AUT head's mind fixed on future

The country's first future studies research centre has been launched by retiring Auckland University of Technology vice-chancellor John Hinchcliff.

Not content to rest on his laurels after 20 years at the helm of AUT, the 64-year-old announced at his farewell on Saturday that he would direct the centre.

It will focus on where society is heading and how to prepare for it.

Dr Hinchcliff, who retires at the end of this month, set up the centre in association with Morton Estate Wineries and AUT.

"We spend the rest of our life in the future so a disciplined approach that is not about crystal ball gazing or divination is critical for us to explore where we are heading."

He described future studies as being about "visioning".


AUT has set up the John Hinchcliff Trust to award fellowships and scholarships.