Vice-Chancellor's update | Tuesday 28 January

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Mon Jan 27 2025 13:00:00 GMT+1300 (New Zealand Daylight Time)

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Kia ora tātou,

Last week, the government announced a major overhaul of the science sector. These reforms stem from the first report of the Science System Advisory Group that was also released. 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 pages [https://uoa.custhelp.com/rd?1=AvN8~woLDv8S~xb~Gv_S~yJHlaoqdR37ufT6Sz7~Pv8z&2=41652].

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 growth [https://uoa.custhelp.com/rd?1=AvN8~woLDv8S~xb~Gv_S~yJHlaoqdR37ufT6Sz7~Pv8z&2=41653].

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 Rankings [https://uoa.custhelp.com/rd?1=AvN8~woLDv8S~xb~Gv_S~yJHlaoqdR37ufT6Sz7~Pv8z&2=41654].

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 Council in March.

Ngā mihi nui,

Dawn

Professor Dawn Freshwater Vice-Chancellor Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland

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