‍TEC staff were told today of the latest restructure which proposes a net loss of 22 roles, following the Government demand for a 5% spending cut to its operating funding. This equates to its baseline being shaved by another $12 million over the next four years. This comes on top of cuts made last year where 28 roles axed after TEC was forced to slash spending by 6%, and absorbing cost pressures, a $25 million cut over four years. www.scoop.co.nzOrdering more cuts when the Government knows costs can only be saved by reducing the TEC workforce shows how little the Government cares about those who help our tertiary education sector function effectively. w

‍The University of Otago is not ruling out further restructuring if it is unable to get back into surplus quickly enough, the acting vice-chancellor says. Further uni shake-up on cards | Otago Daily Times Online News www.odt.co.nz  ‍

‍"The initial data report from universities and other tertiary providers to the Tertiary Education Commission is still coming in. Current indications are overall domestic student numbers are up by about four and a half percent. Some of that can be covered. What we don't know is just how big the gap is," Whelan said. Will the $2.7b cost of tertiary courses be enough? | RNZ NewsThe government is spending $2.7 billion on tertiary courses this year, but there are early signs it will not be enough to cover all the enrolments. www.rnz.co.nz  ‍

‍The government was disestablishing Te Pūkenga by the end of next year - the mega-institute that combined polytechnic and workplace training and education - replacing it with stand-alone polytechnics and a new system for work-based industry training. Canterbury polytech Ara proposes job cuts - Union | RNZ NewsA proposed restructure at Canterbury's Ara Institute will result in job cuts. www.rnz.co.nz  ‍

‍A scientist told RNZ the STEM priorities were "bizarre" and looked like applied technology rather than science. Tertiary institutions 'should not assume funding will be maintained' | RNZ NewsThe Tertiary Education Commission has indicated some tertiary institutions could face funding cuts next year. www.rnz.co.nz  ‍

There are myriad ways in which a disaster-loss database for New Zealand could be used effectively by central and local government, insurance and banking companies, weather-exposed industries such as agriculture, community organisations and by individuals.‍ NZ has no dedicated database to track losses from weather disasters – without it, we’re planning in the darkNew Zealand relies on data from insurance and an international source to assess damages from extreme weather. But these datasets are fragmented, incomplete and unreliable. theconversation.com  ‍

‍At least 154 roles, one campus and multiple courses across 10 institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITPs) have been cut as the government prepares to disestablish the nation’s largest vocational education provider Te Pūkenga, documents released under the Official Information Act (OIA) reveal. More than 150 jobs cut and one campus closed as Te Pūkenga disestablishment looms | The SpinoffJobs, courses and a campus are on the chopping block. thespinoff.co.nz  ‍

Despite global calls to enhance culturally safe care for Indigenous and minoritised groups, little attention has been given to exploring students’ experiences in psychology training programmes to meet these needs. A series of chi-square tests was performed to examine group differences for participants in the Kia Whakapapa Pounaumu survey (n = 107) in their consideration of ending their training and their decision to seek professional help. Over half (55%) of students reported having considered ending their psychology training. Our findings show that students who have experienced or witnessed forms of injustice such as institutional racism, microaggressions, and bullying, encounter additional

‍The university said the increase was its first since 2021 when, according to annual reports, it had about 19,603 EFTS. Enrolments increase at Otago University | RNZ NewsThe university had forecast a deficit last year following three years of falling enrolments. www.rnz.co.nz  ‍

‍In Aotearoa New Zealand, a more subtle but equally concerning transformation is underway: the Government’s recent restrictions on research funding which are undermining the critical role of Indigenous knowledge, the social sciences, and the humanities alongside the natural sciences in addressing complex global challenges. Keep politics out of research funding in NZ - NewsroomFrom Victoria University of Wellington – Analysis: In stipulating at least half of funded research projects must possess direct economic impacts, the Government is attacking the ability of academia to serve as the critic and conscience of society newsroom.co.nz  ‍

‍Results published by the university, which has campuses in Auckland, Palmerston North and Wellington, show it recorded a surplus of $3.7 million last year. Massey University records $3.7m surplus instead of expected deficit | RNZ NewsThe result comes after a tough few years, when jobs and courses were slashed. www.rnz.co.nz  ‍

‍University of Waikato researchers have co-authored a chapter in a groundbreaking climate change report that gives a voice to Pacific researchers and communities, sharing how they are adapting and proactively responding to climate change.  Researchers contribute to groundbreaking climate change report in the Pacific :: University of Waikato www.waikato.ac.nz  ‍