New director of the Stout Research Centre announced
Professor Brigitte Bönisch-Brednich has been appointed as the Director of the Stout Research Centre for New Zealand Studies.
As a Professor of Anthropology, Professor Bönisch-Brednich first connected with the Stout in 1996 when she and her husband, also an anthropologist, spent a year as research residents investigating the history of German immigration to New Zealand. She then joined the Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington Anthropology programme in 2002.
Emeritus Professor Richard Hill said that Brigitte has made a significant impact, particularly with her input to the study and promotion of biculturalism during her long association with the Centre.
“Ever since she first carried out research at the Centre in 1996, she has made a distinguished contribution to New Zealand Studies, bringing (among other things) anthropological, historical, and international comparative perspectives.
“She has energetically promoted interdisciplinary research on New Zealand at home and abroad, with a particular focus on issues relating to indigeneity, ethnicity, migration, and cultural adaptation.”
Adjunct Professor Anna Green adds “Professor Bönisch-Brednich will bring a dynamic, multidisciplinary, and collaborative approach to both the research programme and public outreach dimensions of the Centre. Her multifaceted research over the course of an outstanding career in anthropology includes published work on the cultures of Aotearoa New Zealand, migrant studies, and the global knowledge economy.”
Professor Bönisch-Brednich has continued her connections and research with the Centre since 1996. She has organised several seminar series at the Centre, including a series on migration to New Zealand and the series 'Watching the Kiwis' which became a special issue of the Journal of New Zealand Studies. She has also collaborated with colleagues in Te Kawa a Māui, the Stout Centre, and the Centre for Intercultural Studies at the University of Mainz, resulting in a book, “Reconciliation, representation and Indigeneity" (2016). Most recently, Brigitte has organised a seven-week series honouring former Stout Research Centre Director and close friend Professor Lydia Wevers who passed last September.
“Moving to the Stout feels like coming full circle in my career at the University. Throughout my time in the School of Social and Cultural Studies I have continued to collaborate with the Centre and built and retained relationships with colleagues there,” she says.
Professor Bönisch-Brednich is excited to launch conversations about the future academic activities of the Stout Centre with colleagues across the University and furthering the interdisciplinary research and discourse nationally and internationally.