About us

Find out about the School of Mathematics and Statistics and our staff.

Mathematics and statistics are fundamental disciplines which have their own rich and intellectually challenging internal structure and problems, while at the same time providing the basis for a huge range of developments in the modern world.

Our programmes at Victoria University of Wellington include theoretical and applied aspects of mathematics and statistics, undergraduate pathways in discrete and continuous mathematics, mathematical and applied statistics, operations research, and a major in actuarial science.

The School provides courses integral for other programmes including biological sciences, computer science, earth sciences, engineering, physics and psychology and we maintain close links with staff in all the relevant schools.

Our academic staff are active inresearch, and have international reputations in their fields, including discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, theoretical computer science, mathematical physics, mathematical modelling, algebra, analysis, probability, operations research and applied statistics. They consistently attract national and international research grants, awards and fellowships.

The School's Logic and Discrete Mathematics group features numerous Marsden Grants and international grants, part of a decade of continuous achievement.

Our teaching at all levels aims to equip our students with an understanding of the breadth and depth of knowledge in their field of study, an appreciation of the logical rigour, intellectual vitality, the beauty of their subject, and the abilities to become active and autonomous learners, to communicate effectively and reason creatively in the mathematical sciences. The School maintains a policy that its leading researchers are involved in teaching at all levels of the undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. We provide support for Māori, Pasifika and international students.

Students benefit from our location in Wellington City and our proximity to government departments, research institutes and industry. Staff and students are involved in research collaborations with many such organisations including Statistics New Zealand, Department of Conservation, Ministry of Primary Industries, Ministry of Business, Employment and Innovation, Contact Energy, GNS Science, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) and Capital and Coast District Health Board.

The School maintains strong links with colleges in the Wellington region. We run scholarship workshops and the Maths Challenge (a schools competition) in conjunction with the Wellington Mathematics Association.