The new Council results from a legislative change that requires universities and wānanga to decrease the size of their councils to a maximum influence, and a high-performing Council is of twelve members. In February, Sir Neville was re-elected as Chancellor and returning Council member Neil Paviour-Smith was elected Pro-Chancellor.
Victoria’s Council membership reflects the demographic that we work in and serve, says Sir Neville. “We have a diverse and effective team in place to help ensure Victoria achieves its ambitious strategic goals, and grows in both size and influence.
“All Council members are determined to support a high-performing university. We have started 2016 with our own house well in order to allow us to do this.”
A range of stakeholders, including staff, students, alumni, friends and supporters of Victoria participated in consultation to determine a new structure. Elections were held for the two staff and two student positions. There was also a public process for seeking nominations for external members.
Sir Neville says Victoria University is in a period of growth, in both size and essential to supporting a high-performing university. “I know members of the Council have high expectations of themselves and of the University and I am con dent those expectations will be realised.”
The Council has several key priorities for the year ahead. These include:
- conducting a mid-point review of Victoria’s 2014–19 Strategic Plan, ensuring that overall university growth takes place to support Victoria’s central mission
- implementing innovative responses to the mounting competitive pressures from offshore
- ensuring that the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation—the University’s charitable trust—is resourced to play an increasingly important role in Victoria’s development.