A legislative change earlier this year required universities and wānanga to decrease the size of their councils to a maximum of 12 members.
The structure of the University’s governing body is important, not only for those who currently study and work at Victoria, but also for our communities including you, our alumni. This is why Council committed to a process that would ensure views were heard throughout comprehensive consultation. In total, Council considered over 3,000 individual submissions and survey responses from alumni, staff, students and stakeholders.
I would like to thank everyone who took the time to provide feedback during this lengthy, two-stage process. This community response to the decision we faced embodies the values of our university and I was impressed by the thought and careful consideration that went into the submissions at each stage.
Reflecting this feedback, Victoria University has adopted a structure that will include two elected academic staff and two elected student members, the University’s Vice-Chancellor and three members to be appointed by the Council. There will also be four Ministerial appointees. In addition, it is envisaged at least five women, two Māori and two alumni will be members of Council, ensuring there is an effective and diverse governing body.
I believe that this focus on gender balance and ensuring effective Māori representation are important aspects, and our decision to go beyond the minimum requirement for Māori representation reflects Victoria’s commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi and to partnering with Māori.
The overall appointment and election of council members will be overseen by a Nominations Panel. This panel will be charged with ensuring Council has the skills, diversity and knowledge to meet the challenges faced by a twenty-first century university and to ensure Victoria achieves its ambitious goals.
As alumni of Victoria, your views and support are crucial as we work toward answering the big questions facing today’s society and educating the next generation of entrepreneurs, problem solvers, and world leaders. I urge you all to continue to stay connected with your university.
Sir Neville Jordan
Chancellor
Overview of the changes to the Victoria University Council structure:
• Council will consist of 12 members in total (four appointed by the Minister of Tertiary Education and eight appointed by Council, including the Vice-Chancellor).
• The maximum number of occasions a member may be appointed to Council will be three.
• The maximum length of a term of appointment will be four years.
• Victoria’s expectations of diversity on the Council are clearly expressed in the new statute and Council will be required to explain any divergences from those expectations.
• Four Council members will be elected (two academic staff and two students). The Nominations Panel of the Council will be responsible for overseeing these elections.
• The Nominations Panel will also identify and recommend candidates for the remaining three seats. The panel will make a public call for nominations.
You can read more about the changes and the feedback received on the University’s website.