Professor Nic Smith is standing down as Vice-Chancellor at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, to take up the role of Vice-Chancellor at the University of Auckland. Professor Smith’s final day at Te Herenga Waka will be Friday 12 June.
Professor Smith has expressed his gratitude to both the staff and student community at Te Herenga Waka for their support.
“Serving Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington has been one of the great privileges of my career. I have deeply valued the relationships, conversations and shared purpose within this community, and I will miss working with you.”
“A healthy university is one where diverse perspectives are welcomed, ideas are tested rigorously, and debate is conducted with respect. That capacity to disagree thoughtfully, while listening to each other and remaining connected to a shared purpose, is one of the most important contributions universities make to society,” says Professor Smith.
Professor Smith said that enrolments have stabilised in the domestic market and particularly the international market, which is very important for our long-term sustainability.
“Our academics also continue to excel in teaching and research. Our recent rankings for the Law Faculty and AI are but two examples which are testament to this. There are many more.”
Professor Smith was also grateful to the University Council and Te Hiwa and the wider group of leaders at the University.
University Council Chancellor Alan Judge expressed his gratitude to Professor Smith: “Since taking on the role of Vice-Chancellor in January 2023, Professor Smith has worked closely with us on achieving financial sustainability while also overseeing the University to see that it has maintained its heart and special character.
“Professor Smith has done an outstanding job of driving our ambitious strategy, engaging with the city and taking the University community forward. We are grateful for his service and wish him all the best in his role at the University of Auckland.”
A recruitment process for a new Vice-Chancellor will begin immediately.
