Rate My Professor Bronson Blackbourn

Bronson Blackbourn serves as Executive Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer at the University of Otago, having joined the institution in September 2023. In this role, he provides high-level confidential executive administration and support, functioning as the first point of contact for the Office of the Chief Operating Officer. His duties encompass managing the COO’s appointments, meetings, correspondence, and engagements. He works closely with the Executive Officer to support the ongoing activities of the Operations Group of Divisions and delivers governance support to the Asset Management Committee and the Strategic Emergency Management Group. Before his current position, Blackbourn worked in the community health and government sectors. Complementing his administrative responsibilities, he is extensively engaged in community service as a Justice of the Peace. Sworn in during June 2022 at age 21, he earned the distinction of being Aotearoa’s youngest JP. As a ministerial JP, he witnesses and certifies documents, takes oaths, and administers declarations. He participates in the University’s JP roster at the Central Library AskOtago desk and acts as Registrar of the Otago Justices of the Peace Association, overseeing administration, council liaison, and communications with the Royal Federation of New Zealand Justices’ Associations. He has completed the required training process and engages in continuous professional development.

Blackbourn’s commitment to public service is prominently demonstrated through his involvement with Hato Hone St John since 2015. Starting as a cadet in the youth programme, he advanced to manage the Green Island Youth Division, fostering substantial growth in cadet participation and engagement. He leads the Drill & Ceremonies portfolio across the four southern districts of Te Waipounamu South Island and serves on the Dunedin Area Committee, managing local programmes and events. Furthermore, he is a member of the New Zealand Priory Nominations and Appointments Panel, aiding in governance processes. In October 2025, he was admitted to the Order of St John in the Honours list for his contributions to youth and youth governance. He has served as instructional staff at cadet leadership development weekends and supported the Community Engagement team in Northland and Auckland districts, organizing regional camps, events, competitions, and improvement initiatives. Blackbourn’s diverse roles highlight his proficiency in executive support and leadership in community and youth initiatives at the University of Otago.