Vice-Chancellor welcomes government's university and research reforms

Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland welcomes the government's changes to the university and research system announced today by Universities Minister Hon Dr Shane Reti, but warns that critical research areas must be protected.

The changes, with a focus on “more impactful teaching and research”, were well signalled by the Minister and will see a new Tertiary Education Strategy (TES) and a new system to fund and measure research called the Tertiary Research Excellence Fund (TREF).

Vice-Chancellor Professor Dawn Freshwater says an emphasis on quality research and a programmatic approach will help New Zealand align with international research organisations. However, she observes that the design and the use of funding levers to support the new teaching and research focus are yet to be determined.

While the University of Auckland is well-placed to support the government’s emphasis on economic growth, she warns that the government must continue to support fundamental research that includes the humanities and social sciences.

“Fundamental research fuels the innovation research pipeline, while the humanities and social sciences develop critical thinking and support a high-functioning democratic society.”

Professor Freshwater also welcomes the government’s commitment to a discussion on a differentiated university system, which could see the country’s eight universities focus on specific aspects of teaching and research.

“This is critical for New Zealand with its relatively small population and funding base.”

The Vice-Chancellor applauds the government’s decision to involve senior university leaders in a University Strategy Group, which will consider changes to institutional and academic governance.

“Universities already have the expertise of external independent governors from outside the sector and we must continue to balance this with our academic mission and emphasis on excellence in teaching and research.”