‘Proposal could spell end of university’

A decision that part of Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington’s long-running Institute of Governance and Policy Studies (IGPS) will be subsumed means it will ‘‘cease to exist in all but name’’, say some academics.

The university had sought feedback about the future of the 40-year-old institute, which came into financial strife after a $10 million endowment used to support its efforts was diverted to other university ventures.

Proposed options included continuing as-is should further funding be secured, disestablishing parts of the IGPS, or disestablishing it in its entirety.

It comes after the university announced a proposal which could see up to 260 jobs at Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington go as it works to overcome a $33m deficit.

A review of the IGPS was prompted by the need to find external funding after a $10m endowment from the Gama Foundation, a charitable trust set up by Christchurch philanthropists Grant and Marilyn Nelson, was later changed to a ‘‘universitywide contestable fund’’.

Its work will now be folded into the university’s School of Government as a result of the review.

Two permanent research fellows– leading economist and social policy adviser Dr Michael Fletcher (ONZM) and awardwinning freshwater scientist Dr Mike Joy – will have their roles disestablished and be offered redeployment opportunities within the university.

The Policy Quarterly journal, currently produced by the IGPS in conjunction with the School of Government, will continue until March 2025, with efforts to find longer-term external funding underway.

The institute’s inaugural director and Emeritus Professor of Public Policy at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University, Jonathan Boston, said it was ‘‘disappointing’’ but ‘‘not surprising’’.

The future of the IGPS was unclear, and he feared it would ‘‘cease to exist in all but name’’.

Boston acknowledged there were limited funding avenues for such institutes to operate – research contracts were relatively short term, the philanthropic approach had failed and the ‘‘very severe financial crisis’’ faced by the university meant it was unable to help.

He described Joy as one of Aotearoa’s ‘‘most prominent and distinguished freshwater ecologists’’ and Fletcher has having contributed hugely to economics over many years – their losses would be ‘‘significant’’. Senior associates Dr Geoff Bertram said it had seemed ‘‘inevitable’’ the university would ‘‘abandon’’ the IGPS.

It had provided a home for people that didn’t fit neatly in academia or public service to carry out their work, he said, adding the School of Government was not oriented for this type of work.

Deputy vice-chancellor research Professor Margaret Hyland said in a written statement, while the institute itself wouldn’t continue in its current form, parts of its work were important to retain. These would become part of existing structures.

‘‘We understand that the decision will be disappointing for some. However, it is important to note that much of the work of the IGPS will continue once it is folded into our School of Government.’’ She said the decision reflected the value the university placed on aspects of the work it had been doing.

‘‘We are committed to being a critic and conscience of society. This is an essential part of our role and the role of all New Zealand universities.’’

Hyland stressed the changes to be made have no impact on the academic freedom of staff at the university.

Senior associates attached to the IGPS in unpaid roles, would be encouraged to continue their research work through the School of Government.

‘‘We value the work of the senior associates linked to the Institute and encourage them to apply for roles attached to the School of Government.’’

She noted the university supported more than 20 centres and institutes which carried out a wide range of ‘‘public interest research’’ and contributed to its ‘‘critic and conscience role’’.

Simon Chapple, who was the IGPS director until his departure in April this year, said he was unable to comment. The two research fellows were also approached and unable to comment.