Council Minutes, 9 September 2024
COUNCIL
Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Monday, 9 September 2024
in the Council Chamber, Level 2, Hunter Building
from 9.00 am to 3.15 pm
PRESENT:
Mr John Allen (Chancellor)
Professor Richard Arnold
Mr William Bell‐Purchas
until 2.30 pm
Professor Brigitte Bönisch‐Brednich
Ms Pania Gray
Mr Alan Judge
until 2.30 pm
Mr David McLean
Ms Kelly Mitchell
Professor Nic Smith (Vice‐Chancellor)
Mr David Smol
Hon Maryan Street (Pro‐Chancellor)
Mr James Te Puni
Ms Caroline Ward (Secretary to Council)
APOLOGIES:
Nil
IN ATTENDANCE: Ms Jackie Anderson, General Counsel
Dr Leon Bakker, Director, Strategy & Planning
Dr Logan Bannister, Deputy Vice‐Chancellor, Students
Ms Rachel Bruce, Chief Financial Officer
Mr Mark Daldorf, Director, People & Capability
Professor Margaret Hyland, Deputy Vice‐Chancellor, Research
Mr Simon Johnson, Director, Campus Operations
Professor Bryony James, Provost
Ms Simone Keough, Director, Communications
Professor Robyn Longhurst, Deputy Vice‐Chancellor, Academic
Ms Sterling Maxwell, Co‐President, Ngāi Tauira
Mr Reece Moors, Director, Office of the Vice‐Chancellor
Mr Andy Newman, Director, Strategy (Academic)
Ms Marcail Parkinson, VUWSA President
Mrs Rachel Scott, Director, Governance, Risk & Assurance
Ms Tina Wakefield, Chief Operating Officer
PUBLIC:
100+ attendees in support of the Living Wage movement
24.138
WELCOME / ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS / APOLOGIES
Noted:
1
that Ms Kelly Mitchell led the Karakia acknowledging the recent death of
Kīngi Tūheitia, the Māori king. She also noted the crowning of his youngest
daughter Te Puhi Ariki Ngawai Hono i te Po Paki, as the new Māori queen.
1
Council Minutes, 9 September 2024
2
that Mr David Smol was welcomed to his first formal Council meeting. The
deep governance and executive management experience he brings will be
greatly valued.
3
that there were no apologies, and all Council members attended in‐person.
24.139
DECLARATIONS AND DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS
Received:
declarations and disclosure of interests by members of Council.
Noted:
1
that there were no further disclosures of interest since the release of the
meeting documentation.
2
that Mr McLean asked that his Kiwi Rail listing be removed from the
Register of Interests.
3
that Council members were reminded to advise the Secretary to Council of
any changes to their disclosure of interests listing between meetings.
4
that for item‐specific disclosures, the Chancellor asked that Council
members alert him at the time.
24.140
COUNCIL MINUTES, MEETING HELD 29 JULY 2024
Received:
the public Minutes of the meeting of Council held 29 July 2024.
Resolved:
that the public Minutes of the meeting of Council held on 29 July 2024.
Mitchell/Judge
Carried
240136
24.141
REPORT FROM THE CHANCELLOR
Received:
a Council paper from the Chancellor, Mr John Allen, dated 2 September
2024 providing his Chancellor’s report (document VUWC 24/107)
Noted:
1
that the report was taken as read.
2
that the ongoing financial discipline underpinning the University’s
operations was commended by the Chancellor. He observed that recent
media coverage of TEC’s August report was not helpful particularly as it
relied on outdated data and lag indicators.
3
that the environment remains challenging but the University has the
capability to meet those challenges. Trade‐offs will be required and some
of these difficult decisions rest with the Vice‐Chancellor.
4
that congratulations were extended to all involved in the success of the
recent record‐breaking Open Day, and the ongoing energy it has generated,
particularly via social media.
Resolved:
that the Chancellor’s report be noted.
Bönisch‐Brednich/Gray
Carried
240137
24.142
REPORT FROM THE VICE‐CHANCELLOR
Received:
a report from the Vice‐Chancellor, Professor Nic Smith, dated 29 August
2024 (document VUWC 24/108).
2
Council Minutes, 9 September 2024
Noted:
1
that the report was taken as read.
2
that the Vice‐Chancellor reinforced the Chancellor’s comments on Open
Day and added that registrations were up from 3,000 last year to 5,000 this
year. At this stage, while still early in the cycle, admission applications are
up 15%, and accommodation applications are up 10%.
3
that the former START programme will be refreshed and renamed in 2025
as VicStart. This gives academically inclined secondary school students the
opportunity to complete first year University courses and gain credit
toward their degrees.
4
that with the return of staff and students to campus in ever increasing
numbers, the flow on effect to the success of retailers is encouraging. The
recreation centre and the library are also noticeably busy.
5
that the Provost provided a brief update on the proposed Faculty
Realignment with detailed communications planned for this week’s
University News.
6
that the People & Culture Committee is meeting with the Vice‐Chancellor
after today’s Council meeting and at this meeting he will present further on
the Your Voice survey including some early analysis of the free text
comments and major themes that emerged. An update to Council will be
provided in early December.
Resolved:
that the report from the Vice‐Chancellor be noted.
Street/Arnold
Carried
240138
24.143
FINANCIAL REPORT TO 31 JULY 2024
Received:
the Financial report to 31 July 2024 from the Chief Financial Officer, Ms
Rachel Bruce (document VUWC 24/109).
Noted:
1
that the report was taken as read.
2
that a focussed approach on managing the financial sustainability of the
University continues. Results are ahead of budget because of cost
management, rather than increased revenue.
3
that the reforecast still shows a break even result. While this is a good result,
we still need to start booking surpluses.
4
that the Chancellor acknowledged the significant achievement the above
statements convey and thanked everyone for the considerable effort to
achieve a break even result in 2024.
Resolved:
that the Financial report to 31 July 2024 be noted.
Smol/Judge
Carried
240139
24.144
GOVERNMENT WORKFORCE POLICY STATEMENT ON
EXPECTATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS
Received:
the Government Workforce Policy Statement on Expectations for
Employment Relations (document VUWC 24/110).
Noted:
1
that the document was taken as read.
3
Council Minutes, 9 September 2024
2
that it was observed that there was nothing new or surprising in this
statement and it was in keeping with those received previously.
3
that in the context of employment, attention was drawn to a recent Randstad
country by country analysis. For New Zealand, as at April 2024, of 3800
companies, Te Herenga Waka was in the top ten for employee brand and
attractiveness, and the only Tertiary organisation in this band.
4
that the Chancellor commented that this was another piece of evidence to
demonstrate the progress the University is making under the leadership of
Professor Smith.
Resolved:
that the Government Workforce Policy Statement on Expectations for
Employment Relations be noted.
Smol/McLean
Carried
240140
24.145
STUDENT PRESIDENT REPORTS
Received:
1
a report from Ms Marcail Parkinson, VUWSA President (document VUWC
24/111a).
2
a report from Ms Te Waikamihi Lambert and Ms Sterling Maxwell, Ngāi
Tauira Co‐Presidents (document VUWC 24/111b).
Noted:
1
that the reports were taken as read, and the Student Presidents welcomed to
the meeting.
2
that the challenges facing students were outlined by both Student
Presidents, particularly in a difficult financial environment with many
students needing to work to fund their study, and jobs becoming
increasingly hard to secure.
3
that the importance of initiatives like the living wage and paid placements
as mechanisms to help students meet increasing costs were discussed.
4
that the work of Ngāi Tauira in supporting the upcoming opening of the
Living Pā was acknowledged and commended.
Resolved:
that the Student President reports be noted.
Gray/Bönisch‐Brednich
Carried
240141
24.146
CONFERMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS
Received:
the list of degrees, diplomas and certificates granted on 9 September 2024
(document VUWC 24/112).
Resolved:
1
that Council grants the degrees, diplomas and certificates in this
University on the persons listed in document VUWC 24/112, and that
their names be entered on the Roll of Graduates on 9 September 2024.
2
that a motion of congratulations to the Graduates be recorded.
Bell‐Purchas/Mitchell
Carried
240142
at 10 am the meeting paused as a large number of people filled both public galleries of the Council Chamber.
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Council Minutes, 9 September 2024
24.147
2025 DOMESTIC TUITION FEES
Received:
a Council paper dated 27 August 2024 from the Deputy Vice‐Chancellor,
Students, Dr Logan Bannister, regarding 2025 Domestic Tuition Fees
(document VUWC 24/113).
Noted:
1
that the Council paper was taken as read.
2
that the Student Presidents, Ms Marcail Parkinson, and Ms Sterling
Maxwell remained at the Council table for this item and the next one.
3
that Dr Bannister spoke to the Council paper, outlining the process to reach
today’s recommendations including endorsement by Te Hiwa, and a
unanimous recommendation from the Finance Committee to Council that
the fees be approved.
4
that the Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills has proposed that the
Annual Maximum Fee Movement (AMFM) be set at 6% for 2025 but has
not yet confirmed the AMFM.
5
that Appendix 1 to document VUWC 24/113 outlines proposed 2025 fees at
a 6% Annual Maximum Fee Movement rate.
6
that the Chair of Finance confirmed that students had been involved in
consultation and that whilst the recommendations are difficult in the
current financial environment, there was an appreciation from students of
the University’s financial position and focus on financial sustainability.
7
that the Chancellor expressed his concern under the current governing
funding model based on EFTS and how there is a need to challenge this
system. He commented on the additional pressure the University faces
with TEC capping funding at 102% and taking back funding if we go over
99%.
Resolved:
that on the recommendation of the Finance Committee, Council
approve:
1
an increase to the domestic (government‐funded) tuition fee rates for
2025 of 6% or such lesser amount as is permitted under the confirmed
Annual Maximum Fee Movement (AMFM).
2
the proposed domestic (government‐funded) tuition fee rates for new
courses and fee exceptions as per Appendix 2, or such lesser amounts as
are consistent with the AMFM;
3
the proposed international (full‐fee) tuition fee rates for new courses and
fee exceptions as per Appendix 3;
4
amendments to administration fee charges as per Appendix 4.
Judge/Street
Carried
240143
24.148
2025 STUDENT SERVICES FEE
Received:
a Council paper dated 27 August 2024 from the Deputy Vice‐Chancellor,
Students, Dr Logan Bannister, regarding the 2025 Student Services Fee
(document VUWC 24/114).
Noted:
1
that the Council paper was taken as read.
2
that the Advisory Committee on the Student Services Fee (ACSSF)
membership included representatives from both VUWSA and Ngāi Tauira.
3
that the VUWSA President highlighted ongoing concerns with occupancy
costs which take away a large amount of funding that could be going
5
Council Minutes, 9 September 2024
toward student services. It was acknowledged that occupancy costs at 20%
are a large part of this fee and that management is looking into how to
reallocate these costs and reduce them as part of budget 2025.
4
that VUWSA will be campaigning to have University Clubs back under
them, rather than run by the University.
5
that after many years of not being funded, as part of the Student Services
fee negotiations, it was agreed that Ngāi Tauira will receive remuneration
for their efforts in future.
6
that the Chancellor thanked the Student Presidents for their contribution to
this work, particularly acknowledging their pragmatic approach to
negotiations in the University’s financially restrained environment.
Resolved:
that on the recommendation of the Finance Committee, Council approve:
1
an 8% increase to the Student Service Fee price per point for 2025;
2
the Student Hardship Fee for 2025 to increase from $30 to $32.
3
that on the recommendation of the Finance Committee, Council note:
concerns raised and risks highlighted by ACSSF with regards to the
impact on the capability for SSF services to continue to be delivered due
to pressure of increased occupancy costs year on year.
Te Puni/McLean
Carried
240144
24.149
REFRESHED STRATEGIC PLAN
Received:
1
a Council paper dated 29 August 2024 from the Vice‐Chancellor, Professor
Nic Smith, providing the refreshed Strategic Plan (document VUWC
24/115).
2
a tabled A3 document setting out the Refreshed Strategic Plan on one page
(attached as Appendix 1 to the public minutes).
3
a presentation from the Vice‐Chancellor on the refreshed Strategic Plan
(attached as Appendix 2 to the public minutes)
4
two motions put by Council Member, William Bell‐Purchas as follows:
1.
That, under the heading “Ngā Whāinga Matua ‐ Our Strategic Priorities”
and the subheading “Community—creating value for our whole society
we prioritise:” the words:
“• creating a workplace that values all staff, which includes working
towards paying a living wage to ensure that our staff and their families
are treated with dignity.”
be inserted into the Refreshed Strategic Plan.
2.
That, as one of the ʺNext Stepsʺ arising from the Refreshed Strategic Plan,
this Council asks Te Hiwa to prepare and return to Council at its next
meeting on 21/10/2024 a report on:
(i) the strategic and marketing opportunities arising from paying a living
wage,
(ii) the cost of paying a living wage to all directly employed staff, and
6
Council Minutes, 9 September 2024
(iii) the cost of paying a living wage to contracted workers as contracts
come up for renegotiation.
Noted:
1
that both galleries of the Council Chamber were full for this item.
2
that the Council paper was taken as read and the Vice‐Chancellor delivered
a PowerPoint presentation outlining the thorough process to reach today’s
refreshed Strategic Plan for Council’s approval. The title –
the university for
a Better World looks to inspire a place where we can have challenging
conversations across all of the University’s communities with respect and
understanding, and deliver on the new mission –
We draw on our whakapapa,
knowledge, and place to share a better future together.
3
that the Vice‐Chancellor thanked Council members for their involvement
throughout the process of refreshing the Strategic Plan, which had
commenced at a Council Workshop in January this year. He confirmed that
the comments provided by Council at its late July meeting, and prior to this
one, had been incorporated.
4
that the Strategy acknowledges the realities of the current resource
constrained environment, supports implementation that helps prioritise,
reprioritise, and deprioritise and provides for impactful opportunities as
more staff bandwidth is created and as finances allow. It ensures that
implementation can be measured via a set of KPIs to show progress.
5
that there was discussion on the motions put forward by student
representative William Bell‐Purchas seeking a commitment to paying the
living wage being included in the Strategic Plan. William spoke to his
motions (the notes of his speech are held on the file for this meeting), and
the Vice‐Chancellor responded (the notes of Professor Smith’s response are
also held on the file for this meeting).
6
that Council discussed whether the Strategic Plan is the right place for this
commitment and a range of views were expressed. The Vice‐Chancellor
emphasised the need to balance employment commitments with financial
sustainability and the need to recruit and retain talent whilst also
expressing caution that an amendment to the Strategic Plan at this stage
could compromise the current bargaining process which is progressing in
good faith.
7
that Council discussed the possibility of a compromise to William’s two
motions and the Chancellor adjourned the meeting so an additional motion
could be word‐smithed and tabled.
the meeting adjourned at 12.40 pm
the meeting reconvened at 1.00 pm
8
that Mr Bell‐Purchas agreed to withdraw his two motions previously
submitted.
9
that the Secretary to Council circulated the following new motion:
that as part of balancing matters of staff remuneration, financial
sustainability, and recruitment and retention of talent, Council requests
the Vice‐Chancellor and Te Hiwa to develop and implement plans for the
long term enhancement of the universityʹs Manaakitanga toward all staff
who work here (including contractors), across all relevant dimensions of
fairness and equity, including but not limited to working towards paying
wages at rates that are consistent with the concept of a living wage; and
report to Council on how those plans will be implemented and progress
against them.
Bell‐Purchas/Mitchell
Carried
240145
Unanimous
Noted:
10
that the Chancellor thanked all those who attended for their time and
support, acknowledged Mr Bell‐Purchas for his work on the living wage
7
Council Minutes, 9 September 2024
matter, and thanked Council colleagues for working constructively to reach
a compromise on this particular issue.
11
that in returning to consider the refreshed Strategy, Council members
provided some additional comments that the Vice‐Chancellor will include
in the final draft around Akoranga (to ensure this captures students as
well), and under strategic commitments use the words
Our commitment to
Te Tiriti o Waitangi...ʺ rather than “our current commitment to Te Tiriti o
Waitangi...ʺ
12
that the refreshed Strategy will be launched on 16 September at a series of
staff forums, and Te Hiwa (the senior leadership team), and Te Awa
(Directors and Deans) will work together to articulate the implementation
plan.
12
that the Chancellor thanked the Vice‐Chancellor and all involved in the
work to bring a refreshed Strategic Plan to guide and inspire the University
through the next few years.
that the refreshed Strategic Plan be approved.
Allen/Street
Carried
240146
24.150
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT
Received:
a Council paper dated 2 September 2024 from the Chancellor, Mr John
Allen, regarding a Committee appointment (document VUWC 24/116).
Noted:
1
that Ms Pania Gray has agreed to be appointed to the Te Aka Matua
Committee and also be appointed as Chair.
2
that prior to 2025, Ms Gray will retire from the Audit & Risk Committee in
order to accommodate this extra responsibility. The Chair of A&R
acknowledged Ms Gray’s contribution and leadership, particularly in the
areas of Health, Safety, and Wellbeing , as well as work on Risk with the
University now having a risk statement.
Resolved:
1
that Ms Pania Gray be appointed to the Te Aka Matua Committee
effective 9 September 2024;
2
that Ms Pania Gray be appointed Chair of the Te Aka Matua Committee
effective 9 September 2024.
Allen/Street
Carried
240147
24.151
APPOINTMENT OF COUNCIL MEMBER – ELECTED
STUDENT
Received:
a Council paper dated 2 September 2024 from the Chancellor, Mr John
Allen, regarding the appointment of a Council member (document UWC
24/117).
Noted:
1
that the Council paper was taken as read.
2
that Ms Asifa Hanif was the successful candidate in the recent student
election.
3
that the student election was held earlier in the year for the second time to
allow the new student time to have a thorough induction before taking up
the position in the new year.
8
Council Minutes, 9 September 2024
Resolved:
that in accordance with clause 5.1(C) of the Council Membership Statute,
Ms Asifa Hanif be appointed to Council for a two year term from 1
January 2025 to 31 December 2026.
Mitchell/Bell‐Purchas
Carried
240148
24.152
ACADEMIC BOARD MINUTES
Received:
the Academic Board minutes of the meeting held on 16 July 2024. , 11 June
2024.
Resolved:
that the Academic Board minutes be noted.
McLean/Judge
Carried
240149
24.153
FORTHCOMING EVENTS AND NEXT COUNCIL MEETING
Received:
a Council paper from the Secretary to Council, Ms Caroline Ward, dated 27
August 2024 regarding Forthcoming Events and the date and details of the
next Council meeting (document VUWC 24/118).
Resolved:
that the Council paper on Forthcoming Events and the date and details of
the next Council meeting to be held on Monday, 21 October 2024 be
noted.
Smol/Te Puni
Carried
240150
24.154
RESOLUTION CONCERNING THE EXCLUSION OF THE
PUBLIC
Received:
a recommendation that certain items be taken with the public excluded
(document VUWC 24/119
Resolved:
1
that the public be excluded from the following parts of the proceedings of this
meeting, namely agenda items 18‐26.
The general subject of each matter to be considered while the public is
excluded, the reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter, and
the specific grounds under section 48(1) of the Local Government Official
Information and Meetings Act 1987 for the passing of this resolution are as
follows:
9
Council Minutes, 9 September 2024
General subject
Reason
for
passing
this
Ground(s)
of each matter to
resolution in relation to each
under
be considered
matter
section
The public conduct of each item
48(1)
for
below would be likely to result
the
in the disclosure of information
for which good reason for
passing of
withholding would exist under
this
the sections of the OIA
resolution
identified below.
18. Minutes of
Privacy,
s9(2)(a),
LGOIMA
previous meeting
commercial
s9(2)(b)(ii),
s48(1)(a)(ii)
held 29 July 2024
prejudice,
s9(2)(i), and
commercial
s9(2)(ba)(i)
activities.
19. Health,
Privacy,
s9(2)(a),
LGOIMA
Safety, and
commercial
s9(2)(b)(ii),
s48(1)(a)(ii)
Wellbeing
prejudice,
s9(2)(i), and
commercial
s9(2)(ba)(i)
activities,
confidential
basis.
20. Vice‐
Privacy,
s9(2)(a),
LGOIMA
Chancellor’s
commercial
s9(2)(b)(ii),
s48(1)(a)(ii)
report
prejudice,
s9(2)(i),and
commercial
s9(2)(ba)(i)
activities,
confidential
basis.
21. Financial
Commercial
s9(2)(b)(ii)
LGOIMA
report to 31 July
prejudice,
and
s48(1)(a)(ii)
2024
commercial
s9(2)(i)
activities.
22. Q2 2024
Commercial
s9(2)(b)(ii) ,
LGOIMA
Forecast
prejudice,
s9(2)(i) and
s48(1)(a)(ii)
commercial
s9(2)(ba)(i)
activities,
confidential
basis
23. Budget 2025
Commercial
s9(2)(b)(ii) ,
LGOIMA
update
prejudice,
s9(2)(i) and
s48(1)(a)(ii)
commercial
s9(2)(ba)(i)
activities,
confidential
basis
24. Amending a
Privacy
s9(2)(a)
LGOIMA
Master’s degree
s48(1)(a)(ii)
25. Committee
Privacy,
s9(2)(a),
LGOIMA
minutes
commercial
s9(2)(b)(ii),
s48(1)(a)(ii)
prejudice,
s9(2)(i), and
commercial
s9(2)(ba)(i)
activities,
confidential
basis.
26. Council only
Privacy,
s9(2)(a),
LGOIMA,
time
commercial
s9(2)(b)(ii),
s48(1)(a)(ii)
prejudice,
10
Council Minutes, 9 September 2024
commercial
s9(2)(i), and
activities,
s9(2)(ba)(i)
confidential
basis.
In relation to each of the above items, no public interest consideration has been
identified favouring disclosure of the particular information in public
proceedings of the meeting that would override the need to withhold the
information.
This resolution is made in reliance on section 48(1)(a) of the Local Government
Information and Meetings Act 1987 and the particular interest or interests
protected by section 6 or section 7 or section 9 of the Official Information Act
1982, as the case may require, which would be prejudiced by holding of the
whole or the relevant part of the proceedings of the meeting in public are set
out above.
2
that such members of the senior leadership as the Chancellor and the Vice‐
Chancellor request be permitted to remain at this meeting, after the public has
been excluded, with the exception of agenda item 26, because of their
knowledge of the relevant matters identified above which will be of assistance
in relation to those matters.
Bönisch‐Brednich/Arnold
Carried
240151
the meeting adjourned at 1.30 pm
11
