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JUST SOME INFORMATION ON ONE OF MY FAVOURITE PLACES
Mt Ngaruahoe (in middle of the picture), an “active” volcano in the North Island of New Zealand, is one of three volcanic peaks that were gifted to the nation by Te Heu Heu Tukino, paramount chief of the Tuwharetoa in the 1890s (in a clever move to keep these sacred tops out of the hands of the Whanganui tribe and ultimately out of the control of colonial farmers who wanted them for sheep). In time, the three mountains (Tongariro, Ngaruahoe and Ruapehu) and the surrounding area was gazetted as the first National Park in New Zealand and only the third in the world. Ironically, the area around the mountains (commonly considered a desert) – and no doubt the peaks themselves – proved useless for farming due to a lack of cobalt in the soil. Sheep put to forage in the bleak and cold surroundings died of a condition called bush sickness. Ruapehu, the largest and tallest of the three peaks is very popular for skiing – three fields have been developed on its slopes. The pass between Tongariro and Ngaruahoe is the highest point on what has been described as “the best one day walk in New Zealand” – the 21 km Tongariro Crossing – and part of the four day round the mountain trek. It is no stroll in the Park, conditions can change in an instant. For all of that it is wonderful, satisfying and unbelievably beautiful.
PERSONAL, INTERESTS AND BACKGROUND
This column includes some information about me, a few pics and clips and links to things that interest me out of work.
About Me
This is the profile page for Philippa Wells (note the spelling!). A little bit of detail: I am a New Zealander, born in Nelson (a little smaller than Ballarat but not much) and went to Christchurch to university. I loved the city, hence the distress I felt after the recent earthquake. It was a city that managed to keep its heritage buildings during the 1980s when so many cities had developers emerging from the gutters intent on destroying anything that smacked of history - almost as though they were trying to demolish and deny the past.
Since completion of an LLB and Graduate Diploma at Canterbury, I went on to work at Waikato University and then to AUT in Auckland prior to coming to Australia. During that time I have seen many changes to universities, their philosophies and perhaps more significantly, the attitude of Governments and society towards them. Ironically, despite the increased proportion of school leavers that enter universities (as compared to the small percentage in the 1970s when I went), there is a noticeable perception that most university staff do very little and are drains on the public purse - yet in my years in the field, workloads have exploded, expectations and demands swollen and relative pay and conditions declined. The rhetoric of idleness and waste remains.
- First name: Philippa
- Last name: Wells
- Email address: p.wells@federation.edu.au
- City/region: Ballarat
- Country: Australia
- Business phone: 03 53279653
- Mobile phone: 04 38563263
My Resume
Cover letter
My name is Philippa Wells, a New Zealander by birth, association and by inclination but presently living and working in Ballarat, Victoria. I have been here since the beginning of 2008 and occupy the position of Associate Professor in Law in the Business School and am Chair for the Commerce Discipline (that embraces Economics and Law). As such I am very busy! I teach, am on the various committees and School Boards plus endeavour to conduct research into a variety of associated areas (see list of publications and research interests for some idea).
Interests
Photography and other artistic pursuits
Reading
The outdoors - skiing, tramping (hiking to you!), viewing from all angles, nature and its protection
My darling offspring
Personal information
Date of birth | 4 April 1954 |
---|---|
Place of birth | New Zealand |
Citizenship | New Zealand |
Visa status | Eligible to work and live indefinitely in Australia (and to pay taxes just like anyone else) but not eligible for any social support...huh? |
Gender identity | Woman |
Marital status | Separated |
Personal goals
To do better in all I do
To be happy
To support others
To mean something
Academic goals
To publish more in the areas that interest me
To (perhaps!) do another doctorate
Career goals
Become a full professor
Personal skills
Confidence
Critical thought
Research
Analysis
Excellent communication skills
Listening
Academic skills
Research
Writing
analysis
communication
Work skills
As above (tied into academic as this is my field)
Employment history
Junior Lecturer/Lecturer/Senior Lecturer/Joint Chair of the Department of Accounting at University of Waikato
1978 - 2002Variously Designer of, Convenor for, and/or involved in delivering, a range of papers from pre-degree through to Masters’ papers, plus Executive-focused short courses. Subject matter has ranged from general commercial and business law, Business Organisations and Trading Arrangements, Public Sector, Electronic Business, Employment, Marketing, Commercial Law, Environmental Law, Property Law and Tourism.
Senior Lecturer in Law at AUT University, Auckland
2002 - 2007Here I was one of the senior members of the teaching team for law, during which time I completed my doctorate, designed and delivered a new course in commercial law for the MBA (a new program),designed ad delivered a new course on Environmental Law and Policy as well as teaching overa range of other courses for the undergraduate degree (Bachelor of Business). Research I undertook during this time included my doctorate (environmental history). In addition I carried out other research, both connected and not connected to my doctoral topic.
Associate Professor in Law at University of Ballarat
2008Presently Commerce Discipline Coordinator (including law and economics) in the School of Business at the University of Ballarat. In addition I am continually involved in teaching and research.
Education history
LLB (degree) at University of Canterbury, Christchurch
1972 - 1975This was my first degree, in laws
Law Professionals (Professional Exams) at University of Canterbury, Christchurch
1976 - 1976Completion of these permitted me to seek admission as a barrister and solicitor of the high court of New Zealand (in 1979). At the same time I sat and passed (well) two courses in accounting.
DBA (Graduate Diploma) at University of Canterbury, Christchurch
1977 - 1977This was a diploma designed to provide pathways into commerce for those holding degrees in otehr disciplines. At the same time as doing this I also did a course in accounting.
MPhil (Masters degree (research)) at University of Waikato, Hamilton
1980 - 1983The topic of this research was a comparative survey of legislated consumer protection in the United states, the UK, Australia and New Zealand
NDA (Accounting) (National Diploma) at Wintec (Hamilton)
1988 - 1993This is the academic qualification to become an accountant in New Zealand. I did this part time (one course per semester)when the children were small.
PhD (Doctorate) at AUT University (Auckland)
2000 - 2005I did my doctorate part time while working at this institution (having transferred part way through from Waikato). The topic was “Uncovering Regimes of Truth in New Zealand: Locating and Defining Discourses associated with Hydro-electric Development in New Zealand”, and involved a Foucauldian analysis of discourse around three hydro debates over some 100 years.
GC in Tertiary Education (ongoing) (Graduate Certificate ) at University of Ballarat
2011This is a qualification I am presently doing- a program that involves four courses that examine various aspects of current tertiary teaching practice and issues
Books and publications
The Transition Initiative as a Grass-roots Environmental Movement:
2011This is an article (also delivered as a conference paper) to appear in a refereed journal later this year (the Interdisciplinary Environmental Review)
Wilderness: Enduring Themes in its Conservation - a Story from Fiordland
2011a chapter in an anthology (Working title: The Future of Wilderness in Aotearoa New Zealand, by Craig Potton Publishing), by invitation from editors Mike Abbot and Richard Reeve (forthcoming, due for publication in November, 2011)
Personal Property Securities: Possibilities, Problems and Peculiarities
2010Personal Property Securities: Possibilities, Problems and Peculiarities, Journal of the Australasian Law Teachers Association, V1 (1) 335-344
The Fall and Fall in the Legal Status of Mustelids in New Zealand
2009article in Environment and History, V15(3) 343-368
Is Conservation Extinct? The Place of Conservation within Environmental Discourse
2007International Journal of Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, V2(4) (Volume 2, Issue 4) 335-340
The Legal Framework for the Provision of “Quotes”; A Preliminary Exploration of Law and Practice in New Zealand
2007Yearbook of New Zealand Jurisprudence, Special Issue (ALTA), V9, 227-237
Meridian Energy and Project Aqua: A Study in Stakeholder Identification and Salience
2006Enterprise and Innovation (Faculty of Business Research Paper Series, AUT University)
"An Enemy of the Rabbit", the Social Context of Acclimatisation of an Immigrant Killer
2006Environment and History, V12(3) 297-324
Business Planning and Company Formation
2002chapter in Commercial Applications of Company Law in New Zealand, G. Walker et al, CCH (New Zealand), 97-122
Reporting and Disclosure
2002Chapter in Commercial Applications of Company Law in New Zealand, 335-354
“For Environment Read Conservation” New Zealand as an Example of Green Purity
2005Interdisciplinary Environmental Review, VII(2) 43-60
The Dubious Origins of the Sherman Act: The Mouse that Roared
2001Journal of Public Policy and Marketing, V20 (1) 3-15
Corporatisation and Privatisation Issues in New Zealand Government-Owned Enterprises: Accountability and Governance Perspectives
2001Journal of Asian Business, Vol 17(1) 89-103
Criminal Records and Employment- a case for Legislative Change
2001New Zealand Universities Law Review, V19 (3) 177-196
Contracting Services in SMEs: A case of New Zealand Professional Accounting Firms
2000International Small Business Journal, V19(1) 68-82
Corporatisation and Privatisation: The New Zealand Experience
1999chapter in Corporatisation and Privatisation in Australia, B. Collier and S. Pitkins (eds), QUT Centre for Commercial and Property Law, CCH (Australia), 493-512
The New Zealand State Owned Enterprise Model: Issues of Competition and Social Obligation
1998Current Commercial Law, V6(2) 65-80
Business and Consumers
1994Chpater in Business and New Zealand Society, Enderwick and Deeks (eds), Longman Paul (New Zealand), 177-192
See here for where I lived, was educated and/or and worked in New Zealand
Philippa Wells's groups
Friends on Mahara
(Admin)Presentation group for Grad Cert
(Admin)Philippa Wells's friends
Philippa Wells's wall
Ian Wright
15 August 2011, 15:37
Debbie Hill
03 June 2011, 11:22
Angela Hipwell
27 May 2011, 14:07
MY RESEARCH INTERESTS
mainly focus on aspects of business law and on the environment
The environment is something we cannot ignore: see here for environmental Issues happening NOW RSS
Google News
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Students bring Shakesperean rom com to life - Ballarat Times
Published on 06 October 2024, 4:01 -
Ballarat's university should be treated like 'royalty' - The Courier
Published on 28 September 2024, 8:03 -
Ballarat Foodbank's free 'supermarket' trial feeds vulnerable uni students - ABC News
Published on 27 August 2024, 17:00 -
Federation University records $81 million loss - 3BA
Published on 02 May 2024, 17:00 -
TAFE recognised for Koorie learning opportunities - Ballarat Times
Published on 05 October 2024, 4:01 -
Federation University partners with McCain Foods for flagship co-op model - iTWire
Published on 18 April 2024, 17:00 -
Tertiary education union calls for Federation University leaders to resign after announcing redundancy plans - ABC News
Published on 07 April 2024, 17:00 -
University hits back over claims of unsupported students - The Courier
Published on 01 April 2024, 18:00 -
Committee for Ballarat fear Fed Uni viability in the wake of international student cuts - 3BA
Published on 12 September 2024, 16:14 -
'Unfair': Concerns over impact of new student rules on Ballarat's universities - The Courier
Published on 02 September 2024, 17:00
Sustainability feed RSS
The Science Show gives Australians unique insights into the latest scientific research and debate, from the physics of cricket to prime ministerial biorhythms.
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Celebrating 200 years of honeybees in Australia
Published on 25 June 2022, 12:05 -
Environmental laws fail future generations and the history of Antarctic exploration
Published on 18 June 2022, 12:05 -
Cameras used to count feral cats, and how much of pain is in the mind
Published on 11 June 2022, 12:05 -
Goodbye giant kelp– 95% lost in fifty years
Published on 04 June 2022, 12:05 -
Parrots and humans– extreme species with shared behaviours and first image of the black hole at the centre of our galaxy
Published on 28 May 2022, 12:05 -
Where did the Universe come from?
Published on 21 May 2022, 12:05 -
Musk promises brain implants for spinal injuries and AI and help for Australian sea lions
Published on 14 May 2022, 12:05 -
Young scientists forced abroad for work and the twelve experiments that helped make the modern world
Published on 07 May 2022, 12:05 -
Celebrating Gregor Mendel the father of genetics
Published on 30 April 2022, 12:05 -
Wollongong transformed, secrets of monotremes revealed, and help for Tonga
Published on 23 April 2022, 12:05
Conservation and Environmental History
Folder contents:
SOME OF MY RESEARCH - (for a full list, see my full CV (first column)
Transition Towns - have a look at the aspects we are researching
Some Current Projects
Some feeds from the original TT (Totnes, Devon) RSS
Google News
-
Students bring Shakesperean rom com to life - Ballarat Times
Published on 06 October 2024, 4:01 -
Ballarat's university should be treated like 'royalty' - The Courier
Published on 28 September 2024, 8:03 -
Ballarat Foodbank's free 'supermarket' trial feeds vulnerable uni students - ABC News
Published on 27 August 2024, 17:00 -
Federation University records $81 million loss - 3BA
Published on 02 May 2024, 17:00 -
TAFE recognised for Koorie learning opportunities - Ballarat Times
Published on 05 October 2024, 4:01 -
Federation University partners with McCain Foods for flagship co-op model - iTWire
Published on 18 April 2024, 17:00 -
Tertiary education union calls for Federation University leaders to resign after announcing redundancy plans - ABC News
Published on 07 April 2024, 17:00 -
University hits back over claims of unsupported students - The Courier
Published on 01 April 2024, 18:00 -
Committee for Ballarat fear Fed Uni viability in the wake of international student cuts - 3BA
Published on 12 September 2024, 16:14 -
'Unfair': Concerns over impact of new student rules on Ballarat's universities - The Courier
Published on 02 September 2024, 17:00
Legal Issues and developments (I have more!)
Folder contents:
Governance issues - I am editing a book of submitted case studies and am involved in writing on the area of governance, particularly in relation to non-large, publicly listed companies
Folder contents:
TEACHING: A BROAD AND MORE IMPLICIT ISSUE OF LAW IN EDUCATION - WHERE IS THE RELEVANCE?
People often ask and/or resist the idea that law courses are an important part of tertirary business education - the law is different, they say, in other countries, it is boring, it is not as important as other courses and disciplines such as economics or accounting or.... However, I would like to take another approach and position, a position that reveals just how fundamental and significant it is. Law is not only a discipline area as is accounting, economics and the rest but a way of thinking and a social discourse - reflective of social attitudes and mores. It does not matter that much that the content of the law courses vary; it matters more that students can take information and opinions and determine how they accord with popular views and demands for change. A good example is shown below: law is often connected to economics - Richard Posner wrote a book on Law and Economics (Economic Analysis of Law) in 1973 that formed the basis for an area of critical legal theory based on economic concepts such as economic rationality. However, Freakonomics challenges the view that rationality drives individual behaviour- things are far more complex. Interestingly, there is some challenges in some jurisdictions to the traditional assumptions implicit in legislation (such as agency-based governance of corporations) and a call to see law (and those affected by it) in a more positive way.
But it is not all beer and skittles
Problem-solving (applying law to the facts) is a critical skill for students to acquire. Here is what we distrbute to students at Mt Helen and at other campuses to assist them in this task - it is generic rather than course specific, basic but applicable to all sorts of complex fact situations and is essentially the same as what law students use. But we also try to explian to students that problem-solving is vital to all sorts of activities and occupations and what thay might do in a law course is not that different to what they might do in engineering or maths or science or .... the rules are different as are the data but the process is the same!!!
Two explanations for solving legal case studies
Folder contents:
Here is a useful and detailed article on some of the issues that arise when seeking to engage non-law students in their own learning
JUST SOME OTHER STUFF THAT BELONGS ON THIS PAGE
New Zealand entertainment and art RSS
Google News
-
Students bring Shakesperean rom com to life - Ballarat Times
Published on 06 October 2024, 4:01 -
Ballarat's university should be treated like 'royalty' - The Courier
Published on 28 September 2024, 8:03 -
Ballarat Foodbank's free 'supermarket' trial feeds vulnerable uni students - ABC News
Published on 27 August 2024, 17:00 -
Federation University records $81 million loss - 3BA
Published on 02 May 2024, 17:00 -
TAFE recognised for Koorie learning opportunities - Ballarat Times
Published on 05 October 2024, 4:01 -
Federation University partners with McCain Foods for flagship co-op model - iTWire
Published on 18 April 2024, 17:00 -
Tertiary education union calls for Federation University leaders to resign after announcing redundancy plans - ABC News
Published on 07 April 2024, 17:00 -
University hits back over claims of unsupported students - The Courier
Published on 01 April 2024, 18:00 -
Committee for Ballarat fear Fed Uni viability in the wake of international student cuts - 3BA
Published on 12 September 2024, 16:14 -
'Unfair': Concerns over impact of new student rules on Ballarat's universities - The Courier
Published on 02 September 2024, 17:00
Last but not least: thoughts and General Reflections RSS
General - June 14
Oh dear, poor Chch. Another set of earthquakes - my thoughts are with them
This is a reflection on my portfolio
Up to today (or rather this afternoon) I had a somewhat unwieldy profile view - hence i have now moved quite a lot of stuff relating to teaching into that view and converted the view from three to two columns - I think it looks better. However, what i would like to ber able to do is to copy and paste from one view into another (particularly external videos - I am not talking files here) to streamline this process - but do not know whether this is possible.