Staff Reeling After 40 FTE Job Cuts Announced Today At Lincoln University

Te Hautū Kahurangi | Tertiary Education Union (TEU) members at Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki | Lincoln University were left reeling after an all-staff meeting this afternoon to discuss 40 full time equivalent (FTE) jobs being cut to manage what the university has framed as its financial viability going into 2027.

Dr Cor Vink, an associate professor and TEU branch president at Lincoln, said that staff were feeling very upset and worried.

“Any talk of job loss is hugely upsetting for staff, for those who may lose their positions and those who will have to carry additional workload after change is made. The uncertainty is very stressful, and our concern is with staff today.

“With 40 FTEs going we’re facing the potential loss of world class academics and the staff that support them and our students.”

Dr Vink said that Lincoln University staff already believed that jobs are not being replaced and this is going to exacerbate the problem.

Lincoln University stated that the Tertiary Education Commission had indicated that funding for next year would be reduced, and that enrolments from international and domestic students had not reached targets. Voluntary redundancies and early retirement packages are being offered.

A recent BERL report commissioned by TEU found that, historically, funding in Aotearoa for tertiary education is 33% below the OECD average.

Garrick Cooper, Te Tumu Whakarae Māori, National President Māori at TEU said that this was a huge concern for Lincoln University and for all Aotearoa New Zealand universities.

“Quality public education relies on a commitment from our government. These are the people that teach our future scientists, doctors, nurses, teachers, lawyers, artists; that support our students to learn. It’s an election year and with the budget on the horizon we want to see real vision from our political leaders and policy that protects workers and ensures the provision of quality public education in Aotearoa New Zealand for young people.”

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