TEU congratulates Otago’s new Vice Chancellor.

Te Hautū Kahurangi | Tertiary Education Union welcomed last week’s news that former Minister of Finance Grant Roberson has been named the next Vice Chancellor of Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka | The University of Otago.

Branch President Craig Marshall described his reaction as “cautiously optimistic. Grant is someone we can work with. He’s passionate about Otago, both the region and the university. He knows the levers to pull with government better than anyone and we know he cares about people. On behalf of the TEU, I congratulate him on his appointment and look forward to working with him.”

Tumu Whakarae Tiriti | National President Tiriti Dr Julie Douglas is more circumspect. She says “there are gaps in Grant’s knowledge when it comes to academic matters. We are very keen to meet with him as soon as possible to offer our help with filling those. His relationship with the TEU will be important, and we hope he prioritises it. And given the financial issues Otago appears to be facing, we look forward to his assistance with our push for better funding for our sector.”