12 October 2004
Dunedin City Council and Otago University Seal $1Million Chair of Entrepreneurship Arrangement
Dunedin (12 October, 2004) – The University of Otago and the Dunedin City Council (DCC) have today sealed an arrangement
which will see the Council invest $1Million in a Chair of Entrepreneurship at the University’s School of Business.
The innovative arrangement will see the Council’s investment matched dollar-for-dollar by the Government. The Council
will also take an active roll in the Chair of Entrepreneurship programme by having input into the selection process for
the chair.
A deed of gift that sets out the conditions required by the DCC in its future relationship with the University of Otago
was signed at today’s University Council Meeting.
Officials from the University and the Council said the landmark agreement will enable the University to invest heavily
dynamic projects and build on New Zealand's knowledge economy. The Chair in Entrepreneurship will sit in the
University's School of Business and introduce students to the skills needed to succeed in developing new or innovative
businesses.
The outgoing Mayor of Dunedin, Sukhi Turner, said the agreement is symbolic of the close working relationship that
exists between the University and the City of Dunedin.
“The City recognises the real benefits that are created from entrepreneurial activity in the economy and we are very
pleased to assist this programme,” Mayor Turner said. “It is a delight to me to be able to sign off on my mayoralty by
signing off such an important agreement.”
Dunedin City Council Chief Executive Jim Harland said the Chair in Entrepreneurship is an important position that will
enable the School of Business to build on its current strengths and opportunities. " To appoint a champion within the
University in this area will assist the City’s focus on economic development. It will allow us to capitalise on the
immense interest we have seen in the areas of innovation and entrepreneurship from students, academics and the local
community,” he said.
Practicing entrepreneurs will be involved in the programme to enhance the University’s relationship with business. The
Chair will develop and lead executive education courses in entrepreneurship at the practitioner level through the
University's Advanced Business Programme.
"For Dunedin this appointment will allow for greater support, particularly in the area of establishing new ventures,
where this level of expertise will be provide invaluable experience," Mr Harland said.
ENDS