A programme of public lectures, performances, debates and exhibitions will give visitors a taste of Victoria’s contribution to the capital city.
“From being one of the largest employers in the region, to the vibrancy and diversity our students bring to Wellington, Victoria contributes to the capital city in a myriad of ways,” says Vice-Chancellor Professor Grant Guilford. “Through excellent teaching, research, scholarship, public service and entrepreneurship, we are committed to Wellington’s growth and prosperity and to shaping New Zealand’s future.”
“Our staff and students are undertaking research in a broad range of fields, with exciting developments and real-world applications that support and contribute to the Wellington identity,” says Professor Guilford.
Victoria University—Open House Programme
(Note, this programme is subject to change/updates—please check before the day).Capital City University—Old Government Buildings
55 Lambton QuaySaturday 25 July and Sunday 26 July 2015
Victoria University will host a programme of events at Old Government Buildings, the home of Victoria’s Faculty of Law, including:
Saturday 10am: Dialogue on China-US Relations
An introduction to the history of relations between these two super-powers with a focus on what the major issues are today.
Victoria University’s Director of the Centre for Strategic Studies, Dr Jim Rolfe and Director of the New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre, Professor BO Zhiyue will give a preliminary talk before an international conference being held at Victoria University in early October.
Saturday 10am-4pm: Exhibition German in Wellington–Make this your intercultural experience!
Ever wondered how languages connect the world? Discover the fascinating stories of Victoria University students, Wellington artists, diplomatic representatives and professionals who ventured into the heart of Europe. Find out more about exchange opportunities, events and projects engaging young people, families and communities with German language and culture.
There will be a range of short movies and many activities for families – including a giant Germany jigsaw puzzle.
Saturday 11am: Professor Von Zedlitz—from esteemed teacher to outcast
Margaret Sutherland, Senior Lecturer in Victoria University’s German Programme talks about George von Zedlitz, one of Victoria University’s founding professors.
Taking up his position as Victoria’s first professor of modern languages in 1901, Von Zedlitz had a distinguished career until the outbreak of WW1, when the Alien Enemy Teachers Act 1915 was passed specifically to remove him from his post. His story illustrates the manner in which political and historical circumstances can impinge on the private sphere.
Saturday 1pm: Wellington poetry now and then
Wellington poets Anna Jackson, Harry Ricketts, Gregory O’Brien, Jenny Bornholdt, Hannah Mettner, Morgan Bach and Magnolia Wilson read their own work and poems from the past.
Saturday 3pm: How Wellington was chosen to be New Zealand’s capital
Former Prime Minister Sir Geoffrey Palmer QC explores how Australian politicians and New Zealand’s first Commission of Inquiry were behind the shift of the seat of government from Auckland to Wellington in 1865.
Sunday 11am: Future focus—Government and governance in Wellington
Mike Reid from Local Government New Zealand and Professor Claudia Scott from Victoria’s School of Government will discuss the future of local and central Government in Wellington.
Sunday 12.30pm: Noah’s Flood
Staff and students from the School of English, Film, Theatre and Media Studies perform the Chester Play of Noah’s Flood.
Performed in the original Middle English, the play brings God almost literally “down to earth,” with Noah and his family as very ordinary people. In its combination of the farcical with the transcendental, the play extends our appreciation of what drama can do. Topical too, with Wellington’s own recent flood.
The play run until 1pm and is suitable for the whole family.
Wellington at Night
Night is where so many of the myths we associate with the city gain their imaginative purchase. Displayed at Old Government Buildings across both days of the Wellington 150 weekend, a slideshow of photographs by Senior Lecturer Dr Geoff Stahl, of the School of English, Film, Theatre and Media Studies.
The Future of Wellington—National Library
70 Molesworth StreetSaturday 25 July and Sunday 26 July 2015 10am–3pm
Bring the kids and discover the many projects poised to affect the future of Wellington. Science, engineering, and design experts from Victoria University will showcase just some of their innovative projects, from 3D printing capabilities to how our robots can save lives in disasters, and let us experience things we never could before, from anywhere.
Exhibits include:
- Oculus rift tours
- Drive a robot and find out how we’re using them to care for our environment and protect people
- Wearable technology
- Digital futures – using 3D printing technology to preserve our archives
Te Kōkī New Zealand School of Music—Parliament Buildings
1 Molesworth StSunday 26 July 2015 10am–3pm
Enjoy three dynamic performances from Te Kōkī New Zealand School of Music students in the Parliament Banquet Hall, as well as informal performances throughout the day in the West Foyer.
10am: Gamelan Padhang Moncar
12pm: Aspiring jazz vocalists
2pm: Classical voice students
To attend these performances you will need to register for your place – please email festival@parliament.govt.nz or phone (04) 817 9503. You will then be sent an email confirming your pace. For group bookings, individual names are required.