The outstanding innovations, dedication and student-centred teaching of University of Otago Associate Prof Carolina Loch, senior teaching fellow Nicole Power, pūkenga matua (senior lecturer) Paia Taani and Associate Prof Esther Willing, has won them Otago Teaching Excellence Awards.
Assoc Prof Loch teaches oral biology in the Faculty of Dentistry and was named a 2026 winner for being a ‘‘gifted teacher’’ who combined her passion for oral biology with enthusiasm, engagement, empathy for students' needs and wellbeing — making learning fun and memorable.
‘‘I see myself as a guide rather than just a lecturer, using a mix of teaching methods to help students connect oral biology to their own lives and future clinical work.’’
She has an inclusive, student-centred style for teaching in large biochemistry classes, combining clarity, care and evidence-based design to foster belonging, engagement and achievement.
As a neurodivergent academic, she said her own experiences had shaped how she approached teaching.
She was named for her caring, intentional and innovative kaiako, as well as her deep commitment to the personal and academic growth of tauira.
She said she was committed to revitalising te reo Māori, tikanga Māori and mātauranga Māori.
‘‘Sharing my own experiences is an important part of this process, helping tauira recognise that they are not alone in their journeys.
‘‘I was not raised with my heritage language, and have an intimate understanding of the language and cultural trauma many Māori learners may bring with them.’’
She was named an award winner for ‘‘creating safe learning spaces for tauira to understand and challenge the way in which colonisation has shaped health inequities, to improve Māori health outcomes’’.
University of Otago acting deputy vice-chancellor academic Emeritus Prof James Maclaurin said the awards were a way of honouring outstanding staff for the excellence, engagement and empathy they bring to their teaching.
‘‘They share a deep commitment to helping our tauira succeed academically and to thrive.’’
