Rate My Professor David Clark

Dr David Clark serves as the Registrar and Secretary to the Council at the University of Otago, a position he assumed in October 2023 upon returning to his alma mater. A long-time associate of the institution, Clark studied at Otago for 11 years, earning a Bachelor of Arts in 1995, a Bachelor of Theology with Honours in 1996, and a Doctor of Philosophy in 2004. He also served as Warden of Selwyn College from 2008 to 2011. Prior to entering national politics, Clark worked as an analyst in the Treasury and held positions in the Department of Internal Affairs, developing expertise in public policy and governance.

Elected as the Member of Parliament for Dunedin in 2011, Clark advanced to Cabinet roles between 2017 and February 2023, serving as Minister of Health, Associate Minister of Finance, Minister for the Digital Economy and Communications, Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, and Minister for State Owned Enterprises. Concurrently, he contributed to governance in the not-for-profit sector, including appointments with the Otago Community Trust. In his current capacity at the University of Otago, Clark leads a team encompassing the Secretary to the Council, the University Mediator, and Copyright and Open Access services. He delivers expert strategic legal advice and support to the Vice-Chancellor and University Council, ensuring coordination of legal accountability and compliance with statutory obligations. As the University's Privacy Officer, he manages student appeals to the Appeals Board, oversees statutes, regulations, and policy, maintains corporate records, coordinates Official Information Act requests, and facilitates mediation services. Clark holds a strong belief in the University's function as a critic and conscience within New Zealand society and endorses its commitment to becoming a Te Tiriti-led organisation that prioritises equity and inclusion.