Donation scrubbed - med bid not lost
A key backer for the Waikato rural medical school has pulled his $4.5 million donation.
In an email, Sir Owen Glenn told Waikato University vicechancellor Professor Neil Quigley of his intent to withdraw the majority of his $5m pledge, citing his annoyance with the Labour-led Government.
But Quigley has downplayed Sir Owen’s decision, saying the email was an ‘‘expression of frustration’’ and believes the business tycoon will honour his pledge if the Government gives the green light to the Waikato proposal.
‘‘He cares so much about the third medical school project.
‘‘If we can get support from the Government to move it forward relatively quickly, then I imagine Sir Owen will still be there to support us because he does care about it so much.’’
Sir Owen said he was ‘‘very disappointed with the news that Labour had discounted the proposal’’.
‘‘This is both shortsighted and political,’’ Sir Owen wrote.
‘‘Until the NZ voter holds those elected to serve the community, and not their own re-election interests, nothing will change.’’
He declined media requests to comment further.
Speaking in Parliament last Tuesday, Health Minister Dr David Clark said Labour was still exploring proposals for a third medical school but declined to elaborate on the matter.
When asked by National MP Jonathan Coleman if the ministry had given officials any instructions on a rural medical school, Clark replied: ‘‘I don’t think it’s in the public interest to give further information on that matter.’’
Clark declined to answer questions from the Waikato Times on the Waikato medical school proposal.
The proposal is a joint initiative by Waikato University and the Waikato District Health Board.
It aims to reverse a shortfall of primary care doctors, especially in provincial and rural areas.
Otago and Auckland universities later pitched a rival bid to create a national school of rural health.
Quigley said he hadn’t had any direct communication from the Government about the proposal. For now, it is a waiting game. ‘‘Our proposal has been through a very substantial round of critique and discussion.
‘‘There’s very little I can do unless the relevant ministers are willing to push forward with it. I’ve really done as much as I can in the short time.’’
He said other individuals and organisations have said they will financially back the Waikato proposal.
Hamilton Labour Party list MP Jamie Strange said it was disappointing to hear about Sir Owen’s decision to pull his money.
‘‘I don’t think it signals the end [of the proposal] but it certainly is a blow.’’
Strange said he has been in constant communication with Clark and said no decision had been made on the bid.
The public should, however, expect a decision over the coming months, he said.
‘‘I would be very keen to see a medical school established here. It’s a very important issue, our lack of rural GPs.
‘‘I have made it clear to the minister I’ll be supporting the Waikato bid.’’
Hamilton National MP David Bennett said it was disappointing the Government hadn’t supported the medical school proposal.
‘‘His comment of, ‘I don’t think it’s of public interest’ is code for no. The minister has no intentions of doing this project.
‘‘That means individuals like Sir Owen Glenn, who has committed money, has to take it back because they can see that the project won’t go ahead.’’
Hamilton Mayor Andrew King said he respected Sir Owen’s decision as it was his money and he had every right to withdraw it, but was very confident he would come back at the right time.
‘‘He will come back and get in behind it if it goes ahead.
‘‘The email simply shows his passion and frustration that this proposal should have been passed last year and was a no-brainer.’’
Hamilton City Council chief executive Richard Briggs said elected members had strongly advocated for the value of the medical school.
‘‘We are supportive and right behind the proposal.
‘‘Neil [Quigley] has been inspiring, putting together this strong case for the need of a rural medical school in the Waikato to go forward.’’
Acting Waikato DHB chief executive Derek Wright said they were still committed to working with the university to establish the medical school and hoped the Government was still considering the proposal.