University of Otago facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
University of Otago

Māori: Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka
Coat of arms
Motto	Latin: Sapere aude
Motto in English	Dare to be wise
Type	Public research collegiate university
Established	1869; 152 years ago
Endowment	NZD $279.9 million (31 December 2021)
Budget	NZD $756.8 million (31 December 2020)
Chancellor	Stephen Higgs
Vice-Chancellor	Helen Nicholson (acting)
Academic staff	1,744 (2019)
Administrative staff	2,246 (2019)
Students	21,240 (2019)
Undergraduates	15,635 (2014)
Postgraduates	4,378 (2014)
Doctoral students	1,579 (2019)
Location	Dunedin , Otago , New Zealand (Māori: Ōtepoti, Ōtākou, Aotearoa) 45°51′56″S 170°30′50″E / 45.86556°S 170.51389°E / -45.86556; 170.51389
Campus	Urban/University town 45 hectares (110 acres)
Student Magazine	Critic
Colours	Dunedin Blue and Gold
Affiliations	MNU
Website	https://www.otago.ac.nz

The University of Otago (Māori: Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka) is a public research university in Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. It was started in 1869, making it New Zealand's oldest university. It is also one of the oldest universities in Oceania.

The university was created by a group led by Thomas Burns. It officially opened in 1869. For many years, from 1874 to 1961, it was part of the larger University of New Zealand. During this time, degrees were given in the name of the University of New Zealand.

Otago is famous for its lively student life. Many students live in old houses, which they often name. Students at Otago are sometimes called "Scarfies" because they used to wear scarves in the cold southern winters. More recently, the nickname "Breather" has also been used. The university's graduation song, Gaudeamus igitur, iuvenes dum sumus, means "Let us rejoice, while we are young." The student magazine, Critic, is the oldest student magazine in New Zealand.

History of Otago University

The Registry Building (Clocktower Building), looking east.

An aerial view of the Dunedin campus. The Water of Leith river runs through the middle.

The Dunedin campus in winter.

The University of Otago logo used until 2024.

Starting in the 1800s

The idea for a university in Dunedin came from the first plans for European settlement in the 1840s. Local leaders like Thomas Burns and James Macandrew pushed for land to be set aside for a university in the 1860s.

The university was officially set up in 1869. It was given a large area of land and the power to grant degrees in subjects like Arts, Medicine, Law, and Music. Thomas Burns was named the first Chancellor, but he passed away before the university opened on July 5, 1871.

At first, the university only gave out one degree. Then, in 1874, it became part of the University of New Zealand. When the University of New Zealand was dissolved in 1961, Otago got back its power to grant its own degrees.

The university first operated from an old Post Office building. It moved to the famous Clocktower and Geology buildings in 1878 and 1879. These buildings are in the Gothic revival style and were inspired by the University of Glasgow in Scotland.

Otago was the first university in Australia and New Zealand to allow women to study for a law degree. Ethel Benjamin was the first woman to graduate with a law degree in 1897. Later that year, she became the first woman in the British Empire to argue a case in court.

The 1900s and beyond

The University of Otago played a big role in training medical staff during the First World War. They provided most of the doctors and dentists for the New Zealand Army.

In 1921, Professor Robert Jack made the first radio broadcast in New Zealand from the university's physics department.

Queen Elizabeth II visited the university library in 1970 with the Duke of Edinburgh. This was also the first time Prince Charles and Princess Anne visited New Zealand.

Because Otago offered many different courses, it attracted students from all over New Zealand. This led to many student homes and colleges growing around the university buildings. This helped create a lively student campus, which is now one of the biggest in New Zealand and Australia.

Recent times: The 2000s

In 2010, the university joined the Matariki Network of Universities (MNU). This network connects universities from different countries around the world.

In December 2020, some graduation ceremonies were cancelled due to a threat. The university worked with authorities to ensure student safety.

In 2023, the university faced a financial challenge due to fewer students and less government funding. They considered making some staff changes to help with the budget. Students protested these proposed changes, asking the government to increase funding for universities. In June 2023, the government announced more funding for universities, but Otago still planned some job changes.

In March 2024, Grant Robertson, a former politician, was chosen as the next Vice-Chancellor. This decision had mixed reactions, with some people supporting it and others preferring someone with a stronger academic background.

University Symbols: Coat of Arms and New Logo

Arms of the University of Otago

Notes The Arms of the University of Otago were granted by the Lord Lyon on 21 January 1948 and based on the unauthorised arms used on the University's seal since 1870 Escutcheon Azure, on a saltire cantoned between four mullets of six points Or, a book, gilt-edged and bound in a cover Gules charged with a mullet of six points of the second and a book-marker of the third issuance from the page-foot Motto Sapere Aude ('dare to be wise' or 'have courage to be wise')

In 2023, the university suggested a new logo and a new Māori name as part of its future plans. The new symbol looks like the Otakou channel in Otago harbour. The old coat of arms will still be used for special events like graduations.

The new Māori name proposed is Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka, which means "A Place of Many Firsts." The university wanted these changes to show a modern New Zealand identity. After talking with staff, students, and alumni, the university council decided to go ahead with the new logo and Māori name in July 2023. The new logo will be introduced gradually starting in March 2024.

University Campuses

A 180-degree view of Dunedin from the western hills. The University can be seen in front of the large hill on the left.

The main campus of the University of Otago is in Dunedin. This is where the main offices and the Health Sciences, Humanities, Business, and Sciences departments are located. The beautiful buildings and gardens of the Dunedin campus have been called one of the world's most beautiful university campuses by newspapers like The Daily Telegraph.

The university also has four other campuses:

• The Christchurch campus is for medical and health science training, research, and postgraduate programs.
• The Wellington campus also offers medical and health science training, research, and postgraduate programs.
• The Auckland campus provides teaching and distance learning courses. It also connects with the Auckland community and former students.
• The Southland Campus (Ahuahu Te Mātauranga) is part of the University of Otago College of Education. It trains teachers for early childhood, primary, and secondary schools.
• The university's Department of Marine Science runs the Portobello Marine Laboratory on the Otago peninsula.

Joining with Dunedin College of Education

On January 1, 2007, the University of Otago joined with the Dunedin College of Education. This college specialized in training teachers. Now, the College of Education is part of the university and includes its campuses in Invercargill and Alexandra.

University Libraries

The interior of the Central Library.

The University of Otago has nine libraries. Six are on the main campus in Dunedin. There is also an education library in Southland and two medical libraries in Wellington and Christchurch. All libraries offer wireless internet access.

Central Library

The Central Library is a large library with over 2,000 study spaces and many computers. It has a special collection of Māori resources called Te Aka a Tāwhaki. It also has rare books printed before 1801. In total, the Central Library has over 800,000 print and electronic materials for many subjects. It opened in 2001.

Other Libraries

• The Robert Stout Law Library is the university's law library.
• The Health Sciences Library is for students studying health.
• The Science Library is for students studying science.
• The Hocken Collections is a special research library, archive, and art gallery. It focuses on the history of New Zealand and the Pacific, especially the Otago and Southland regions. It was started in 1910 by a generous donor, Thomas Hocken.
• The Robertson Library is the education library.
• The Wellington Medical and Health Sciences Library and the Canterbury Medical Library serve students and staff in those cities. The Southland Campus also has its own library.

How the University is Organized

The Lindo Ferguson Building, home to the Departments of Anatomy and Physiology.

The university's research vessel Polaris II entering Otago Harbour.

The university is divided into four main academic areas:

• Humanities (like history, literature, languages)
• Health Sciences (like medicine, dentistry)
• Sciences (like biology, physics, chemistry)
• Otago Business School (for business and commerce)

Otago is one of only two universities in New Zealand with a medical school. It is also the only university in the country to offer training in Dentistry. Other special subjects offered include Pharmacy, Physical Education, Physiotherapy, Medical Laboratory Science, and Surveying.

The university also has several support divisions that help everything run smoothly. These include:

• External Engagement (connecting with the public)
• Financial Services
• Human Resources
• Information Technology Services
• Property Services
• Research & Enterprise
• Student Services

Student Life at Otago

Orientation Week (O-Week)

Participants in the annual clocktower race lining up, ready to go.

'O-Week' is the special week for new students to get to know the university. It's organized by the Otago University Students' Association. During O-Week, there are many fun events like concerts, comedy shows, and sports games.

Traditions

One popular tradition is the toga parade, where students dress in white sheets like ancient Romans. Another fun event is the clocktower race, where students try to run around the Clocktower building before the clock finishes chiming at noon. It's a challenging race, but some students manage to complete it every year!

Student Conduct

The university has rules for student behavior called the Code of Conduct. There is also a security team called 'Campus Watch' that helps keep the campus and nearby student areas safe.

Sometimes, student events have led to large gatherings that needed police attention. For example, the Hyde Street party in 2012 saw many people needing help from emergency services.

Protests

Otago students have a history of protesting about important political issues. In the 1960s, students protested against the Vietnam War. They also protested for the right for male and female students to share housing. In 1993 and 1996, students protested against increases in university fees, leading to some changes in how much fees could go up.

Famous People from Otago University

Chancellors and Vice-Chancellors

The Chancellor is the head of the university's governing body. The Vice-Chancellor is the chief executive officer, responsible for the day-to-day running of the university.

Some notable Chancellors include Thomas Burns, the first Chancellor, and Stephen Higgs, the current Chancellor.

Notable Vice-Chancellors include Robert Aitken, the first Vice-Chancellor, and Helen Nicholson, who is currently acting in the role.

Alumni (Former Students)

Many famous people have studied at the University of Otago. Here are a few:

• Rui Maria de Araújo, a former Prime Minister of Timor-Leste.
• Dame Silvia Cartwright, a former Governor-General of New Zealand.
• Nathan Cohen, an Olympic champion rower.
• Bill English, a former Prime Minister of New Zealand.
• Janet Frame, a famous writer.
• Sir Peter Buck, a doctor, military leader, and anthropologist.
• David Kirk, an All Black captain and businessman.
• John Edward "Jack" Lovelock, an Olympic athlete.
• Kamisese Mara, a politician from Fiji.
• Lord Porritt, an Olympian, doctor, and former Governor-General of New Zealand.
• Robert Stout, a former Prime Minister of New Zealand.

Rhodes Scholars

The Rhodes Scholarship is a very special award that allows students to study at the University of Oxford in England. Many Otago students have won this scholarship, including:

• Jack Lovelock, the Olympic athlete.
• David Kirk, the All Black captain.
• Holly Walker, a politician.

Images for kids

• 

  Thomas Burns, the first Chancellor of the University of Otago.

• 

  John Richardson, a former Chancellor.

• 

  Henry Samuel Chapman, a former Chancellor.

• 

  Donald Stuart, a former Chancellor.

• 

  Joshua Williams, a former Chancellor.

• 

  James Allen, a former Chancellor.

• 

  Andrew Cameron, a former Chancellor.

• 

  Thomas Sidey, a former Chancellor.

• 

  William John Morrell, a former Chancellor.

• 

  David Herron, a former Chancellor.

• 

  Hubert Ryburn, a former Chancellor.

• 

  Stuart Sidey, a former Chancellor.

• 

  Jack Somerville, a former Chancellor.

• 

  Eion Edgar, a former Chancellor.

• 

  Lindsay Brown, a former Chancellor.

• 

  John Ward, a former Chancellor.

• 

  Royden Somerville, a former Chancellor.

• 

  Stephen Higgs, the current Chancellor.

• 

  David Skegg, a former Vice-Chancellor.

• 

  Harlene Hayne, a former Vice-Chancellor.

• 

  Alice Copping, a nutritionist and academic.

• 

  Nathan Cohen, an Olympic rower and alumnus.

• 

  Robert Stout, a former Prime Minister and alumnus.

• 

  Bill English, a former Prime Minister and alumnus.

• 

  Fergus Hume, a novelist and alumnus.

• 

  Tania Lineham, a science teacher and alumna.

• 

  Lord Porritt, an Olympian, physician, and former Governor-General.

• 

  Jack Lovelock, an Olympic athlete and Rhodes Scholar.

In Spanish: Universidad de Otago para niños

• University of Otago School of Performing Arts and Allen Hall Theatre
• List of Honorary Doctors of the University of Otago
• Scarfies