Henry Armstrong: The Tragic Decline of New Zealand Universities

As New Zealand approaches an election in October, the almost total disarray of the present government in virtually every respect, looms large like a dark cloud on the horizon. The economic, social welfare, education, health and justice systems are approaching chaos.  

The New Zealand  media is now increasingly politicised, with editorial censorship and an increasing  tendency towards ethnomania, particularly in relation to “co-governance” - the sharing of political power between the Maori minority (16%of the population) and the rest of New Zealand (84%). Our universities are increasingly, and compulsorily, including Matauranga Maori or knowledge, into all aspects of university life - in teaching, research, publications, and administration, with no discussion or debate.

John MacDonald: Propping-up the ivory towers is not the answer

For a long time now, I’ve thought that we have way too many universities in New Zealand.

And the current situation with the Government coming out with this $128 million dollar funding package only reinforces my view.

The money is going to mean universities getting more subsidies for degree and post-graduate enrolments over the next two years.

Michael Johnston, James Kierstead: New Zealand's universities face an identity crisis

New Zealand’s universities are in crisis.

Their most immediate problem is financial. Victoria University of Wellington recently announced that it is looking to cut some 160 administrative and 100 academic staff (nearly 10% of total staff). The University of Otago plans to shed “several hundred” academic and administrative positions. Massey University is planning for a net reduction of 36 roles. All this follows AUT’s announcement, in September last year, of 170 academic redundancies.