At a time when high-level scientific research and training is needed more than ever to meet society’s most pressing challenges, such as the spread of disease, climate change, biodiversity decline, and food security, Massey University Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa (MU) in New Zealand has proposed to cut science from its Albany campus in Auckland.

The proposed changes are outlined in a College of Sciences discussion document which was released on the first day of semester and, for some students, the very first day of their university experience. The proposed changes are part of a new “Digital Plus” strategy, which pushes to consolidate subjects onto a single “anchor” campus and replace face-to-face teaching with digital platforms.

The proposal casts an uncertain future for over 70 staff, 150 post-graduate students, and 650 undergraduate students, whose departure would have detrimental impacts on the local economy. Some of Massey’s fastest-growing and most profitable teaching programmes will be discontinued, and New Zealand will lose one of its most successful, diverse, and influential research groups.

There is no compelling business case or risk assessment for the closure of sciences at Albany nor the move to digital platforms. Neither staff nor students were consulted prior to the release of the document. The success of the proposed changes is predicated on the assumption that students, in a competitive university market, will happily move cities to follow their programmes or be taught via digital platforms. There is no evidence to support these unlikely assumptions.

The move is consistent with a pattern of routine failure of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to consult with staff when making important university-wide decisions. This pattern is symptomatic of a lack of representation at higher levels of management. In particular, time and time again, the SLT has demonstrated a lack of vision and appreciation of the opportunities offered by our hard-working, talented staff and the prime location of the Albany campus, which sits at the heart of the fastest growing populations in New Zealand.

We would welcome an opportunity to work together with senior management to develop alternative solutions to ensure the viability and success of our university. Every day this document remains on the table, it does irrevocable damage to a vibrant community of researchers, the stakeholders they serve, the financial viability of Massey University, and the reputation of this and other New Zealand universities on a national and international scale.

We strongly believe that science at Albany is an important part of the scientific community of Massey and New Zealand, now and into the future.

We call upon Chancellor Michael Ahie and the University Council to:

immediately withdraw the discussion document to minimise damage to Massey’s community, reputation, and income, and commit to restructuring the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to ensure that all campuses are fairly represented.

Please sign on and leave a comment to support the scientists and students of Massey University, and the great work they do to develop and nurture the next generations of scientists and leaders, enabling them to discover and implement new solutions to the serious and myriad future challenges of our nation.



Additional information: