Rate My Professor Christine MacDonell

Christine MacDonell is the Marketing and Sustainability Leader, or Kaiārahi Kiko Pānui, Toitū, at Unipol Recreation Services, University of Otago. She earned a Bachelor of Physical Education (BPhEd) and Diploma in Graduate Studies (DipGrad) from the University of Otago. In her position within Student Services, she directs marketing efforts and sustainability programs for the Unipol Recreation Centre, located at University Plaza Building One, 130 Anzac Avenue, Dunedin. The centre delivers fitness facilities, group fitness classes, recreational programmes, inter-college competitions, and outdoor equipment rentals including mountain bikes, skis, bodyboards, and access to Trotters Gorge Hut, serving university students, staff, and whānau with free entry for eligible students via ID cards. Unipol employs over 150 students yearly in roles such as fitness leaders and instructors, operating daily with extended hours to support community wellbeing.

MacDonell previously served as Marketing and Wellbeing Coordinator, where she launched the Summer Wellbeing Programme 'Let’s Get Physical,' providing accessible lunchtime activities on campus to enable staff to participate easily during work hours, yielding positive feedback and around 15 to 30 attendees per session. Her Recreational Services team earned the inaugural Excellence in Health and Safety team award in 2019 for advancements like installing defibrillators, investigating injuries, acquiring locator beacons, and refining safety processes and equipment. She advances sustainability by expanding the Outdoor Rental Centre to promote equipment sharing and reduce waste, noting its appeal for activities like cycling on local trails and ski season rentals. MacDonell also supported the campus food pantries launch at Unipol. She describes Unipol as a safe, inclusive space where recreation varies for each individual, encouraging drop-ins for fun and recharge.