OPINION
February 21st, 2024
Given the comments regarding the appointment of Grant Robertson as Vice Chancellor of the University of Otago, I have published below a communication sent to Otago Alumni.
Tena koutou,
I am pleased to let you know that today we announced the appointment of Former Deputy Prime Minister, The Hon Grant Robertson to the role of Vice-Chancellor of the University of Otago, effective from 1 July 2024.
Grant is a proud Dunedin local and University of Otago graduate and we are delighted to welcome an alumnus of his calibre to this key leadership role and back to our region.
This appointment comes at a pivotal time for the University and during a challenging operating environment for all tertiary institutions in New Zealand. Consequently, a key focus of Grant’s role will be leading the delivery of our strategy to 2030, Pae Tata. You can read more about Pae Tata here.
In our discussions during the recruitment process, it was clear that Grant has a deep understanding of how the world around us is changing, specifically how learning is evolving and what implications this will have for institutions like the University of Otago.
From exploring the future of learning, the impact of technology, the role and value of universities to society and therefore the associated financial needs of the sector, through to how we engage and deepen our relationships with stakeholders, we are confident of Grant’s understanding of our key opportunities and his ability to take advantage of them.
Equally, Grant understands the need to rebuild as a university and engage our people and their collective passion and pride for Otago to enable us to continue to deliver outstanding teaching and research.
Under a new era of leadership, we will continue to respond with confidence to these opportunities while continuing to honour and celebrate our strengths as a residential University.
Remaining in touch with our alumni community remains a priority and I have no doubt Grant will continue to prioritise the connections and community our University values so much.
Finally, I’d like to acknowledge and thank Professor Helen Nicholson for her contribution and leadership while she has been in the role of Acting Vice-Chancellor.
It has been a challenging period for all universities in New Zealand, and more broadly around the world, and Professor Nicholson has been a strong and compassionate leader for us during this time. We look forward to formally acknowledging her at the appropriate time.
Thank you for your support of Otago. The University will continue to keep in touch with you and welcomes your continued engagement with us.
I’m sure that you will join me in welcoming Grant to his new role.
Naku, na
Stephen Higgs
Chancellor
University of Otago
This communication makes me uncomfortable, and I read the Pae Tata document referred to in full, which reinforces my unease. I have been a regular attendee in senior common rooms at Oxford University and also a participant in Gaudy dinners at Oxford so have had close contact with senior academics, university management and high-ranking alumni in the UK.
These experiences make me realise that the appointment of Grant Robertson leaves me uncomfortable. I can’t see what political support he will bring to the management and strategic development of the university as he is no longer connected to the governing party. I can only assume that he has solid contacts within the Ministry of Education, which again would be another cause for concern.