Unis Press For Investment Despite Budget Concern

Media Release 28 May 2009

Universities Press For Investment Despite Budget Concern

Universities, as major contributors to economic recovery and growth, will continue to argue their case for increased public investment despite worrying signs for university funding in the Budget.

Their representative body, the NZ Vice-Chancellors’ Committee, is concerned New Zealand did not follow the example set in the recent Australian budget which invested heavily in university infrastructure, teaching and research.

Committee chair Professor Roger Field says the Government has anticipated some growth in university enrolment without providing commensurate funding, while funding commitments for university salaries have been reduced.

In light of the Budget’s treatment of universities, Professor Field renewed the NZVCC’s call for savings achieved through reduced tertiary education compliance costs and cuts in bureaucracy to be reinvested in the sector.

“The current recession is the time to invest in universities’ key role in increasing professional skills, innovation and research output. Such counter-cyclincal investment in universities is the best way to ensure New Zealand can climb out of recession through a highly-skilled workforce,” Professor Field says.

“Universities have signalled their commitment to working in partnership with the Government to maximise the institutions’ contribution to economic recovery and that commitment still stands. However, with this Budget, universities are struggling to identify the nature of that partnership.

“The NZVCC will continue to reiterate that investment in university education and research is a crucial investment in infrastructure that will stimulate a return to economic prosperity.”

ENDS

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