Two university Vice-Chancellors calling for cooperation to end funding woes
A $128m bailout for cash-strapped universities will still not be enough to prevent major job losses at the Universities of Otago and Victoria. Yesterday the government announced the rescue package for tertiary institutions which have struggled with falling enrollments, biting inflation and the lingering effects of Covid.The University of Otago is dealing with a $60m deficit, and Victoria University a $33m deficit. Both universities are proposing sweeping job cuts.The funding will however buy universities some time and is being welcomed as a move in the right direction. Kathryn speaks with Helen Nicholson, the acting Vice-Chancellor at the University of Otago and Nic Smith, the Vice-Chancellor of Victoria University of Wellington.