Tribute from Lincoln University

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Dr Grant Tavinor, Senior Lecturer in the
Department of Tourism, Sport and Society, on 13 August 2025. After 22 years of dedicated
service to Lincoln University, Grant leaves a memorable mark on our whānau and his field. A respected philosopher and a popular lecturer, he was also a thoughtful colleague known for his dry wit and a deep ethic of care for the people around him.

Grant joined the then-Department of Social Science, Parks, Recreation and Tourism
(SSPRT) as a Lecturer in Philosophy in February 2003. After completing his PhD at the
University of Auckland, he quickly established himself as a forward-thinking scholar. In 2014,
he was promoted to Senior Lecturer, a testament to his hard work and commitment.
Describing himself as a "philosopher of the arts”, Grant was a pioneer in the aesthetics of
digital technology. His seminal 2009 book, The Art of Videogames, is widely regarded as a
foundational text, arguing that video games are a new form of representational art. He
continued to shape this emerging field with his books, The Aesthetics of Videogames (2018)
and The Aesthetics of Virtual Reality (2021). His dedication to his work also led him to serve
as an Erskine Fellow at the University of Canterbury in 2022.

Grant was deeply committed to the university community. He served on the Human Ethics
Committee for 14 years, holding the position of Chair from 2014 until his retirement from the
Committee in 2024. For this unwavering dedication, he was honoured with a Vice-
Chancellor's "Recognition of Service" award.

Described by his colleagues as a "quiet over-achiever" with a "deep ethic of care", Grant
was a popular teacher and a loyal member of the Faculty of Environment, Society and
Design. With a wonderful sense of humour and a thoughtful nature, he was a beloved
colleague whose intellect and interests touched many people across the university and
beyond.

Originally from Whangarei, Grant had a keen interest in music, particularly as an
accomplished drummer. He was also a devoted dog lover, mountain biker and cricket fan.

Our deepest sympathies are with Grant's family, friends, and all who knew him.