Rate My Professor Anne Trainor

Anne Trainor is the Operations Manager (Kaiwhakahaere Rauemi) at University Flats, a key component of Campus and Collegiate Life Services at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand. University Flats provides essential accommodation to approximately 1,300 students annually, encompassing a diverse population that includes international and domestic undergraduates, mature postgraduates, and their families. In her leadership role, Trainor oversees the daily operations of this residential community, ensuring high standards of maintenance, resident support, and an inclusive living environment that contributes significantly to the overall student experience at one of New Zealand's leading universities. Her work supports the university's commitment to fostering wellbeing and community among its student body in Dunedin, the country's premier student city.

In 2024, Anne Trainor and the University Flats team were honored with the Award for Sustainable Practice by Staff at the University of Otago. This recognition highlights their innovative sustainability initiatives implemented over the past two years. Notable efforts include the Drop and Swap station, which enables residents to exchange unwanted items, promoting reuse and minimizing waste. The team also addresses period poverty by providing essential menstrual products to residents, enhancing equity and health access. Furthermore, the food recycling program efficiently processes food scraps for composting, reducing landfill contributions and environmental impact. These programs cultivate sustainable behaviors, strengthen community ties, and align with the University's core values of manaakitanga (hospitality and kindness), pono (integrity and righteousness), māhirahira (excellence and innovation), and whakawhanaungatanga (relationship building and connectedness). They directly support United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including those focused on zero hunger, responsible consumption and production, reduced inequalities, and sustainable communities and cities. Trainor's contributions underscore her dedication to practical, impactful sustainability within student housing.