Kia ora,
I am a PhD student conducting a research project which aims to collaboratively develop visions of university futures with university adjacent activists in Aotearoa. The purpose of this study is to develop grass-roots understandings of universities’ futures, measuring what their communities see as possible, probable, and preferable. This project amplifies and reflects upon the experiences of community leaders in order to develop resources for agenda setting and continuity of grassroots activism. Participation in this project involves a roughly 1 hour long interview, led by myself Java Grant, a PhD student researcher. These interviews are open-ended and are guided in collaboration with participants.
I am reaching out for your participation as I believe you are or have been involved with university-adjacent activism around one of New Zealand’s universities and your contributions would be highly valued. Please be assured your participation is voluntary, and any identifying information will be held in confidence with the researcher. If you are interested in participating, and meet the following criteria, please contact java.grant@auckland.ac.nz with any questions. I have attached the participant information sheet (also here). Some snacks and drinks will be available during in-person interviews and a small koha provided to all participants as a token of appreciation.
The supervision team for this project is Assoc. Prof. Sereana Naepi and Prof. Luke Goode
Participants must
If you know anyone who meets the criteria and may be interested in participating, please feel free to circulate this invitation throughout your own networks. You can share an online copy of this invitation via this link: https://javagrant.com/phd-research/participate/
You can provide your consent to participation via the Calendly booking forms below or you can fill out the consent form and return it either digitally/in person.
Wellington and Online/Zoom based interviews (December 2025)
https://calendly.com/jgra818-uoa/university-futures-wellington
Auckland and Online/Zoom based interviews (January-February 2026)
https://calendly.com/jgra818-uoa/university-futures-auckland
Auckland and Online/Zoom based interviews (2025 with irregular availability)
https://calendly.com/jgra818-uoa/university-futures-auckland-2025
If you would like another location or time for your interview unavailable via these links, please be in touch via email. java.grant@auckland.ac.nz.
Ngā mihi nui,
Java Grant
PhD Candidate
The University of Auckland
Approved by the University of Auckland Human Participants Ethics Committee on 06/10/2025 until 22/07/2027. Reference Number UAHPEC27451.