Lincoln University’s 2019 Annual Report shows it is strongly positioned for the future, with an ambitious programme of
campus development projects beginning during the year.
The University’s total insurance claim was settled in 2019, providing the capital investment for its Campus Development
Programme which will deliver a phased suite of infrastructure assets over the next ten years to 2030.
The Programme’s flagship project, a fit-for-future science facility featuring purpose-built learning and research
spaces, received Ministerial endorsement on 4 May 2020, releasing the first $5m of Crown funding to allow the University
to tender for a construction contractor.
Other projects, including new student social spaces and a series of landscaping developments, were begun during the
year.
In 2019 Lincoln returned an operating surplus of just over $5 million, with cash reserves close to $80 million and group
equity almost $300m, an increase of more than 10% in the year.
The University’s growth trajectory was underpinned by an increase of student numbers in 2019 to 3305, the highest level
since the earthquakes of 2010/11. International students came from a diverse 75 countries and comprised 48% of the
student body, up 5% on 2018’s figure.
Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bruce McKenzie, said Lincoln University’s direction and growth trajectory effectively
positioned it to manage adverse events, such as this year’s Covid-19 pandemic.
“Lincoln’s revenue in 2020 will, along with the other New Zealand universities, be adversely impacted by the
international travel ban and lockdowns due to Covid-19.
“However, the University’s strong financial position and available liquidity ensures we are equipped to manage this
challenge.”
In 2019 Lincoln validated its strategic framework initiated in 2018, further affirming its articulated vision: ‘to be a
globally ranked, top five land-based university, unlocking the power of the land, to enhance lives and grow the future.’
Other highlights included:
• Together with the University of Canterbury, and in partnership with the University of Adelaide, being the first
providers of the Children’s University in New Zealand. This project also includes local stakeholders and iwi in an
initiative offering learning opportunities to school pupils outside of the classroom.
• The progression of a partnership project with the University of Canterbury to build a land-based postgraduate school
progressed during the year, with all Crown Research Institutes (CRIs) in the Lincoln area agreeing to participate in the
school, which will significantly increase the supervision capacity and capability of both universities in the identified
research themes.
• Lincoln’s performance in the research sector also continued to grow strongly in 2019, with the university achieving
first position in the Performance-based Research Fund (PBRF) measure of average quality scores of active researchers per
postgraduate and final undergraduate students.
The Lincoln University Annual Report 2019 can be viewed here.
More information is available at www.lincoln.ac.nz.