A panel of staff and students slammed the Uni for its funding cuts at OUSA last Monday, May 1. The Uni is set to cut $60 million from their budget this year, resulting in sweeping job losses across all departments. In response, around 25 people (mostly students) went to the ‘May Day Student-Staff Solidarity Campaign Launch’ hosted by International Socialists Ōtepoti (ISŌ).
The air was thick with anger and discontent. Brian Roper, associate professor of Politics, was “shocked and appalled” by the Uni’s decision, while OUSA President Quintin found it “disappointing”. Annabelle (Politics MA student and Critic staff) described the Uni’s approach as “unempathetic”. “Education staff give their lives to benefit students,” said Annabelle. “I would be completely heartbroken if any lecturers lost their livelihoods.” Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Helen Nicholson told Critic Te Ārohi that the “funding problems are sector-wide” and that their hands are tied.
The cuts are no small thing. “This is the biggest attack on staff and student welfare in the history of Uni,” said Brian. But it’s not only staff who will suffer; students will also be impacted by the cuts. “The education quality is only going down as loans go up,” said Quintin. Professor Nicholson reassured students that they will be able to complete their existing qualifications, and in a Uni comms email last week that their “welfare and education are our priority.”
Professor Helen Nicholson said the effects of Covid are largely to blame for the cuts. Brian said the main cause of the Unis financial crisis, however, is “chronic government underfunding.” According to Brian and Annabelle, this is due to far-reaching neoliberal reforms in the ‘80s which saw massive cuts to public sector funding.
“Uni is owned and funded by the government to perform services,” said Brian. “They’re both to blame but it’s mostly on the government.” Despite the steady rise in inflation, there has been no increase in funding. Annabelle suggested that instead of cutting jobs, the government should tax the rich.
Despite the dire circumstances, many were optimistic about the prospect of change. “We can fight and win,” said Brian. Brian went on to call for “protests, rallies” along with “mass militant operations and strike action.” Rosa, a 5th year law student, said, “I was ready for class revolt after [Brian’s] introduction.”
Tertiary Education Union (TEU) member Brandon assured attendees on Monday that there is a campaign “in the works”. There will be a stop work meeting on Tuesday May 9, and a protest march from the Clocktower hosted by OUSA on the same day calling for greater funding and student support.