POU HERENGA WAKA/AUT RESEARCH NETWORK

About us

AUT Transformational Technologies Research Network (TTRN) (Māori: Te Rau Auaha) is AUT’s highest-level research entity (Tier 4). It brings researchers together across disciplines to build capability and deliver research with meaningful societal, environmental and economic impact.

Te Rau Auaha, gifted by Associate Professor Dean Mahuta, refers to ‘the many/multitudinous innovations’ that will come from our research network. 'Auaha' reflects creativity and innovation as the unifying concept across TTRN’s themes, while 'rau' refers to its numerical value 'hundred', its more metaphorical meaning of 'many' and the blade of a toki (adze), symbolising the act of creating new things. Literally saying, TRRN is the group of 'Many Innovations'.

We work across faculties, research centres, institutes, industry and communities to address the complex challenges facing Auckland, Aotearoa and the world.

Our research areas

Smart & sustainable futures

Creating technologies for climate resilience, renewable energy, urban innovation and environmental wellbeing.

Human-centred technology innovation

Exploring AI, digital health, biotechnology and technology that enhances human capabilities and care.

Creative & connected technologies

Advancing digital media, analytics, communication, connectivity and inclusive design for society.


What we do

Empowering collaboration and impact

TTRN provides structure, support and opportunities to help researchers and partners work together:

  • Seed funding for new research projects
  • Workshops, hui and an annual symposium
  • Partnership development (industry, iwi, Pacific communities, government, global collaborators)
  • Capability-building, mentorship & grant support
  • Support for early-career researchers and postgraduate students

Our aim is to help AUT research create real outcomes that benefit communities and contribute to national and global innovation.

Contact us

Let’s work together.

General enquiries
Email: ttrn@aut.ac.nz