Podcasts about tertiary education union

The government's scheme to make the final year of university fees-free comes into effect today. The Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills Penny Simmons admitted no modelling data exists to suggest the subsidy will improve completion rates, but that they are hoping it will incentivize educational success. Tertiary Education Union's National Secretary, Sandra Grey talks to Tim Beveridge. LISTEN ABOVE . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has announced changes to free speech rules for universities, saying it's concerned that they are currently taking a risk based approach and need more diverse opinions. The new rules will set out expectations for universities on how to approach freedom of speech issues and each one will have to adopt a free speech statement. They will also be prohibited from taking positions on issues that don't relate to their core functions. Tertiary Education Union President Sandra Grey says there isn't a problem here that needs to be fixed. "It feels like we've got a heavy-handed approach from a government that apparently is anti-regulation but is now going to put in place the whole lot of requirements on a community that just doesn't need it." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For their regular catch-up, Oto spoke to the Green Party's Ricardo Menéndez March the party's new emissions reduction plan. He spoke to Professor Guhan Gunasekara - an Associate Professor of Commercial Law at the University of Auckland, to discuss an independent evaluation of the trial usage of facial recognition technology in security cameras at Foodstuffs outlets. And he spoke to Nicola Gaston - A professor in the department of Physics at the University of Auckland, to discuss cuts to humanities and social science programs in the Marsden fund. Sasha spoke to  Dr Julie Douglas, National President of the Tertiary Education Union, about the recent cuts to humanities and social sciences from the Marsden Fund. And he spoke to Thomas Dowling, Environment Lecturer and a co-lead on a new earth observation lab launched in collaboration with the University of Auckland.

Just one week ago, science, innovation and technology Minister Judith Collins announced cuts to the Marsden Fund, specifically for humanities and social sciences, reinforcing the government's clear initiative to focus on rebuilding the economy and putting business first. Following this announcement came major backlash from professors, researchers and mainstream news, which claim to shrink the already small percentage of allocated funds towards humanities to an even smaller number. The cuts will also disproportionately affect Maori researchers, cutting the existing 13% of funded research to a proposed 5.5%. Many argue that social sciences and humanities are important for understanding societies' and the science which will be applied to it. However, another viewpoint to consider is the millions of taxpayer money which has been going to silly projects, something which needs to be discussed in further detail. So Sasha spoke to Dr Julie Douglas, National President of the Tertiary Education Union, who believes that the government is making a shortsighted decision for cutting humanities and social sciences from the Marsden Fund.

This week on the Monday Wire. For our weekly catch up, News and Editorial Director, and Monday Wire Host, Joel, speaks to Te Pāti Māori's Takutai Kemp about the party failing to release an annual statement, the Samoan Citizenship bill, and 21 new te reo Māori names being allocated for sites around the Māngere-Ōtāthuhu Local Board area. For our weekly catch up with the ACT Party's Simon Court, Producer Evie talks about the Green Party using the Waka Jumping legislation to remove Darleen Tana from parliament, Gore district council's plans to make the region an area of cultural significance and the University of Auckland's new compulsory paper surrounding Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Joel speaks to the Organiser of the Tertiary Education Union, Nicole Wallace, about the recent union member strikes at the University of Auckland. Evie speaks to Professional teaching fellow at the University of Auckland Dr Eileen Joy about the government's approach to social welfare ignoring systemic causes. And Joel speaks to the Delegate of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation, Shannyn Bristowe, about the recent student nurses rallies that happened across the country. Whakarongo mai!

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party Wire Host Caeden speaks to Labour's Mental Health spokesperson, Ingrid Leary, about Mental Health Awareness Week. For State of the States, they speak to Andre Fa'oso from the Yale Daily News about recent presidential election polling numbers and the execution of Marcellus Williams. And they speak to Daniel Benson-Guiu, Assistant National Secretary of the Tertiary Education Union about today's strikes across four universities. I also speak to University of Auckland's Queer Rights Officer Artie Ho about what the strike means for students.  For City Counselling this week, Sofia speaks to Councillor Julie Fairey about Council's working from home policies and a rubbish bin graveyard found near Auckland Domain following Council removing public rubbish bins as part of its cost-saving drive She also speaks to UNICEF Aotearoa Communications Director Tania Sawicki Mead about an open letter launched with the Global Coalition for Youth Mental Health calling for a multi-sectoral approach to tackle the global mental health funding gap.

Around mid-August this year, senior management at the University of Auckland made an announcement saying that they were looking to cut a number of small postgraduate and undergraduate courses in the Faculty of Arts with less than 60 and 30 students respectively.  The University said that the cuts were being proposed to “optimise” course offerings and address classroom spacing issues. They also said that the cuts came about as a result of a routine review of courses regularly conducted by the University. The announcement resulted in widespread outcry and condemnation by the University of Auckland's senior academics and lecturers, saying that the University gave them a limited timeframe to review and contest the changes, and the decision to cut courses such as Huarahi Māori will have an impact on marginalised communities. Oto spoke to Nicole Wallace, an organiser at the Tertiary Education Union who works with lecturers at the University of Auckland to discuss the course cut proposal and its implications for senior academics and lecturers.

For their weekly catch up with Te Pāti Māori, Oto spoke to Mariameno Kapa-Kingi about Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori last week, Gang patch legislation passing into law, and New Zealand supporting a UN resolution, calling for an end of Israel's occupation of Palestine. He spoke to Nicole Wallace from the Tertiary Education Union to discuss a recent series of proposed cuts to short postgraduate courses at the University of Auckland. And he spoke to John Minto from Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa to discuss Israel's exploding pager attack in Lebanon last week, as well as New Zealand voting in favour of the UN General assembly resolution demanding an end to Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories. For their weekly catch up, Evie spoke to the ACT Party's Simon Court about restricting contract workers from challenging their employment status, and the ban on gang patches passing into law.  She also spoke to E Tū National Secretary Rachel Mackintosh about the same planned changes to the contractor employment law, why the Union opposes these, and what negative impact she believes it will have.

Tonight on The Panel, Wallace Chapman and panellists Claire Amos & Steve McCabe discuss the state of maths education, and a new proposal to share GST from new builds with local councils. Claire Amos is Principal of Albany High School and member of the Aotearoa Educators Collective Steve McCabe is a Lecturer at Manukau institute of Technology & Union branch president for Tertiary Education Union

On this week's Tuesday Wire, For Dear Science, Professor Allan Blackman spoke to us about 100 year old preserved milk, climate change affecting the earth's rotation, and song lyrics becoming simpler over time.  In our weekly catchup with the National Party's James Meager, Wire host Castor spoke to him about transgender issues in light of transgender day of visibility, as well as the Fast Track Approvals Bill.  He also spoke to the University of Auckland's Professor Liz Beddoe about poor working conditions for social work students. He also spoke to Professor Missy Morton about the government's "One size fits all" approach to education inequities.  Producer Sofia spoke to Doctor Julie Douglas from the Tertiary Education Union about the importance of safe spaces for tauira with regards to discourse surrounding a study space for Māori and Pasifika students at the University of Auckland. She also spoke to Sophora from Fridays for Future Tāmaki Makaurau about the climate strike on Friday the 5th of April.  Enjoy the show!

A Māori and Pasifika study space at Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland, has engendered wide discourse about safe spaces in universities.  Commentary has included ACT MP Dr Parmjeet Parmar saying the space is a form of segregation, and New Zealand First leader Winston Peters saying it is comparable to the Ku Klux Klan and apartheid in South Africa.  Producer Sofia Roger Williams spoke to Dr Julie Douglas, the National Co-President for the Tertiary Education Union, about this commentary and the importance of these spaces for these tauira.

There's concerns the Government's plan to switch the first year of free tertiary study to the final year won't hit the mark.  The Tertiary Education Commission has told a select committee this week that there's no discernible evidence the first-year policy changed numbers of low decile school students attending university.  Tertiary Education Union National Secretary Sandra Grey says once students get past the first year, they usually stay until the end.  So, she told Mike Hosking, it doesn't make a lot of sense to make the final year free.  Grey says students need support when they're trying to transition either off the benefit and unemployment into study, or when they're going from school into study.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For our regular catch-up with the Green Part, News and Editorial Director, Jessica Hopkins, spoke to co-leader, James Shaw, about the government's plans to increase benefit sanctions and Israel's ground invasion of Rafah. She talked to Local Government New Zealand President and Selwyn District Council Mayor, Sam Broughton, about the government re-introducing referendums on Māori wards. And she spoke to Medical Oncologist, Dr George Laking, about an initiative taking cancer services into marae and other community settings. News teamer Faith spoke to Tertiary Education Union organiser, Drew Mayhem, about union members at Yoobee College of Creative Innovation striking yesterday. Producer Olivia spoke to musician Jason Parker about the relationship between pop music and queerness in Aotearoa, and his event, the “Little Gay In”. And for Get Action! this week, she spoke to Fairer Future spokesperson, Vanessa Cole, about our welfare system's restrictive relationship regulations.

Yesterday union members at Yoobee College of Creative Innovation campuses across the motu went on strike for four and a half hours after failed collective agreement negotiations that have been going on since September 2022. News teamer Faith spoke to Tertiary Education Union organiser, Drew Mayhem, about why their members took strike action.

The new government has instructed Te Pūkenga to halt its multi-million-dollar transformation - putting hundreds of jobs in limbo. The organisation's chief executive told staff on Thursday they were considering what the change meant for recently hired staff and those due to be made redundant next year. Sandra Grey of the Tertiary Education Union says there is no clear direction going forward, which it is hugely disruptive for both staff and students. Grey spoke to Corin Dann.

Anger at the Government's decision to disestablish tertiary education programme Te Pukenga.  Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds announced the move yesterday, following a Letter of Expectation saying they're not prioritising it.  But the Tertiary Education Union is worried Simmonds has no clear plan on what happens next, and no vision for the sector.   National Secretary Sandra Grey says their members won't have any job certainty until well into the new year.  She says they go into Christmas not knowing if they'll have a job, lose it, or have to apply for something entirely new.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Academic staff at Massey University have made a bid to save their jobs and ensure the future of sciences at the institution. Staff and the Tertiary Education Union have today sent Massey an alternative plan to the cuts the university is proposing as it stares down an unprecedented deficit. Reporter Jimmy Ellingham has the story.

The Tuesday Wire team is joined by Davide Mercadante for Dear Science. The team discusses honesty migration drain, the false probability of coin flips and a new enzyme that fights against viruses and mutations. Nicholas catches up with the National Party's Dr Shane Reti about the election results, National's healthcare priorities, the disestablishment of Te Aka Whai Ora (The Māori Health Authority) and their potential coalition partners, the ACT party. Nicholas also spoke to Dr Carwyn Jones, an expert in Treaty of Waitangi law and legislation about the facts surrounding the legal obligations set out in Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the referendum on Treaty principals that was proposed by the ACT Party.  Lou spoke to Julie Douglas from the Tertiary Education Union about the state of University funding.  They also spoke to Ananish Chaudhuri, Professor of Experimental Economics at the University of Auckland in regards to the ongoing Google Antitrust lawsuit. Josh spoke to Timothy Welch about Nationals plan to scrap the clean car rebate scheme.

The Tertiary Education Union says Massey University is being short sighted and damaging with plans to cut even more staff. The University's proposal would see 40 full time staff axed from its college of humanities and social sciences. Massey was already planning other cuts, as it faces a $50 million loss this year. TEU organiser Ben Schmidt spoke to Corin Dann

Pleas from Massey University's science faculty seem to have fallen on deaf ears.  The university is forecasting a loss of more than $50 million, well up from last year's deficit of around $8.8 million.  It plans to slash around 100 science jobs and stop teaching engineering at Albany.  Tertiary Education Union organiser Ben Schmidt told Kate Hawkesby that Vice-Chancellor Jan Thomas seems determined to push through with it.  He says she needs to slow down, listen to staff and work for better funding, maintaining these services and access to education.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The country's three biggest education unions have joined forces to put education funding on the political agenda this election campaign. A new BERL report has found public spending per student in 2019 was nearly 25 percent lower than the OECD average. Tertiary Education Union National President Julie Douglas says more investment would allow better decisions about the sort of system we want. "I think that we would make sure that the programs are secure and staff are secure, so we can be delivering to a wide range of passions of students." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tertiary Education Union says it's dismayed at the extent the University of Waikato's Vice Chancellor worked with the National Party on its proposal for a new medical school in Hamilton. Documents, seen by RNZ, show that before an announcement on the plans, vice chancellor Professor Neil Quigley was in constant contact with the party's health spokesperson, Dr Shane Reti, telling him a medical school could be a 'present' for a future National government. The union has previously criticised Waikato University for spending almost a million dollars over three years on strategic advice from a former Minister of Tertiary Education, National's Steven Joyce. TEU National Secretary Sandra Grey says it's a terrible look for the institution. Grey spoke to Morning Report.

As the government promises a range of initiatives to boost nursing numbers, Massey University is scrapping its Bachelor of Nursing at its Auckland campus. From next year, the programme will be available at the Manawatu and Wellington campuses only. Massey University says discontinuing the course will "reduce the duplication of resources". The announcement comes a month after the government revealed a plan to address the nursing workforce shortage, including a 'significant increase' in the number of nurses trained domestically. The plan has been described as 'short-sighted' by both the nurses union and the Tertiary Education Union. Kathryn speaks with Kere Nuku, Kaiwhakahaere (president) of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation and TEU Organiser Ben Schmidt.

A Tertiary Education Commission briefing shows it believes Te Pukenga's plans to cut 400 jobs does not go far enough. Tertiary Education Union president Julie Douglas says the report is a disgrace. She says the commission has overstepped the mark and is wrong to suggest that education must be 'profitable'. She spoke to Corin Dann.

On The Wire for Rāhina Monday: - Spike speaks to ACT MP Simon Court about ACT's youth justice policy announcements, and water researcher Marnie Prickett about Auckland Council's flood mitigation plan, along with new nitrate readings from South Auckland. - Rawan speaks to Ben Schmidt from the Tertiary Education Union about voluntary redundancies at Massey University, and Auckland University Professor of Physics Richard Easther about the recent discovery of gravitational waves for Tomorrow's World. - and Nicholas speaks to the newly appointed Grocery Commissioner Pierre Van Heerden about the role, and his focuses going in.   

Last week Massey University approved the proposed job cuts across admin jobs as well as some in the health and science department.  In the announcement Vice chancellor Jan Thomas called for another 125 voluntary redundancies across staff members.  The Tertiary Education Union where disappointed by this announcement. Rawan spoke with organiser Ben Schmidt about what these extra redundancies mean, why these issues have occurred and why the recent announcement of more government money is not solving the problem. 

Another university appears to be preparing to make further staff cuts. Massey University is working to formalise policies to axe courses with low enrolments, and eliminate duplication of courses across its three campuses. Massey University declined RNZ's request for an interview, but joining us now is Ben Schmidt from the Tertiary Education Union. Ben Schmidt spoke to Corin Dann.

The Government has stepped in to announce a $128 million funding package to assist our struggling universities.   This comes after a proposal to cut more than 200 jobs at Victoria University of Wellington, which would have seen entire courses removed from the syllabus and others folded into neighbouring departments - just one of many universities that have had to take this measure amid growing budget holes.  While the Government has responded to the furious calls from staff to plug the funding gap, serious questions persist about whether these steps go far enough.   So why are our universities struggling to make ends meet, and what does this mean for the future of tertiary education?  Dougal McNeill, a senior lecturer in English at Victoria University of Wellington and the Tertiary Education Union branch president gives Damien his take on whether the Government's handout is enough.  Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tertiary Education Union is welcoming the $128 million cash injection to the struggling sector. Split over the next two years, it'll increase tuition subsidies by an extra four percent at degree-level and above. The Government is also promising to review the funding system for universities. Union National President Julie Douglas is hopeful the boost will allow Vice-Chancellors at Otago and Victoria universities to reconsider job cut proposals. She says the universities have a level of autonomy over what to spend it on, but the money wasn't given for a new building and stems from a long union campaign. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A union leader says that planned staff layoffs at Victoria University of Wellington are causing shock, disbelief and upset on campus. The Tertiary Education Union says Victoria, which has a 33 million dollar deficit, intends to axe 230 academic and non-academic staff. Branch president, Dougal McNeill, says the cuts will be across many areas, including arts, science and commerce. Dougal McNeill spoke to Corin Dann.

The Tertiary Education Union says that the national training organisation Te Pukenga has never been funded well enough to achieve its aims. Te Pukenga is proposing to cut about 950 jobs in a major overhaul, resulting in a net loss of 404 full-time equivalent staff. Daniel Benson-Guiu is an organiser for the Tertiary Education Union and spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

A former education boss has slammed a mega-polytech's move to cut 400 of its 10,000 workers as the latest chapter in the "trainsmash that is Te Pukenga". The Tertiary Education Union says staff have been told hundreds of jobs could go. Former Te Pukenga Deputy Chief Executive Merran Davis told Mike Hosking it was expected there'd be some sort of operating model to ensure better education outcomes when the country's 16 polytechs were centralised. She says they still have no operating model three years down the track and many millions of dollars later. Te Pukenga says no final decisions have been made.' LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cash-strapped Waikato University has paid nearly $1 million to an advisory firm run by former National Party Cabinet Minister Steven Joyce. The university says Mr Joyce's experience in business and marketing has made a big contribution to the university, but the Tertiary Education Union says it is appalled at the expenditure, given the tough financial times faced by the entire tertiary sector. Guyon Espiner has been investigating and spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Professor Rat Catchers are apparently a new thing at Massey University. In an email the varsity's told staff they're responsible for disposing of dead rodents and vermin in traps that are in the buildings they work in. And it's also their job to lock and load the traps with yummy peanut butter. It follows on from cuts to non-academic staff including maintenance and campus trade people. Tertiary Education Union organiser Ben Schmidt talks to Lisa Owen.

Some universities are facing tough times with falling enrollments and job cuts looming. Kathryn speaks to Chris Whelan the Executive director of Universities New Zealand and Dr Julie Douglas president of the Tertiary Education Union about what's happening in the university sector.

The Tertiary Education Union says it will fight for every employee as Victoria University considers up to 260 job cuts. The university has a $33 million deficit to fill, citing declining enrolments and revenue as the reason for potential restructures. The Tertiary Education Union's Victoria University branch president, Dougal McNeill, spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Fears slashing jobs at Victoria University jobs could force tertiary sector standards to slip. The Wellington university is proposing to cut up to 260 jobs, in the face of a $33 million deficit. Tertiary Education Union National President Julie Douglas, says the cuts are no good. "What our focus is on is the quality output of good, well-educated graduates. And I think what we're risking here is the standard of our public education sector." Otago University this year announced similar plans for large-scale redundancies and mega-polytech Te Pukenga also expects job losses. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tertiary Education Union is shocked by the number of jobs potentially on the chopping block at Otago University. Several hundred staff could be made redundant as dwindling student numbers takes a toll. They're down by about 670 so the university needs to reduce its annual budget by $60 million. Union National Secretary Sandra Grey joined Roman Travers. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A newly released survey of staff at Te Pukenga finds one in three staff do not believe they have a future with the new mega polytech, and the vast majority would not recommend working there to family or friends. The survey was conducted in October and November last year and responded to by over four thousand three hundred staff, or 50 per cent. The results show only 12% of those surveyed said they understood how the changes will impact on them and the work they do. Staff reported feeling anxiety and fatigue over change, frustration over under staffing and a lack of faith in management. Meanwhile the main union representing academic staff at Te Pukenga, the Tertiary Education Union, says it is watching any restructuring plans extremely closely after the Chief Executive announced on Nine to Noon recently that between 200 and 1000 jobs could be lost. TEU National Secretary Sandra Grey says the numbers took everyone by surprise as there had been no consultation. She says the survey results describe a dire situation for Te Pukenga staff, akin to "death by a thousand cuts"

The Tertiary Education Union is celebrating a win against the Auckland University of Technology over planned redundancies. The union took action against the university in the Employment Relations Authority after dozens of staff faced losing their jobs. Union organiser Jill Jones spoke to Charlotte Cook. AUT declined a request for an interview.

Yesterday Nine to Noon looked at the impact of redundancies at AUT among academic staff - particularly on post-graduate students who are losing their supervisors. 170 academic positions are being cut by the university, but there are concerns about whether the criteria by which staff were selected to lose their jobs was fair. Legal proceedings have been launched by the Tertiary Education Union, which says the University has truncated the processes for dismissal set out in the collective agreement. It argues staff were selected because they failed to meet teaching and research requirements they didn't know they were subject to. Kathryn speaks to Damon Salesa, who is Vice-Chancellor of AUT.

Post-graduate students are petitioning the Auckland University of Technology over academic staff cuts - saying it's hugely disruptive and will impact New Zealand's research sector. AUT planned to cut 170 academic positions - those affected had till last Thursday to take voluntary redundancy or face a compulsory layoff. The petition states the criteria for selecting which staff would go was based on unjust and flawed performance criteria - something backed by the Tertiary Education Union which is taking legal action against AUT on similar grounds. Susie talks to TEU organiser Jill Jones, PhD students Sarah and Melanie Welfare - who have both signed the petition requesting AUT reinstate staff.

Questions to Ministers BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has he seen on the New Zealand economy? CHRISTOPHER LUXON to the Prime Minister: Does she stand by all of her Government's statements and actions? STEPH LEWIS to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: What announcements has she made about making childcare more affordable? NICOLA WILLIS to the Minister of Finance: Has the Reserve Bank failed its mandate to keep inflation between 1 percent and 3 percent on average over the medium term, and by what date does he expect inflation to come back within that range? TAMATI COFFEY to the Minister for Economic and Regional Development: What announcements has he made about supporting regional economies? TONI SEVERIN to the Minister of Corrections: How many of the 7,964 prisoners managed by Corrections in September 2022 were assessed as not meeting English literacy competency standards according to the Literacy and Numeracy for Adults Assessment Tool, and how many prisoners were assessed as not meeting numeracy competency standards using the same tool? Hon PAUL GOLDSMITH to the Minister of Justice: Is she confident the justice system is delivering justice and offering appropriate support to the victims of crime? MARJA LUBECK to the Associate Minister of Education (School Operations): What supports has the Government put in place to assist secondary school students in the lead up to NCEA exams? ERICA STANFORD to the Minister of Immigration: Why is the green list not scheduled to be reviewed until mid-2023 when there is significant pressure across the health system due to staff shortages, and does he agree with the chair of Health NZ that an immigration fast-track for overseas nurses would be helpful? ANAHILA KANONGATA'A-SUISUIKI to the Minister of Justice: What changes will the Government progress to the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012? CHLÖE SWARBRICK to the Minister of Education: Will the Government lead tripartite conversations between this country's universities, the Ministry of Education, and the Tertiary Education Union to break the impasse on wages and resultant strike action; if not, why not? Hon MARK MITCHELL to the Minister of Police: Does he stand by his statement, "the majority of the people undertaking this type of offending are not people who are affiliated with gangs"; if so, has he seen a report that young people involved in ram raids are stealing for gangsters?

The Government's being urged to accept responsibility over the tertiary education pay disputes. Those are the disputes that have been leading to strike action. The Tertiary Education Union says the Government's continuing to push that this is an issue between an employer and their union, and nothing to do with them. Their National Secretary, Sandra Grey, says that the Government needs to get involved and step in for the good of the country. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tertiary Education Union has organised a number of strikes over the past few weeks. Other industries and professions may also choose to strike in the near future. NZ has a long history of strikes, and the most famous ones occurred a long time ago. Today Dr Grant Morris looks back at the history of workers striking in Aotearoa.

Some staff at the University of Otago have taken measures to ensure today's strike does not negatively affect their students. Members of the University of Otago branch of the Tertiary Education Union (TEU) will down tools at 2pm today for a two-hour rally, part of strike action occurring across all New Zealand universities as the union pushes for an 8 per cent pay rise to keep pay in step with inflation. Branch organiser Philip Edwards said members had expressed concerns about minimising the effect on students. "Many of our staff are going to go out on strike, but they're also going to ensure that the students are not affected," he said. This would be done by such actions as videoing lectures ahead of time, providing other resources and making schedule changes. Despite the concerns, support for the strike was strong. The branch had nearly 1200 members across five locations, who voted "overwhelmingly" in favour of taking strike action in a ballot held last week. University of Otago vice-chancellor Prof David Murdoch said in an email sent to university staff on Tuesday that pay would not be deducted for striking staff. This was a gesture of good faith and the university was hopeful of finding a solution through bargaining. The university worked to make "fair and reasonable" offers that rewarded staff as much as possible while upholding its duty of fiscal responsibility, he said. - Otago Daily TimesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Wire for Rāapa Wednesday: Casper speaks to David Seymour in our weekly chat with the ACT Party, this week, they chat about the ACT party's calls to reduce or scrap mandatory covid isolation periods, as well as their party fundraiser for Ukraine. Emilia chats to Dr Sean Sturm from the Tertiary Education Union about their decision to strike for better pay. She also chats with our European correspondent Cameron Adams in this week's installation of Eurovision  And News & Editorial Director Jessica Hopkins speaks to Louisa Jones from First Union about bus driver shortages across Aotearoa.  That's us for the Wednesday Wire! See you next week.

Staff from all 8 of Aotearoa's universities have voted to strike tomorrow, demanding a pay rise of 8 per cent to match inflation.  87 per cent of Tertiary Education Union members voted in favour of the strike action, which comes just weeks before students are set to begin exams, citing difficulties keeping up with the cost of living, and "unmanageable workloads" caused by persistent cost cutting and underinvestment in staff. Emilia spoke to Dr Sean Sturm, a University of Auckland lecturer who is a bargaining team representative at the Tertiary Education Union

Staff from all 8 of Aotearoa's universities have voted to strike tomorrow, demanding a pay rise of 8 per cent to match inflation.  87 per cent of Tertiary Education Union members voted in favour of the strike action, which comes just weeks before students are set to begin exams, citing difficulties keeping up with the cost of living, and "unmanageable workloads" caused by persistent cost cutting and underinvestment in staff. Emilia spoke to Dr Sean Sturm, a University of Auckland lecturer who is a bargaining team representative at the Tertiary Education Union

This week on The Wire for Rāapa Wednesday: Casper speaks to David Seymour in our weekly chat with the ACT Party, this week, they chat about the ACT party's calls to reduce or scrap mandatory covid isolation periods, as well as their party fundraiser for Ukraine. Emilia chats to Dr Sean Sturm from the Tertiary Education Union about their decision to strike for better pay. She also chats with our European correspondent Cameron Adams in this week's installation of Eurovision  And News & Editorial Director Jessica Hopkins speaks to Louisa Jones from First Union about bus driver shortages across Aotearoa.  That's us for the Wednesday Wire! See you next week.

Union members at all eight of Aotearoa's universities will strike for higher pay later this week. They're calling for a pay increase of eight percent to match the rising cost of living, and action could last up to two weeks. Just weeks before university exams, 7000 employees will stop working in some form which will disrupt lectures, workshops, and a variety of campus operations. The Tertiary Education Union's national secretary Sandra Grey spoke to Corin Dann.

Staff across all eight of New Zealand's major universities are striking this week, as they don't feel that their pay matches up with the rising costs of living. The Tertiary Education Union says that at least 7000 staff members are involved in a collective bargaining agreement. National Secretary of the Tertiary Education Union, Sandra Grey, is here to talk us through the strike and what university staff want out of the protest in terms of pay. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Potential job losses at AUT are being seen as a tragedy for staff and students. Up to 230 staff could be cut. A drop in student numbers and growing economic pressures are being cited as the reason for the proposed restructure. The Tertiary Education Union says there seems to be too much focus on business outcomes rather than academic ones. President Tina Smith told Kate Hawkesby this isn't the right time to be doing it. She says with our skill shortage at the moment we need educated people. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National president of the Tertiary Education Union, Tina Smith, told Today FM our Universities should be doing everything they can to keep skilled staff.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Potential job losses at AUT are being seen as a tragedy for staff and students. Up to 230 staff could be cut. A drop in student numbers and growing economic pressures are being cited as the reason for the proposed restructure. The Tertiary Education Union says there seems to be too much focus on business outcomes rather than academic ones. President Tina Smith told Kate Hawkesby this isn't the right time to be doing it. She says with our skill shortage at the moment we need educated people. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The president of the Tertiary Education Union has weighed in on the dramas at New Zealand's new mega-polytechnic. Stephen Town has stepped down as head of Te Pukenga, after weeks of controversy. Town took special leave for six-weeks, while continuing to be paid up to $13,000 a week. Tina Smith told Mike Hosking she believes in the new polytech model, but setting it up could've been managed better. She says the organisation spent too much time on high level strategies and not enough time on practical aspects. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Colin Batrouney discusses the Monkeypox vaccine that's now available in Australia, the community's response and Thorne Harbour Health's extensive community education and liaison work in the field.  He also discusses where the vaccine is available and eligibility for access.  Thorne Harbour Health - supporting LGBTI communities and people living with HIV | Thorne Harbour Health  Sean Mulcahy discusses concerns about the Government rollout of the Monkeypox vaccine in regional Victoria.  He discusses his campaign to be the Secretary of the La Trobe University Branch of the National Tertiary Education Union. Dr Sean Mulcahy - Strong United NTEU  Songwriter and musician Rhyver Mores aka VER chats about their upcoming audio-visual EP The State of Things and we hear their new single Mama.  VÉR - CHAPTER V: Mama (the state of things) - (Official Music Video) - YouTube  VÉR | Facebook  Sovereignty was never ceded.  3CR broadcasts from the stolen lands of the Kulin Nation. 

About Charles Royal - http://www.charles-royal.nz/ In 2021, 7 University of Auckland professors penned a letter to the editor in the Listener, titled In Defence of Science. The professors' were responding to a Government education report (link below), recommending parity for Mātauranga Māori in the secondary school curriculum, and in particular, in the science classroom. The report states: ”Our goal is to ensure parity for mātauranga Māori with the other bodies of knowledge credentialed by NCEA (particularly Western/Pākehā epistemologies)." The report also states: "Philosophy and History of Science is a unique strand in Pūtaiao [Māori word for Science], with no equivalent in the New Zealand Curriculum. It promotes discussion and analysis of the ways in which science has been used to support the dominance of Eurocentric views (among which, its use as a rationale for colonisation of Māori and the suppression of Māori knowledge); and the notion that science is a Western European invention and itself evidence of European dominance over Māori and other indigenous peoples. Pūtaiao allows opportunities to incorporate Māori perspectives and knowledge about the natural world into the classroom. In this regard, it decentres Western epistemologies and methodologies." The professors' were concerned by "the disturbing misunderstandings of science emerging at all levels of education and in science funding", which they state encourages a mistrust of science, in the context of the decline in maths and science achievements in New Zealand schools, particularly by Māori and Pacific Islanders. Their letter stated: "Indigenous knowledge is critical for the preservation and perpetuation of culture and local practices, and plays key roles in management and policy. However, in the discovery of empirical, universal truths, it falls far short of what we can define as science itself. To accept it as the equivalent of science is to patronise and fail indigenous populations; better to ensure that everyone participates in the world's scientific enterprises. Indigenous knowledge may indeed help advance scientific knowledge in some ways, but it is not science". The reaction to the "In Defence of Science" by the University of Auckland, the Royal Society of New Zealand Te Apārangi, the Tertiary Education Union, and the New Zealand Association of Scientists was not positive, see links NZ Herald - Scientists rubbish Auckland University professors' letter claiming Māori knowledge is not science https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbEtvODJVRnBHYlpjZlRnTE10bDFvRFRXbUJ5UXxBQ3Jtc0tsQmZncXZOTGpaQkhfdkNPd3FNQkZvRmhlTzJ2cGp6dkxPd2pIcFF3LTZsNXJEeThoSU1vVGp3RXZrYmo0ZzVLM0FKQ2U5ZUJFVVVDZTl0UVg3R3JWX0xrTDZNVWZsQ1ZFZzFFZHRFdWRYa0lxLXptSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2F2p8v2h9s (https://tinyurl.com/2p8v2h9s) RNZ - University academics' claim mātauranga Māori 'not science' sparks controversy https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbXhRX3ZaWVU4bzlycHpuUHpQemtvdVlhMHRrQXxBQ3Jtc0treUhPb3ptTjFVZGk0TGZFNTY1NWFLWmtsRGNKWUIzQ0dYaG8wNWE0aFBoU3hoOWNncXZBbDJwLUZ5V3BUWFhvVnVvcW9lOXBhNENqbGt1d3kyenJJUUhxTTFSRGFXWGVraVlVeTA3RmxKQ3ZoTGJNVQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2F2ybvk3ja (https://tinyurl.com/2ybvk3ja) Research Professional News - Public letter from academics sparks Māori science row https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3VHSDlsdDNNN0NlT3ZXbjhlU0VWNUI0Yk8wUXxBQ3Jtc0trcjBKRktWcGhXYzRfR0pqeWhOLURnZnpqN0V4SWE5YjZ0WmhOVW5tZlBsX19iYkhQanhjQmpGbHlwTUtLSmswQUQwMHJoS205WURLZlljZzRHQXVnRXF0N3FmVmN3X3BqdkRpZ01tcjBhYnYtU2NhSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2F3juc66yc (https://tinyurl.com/3juc66yc) An open letter in response to the professors' letter by Hendy and Wiles, "An open response to In defence of science" co-signed by 2000 people....

Questions are being raised around a spike in student drop out rates. Ministry of Education figures released to Stuff show one in three first-year polytech students quit last year. New national polytech agency, Te Pukenga, is under fire for a ballooning deficit and falling enrolments. But Tertiary Education Union President, Tina Smith, told Heather du Plessis-Allan students drop out for a range of reasons. She says it could be because of personal circumstances or because they've been approached by a business who wants to take them on. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are the governments plans for a mega-polytech in serious trouble? Te Pukenga - or the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology - is supposed to be up and running by the January 1 2023, bringing together the all of the country's polytechnics, institutes of technology and Industry Training Organisations. But the entity is facing a deficit of up to $110 million, $53.5 million more than budgeted, partly due to lower enrolments. The Chief Executive is on unexplained leave, an acting CE is in place, and last week the Chairperson extended an apology to all staff for not listening and not appreciating their expertise. The Education Minister Chris Hipkins says he's made it clear to Te Pukenga that the projected deficit is too high and wants an urgent update on how it is triming costs and creating further efficiencies. Kathryn speaks with the President of the Tertiary Education Union, Tina Smith.

Great potential to reduce competition across the sector.Newstalk ZB has obtained memos between Tertiary Education Commission deputy chief executive Gillian Dudgeon and Education Minister Chris Hipkins.They reveal concerns about the financial position of the new national polytech body, formed by merging our 16 institutes.Tertiary Education Union president Tina Smith told Andrew Dickens something needed to change.“We had 16 competing polytechnics who were all competing for the same students, wasting millions of dollars on marketing budgets, just to get the same students. It was just ridiculous.”LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor Anthony Poole School of Biological Sciences University of Auckland https://profiles.auckland.ac.nz/appo310 (https://profiles.auckland.ac.nz/appo310) Professor Poole's Articles https://theconversation.com/japans-path-to-becoming-a-leader-in-western-science-an-asian-perspective-on-science-and-other-forms-of-knowledge-179191 (Japan's path to becoming a leader in Western science: an Asian perspective on science and other forms of knowledge (short version)) https://openinquiry.nz/2022/03/26/japans-path-to-becoming-leaders-in-western-science-an-asian-perspective-on-science-and-other-forms-of-knowledge/ (Japan's path to becoming leaders in ‘Western' science: an Asian perspective on science and other forms of knowledge (long version)) Ministry of Education's curriculum article  https://ncea.education.govt.nz/science/chemistry-and-biology?view=learning (What is Chemistry and Biology about?) In July 2021, seven University of Auckland professors published a letter to the editor in the New Zealand Listener, titled "In Defence of Science". The professors' were responding to a Government education report (see link below), recommending parity for Mātauranga Māori in the secondary school curriculum, and in particular, in the science classroom. The report states: ”Our goal is to ensure parity for mātauranga Māori with the other bodies of knowledge credentialed by NCEA (particularly Western/Pākehā epistemologies)." The report also states: "Philosophy and History of Science is a unique strand in Pūtaiao [Māori word for Science], with no equivalent in the New Zealand Curriculum. It promotes discussion and analysis of the ways in which science has been used to support the dominance of Eurocentric views (among which, its use as a rationale for colonisation of Māori and the suppression of Māori knowledge); and the notion that science is a Western European invention and itself evidence of European dominance over Māori and other indigenous peoples. Pūtaiao allows opportunities to incorporate Māori perspectives and knowledge about the natural world into the classroom. In this regard, it decentres Western epistemologies and methodologies." The professors' letter arose from their concern for "the disturbing misunderstandings of science emerging at all levels of education and in science funding", which they state is encourages a mistrust of science. Their concern is in the context of the decline in maths and science achievements in New Zealand schools, particularly by Māori and Pacific Island students. Their letter stated that: "Indigenous knowledge is critical for the preservation and perpetuation of culture and local practices, and plays key roles in management and policy. However, in the discovery of empirical, universal truths, it falls far short of what we can define as science itself. To accept it as the equivalent of science is to patronise and fail indigenous populations; better to ensure that everyone participates in the world's scientific enterprises. Indigenous knowledge may indeed help advance scientific knowledge in some ways, but it is not science". The reaction to the "In Defence of Science" by the University of Auckland, the Royal Society of New Zealand Te Apārangi, the Tertiary Education Union, and the New Zealand Association of Scientists was not positive and can be viewed in the following articles… NZ Herald - Scientists rubbish Auckland University professors' letter claiming Māori knowledge is not science https://tinyurl.com/2p8v2h9s (https://tinyurl.com/2p8v2h9s) RNZ - University academics' claim mātauranga Māori 'not science' sparks controversy https://tinyurl.com/2ybvk3ja (https://tinyurl.com/2ybvk3ja) Research Professional News - Public letter from academics sparks Māori science row https://tinyurl.com/3juc66yc (https://tinyurl.com/3juc66yc) An open letter in response to the professors' letter by professors Hendy and Wiles, "An open response to In defence of science" was co-signed by

Professor Paul Kilmartin - https://unidirectory.auckland.ac.nz/profile/p-kilmartin (https://unidirectory.auckland.ac.nz/profile/p-kilmartin) In July 2021, seven University of Auckland professors published a letter to the editor in the New Zealand Listener, titled "In Defence of Science". The professors' were responding to a Government education report (see link below), recommending parity for Mātauranga Māori in the secondary school curriculum, and in particular, in the science classroom. The report states: ”Our goal is to ensure parity for mātauranga Māori with the other bodies of knowledge credentialed by NCEA (particularly Western/Pākehā epistemologies)." The report also states: "Philosophy and History of Science is a unique strand in Pūtaiao [Māori word for Science], with no equivalent in the New Zealand Curriculum. It promotes discussion and analysis of the ways in which science has been used to support the dominance of Eurocentric views (among which, its use as a rationale for colonisation of Māori and the suppression of Māori knowledge); and the notion that science is a Western European invention and itself evidence of European dominance over Māori and other indigenous peoples. Pūtaiao allows opportunities to incorporate Māori perspectives and knowledge about the natural world into the classroom. In this regard, it decentres Western epistemologies and methodologies." The professors' letter arose from their concern for "the disturbing misunderstandings of science emerging at all levels of education and in science funding", which they state is encourages a mistrust of science. Their concern is in the context of the decline in maths and science achievements in New Zealand schools, particularly by Māori and Pacific Island students. Their letter stated that: "Indigenous knowledge is critical for the preservation and perpetuation of culture and local practices, and plays key roles in management and policy. However, in the discovery of empirical, universal truths, it falls far short of what we can define as science itself. To accept it as the equivalent of science is to patronise and fail indigenous populations; better to ensure that everyone participates in the world's scientific enterprises. Indigenous knowledge may indeed help advance scientific knowledge in some ways, but it is not science". The reaction to the "In Defence of Science" by the University of Auckland, the Royal Society of New Zealand Te Apārangi, the Tertiary Education Union, and the New Zealand Association of Scientists was not positive and can be viewed in the following articles… NZ Herald - Scientists rubbish Auckland University professors' letter claiming Māori knowledge is not science https://tinyurl.com/2p8v2h9s (https://tinyurl.com/2p8v2h9s) RNZ - University academics' claim mātauranga Māori 'not science' sparks controversy https://tinyurl.com/2ybvk3ja (https://tinyurl.com/2ybvk3ja) Research Professional News - Public letter from academics sparks Māori science row https://tinyurl.com/3juc66yc (https://tinyurl.com/3juc66yc) An open letter in response to the professors' letter by professors Hendy and Wiles, "An open response to In defence of science" was co-signed by 2000 people. https://tinyurl.com/2p8m65xn (https://tinyurl.com/2p8m65xn) Sadly, professor Corballis is no longer with us. He was diagnosed with lymphoma in October. The same month the Royal Society announced a breach of conduct inquisition into professor Corballis and two of his co-authors, professors Nola and Cooper, all fellows of the august institution. The Society launched the inquisition having publicly criticised the professors for their letter. Furthermore, the Society initially included two inquisition panellists who had previously signed the Hendy/Wiles open letter against the professors, and all five complainants who sparked the inquisition were anonymous. The Royal Society's stated role is to "advance and promote research and scholarly activity, the

Professor Krauss - https://www.lawrencemkrauss.com/ In 2021, seven University of Auckland professors published a letter titled In Defence of Science. The professors' were responding to a Government education report (link below), recommending parity for Mātauranga Māori in the secondary school curriculum, and in particular, in the science classroom. The report states: ”Our goal is to ensure parity for mātauranga Māori with the other bodies of knowledge credentialed by NCEA (particularly Western/Pākehā epistemologies)." The report also states: "Philosophy and History of Science is a unique strand in Pūtaiao [Māori word for Science], with no equivalent in the New Zealand Curriculum. It promotes discussion and analysis of the ways in which science has been used to support the dominance of Eurocentric views (among which, its use as a rationale for colonisation of Māori and the suppression of Māori knowledge); and the notion that science is a Western European invention and itself evidence of European dominance over Māori and other indigenous peoples. Pūtaiao allows opportunities to incorporate Māori perspectives and knowledge about the natural world into the classroom. In this regard, it decentres Western epistemologies and methodologies." The professors' letter arose from their concern for "the disturbing misunderstandings of science emerging at all levels of education and in science funding", which they state is encourages a mistrust of science. Their concern is in the context of the decline in maths and science achievements in New Zealand schools, particularly by Māori and Pacific Island students. Their letter stated that: "Indigenous knowledge is critical for the preservation and perpetuation of culture and local practices, and plays key roles in management and policy. However, in the discovery of empirical, universal truths, it falls far short of what we can define as science itself. To accept it as the equivalent of science is to patronise and fail indigenous populations; better to ensure that everyone participates in the world's scientific enterprises. Indigenous knowledge may indeed help advance scientific knowledge in some ways, but it is not science". The reaction to the "In Defence of Science" by the University of Auckland, the Royal Society of New Zealand Te Apārangi, the Tertiary Education Union, and the New Zealand Association of Scientists was not positive and can be viewed in the following articles… NZ Herald - Scientists rubbish Auckland University professors' letter claiming Māori knowledge is not science https://tinyurl.com/2p8v2h9s RNZ - University academics' claim mātauranga Māori 'not science' sparks controversy https://tinyurl.com/2ybvk3ja Research Professional News - Public letter from academics sparks Māori science row https://tinyurl.com/3juc66yc An open letter in response to the professors' letter by professors Hendy and Wiles, "An open response to In defence of science" was co-signed by 2000 people. https://tinyurl.com/2p8m65xn Sadly, professor Corballis is no longer with us, having been diagnosed with cancer in October. The same month the Royal Society announced a breach of conduct inquiry into Corballis and two of his co-authors, Nola and Cooper, all fellows of the Society. The Society had publicly criticised the professors for the letter. Furthermore, it initially included two panellists who had signed the Hendy/Wiles letter against the professors, and all five complainants who sparked the inquiry were anonymous. The Royal Society's role is to "advance and promote research and scholarly activity, the pursuit of knowledge". However, the Society seems blind to their lack of impartiality and due process and to the irony of prosecuting some of New Zealand's most preeminent scholars for academic expression well within the limits of their professional, legal and ethical obligations. After pressure from renowned international scientists such as Richard Dawkins, Steven Pinker and Jerry...

This is part of an ongoing investigation into what is and isn't science and whether indigenous "ways of knowings" have a scientific basis. In July 2021, seven University of Auckland professors published a letter to the editor in the New Zealand Listener, titled In Defence of Science. The professors' were responding to a Government education report (see link below), recommending parity for Mātauranga Māori in the secondary school curriculum, and in particular, in the science classroom. The report states: ”Our goal is to ensure parity for mātauranga Māori with the other bodies of knowledge credentialed by NCEA (particularly Western/Pākehā epistemologies)." The report also states: "Philosophy and History of Science is a unique strand in Pūtaiao [Māori word for Science], with no equivalent in the New Zealand Curriculum. It promotes discussion and analysis of the ways in which science has been used to support the dominance of Eurocentric views (among which, its use as a rationale for colonisation of Māori and the suppression of Māori knowledge); and the notion that science is a Western European invention and itself evidence of European dominance over Māori and other indigenous peoples. Pūtaiao allows opportunities to incorporate Māori perspectives and knowledge about the natural world into the classroom. In this regard, it decentres Western epistemologies and methodologies." The professors' letter arose from their concern for "the disturbing misunderstandings of science emerging at all levels of education and in science funding", which they state is encourages a mistrust of science. Their concern is in the context of the decline in maths and science achievements in New Zealand schools, particularly by Māori and Pacific Island students. Their letter stated that: "Indigenous knowledge is critical for the preservation and perpetuation of culture and local practices, and plays key roles in management and policy. However, in the discovery of empirical, universal truths, it falls far short of what we can define as science itself. To accept it as the equivalent of science is to patronise and fail indigenous populations; better to ensure that everyone participates in the world's scientific enterprises. Indigenous knowledge may indeed help advance scientific knowledge in some ways, but it is not science". The reaction to the "In Defence of Science" by the University of Auckland, the Royal Society of New Zealand Te Apārangi, the Tertiary Education Union, and the New Zealand Association of Scientists was not positive and can be viewed in the following articles… NZ Herald - Scientists rubbish Auckland University professors' letter claiming Māori knowledge is not science https://tinyurl.com/2p8v2h9s RNZ - University academics' claim mātauranga Māori 'not science' sparks controversy https://tinyurl.com/2ybvk3ja Research Professional News - Public letter from academics sparks Māori science row https://tinyurl.com/3juc66yc An open letter in response to the professors' letter by professors Hendy and Wiles, "An open response to In defence of science" was co-signed by 2000 people. https://tinyurl.com/2p8m65xn Sadly, professor Corballis is no longer with us. He was diagnosed with lymphoma in October. The same month the Royal Society announced a breach of conduct inquisition into professor Corballis and two of his co-authors, professors Nola and Cooper, all fellows of the august institution. The Society launched the inquisition having publicly criticised the professors for their letter. Furthermore, the Society initially included two inquisition panellists who had previously signed the Hendy/Wiles open letter against the professors, and all five complainants who sparked the inquisition were anonymous. The Royal Society's stated role is to "advance and promote research and scholarly activity, the pursuit of knowledge". However, the Society seems blind to their lack of...

Universities are facing their toughest year of the pandemic yet, as both domestic and foreign student enrolments slump. They say the number of New Zealanders enrolling dropped after spiking last year. Some warn cut backs might be needed and that worries the Tertiary Education Union. Here's education correspondent John Gerritsen.

As Victoria University faces a rapid spread of Covid among students, the Tertiary Education Union says it is very disappointed in university leadership. "I think we've seen a pattern over two years of the Vice Chancellor and the senior leadership downplaying the seriousness of COVID for our community," VUW branch president Dougal McNeil told Checkpoint. "Two years ago this week, Professor Guilford was campaigning against the border closures the government was trying to put through. "He spent 2021 campaigning against the border closures continuing, and now we've gone into an entirely predictable situation, as a so called business as usual can continue. And staff and students have been left picking up the pieces."  McNeil said he is baffled as to why university management has not spoken directly with student and staff representatives. 

About Jerry Coyne - www.whyevolutionistrue.com/about/ Jerry's Why Evolution Is True blog - “Ways of knowing” - https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa1h0MFIxell0X3VUTzN3MEFNT0hCN24zTnRBQXxBQ3Jtc0trMWR2aXJjUlZ1TloxY2F4Y1dSbWd1eFcxbTNyOW4xWXl2WURweUVmNzk3dm9oSmNLNmdoWkJuYndtN3V4OWMtdXJMV0ZwRFJJajl3S0hrZjZxa3FUTExTWW84S1FzRUFqLUFhd1lKaDRRWVRsX2lRZw&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2F3tmmx59d (https://tinyurl.com/3tmmx59d) Email Royal Society of New Zealand chief executive paul.atkins@royalsociety.org.nz ContextIn July 2021, seven University of Auckland professors published a letter to the editor in the New Zealand Listener, titled In Defence of Science. The professors' were responding to a Government education report (see link below), recommending parity for Mātauranga Māori (traditional Māori knowledge) in the secondary school curriculum, and in particular, in the science classroom. The report states:  ”Our goal is to ensure parity for Mātauranga Māori with the other bodies of knowledge credentialed by NCEA (particularly Western/Pākehā epistemologies)."  The report also states:  "Philosophy and History of Science is a unique strand in Pūtaiao [Māori word for Science], with no equivalent in the New Zealand Curriculum. It promotes discussion and analysis of the ways in which science has been used to support the dominance of Eurocentric views (among which, its use as a rationale for colonisation of Māori and the suppression of Māori knowledge); and the notion that science is a Western European invention and itself evidence of European dominance over Māori and other indigenous peoples. Pūtaiao allows opportunities to incorporate Māori perspectives and knowledge about the natural world into the classroom. In this regard, it decentres Western epistemologies and methodologies."  The professors' letter arose from their concern for "the disturbing misunderstandings of science emerging at all levels of education and in science funding", which they state “encourages a mistrust of science”. Their concern is in the context of the decline in maths and science achievements in New Zealand schools, particularly by Māori and Pacific Island students.  Their letter stated:  "Indigenous knowledge is critical for the preservation and perpetuation of culture and local practices, and plays key roles in management and policy. However, in the discovery of empirical, universal truths, it falls far short of what we can define as science itself. To accept it as the equivalent of science is to patronise and fail indigenous populations; better to ensure that everyone participates in the world's scientific enterprises. Indigenous knowledge may indeed help advance scientific knowledge in some ways, but it is not science".  The reaction to the "In Defence of Science" by the University of Auckland, the Royal Society of New Zealand Te Apārangi, the Tertiary Education Union, and the New Zealand Association of Scientists was not positive and can be viewed in the following articles…  Scientists rubbish Auckland University professors' letter claiming Māori knowledge is not science https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbkZ6M1BHa0dJUFIzODR6NUwzTjJOU2xYMVNoUXxBQ3Jtc0tuMEU5YUFjV3Vua2M4WWJhTkliTW1HcE5XU0VWZngyTTJieEh3anVSbm9mb1JwS1M2UjgzQVJjYUNEaE43NmNweDV1RC1fX3Zyc1plTTAwaWVlYWlyRFFsWnVkZjMzRnQwZHE5d0YyQkx2bEh2WVNDQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2F2p8v2h9s%C2%A0 (https://tinyurl.com/2p8v2h9s ) University academics' claim Mātauranga Māori 'not science' sparks controversy https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbkxvWnhidjV6U0hTSzQ1M19oX19tZE54VzgyQXxBQ3Jtc0ttcU9lYWwtV0dXNEowbGtVdDJzMkhCV3dNUDJiYm1QSG5UQVdidmNpZmVCbGpqOV9oOWZrZHJPa29EM2R5NGdzVUlvZWdXMDY4X3RFNlZtWk1ia1kyaDI5THNhODltbTRwVDJIdTZrNnF4WDM1Yzdxbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2F2ybvk3ja%C2%A0...

In July 2021, seven University of Auckland professors published a letter to the editor in the New Zealand Listener, titled In Defence of Science. The professors' were responding to a Government education report (see link below), recommending parity for Mātauranga Māori in the secondary school curriculum, and in particular, in the science classroom. The report states: ”Our goal is to ensure parity for mātauranga Māori with the other bodies of knowledge credentialed by NCEA (particularly Western/Pākehā epistemologies)." The report also states: "Philosophy and History of Science is a unique strand in Pūtaiao [Māori word for Science], with no equivalent in the New Zealand Curriculum. It promotes discussion and analysis of the ways in which science has been used to support the dominance of Eurocentric views (among which, its use as a rationale for colonisation of Māori and the suppression of Māori knowledge); and the notion that science is a Western European invention and itself evidence of European dominance over Māori and other indigenous peoples. Pūtaiao allows opportunities to incorporate Māori perspectives and knowledge about the natural world into the classroom. In this regard, it decentres Western epistemologies and methodologies." The professors' letter arose from their concern for "the disturbing misunderstandings of science emerging at all levels of education and in science funding", which they state is encourages a mistrust of science. Their concern is in the context of the decline in maths and science achievements in New Zealand schools, particularly by Māori and Pacific Island students. Their letter stated that: "Indigenous knowledge is critical for the preservation and perpetuation of culture and local practices, and plays key roles in management and policy. However, in the discovery of empirical, universal truths, it falls far short of what we can define as science itself. To accept it as the equivalent of science is to patronise and fail indigenous populations; better to ensure that everyone participates in the world's scientific enterprises. Indigenous knowledge may indeed help advance scientific knowledge in some ways, but it is not science". The reaction to the "In Defence of Science" by the University of Auckland, the Royal Society of New Zealand Te Apārangi, the Tertiary Education Union, and the New Zealand Association of Scientists was not positive and can be viewed in the following articles… NZ Herald - Scientists rubbish Auckland University professors' letter claiming Māori knowledge is not science https://tinyurl.com/2p8v2h9s (https://tinyurl.com/2p8v2h9s) RNZ - University academics' claim mātauranga Māori 'not science' sparks controversy https://tinyurl.com/2ybvk3ja (https://tinyurl.com/2ybvk3ja) Research Professional News - Public letter from academics sparks Māori science row https://tinyurl.com/3juc66yc (https://tinyurl.com/3juc66yc) An open letter in response to the professors' letter by professors Hendy and Wiles, "An open response to In defence of science" was co-signed by 2000 people. https://tinyurl.com/2p8m65xn (https://tinyurl.com/2p8m65xn) Sadly, professor Corballis is no longer with us. He was diagnosed with lymphoma in October. The same month the Royal Society announced a breach of conduct inquisition into professor Corballis and two of his co-authors, professors Nola and Cooper, all fellows of the august institution. The Society launched the inquisition having publicly criticised the professors for their letter. Furthermore, the Society initially included two inquisition panellists who had previously signed the Hendy/Wiles open letter against the professors, and all five complainants who sparked the inquisition were anonymous. The Royal Society's stated role is to "advance and promote research and scholarly activity, the pursuit of knowledge". However, the Society seems blind to their lack of impartiality and due process and to the irony of prosecuting some of New...