Under the structure agreed to today, the Council has committed to ensuring at least five women, two Māori and two alumni members at any one time, ensuring there is an effective and diverse governing body.
The new makeup will also include seats for two elected academic staff members, 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.
The new structure results from a legislative change in February this year, which requires universities and wananga to decrease the size of their councils to a maximum of 12 members.
Victoria University Chancellor Sir Neville Jordan, who leads the Council, says committing to a gender balance on the Council and ensuring effective Māori representation are important aspects of the new structure.
“The benefits of a diverse governing body are well understood. 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.”
Sir Neville says the appointment and election of council members will be overseen by a Nominations Panel, which will be charged with ensuring the Council has the skills, diversity and knowledge to meet the challenges faced by a twenty-first century university and to ensure Victoria achieves the goals in its ambitious Strategic Plan.
Sir Neville says the consultation process carried out by Victoria has been comprehensive, thorough and extensive.
“I have full confidence in the far-reaching consultation process we have run, which has considered feedback from a range of stakeholders, including staff, students, alumni, friends and supporters of Victoria.
“We received a large number of submissions during our consultation process, which was the most detailed held by any university in the country. Council considered over 3,000 individual submissions and survey responses.
“I have been impressed by the thought and careful consideration that has gone into these submissions. We have listened to what people are telling us and made changes as a result.”
Sir Neville also extended his thanks to everyone who has participated in the process for their time, enthusiasm and effort.