tutions are in five different time zones, from North America, Europe, Australia as well as NZ.
Thursday – Hocken Library (Archives, art, music, ephemera, rare book collec- tions) visit. Impressive (art) exhibition and staff very welcoming (and pleased to see me)
Friday – Interview with journalist from the University Otago Bulletin – interested in why and how I got to Otago. Had a real (telephone) enquiry – bringing back reference skills from the past.
8 March 2021: Monday – Risk Planning meeting – really impressive approach and also software to make this work as straightforward as it can be. One-to-ones with library colleagues started today – really good to start to meet with colleagues to help them get to know me and the personal values that I bring and to get to know a little about them.
Tuesday – Learning more about the culture in the department and insti- tution and the differences in language and sector compared to the UK. Partly about terminology differences (Papers not modules; names of organisations, acronyms etc.)
Wednesday – Attended the Distance Learning Advisory Board. Struck by the use of terminology new to me, such as a module being a paper and loads of new acronyms, and the integration of Te Reo Maori words in websites, documents and conversation.
Thursday – Detailed tour of the central library, the building is 20 years old and has stood the test of time very well. Much of the furniture is original but has be refurbished in a sustainable way using local companies. Really good conversation about developing digital capabilities for museum, art and archive collections.
Paul – Mike and I kept in close touch (via Zoom) for much of his period of quarantine, so I have witnessed his lows and highs. I wanted to finish with a few questions:
What attracted you to the role and the country?
My eldest son moved to Aotearoa, New Zealand, in 2014 and along with my wife I made our first visit in late 2018. We found the clichés to be true, open friendly people, outstanding natural beauty and wildlife and a more relaxed way of life. On our return a recruitment agency approached me about a role in Australia, whilst not wishing to follow this up it made me think that I would be interested in a role in New Zealand. In October 2019 the Otago University
June 2021
was over 12 month ago when I gave a presentation as part of the selection process. I followed this later in the day by being in a space with nearly 200 at the opening of an art exhibition at Dunedin public art gallery. The contrast with the previous year in the UK was marked and brought home how Aotearoa, New Zea- land, has managed through compassionate political leadership, the willingness of what New Zealand call ‘the Team of five million’ and the geographic isolation of the nation to become effectively Covid free.
What delighted you? Quarantine with a view.
Librarian role was advertised. Having been Deputy Librarian at both Bristol and Durham Universities I wanted the oppor- tunity to lead a University Library service. My son had spent 18 months living in Dunedin and the role and location were a good match for me. A small city and a University with a significant reputation for both research and education. With my children now grown up it was time to explore a major life change.
What were your fears and anticipations?
My fear, though small, of not being accepted in the workplace due to being an immigrant have not been founded and the library team being so open has been a massive bonus.
What surprised you?
I wasn’t expecting to feel so emotional when I stood at the front of a lecture theatre with over 60 of the library team present. As I walked into the lecture theatre, I was struck that the last time I had been in a room with that many people
I have been delighted by the access to so many beaches locally (30 within 30 min- utes), by the great coffee that is available everywhere and more importantly by the relaxed and friendly people of Dunedin I have met.
What differences have you already noticed?
I do have to remember that it is me that has an unusual accent when talking with New Zealanders. There are major differ- ences between the UK and Aotearoa that will take me time to learn and understand. The most significant of these is the bi-cul- tural nature of the country. The Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 has left a significant challenge that hasn’t been resolved even now. The University Library at Otago has an opportunity to support Maori and Pasi- fika access to and engagement with higher education.
The use of Te Reo Maori (the indigenous language of Aotearoa) is growing within the country, reflecting a greater desire to commit to all three official languages (the other being New Zealand Sign Language). One thing that has made me laugh has been re-watching the film Hunt for the Wilderpeople as, with more cultural understanding, now the film has become even funnier. IP
Thirty-minutes to paradise. INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL 41
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