Rate My Professor Liane Topham-Kindley

Liane Topham-Kindley is the Manager, Media Engagement at the University of Otago's Communications Office. She leads the media engagement team, providing media enquiries support, communications advice to staff on research news releases and newsworthy events, and promoting the university's achievements through various channels. An experienced news journalist, Liane has over 35 years in the profession, bringing her expertise to enhance the university's public profile.

Her professional journey started in 1988 as a Cadet Reporter at the Otago Daily Times, building foundational skills in local news reporting. She earned an Advanced Diploma in Journalism from Wellington Polytechnic. Liane then pursued freelance journalism for diverse publications and served as an independent contractor for the University of Otago, authoring the inaugural issues of the e-newsletter Otago Connection. Before joining full-time in early 2018, she worked several years at Health Media Limited, contributing to national newspapers and websites for GPs and pharmacists, including New Zealand Doctor and Pharmacy Today, covering healthcare and primary care topics. Initially as Senior Communications Adviser, she advanced to Manager, Media Engagement, playing a key role in media coverage of university research on topics like longevity factors, climate change risk attitudes, childhood growth trends, and infectious diseases during challenging periods including the COVID-19 pandemic.