Source: Student Justice for Palestine (SJP) Pōneke
Tuesday, 23 September 2025 – Victoria University of Wellington (VUW)’s Academic Board has overwhelmingly voted to endorse boycott, divestment and other non-violent means to pressure Israel to comply with international humanitarian law and respect Palestinian human rights.
Hundreds of students and staff poured into the Hunter Council Chambers in solidarity with Palestine.
The motion directs the University to sever ties and not build future ones with institutions complicit in Israel’s violations of Palestinian human rights and breaches of international humanitarian law. This includes any research and academic collaborations with institutions known to be involved in military technologies or doctrines.
It also calls on the University to support Palestinian scholars at risk, and protect staff and students’ academic freedom, freedom of expression, and freedom of assembly.
The motion passed with 55 votes in favour and one abstention.
“This is a powerful expression from students and staff in support of Palestinian human rights,” said Aria Gardiner, a Masters student at VUW and a member of Student Justice for Palestine (SJP) Pōneke. “Universities are the critic and conscience of society, and should speak out for justice, especially when our current government has shamefully refused to take action against Israel’s ongoing genocide.”
Professor of Health Annemarie Jutel, who also spoke at the meeting, said, “What’s really important is that students led this motion. One of the important things is that these students brought their critical-thinking skills, to understand what’s happening in the world today. Without that we have a sad future in front of us.”
“We are working on continued collaboration between students and staff, as we continue our BDS work and show solidarity for our Palestinian whānau,” said Carley Dove-McFalls, a member of University Workers for Palestine and teaching assistant at the University.
“This is just the first step – we need to see the University actually implement the motion’s objectives,” said Aria Gardiner. “We also call on other Universities across Aotearoa to follow in our footsteps, and ensure that our institutions sever ties with Israeli institutions and those complicit in the ongoing genocide.”
