Governance arrangements for tertiary institutions to be reviewed
The government’s independent review of the governance of tertiary education institutions will be conducted by Professor
Meredith Edwards, Director of the National Institute for Governance at the University of Canberra.
Announcing details today, Associate Education (Tertiary Education) Minister Steve Maharey said the review fulfils a
Labour manifesto pledge to identify the measures needed to improve the contribution made by governing councils, while
guaranteeing stakeholder representation and democratic processes.
Steve Maharey said that the review would be about building on the basis of what works, and, through good governance
developing the capacity for sound leadership within the sector, going forward. ` “In Opposition Labour rejected the
commercialisation agenda that was so much in evidence in the Green and White papers of the 1990s. Tertiary education
institutions are different, and while it is important that governance and management accords with best business
practice, this review is about developing modes of governance that reflect the unique character, and contribution of our
tertiary education institutions.
“Our tertiary education system is undergoing a period of significant change, and good governance will be essential in
providing a sound foundation. As we develop a system that better meets our economic and social development needs as a
nation, and the requirements of the particular regions and communities of interest served by our tertiary education
institutions.
“Improved strategic capacity and leadership at both governance and management levels is one of the objectives in the
government’s Tertiary Education Strategy 2002-7.
“Professor Edwards is ideally suited to carry out the review. She is an recognised expert in governance issues and has a
particular interest in higher education governance.
“She has been recently involved with assisting the Commonwealth Department of Education, Science and Training to look at
university governance issues as part of its ‘Crossroads’ review of higher education. Her background includes being the
Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Canberra and Deputy Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and
Cabinet. She has herself served as a ministerial appointee to the University of Canberra’s Council for a number of
years.
“Professor Edwards will be assisted by a reference group made up of key stakeholders, including representatives of
tertiary institutions, business, unions, and Maori.
“The government has charged Professor Edwards with providing advice on: good governance practice for the New Zealand
public tertiary education sector; options for new or changed governance structures that clearly articulate the roles and
relationships of Councils, Council members, key committees, Management and Academic Boards; ensure that all the elements
of good governance are effectively integrated into a coherent approach by individual institutions; provide for
mechanisms to ensure alignment with the government’s tertiary education strategies; consider whether a ‘one size fits
all’ approach is appropriate; optimal ways to developing overall governance capability; and a preferred option for
governance in New Zealand tertiary education institutions.
“Professor Edwards is visiting New Zealand this week to meet with sector group representatives, and others. The
reference group will meet with Professor Edwards in December and in the New Year. She will present her report to the
government in March 2003,” Steve Maharey said.