18 April 2002 Universities Must Stay in Touch with Government Decision-Making says Lincoln Vice-Chancellor

It is imperative that New Zealand's universities stay "connected" to the Government decision-making processes because the resulting decisions will inevitably influence the tertiary sector's future, said Lincoln University's Vice-Chancellor, Dr Frank Wood, at the University's capping ceremony in Christchurch Town Hall on 12 April.

The university sector was under tremendous pressure as it struggled to hold on to the values of excellence and quality on which its existence was founded, he said, and financial pressures were being felt on many fronts.

"Very important strategic directions are being determined at the highest level in Government, so it is a time when it is important that we keep in touch with the decision-making processes.

"We need to be pro-active, to demonstrate leadership by being positively and constructively involved.

"We also need to recognise that New Zealand is not alone in grappling with the challenges of balancing investment in education with servicing the immediate needs of society.

"On the positive side, the relationship between wealth creation and the generation of human capital has become a given in almost every nation around the world today.

"The need for new generations of future leaders and innovators who can drive new ideas and implement change in an increasingly global context, is internationally recognised.

"In New Zealand we desperately need young men and women who are not only achievers in an academic context, but who are also innovators and knowledge creators – people who can lead, create a vision and bring others with them, people who can look beyond day to day issues, look ahead and grow new concepts and innovations."

Five hundred degrees, diplomas and certificates were awarded in person at the Graduation Ceremony and 150 in absentia. In addition two honorary doctorates were conferred – on agricultural leader Sir Peter Elworthy and landscape architecture pioneer Charlie Challenger – and the University's Bledisloe Medal was presented to Meat New Zealand Chief Executive Neil Taylor.

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand