 Last Thursday, we enjoyed a wide-ranging presentation from former member, and now Chancellor of the University of Otago, Stephen Higgs. He spoke extensively about his role as well as the size, place and importance of the University, backed up by plenty of evidence, which will be well known to many, such as: Established in 1869, Ranked in the top 1% world-wide, 21 000 students, 4000 staff, Campuses in Wellington and Christchurch as well as a presence in Auckland, Invercargill and Queenstown, 14 residential colleges, 85% of students from outside Dunedin, Revenue (and expenses) of $800M, Assets worth $2.8B, Contribution to GDP of $1.8B.
But did you know the following about the University? The vast majority (95%) of graduates move immediately into work or further education, It contributes 17% to the Dunedin Gross Regional Product and hires 9% of the local workforce, 3 rd largest employer in the South Island, 350 formal international partnerships, Females make up 61% of the roll, Half of all students perform voluntary work, Maori enrolments are up 55% and Pacifica up 100% since 2013, More Maori school-leavers enrolled last year than at any other university, 1300 students have disabilities, Top performing University as measured by the Government, Academics have won 9 Prime Minister Awards (no other University more than 3), The commercial arm – Otago Innovation Ltd. has created 128 commercial opportunities, Carbon emissions down by a third since 2014, Residential colleges deliver meat-free meals on Mondays, 500 000 visits to recreational facilities annually.
Stephen is proud of the University’s commitment to Te Tiriti and its strong relationships with Kai Tahu and other iwi as appropriate, as he was of the “disproportionate” response by academics to the national Covid response, along with the pastoral care of students throughout it. He pointed out that graduations are a significant contributor to Dunedin’s economy and its place within the nation’s tourism sector and that personally capping students is the highlight of his role. There are now 165
000 alumni, 20% of whom live outside New Zealand. Alumni donated $16M in 2022 to various University activities or causes. Student numbers are projected to grow to 26 000 by 2030 with the rebound in international numbers contributing to this. To provide for this growth, a relocation of a very greatly enlarged Te Rangihiroa College is being undertaken. This 450-bed facility is the first newly built college since Unicol in 1969, although several others have been developed or enlarged in
that time.
He concluded by covering governance and leadership roles within the University, likening his position to the chairperson of a business and the Vice Chancellor’s role to a CEO. Pro Vice Chancellors lead the three major academic divisions and Deputy Vice Chancellors the operational aspects. Long term strategic planning is a major Council function and Vision 2040 has been launched this year, part of which is consultation on the University’s branding and logo. The University is in good heart. |
All Club members should have received an email from President Fiona, inviting them to the off-site lunchtime meeting on April 13th at Orokonui Ecosanctuary from 12pm-2pm; 
Southern Sushi! Made to an old family recipe!
We have been asked, by the Salvation Army, to assist with this years "Red Shield Appeal"
Rotary Dunedin Centennial Dinner
Rally Otago is on again on 1st April & we have been asked to provide 23 marshals
