Welcome to the New Zealand Initiative podcast! In this week’s episode, Drs Michael Johnston and James Kierstead discuss the challenges faced by universities in New Zealand, focusing on issues such as declining enrolments, the impact of international student numbers, and the need for universities to foster open and civil debate on controversial topics.

They highlight the importance of universities being perceived as places of academic freedom and intellectual exchange, urging Vice Chancellors to differentiate themselves by creating an environment where ideas can be freely contested. They also address the high ratio of administrative staff to academic staff in New Zealand universities, suggesting a need for a financial re-evaluation. The forthcoming report on this topic promises to provide further insights into the matter.