Anger at Waikato University job losses

News of a multimillion-dollar "student hub", coming a day after more than 30 job losses were announced at Waikato University, has compounded the anger of staff, who have struck twice this year over stalled pay talks.

While dozens of students voiced concerns yesterday about the restructuring and backed staff calls for pay rises, others said the university did not need to offer every course in the country to be the best.

Yesterday it was reported the university faced its first ever deficit -- expected to be $2 million -- and Vice-Chancellor Roy Crawford said universities had to face reality in a changing environment.

Low unemployment, rising costs and high staff-to-student ratios were factors in the restructuring, the university said.

Association of University Staff branch organiser Sandy O'Neil said blaming job losses on high staff-to-student ratios was too simple. "Some members have questioned the values, suitability and effectiveness of the marketing of their programmes, and would ask how much the marketing had cost."

The university has spent about $1m a year on marketing since 2002.

"The AUS would prefer the university to establish exactly what they want to offer and match the resources accordingly. We do not want to see unnecessary redundancies," Ms O'Neil said.

Management student Naomi Walker agreed that Prof Crawford needed to say what was going on but supported the need for cuts if an institute was not performing.

"You've got to look at the big picture," she said.

"Waikato doesn't need to offer all the courses around the country to be the best -- look at the management school."

Following a campus protest yesterday, more than 30 staff crammed into the university council meeting in a silent protest.

They heard Prof Crawford say the development of the student hub was needed because the university needed to move forward and develop the campus to deliver on its new vision.

Councillor Professor Alexandra Barratt said she would not endorse the plans with the university in its current situation, especially after developments of the S Block lecture theatre had caused an uproar among staff.

She asked how new buildings would attract students.

"For those reasons, this is not a good time to go out and ask for extravagant corporate developments. Quality staff is the way to attract students and if you want quality staff you have to have quality pay."

Waikato Student Union president Shiju Pushpamangalam said student funds were contributing to the project and the development would create a student centre similar to other universities throughout the country.

Ms O'Neil said the university seemed more interested in expanding buildings than looking after people.

"I think the VC and the council members need reminding that the university motto is 'Ko Te Tangata' (for the people)," she said.

- NZPA