10 April 2008
NEWS FROM LINCOLN UNIVERSITY
- for immediate use
Greater urban participation and interest urged in exploiting full potential of NZ land-based industries
An appeal for greater urban participation and interest in the scientific and commercial drive to extract further
sophistication and opportunity from New Zealand’s land-based industries was made by Lincoln University’s Vice-Chancellor
Professor Roger Field at this year’s Graduation Ceremony in Christchurch Town Hall.
“Currently Lincoln University is producing insufficient graduates to meet the employment demand of many of the key
industries driving the New Zealand economy,” he said.
“In particular there is a challenge to attract sufficient students into agriculture, agribusiness and related areas.
“New Zealand’s future prosperity is dependent on a stronger scientific and commercial input into extracting further
sophistication and opportunity from the land-based industries but rural communities cannot achieve this alone.
“A greater level of participation and interest by those from urban backgrounds is required.
“This is necessary if New Zealand is to exploit its full potential as an exporter of sophisticated food, beverage and
fibre products.”
Professor Field said that the Government’s recent Fast Forward initiative (which provides a $700 million funding boost
for research, development ands innovation in the food and agriculture sector) was “positive” in promoting greater
investment in these areas, but it required explicit recognition that education was the “essential precursor” to any
desired expansion in these sectors.
“Lincoln University is the major producer of graduates in agriculture in New Zealand and accepts its responsibility to
encourage further and wider participation to support growth in the land-based industries.”
Professor Field pointed out to those graduating that Lincoln University had the highest level of employment placement of
all New Zealand universities.
He added, “the evidence clearly shows that all those who graduate with a university qualification have improved career
prospects and can expect to have significantly higher remuneration.”
At the ceremony a total of 725 degrees, diplomas and certificates were presented.
ENDS