Dr Ray O’Brien has led research-informed, whole-of-institution change towards a more sustainable and Tiriti-led university through the Leadership by Learning Design model he developed. As Tumuaki / Head of Sustainability, Ray co-led the development of Tī Kōuka: The Sustainability Strategic Framework, that has reshaped how Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka / University of Otago governs, teaches, researches and operates.

Ray’s leadership is grounded in active decolonisation, embracing complexity, futures thinking and transformational learning experiences. As an ally, his approach is to create space, support others to lead and help embed sustainability across learning, research and operations. This work has contributed a significant number of papers and publications aligning to the SDGs, a reduction in total emissions, and award-winning, sector-leading practice across Aotearoa New Zealand.