Australia isn’t alone in going through a landmark review of higher education, and rather than expecting all the answers to come from within, we should sense check our experience and proposed solutions with those who are trying or have tried ...

During my nearly 20 years as a vice‑chancellor at two universities, I have observed with pleasure the increased participation of (mostly) young people in our sector. As the first member of my family to be fortunate enough to benefit from ...

The first seven months of taxpayer-funded university for first-year students in New Zealand has been branded a "complete failure". Paula Bennett, New Zealand's National Party Deputy Leader, made this remark in response to newly released government figures, which, according to her, "... show there ...

Storm clouds have brewed in the land of the long white cloud. After the much-heralded announcement of 'free', that is, taxpayer-funded university in October last year, in its May budget, the Labour government froze funding. Perhaps following Australia's lead, the ...

When Jacinda Ardern became New Zealand's Prime Minister in October last year, many were surprised because of her youth, inexperience and femininity. Staunchly Labour, she moved quickly to enact her 'progressive, anti-capitalist' agenda. Among her reforms was making all forms of higher education ...

A botched attempt at a small increase in school class sizes has drawn attention away from the growing problem of teacher development. We have been through interesting times over here in New Zealand. It all started about six weeks ago ...

When it comes to mergers, unis and TAFEs can calm their nerves by looking at the absorbtion of colleges 25 years ago, writes Stuart Middleton. In discussions it is all very well to know were you want to end up ...

The re-election of the Nationals in New Zealand means some in the education system will have to get used to more accountability. “Here we go again …” is sung lustily at one New Zealand post-election event while at another “The ...

New Zealand is in the grips of a general election that is anything but gripping. It is a case of general election interruptis as it all had to go on hold while we dealt with the Rugby World Cup. Some ...