Lincoln University is welcoming the decision by Education Minister Chris Hipkins to shelve a proposal for a formal partnership with the University of Canterbury.
Acting Vice-Chancellor Bruce McKenzie says the decision provides certainty in terms of the university’s future direction, allowing Lincoln to collaborate with UC and other organisations while enjoying the benefits of independence.
“Lincoln’s own unique culture, identity and brand are significant strengths as it continues to deliver leading-edge teaching and research,” Professor McKenzie says.
“We see the Minister’s decision as a vote of confidence in Lincoln and a major commitment from the Government to the land-based sectors.
“I feel extraordinarily positive about our future.”
The working group that was formed to develop joint programmes will continue its work and both universities are confident this will position New Zealand’s land-based sector to make the greatest possible contribution to a sustainable economy.
Existing collaborative projects between Lincoln and UC include the Children’s University Canterbury Partnership, a proposed Postgraduate School, and new joint qualifications.
“To support our strategy, we are also seeking partnerships with a wide range of other organisations, including CRIs, universities and the private sector,” Professor McKenzie says.
The proposal for a formal partnership came about after the Government approached Lincoln last year to discuss achieving faster growth in order to meet the goals set out in the 2017 Transformation report.
Following these discussions, Lincoln and UC submitted a proposal in December 2018. It outlined a partnership agreement that offered a range of benefits for students, research and industry, with the universities requesting Crown funding to assist with meeting these.
The Minister responded on 8 August 2019, saying the costs of the proposal outweighed the benefits and he did not intend to proceed with the partnership proposal at this time.
He also noted that there had been a number of developments since the proposal was submitted, including Lincoln settling its 2010-11 earthquake insurance claim and the decision not to proceed with the Lincoln/AgResearch Joint Facility project.
Professor McKenzie says the university is now on a very sound financial footing.