Media release
Academic Freedom Aotearoa
11 February 2014
Changes to university councils will harm academic freedom
Who governs our universities is of crucial importance to all New Zealanders, because it affects the ability of academics
to speak up on controversial issues, says Academic Freedom Aotearoa.
The government plans to cut the size of university and wānanga councils, making them more like corporate boards.
Academic Freedom Aotearoa co-chairs Dr Sandra Grey and Professor Jack Heinemann say the government changes do not
provide enough separation between universities and government, as the minister could appoint many of the council
members.
“Currently there are elected staff, student, and community representatives on university and wānanga councils. These
people ensure a university meets its crucial public good role. They ensure that our public tertiary education
institutions contribute to democratic debates.”
“If the minister makes such a high percentage of council appointments he is more able to pull the strings, and this
could mean outspoken academics and students who critique government actions will find themselves in hot water with
councils.”
“Even if there are no direct cases in which university and wānanga councils directly censure staff for public critiques
undertaken,” says Dr Grey, “the fear generated about biting the hand that feeds will leave all New Zealanders unsure as
to whether academics can fulfil their role in our democracy.”
Professor Heinemann points out that “there are different kinds of institutions in the tertiary sector and they have
varying portfolios. These proposed changes treat each institution as if they all had only a few portfolios and the same
obligations to the taxpayer. They do not.”
“Universities, for example, don’t exist to limit knowledge transfer relevant to only the few industries large enough to
potentially dominate access to councils, or to teach students only what the university anticipates are the knowledge and
skills that will get them jobs,” says Professor Heineman.
“Universities have a long term commitment to society. They cater for students that have specific career objectives, and
for those that don’t, but have interests and skills that education can help them to use and enjoy. They welcome back
students at all ages and stages of study, supporting them through a lifetime of career and personal choices.”
Dr Grey says what is more outrageous is that the changes come even though the government admits that universities are
performing well.
Who are we:
Academic Freedom Aotearoa is a watchdog and advocacy group made up of academics from all around New Zealand. The group,
established in 2013, is committed to protecting and enhancing academic freedom and tertiary education institutions’
autonomous role as the critic and conscience of society.