Durham University has strengthened its ties with Aotearoa New Zealand through a senior-level visit, a new agreement with the University of Auckland and a continuing five-year project focused on a culturally significant Māori cloak.
The developments were announced by the university on 7 October 2026, following a delegation led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen O’Brien. The visit covered established and emerging partners, including the University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau, Te Pūnaha Ātea, the University of Auckland Space Institute, the Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira and the University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka.
New research agreement with the University of Auckland
Professor O’Brien signed a new Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Auckland. Durham said the agreement would deepen collaboration with an institution that, like Durham, is ranked among the world’s top 100 universities in the QS World University Rankings.
The two universities share research strengths in clean energy, marine science, infrastructure resilience, space and transformative humanities. The agreement is intended to support further international research projects, including work carried out through Horizon Europe.
Five-year Māori cloak research and exhibition project
A key cultural link discussed during the visit was a partnership involving a Māori cloak, or pauku, loaned by Durham’s Oriental Museum to the Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira.
Supported by the British Council and Creative New Zealand, the five-year research project and exhibition loan will examine the pauku’s origins, history and cultural significance. Durham said the cloak is one of only six known examples worldwide to feature a distinctive two-directional tāniko border-weaving technique.
Researchers, museum professionals and kairaranga Taumata Māreikura, described as expert weavers, will take part in the project. The work will also support the continuation of traditional weaving and indigenous knowledge.
Links with universities, alumni and the Matariki Network
At the University of Otago, Durham colleagues attended the annual Executive Board meeting of the Matariki Network of Universities. The programme opened with a Māori welcome, or pōwhiri, at Ōtākou Marae, described by Durham as one of the South Island’s most historically significant Māori sites.
Discussions covered indigenous engagement, sustainable development, student opportunities and collaborative research. Durham said the meeting reflected the network’s focus on indigenous knowledge, perspectives and partnership.
The delegation also hosted a reception for approximately 250 Durham graduates living across Aotearoa New Zealand. The event was used to share university news and renew alumni connections.
“Aotearoa New Zealand is an important partner for Durham University. Our connections span research, culture, students, alumni, and more. It was a pleasure to visit the country, and connect in-person with such valued partners and friends.”
Durham University said its links with Aotearoa New Zealand now span research, culture, students and alumni. Further information is available through the university’s global research, international connections, global alumni and Māori cloak collaboration pages.