Otago Vice-Chancellor's Urgent Call for Radical Funding Reform
The University of Otago's Vice-Chancellor, Grant Robertson, has issued a stark warning about the state of higher education funding in New Zealand. In a recent interview, he declared that the current government funding model is 'unsustainable' and desperately requires a radical shake-up. Speaking to the Otago Daily Times, Robertson highlighted that while Otago is in a 'good position' with upcoming enrolment numbers, the broader system cannot continue as is. This comes amid ongoing financial pressures across New Zealand's university sector, where institutions grapple with deficits, programme reviews, and calls for greater collaboration.
Robertson, a former Finance Minister who assumed the vice-chancellorship in July 2024, emphasized the need for systemic change. He noted constant reviews of papers and programmes at Otago and advocacy for more medical school positions, but stressed that fundamental reform is essential to ensure universities deliver value for money.
How New Zealand Universities Are Funded Today
New Zealand's university funding primarily flows through the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), which allocates government grants based on Equivalent Full-Time Students (EFTS – a measure representing one student's full-year workload). TEC funding accounts for about 40% of university income, with the rest from domestic tuition fees (capped by regulation), international student fees, and research contracts.
The model ties funding to student volumes and levels, with rates adjusted annually – for instance, a 2.5% increase for 2025 DQ7+ delivery. However, these adjustments have lagged behind inflation and rising costs, leading to real-terms declines. Domestic fees are regulated, limiting flexibility, while international fees, once a lifeline, have plummeted due to policy changes and global competition.
| Year | Approx. TEC Funding per University EFTS (NZD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | ~25,000 | Pre-COVID baseline |
| 2023 | ~26,460 | Behind Australia (~31,000) |
| 2025 | ~27,100 (est. +2.5%) | Inflation outpaces |
This table illustrates the stagnation; real income per domestic EFTS has been flat since 2016.
Otago University's Precarious Financial Position
Otago, New Zealand's oldest university, faces a projected $9 million deficit for 2026, following a $15.5 million budgeted shortfall in 2025 (better than the prior $28.9 million forecast). Despite enrolments holding steady, costs for staff, infrastructure, and compliance have surged. Robertson has personally funded scholarships and expanded aid, but tuition fees rose 6% – a 'regrettable' step.
- 2024 surplus of $1.6m vs. budgeted deficit
- Ongoing programme reviews to cut costs
- Push for more medical places amid demand
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A Nationwide University Funding Crisis Unfolds
Otago isn't alone; all eight NZ universities forecast combined deficits exceeding $40 million recently. Universities NZ warned of a 'first real drop' in 2026 funding. High-risk institutions include Massey and Victoria, with Otago medium-risk. Temporary 'lifeline' funding ($128m in 2023) ends, exacerbating issues.
Government reforms, including research consolidation and TEC reprioritisation, add uncertainty. TEC advises no assumption of maintained funding for 2026.
Root Causes Behind the Unsustainable Model
Several factors converge:
- Stagnant per-EFTS funding: Real-terms decline over a decade, below OECD peers.
- International student collapse: Visa changes, housing shortages halved revenue.
- Inflation and costs: Salaries, energy up 20-30%, funding lags.
- Competitive model: Robertson critiques it for poor value, stifling collaboration.
- Regulatory rigidity: Fee caps prevent adaptation.
Far-Reaching Impacts on Education and Research
Job losses, programme cuts (e.g., humanities at risk from metrics-based PBRF), reduced research. Brain drain looms as academics seek better-funded shores. Students face higher fees, fewer choices.
- Staff redundancies at multiple unis
- Declining research output quality
- Student hardship amid living costs
Stakeholder Perspectives: A Chorus of Concern
Unions decry lack of resilience; students protest cuts; other VCs echo Robertson. Government points to autonomy, but sector seeks dialogue. Robertson welcomes PBRF reform but warns on metrics bias.
Proposed Solutions and Reform Pathways
Robertson advocates collaboration, flexible funding, performance incentives. Broader calls: Increase per-EFTS, uncap fees, boost research investment. Govt's 2025 reforms aim alignment with skills needs.
- Shift to collaborative funding
- Inflation-linked adjustments
- Targeted intl student support
- PBRF overhaul for equity
Lessons from Australia and Beyond
Australia invests $31k+ per EFTS, with stronger growth. UK faces similar woes but has fee flexibility. NZ could adopt hybrid models balancing access and sustainability.
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The Road Ahead for New Zealand Higher Education
2026 budget looms critical. Without reform, deficits deepen, eroding NZ's innovation edge. Optimism lies in dialogue – Robertson confident in scholarships revival, enrolment stability. For academics, university jobs remain vital; students, scholarships offer relief.
In summary, Otago's plea spotlights a pivotal moment. Balanced reform could secure a thriving sector. Interested in lecturing roles? Visit lecturer jobs.
