David Lillis: New Zealand’s Universities - Bullying and Other Issues

Bullying at Our Universities

Over the last few years we have exposed bullying in many workplaces across New Zealand, especially in our public service (see Lillis, 2021 - 2024). Unfortunately, we hear reports of continuing bullying at our universities, sometimes linked with re-direction of mission statements and strategic plans and the indigenization of the universities. Those who speak out against such measures are at risk of loss of career advancement or even their employment.   

Elizabeth Rata: In Defence of the Liberal University and against Indigenisation

The suppression of individual thought in our universities spills over into society, threatening free speech everywhere.

Indigenising New Zealand's universities is well underway, presumably with the agreement of University Councils and despite the absence of public discussion. Indigenising, under the broader umbrella of decolonisation, involves incorporating the post-1975 principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, inserting the traditional beliefs and practices of matauranga Māori into all areas of university life, and including Māori nomenclature and observances in university operations.