Name change looms for university
A last-minute fight to save the name ‘‘Victoria University of Wellington’’ (VUW) may have been in vain as the institution’s bosses signal they will follow through on the proposed name change.
Campus management has given the ‘‘University of Wellington’’ name change the go-ahead, but the university council will still need to debate whether to proceed on Monday.
Yesterday, VUW vicechancellor professor Grant Guilford continued to back the change, saying the university’s international brand was muddled and that confusion was costing it in donations and prestige.
About 54 per cent of submissions were against the change. However, of the submissions from staff members, 53 per cent supported the switch.
Final sign-off by Education Minister Chris Hipkins will be needed if Monday’s final decision is to drop ‘‘Victoria’’ is made.
The institution’s council agreed in principle to a new name of University of Wellington on July 27, and to adopt a new Ma¯ ori name of Te Herenga Waka.
The public weighed in with a flood of feedback hitting the campus before its September 3 deadline, with more than 2100 submissions made.
Guilford said his pro-change stance meant he would be standing aside as the rest of the council voted on its position next week.
‘‘We’ve settled on a view that in the best interests of the institution the change is required but there’s not doubt that we are impressed with the depth of attachment and significance the name ‘Victoria’ has to our alumni, staff and students.
‘‘In the end, my first duty is to the future of the institute and so that’s what’s taken us in that direction."
The university came under fire after an Official Information Act (OIA) response revealed the name change could cost almost $1 million over the next couple of years.
However, he said more than one university had changed its name over the years, so he expected concerns would begin to wane with time.
‘‘We will try and protect the name Victoria and its use in the university . . . it plays a life already in the university.’’
There was interest in adopting the name ‘‘Victoria College’’ for the halls of residence if the change was accepted.
‘‘We’ve got lots of ideas and we’ll make sure they happen if the name is approved.’’