Vice-Chancellor's Update | Friday 24 January 2025
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Fri Jan 24 2025 13:00:00 GMT+1300 (New Zealand Daylight Time)
Kia ora tātou
Yesterday, the government announced a major overhaul of the science sector. These reforms stem from the first report of the Science System Advisory Group, also released yesterday. The changes have implications for the tertiary sector, which we are beginning to work through as the details are analysed. Initial comments are available on the News pageshttps://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2025/01/23/dawn-freshwater-on-research-science-reforms.html.
We also await changes that will likely flow from the yet-to-be revealed University Advisory Group findings.
Earlier in the week, the Prime Minister announced a Cabinet reshuffle with Dr Shane Reti appointed to a new Universities portfolio while also taking over the Science, Innovation and Technology portfolio. Simeon Brown now leads his Health portfolio. While there are challenges for our sector, there are also significant opportunities. I look forward to working with the Minister to navigate these complexities and ensure our University continues its excellent work supporting the country’s development.
United Nations Academic Impact Hub The University has been appointed Chair for the United Nations Academic Impact Hub on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. In this role, the University will lead global and national initiatives to support inclusive economic development and fair work, including advancing research, fostering collaborations, and enhancing education to address key challenges relating to SDG 8. To learn more, read: University chairs UN hub for decent work and economic growthhttps://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2025/01/20/university-chairs-un-sdg-hub-decent-work.html.
Times Higher Education Subject Rankings 2025 The University has strengthened its global standing, achieving the highest score among New Zealand universities and placing favourably compared to Australia's Group of Eight universities in the Times Higher Education Subject Rankings 2025. To find out more, read: Strong performance in 2025 THE Subject Rankingshttps://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2025/01/22/times-higher-subject-rankings-2025-UoA.html.
Proposed faculty arrangements: Business and Economics, Law The consultation period for the proposal to create a new faculty, combining the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Business and Economics, concluded on 20 January. Submissions are currently being reviewed, and the Review Committee will meet in February to discuss and consider any alternate proposals. A recommendation document, along with advice from Senate will be presented to Council for consideration in March.
Register for the Vice-Chancellor’s All-Staff Reception 2025 All staff are invited to attend the annual All-Staff Reception on Tuesday 11 March, 4pm at Hiwa, Recreation Centre (Main Sports Court 1). Register on Eventbritehttps://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/vice-chancellors-all-staff-reception-2025-tickets-1141570882239?aff=oddtdtcreator.
All-staff forum The first forum of the year will take place at 12pm on Wednesday 19 February. An invitation will be sent shortly.
Ngā mihi nui Dawn
Professor Dawn Freshwater Vice-Chancellor