SECTOR NEWS

Some University of Otago staff are raising concerns about the university’s new AI policy, questioning its impact on ethics and academic integrity.

AUT launches bold new brand ― “Knowledge That Works”
AUT has unveiled a fresh branding campaign marking its 25 years as a university, emphasising real-world skills, applied learning, and a confident, inclusive identity.

At the University of Canterbury, just 2,778 spots are available in first-year halls for 2026 — but with 4,147 students applying, around one-third didn’t get an offer in the first round. Students who missed out are turning to flatting, staying at home (if possible), and relying on support from UCSA and the university’s systems.

The PM insists teens can find work by simply ‘getting off the couch’ – but industry leaders and youth advocates say he’s out of touch, writes Catherine McGregor in today’s extract from The Bulletin.

Whanganui is exploring hosting clinical placements for the new Waikato Graduate School of Medicine, under a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed with local iwi, Health New Zealand, the Whanganui District Council, and regional health networks. The agreement covers possible placements in Whanganui, Rangitīkei, Ruapehu, and South Taranaki — along with student wellbeing, accommodation, and job prospects. The goal is to create a path for more doctors to train in, and stay in, rural and regional communities.

The latest report from the OECD’s Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) 2024 shows initial teaching training (ITE) isn’t sufficiently supporting new teachers to be confident in the classroom, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.

The Government’s move to disestablish Te Pūkenga and return autonomy to polytechnics is nearing the finish line, with the Education and Training Amendment Bill advancing through Parliament. While supporters, like Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds, welcome the change, others — including the Greens and Labour — warn it could weaken Māori and student representation, cost jobs, and threaten regional education capacity.

Half a century ago at Victoria University of Wellington, a radical new school set out to reinvent design education in New Zealand. Since then, it has transformed careers and reshaped the way the nation designs, builds and lives. Robyn Phipps, dean of the faculty of architecture and design innovation, looks at how its groundbreaking approach helped spark Aotearoa’s culture of innovation and urban creativity.

Due to stricter visa rules and rising costs in the US, UK and Canada, many students from India’s Telugu-speaking states are exploring alternatives like New Zealand, Germany, Italy, and others. These destinations are becoming more attractive because of more lenient visa policies, more affordable living and tuition costs, and improved work-after-study opportunities. New Zealand, for example, has eased rules around part-/full-time work during study periods.

Together with the Whanganui District Council, Health New Zealand and regional health providers, the University will explore opportunities for more medical students to train in Whanganui, Rangitīkei, Ruapehu and South Taranaki.

The University of Otago is updating its assessment policy from next year to include a three-tier system for how students use AI: restricted, guided, or encouraged use, recognising that artificial intelligence is now “here to stay”.

Our new Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Pasifika), Dr Emma Dunlop-Bennett, was welcomed with a pōhiri followed by an ‘ava ceremony at Te Herenga Waka marae and Ngā Mokopuna on Friday 26 September.

Early-career scientists in Aotearoa are struggling to find jobs at home amid funding cuts and institutional reform, and many are now considering—or already making—the move offshore.

A University of Canterbury student says she was crushed and trapped under a mass of people when the crowd outside the student-run Foundry Bar surged toward the entrance. Security, staff, and the university are investigating the incident amid serious safety concerns

With 4286 applications submitted for only 3090 available rooms, about 28% of applicants did not secure a hall placement when offers were released on Friday – a slight improvement from last year when 32% were left without first-round offers.

The Government’s decision in May this year to cease funding of Ako Aotearoa - the National Centre for Tertiary Teaching Excellence - has resulted in the disestablishment of all staff roles at Ako Aotearoa, by 31 December 2025.

By thoughtfully adopting artificial intelligence across operations, the University is setting a new standard in digital experience, earning international recognition for its customer-centric AI Assistant.

Ara Institute of Canterbury recently launched its Pacific Strategy 2025–2030. The strategy aims to create an environment where diverse Pacific learners, families and communities feel safe, valued and empowered to achieve their education aspirations.

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The strategy, built around five pillars including culture, partnerships and learner support, aims to empower Pacific learners and create pathways for leadership and growth.