and ethically sound business sector.

Economics of disasters and climate change

The Chair in the Economics of Disasters and Climate Change looks at the economic impacts of natural disasters and how we can mitigate and manage those impacts.

Public finance

The Chair in Public Finance carries out research into government revenue and spending with the aim of helping policymakers to make good decisions.

Digital government

The research programme of the Chair in Digital Government focuses on the impact of new communication and information technologies on the public sector.

Restorative justice

The Diana Unwin Chair in Restorative Justice provides a focus for collaborative research and teaching on restorative justice theories, policies, and practices.

Wellbeing and public policy

The Chair of Wellbeing and Public Policy in Wellington School of Business and Government conducts research in the areas of public wellbeing and related policy.

Sustainable energy

The Chair of Sustainable Energy Systems in the School of Engineering supports the transition to sustainable energy in the New Zealand economy and society.

Public service ethics

New Zealand Prime Minister’s ANZSOG Chair in Public Service Ethics and Integrity will work to improve public sector leadership.

Regulatory practice

The Chair in Regulatory Practice delivers world-leading research on regulation and governance associated with the most pressing challenges of our time.

Our funders

  • Accident Compensation Corporation
  • Department of Corrections
  • Department of Internal Affairs
  • Earthquake Commission
  • Financial Markets Authority
  • Gama Foundation
  • Inland Revenue
  • Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
  • Ministry of Education
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
  • Ministry of Justice
  • Ministry of Social Development
  • New Zealand Police
  • New Zealand Productivity Commission
  • New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
  • Private philanthropists
  • State Services Commission
  • The Grace Memorial Trust
  • The Government Regulatory Practice Initiative
  • The Treasury

Support a chair

The University’s chairs are funded by a range of institutions and individuals. Contact the Development Office if you or your organisation have research needs that are not being met, and you would like to discuss supporting an academic chair.