Richard's journey to shaping critical thinkers began with the political protests of the 1981 Springbok Tour.
It transformed his last year of high school. "Our classes were filled with discussions about politics, sport and apartheid. Things I'd never really considered before." That awakening led him to Massey, where he studied social work and sociology, meeting mentors who would reshape how he saw the world.
Richard has been teaching at Massey for 33 years. He's been a well known media voice, a writer, a researcher. Throughout it all, he's been committed to teaching New Zealand's next leaders how to think critically.
He's been able to do all these things because of the can-do attitude of the university.
“Massey has always had this openness – if they ask, “Can you do this?” the answer can be, “Sure, I’ll give it a go.” That flexibility has given me incredible opportunities to build a globally recognised career as a researcher.”
It’s Massey's students who keep him passionate about his work. "The students I teach don't always fit the mould of a typical university student, but Massey makes space for them." This commitment to make learning available to everyone is why Richard thinks Massey should be called "the Social Justice University of Aotearoa”.
The university’s distance study in particular makes it possible for everyone to study and succeed. Within Massey’s ethos is a deep commitment to care and service.
Whether students study distance or on campus, critical thinking is crucial to navigate a changing world. It's why Richard's lectures have moved off PowerPoints in favour of pulling up the morning's news and building lessons around current political events.
"The biggest advantage for my students is that they're not just getting textbook theory. They're seeing how these concepts apply in real time."
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Critical thinking is useful in the wider world, especially at work. While Richard reshaped the Bachelor of Arts, employers consistently told him that “we don't care what you teach, as long as students can think."
Technologies, business models, communication methods are changing faster than ever before. Richard believes that thinking critically by asking questions and testing assumptions is crucial in a changing world.
"Employers wanted people who could learn a thing, unlearn it, and then learn a new thing. That's the nature of work now… The frustrating part is that we struggle to get this message across at a national level – especially to politicians. Ironically, many of them have arts degrees, yet they fail to see the economic value of the skills we teach."
Reflecting on his career, Richard is proudest of his reform of Massey’s Bachelor of Arts. He changed the qualification to be focused on critical thinking, communication and understanding different perspectives.
He’s also appreciative of the chance to explore his family’s connection to the invasion of Parikhaka through a book. It opened difficult and vital kōrero about colonisation. "It wouldn't have happened if I hadn't been at Massey."
Now Richard's aspiring to facilitate national conversations about Treaty issues in keeping with Massey’s commitment to being Te Tiriti-led.
After 30 years, Richard is still working hard towards Massey’s mission. He strongly believes in thinking critically, so those who leave Massey’s doors can change things in an ever-changing world.
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