Workchoice Trustee Wins Top Doctoral Honour

The Workchoice Trust is absolutely delighted that one of our trustees, Felicity Barnes, has won the Vice-Chancellor’s prize for the best doctoral thesis at The University of Auckland in 2008. The prize is awarded to the five most exceptional theses successfully examined and is presented in the current Autumn graduation ceremonies. Criteria include the demonstrable significance of each thesis in its field, the originality and excellence of the research, exceptional academic and intellectual achievement, and timely completion.

In her thesis, Felicity  investigated the idea of "New Zealand’s London: The metropolis and New Zealand’s culture, 1890-1940." The thesis looks at the role of London in forming New Zealand’s culture and identity, a significant feature of New Zealand’s cultural history which has, until now, been overlooked. During the 50 years from 1890, London was actively constructed as part of our cultural landscape rather than as a nostalgic remnant of a predominantly British-born settler population with important consequences for the way New Zealand culture was shaped.

Felicity was involved in the conceptualisation of Workchoice Day and coordinated the first three Workchoice Days. Alongside completing her PhD, she has continued to be involved as a Trustee. We couldn't be happier for her. Congratulations Felicity!