Some Supporter Comments

“I am deeply concerned at the likely impact of the proposed cuts, with the loss of significant expertise and courses. The refusal to fund the Centres of Asia Pacific Excellence, for example, would deprive New Zealand of well informed and independent voices on Asia Pacific rim issues and their relevance to New Zealand. It has taken decades to build the current capacities of our universities. That should not be destroyed by short term budgetary considerations. The money required to maintain viable and comprehensive universities is small in the overall scheme of things.” - Rt Hon. Helen Clark, former university lecturer

“New Zealand has built a world-class university system. The current crisis threatens two universities directly and all NZ universities indirectly. If these cuts are through it will take generations to rebuild what will be lost.” - Emeritus Professor Charles Sowerwine, University of Melbourne.

“New Zealand universities are the work of generations . They need help now so they can continue to serve our communities and our children and their children.” - Professor Geoff McClay, Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington.

“The critical thinking skills developed by our universities are central to a strong, equitable democracy. They cannot be allowed to wither away.” - Professor Deirdre Coleman, University of Melbourne.

“I owe my current career to the education I had at VUW in the early 1990s. Current and future generations of students should be able to benefit from that same quality of education.” - Catherine Callaghan KC, Barrister at Blackstone Chambers, London, UK.

“Losing substantial numbers of academic staff - this country's scholars - from these two universities has far greater impact than simply reduced teaching for the foreseeable future…  As someone who has worked in the cultural sector for nearly five decades, I find it hard to conceive of the decisions that might allow this destruction - while so much emphasis is placed on the value of our cultural/intellectual life, so much pride is (rightly) taken.” - Dr Bridget Williams, ONZM, HonDLitt (Otago), Hunter Fellow (Te Herenga Waka), Lifetime Achievement Award (Booksellers NZ and Publishers Association).

“I support the letter and the importance of the University sector in fostering the development of the next generation of New Zealanders both in my current position and as a former New Zealand Ambassador to Japan.” - Ian Kennedy, Japan New Zealand Business Council.

“NZUSA signs because we oppose the layoffs due to systemic underfunding of the tertiary sector. More effort needs to be put into supporting the sector and valuing education as a human right and a public good. 5% SAC funding in the Budget is not enough.” - Ellen Dixon, President of NZUSA

“Having spent almost 20 years on the staff of VUW, I hold its interests dear to my heart. More broadly I fear that NZ risks the destruction of its tertiary education system, with disastrous consequences for the country and its people.” - Associate Professor Susan Foley, University of Melbourne.

“I'm signing because this level of funding cannot continue if universities are to make real, meaning contributions to New Zealand.” - Dr Grant Otsuki, Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington.

“Our world needs public education, and well educated citizens more than ever. Students and the next generation deserves a well funded public institution and access to a range of subjects, and possibilities for developing their expertise.” - Professor Kelly Wisecup, Department of English & Alice Kaplan Institute for the Humanities, Northwestern University.

“I'm signing to protect the integrity of our universities, ensure the valuable contributions of our academic and professional staff continue, and to preserve world-class student learning conditions” - Morgan Godfery, Senior Lecturer, Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington