Axe raised over 50 varsity academics

University of Auckland lecturers say poor planning and budgeting is behind the institution's moves to axe 50 academic jobs.

Peter Wills, president of the Auckland branch of the Association of University Staff, said falling numbers of international students were most likely behind the cost-cutting exercise.

"It seems we arrive in this situation because of bad planning and that gives us a great deal of disquiet."

There were 30,800 Equivalent Full Time Students in 2005. The university has estimated final figures for this year will be 29,440 - a decrease of 4.4 per cent.

However, actual student numbers are somewhat higher than EFTS, given that a number of students are enrolled on a part-time basis.

The university yesterday confirmed it was looking at shedding about 50 positions. It is understood at least 20 are in the faculty of education, with others having to go in arts, business and economics.

Communications manager Jocelyn Prasad said negotiations were at an early stage.

The final decision will be made in the next few months, with the changes expected to be made before the start of next year's first semester.

The Association of University Staff, which represents about 50 per cent of full-time academics, is worried about the impact the cuts will have on the quality of teaching.

"Management loves to talk about a world-class university, but in the end a lot of behaviour comes down to more like running a business," said Mr Wills.

Consultation had begun and the union would be fighting to save jobs, he said.

The president of the Auckland University Students' Association, Dan Bidois, blamed under-investment.

The cost of running the institution was rising by about 5 per cent a year, he said, but revenue from the Government was up only about 2.4 per cent.