Professor Neil Dodgson, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Research, says each recognised thesis must be of exceptional quality in every aspect, from originality and significance of the scholarship to quality of expression, overall presentation, and time taken to complete the work.
“In the last seven months we have examined over 110 doctorates. Of those, 25 were strongly recommended for the Dean’s List. The Committee selected the six best to appear on the List. Every thesis that passes is, of course, a success and an enormous achievement for the graduate, but every thesis on the Dean’s List is exceptional in some way.”
Professor Dodgson said he is delighted that the Dean’s List has representatives from four facilities.
“We allocated the Dean’s List at a University level, without consideration for which faculty the work was done in. That we have representatives from four faculties is indicative that we maintain and celebrate excellence across the entire breadth of the University’s disciplines.”
The awardees and summaries of their research are listed below:
Dr Will Hansen—Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Queer Activism in Aotearoa New Zealand, 1961–2013
Will’s research examined how local queer activism has developed over fifty years. This work is the first queer activist history in Aotearoa New Zealand to go beyond gay and lesbian politics, exploring the intertwining narratives of other queer communities, including transgender, intersex, bisexual and takatāpui. Will has brought to light previously unknown stories of queer resistance and bravery.
Will is graduating in December 2025.
Dr Marama Salsano—Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
“I Write / I Paint / I Narrate”: A Te-Aitanga-A-Māhaki Kapukōrero about Multigenre Creative Work
Marama’s thesis in creative writing explored multigenre as a Māori and Indigenous creative approach and wove together different types of writing to assert her existence as a Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki wahine. Marama’s work aims to expand the range of creative genres or forms that are usually celebrated within creative and literary studies.
Marama is graduating in December 2025.
Dr Cristhian Prieto—Wellington School of Business and Government
Three Essays on the Impacts of Weather Disasters: Evidence From New Zealand and Colombia
Cristhian’s research explores how weather disasters impact people and businesses. He found that heatwaves in Colombia reduce farm income and household spending, floods in New Zealand damage firms by destroying assets and displacing workers, and cyclones severely affect mental health, not only through income loss but also through trauma and stress. His findings help inform policies that support stronger recovery and resilience.
Cristhian is graduating in December 2025.
Dr Peter Adu—Faculty of Education, Health, and Psychology
Investigating Factors Associated with COVID-19 Vaccination Attitudes
Peter’s research explored the biological, psychological, and social factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination attitudes across four countries. Using advanced statistical and network analyses, it developed and validated reliable tools to measure vaccination attitudes.
The study found that misinformation and psychological wellbeing strongly affected vaccine views, highlighting the need for emotionally supportive and culturally aware public health campaigns.
Peter is graduating in December 2025.
Dr Cecilia Anne Edwards—Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
The Making of New Zealand’s Hansard 1854–1992
Cecilia’s research traces how New Zealand’s Hansard evolved from British and Australian models into its own system of parliamentary reporting. It shows how Hansard became more word-for-word and gradually included te reo Māori, arguing that its imperfections reflect historical context and make it a valuable record of New Zealand’s development.
Cecilia is graduating in May 2026.
Dr Riccardo Ciarle—Faculty of Science and Engineering
New (and old) Aspects of the Island Syndrome in Plants on New Zealand’s Outlying Islands
Riccardo’s research explores why island plants often differ from those on the mainland. On islands, plants tend to be woodier, or flowers are smaller, and less colourful. These differences may occur because only certain species can reach or survive on islands, or because plants evolve in unique ways once they arrive. His study also examines how island climate, geography, and other species shape these changes, revealing what drives the development of these distinctive “island” plant traits.
Riccardo is graduating in May 2026.