New Zealand Vice-Chancellors' Committee Combined University Unions
Attn Education Reporter 18 May 2006
University Staff and Vice-Chancellors Welcome Minister's Statement
The New Zealand Vice-Chancellors' Committee (NZVCC) and unions in the tertiary education Sector today welcomed the
assurance given by the Minister for Tertiary Education, Dr Michael Cullen, that, following the next meeting of the
University Tripartite Forum, an announcement would be made on additional university funding. The meeting is scheduled
for next Thursday, 25 May.
Association of University Staff General Secretary, Helen Kelly, said that, while members were expecting to see the new
money in the Budget, she understood that a contingency fund was an appropriate mechanism for this type of issue. "The
fact that salary levels in the sector are too low is now accepted by the Government, and the priority for union members
is that this is sorted out," she said.
NZVCC Chair, Professor Roy Sharp, also welcomed Dr Cullen's assurance, and said that there was a real commitment from
all the parties to meet as soon as possible now the Budget was out of the way so immediate progress could be made on
what was now the most pressing issue in the sector.
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The following questions and answers were provided by the Minister's office
University Funding and the Budget - Questions and Answers
(Provided by Dr Cullen's office)
Dr Cullen is on record talking about the need for more investment in the university sector why can't we find a Budget
initiative on university staff salaries?
The Minister has acknowledged that there is a case for investment in the university sector in the short term. The
government is working with the New Zealand Vice Chancellors Committee and the Association of University Staff in the
Tripartite Forum. The Tripartite Forum will be meeting next Thursday 25 May. Announcements will be made following
completion of the Forum's discussion.
Does this mean that there is no possibility of additional University funding in the current year?
No. Contingencies are often used in relation to matters that are subject to negotiation and these are rarely specified
in Budget documents.
ENDS