My Account
Clockwise from back left, Zoology professor James Dale, Assoc. Prof Marine Biology David Aguirre, Snr lecturer Adam Smith, Assoc. Prof Marine Biology Karen Stockin and Masters student Hayden Pye.
Proposals that include deep cuts to the staffing budget of the College of Sciences at Massey University’s Albany campus have angered Coast-based scientists and students, creating uncertainty around the local provision of natural science courses such as marine biology, zoology, molecular biosciences, maths, chemistry and physics.
A discussion document released on day one of Semester 1 outlined changes which include removal of natural science courses from Albany and replacing face-to-face teaching with digital platforms. This would leave a focus on business, engineering computer and health sciences.
The proposals have the potential to affect more than 70 staff, 150 post-graduate and 650 undergraduate students.
Times are tough in the academic sector, and the discussion document states that annual increases in revenue are not keeping pace with the rise in costs.
Local scientists say that in this financial climate, it makes no sense to remove natural science courses from such a growing area.
Prof James Dale of Arkles Bay says that the natural science group is profitable, but management in Palmerston North is putting on the pressure for more.
“We are an established and thriving department, we are lean, and growing,” James says. He says since he began teaching in Albany in 2011, the number of students taking the zoology foundation course has tripled.
Hatfields Beach resident David Aguirre is associate professor of marine biology and leads the marine biology major. He says that student numbers for this major, which has been offered since 2013, fluctuate between 10-20.
His research into corals and kelps is important in relation to climate change. He says that significant research funding is obtained by the scientists – he has been at Massey since 2014 and the university has only funded his full salary for one year, with the rest coming from research funds.
Snr lecturer Adam Smith of Red Beach says significant work is carried out in the Albany lab including a recent necropsy of the great white shark that was found on Orewa Beach. Information uncovered at dissections like this go into a giant database, furthering scientific knowledge into this species.
The university has also built up a national archive of marine animal samples, and its future is among the concerns of Assoc Professor Karen Stockin. Known locally as “the dolphin girl”, Karen is a leading dolphin conservation biologist who has worked to protect dolphins in this region for many years, including forging links with businesses in Gulf Harbour.
Another scientist working locally is Masters student and bird expert Hayden Pye whose subject is the Pest Free Peninsula project. Hayden may have to end his study earlier than planned if the course cuts go ahead.
Local supporters of the scientists include Shakespear Open Sanctuary and Rodney MP Mark Mitchell, who says if plans go ahead that could affect what he says is a world class science department, there will be stiff opposition.
“It is important that we have access to this, north of the bridge,” Mark says. “I understand the sciences are performing well and have an international reputation for quality research and lecturing. Those environmental and marine sciences are extremely important, especially as we need to strengthen and diversify our economy in that area.”
Shakespear Open Sanctuary posted its concerns online, saying that this is a time when high-level scientific research and training is needed more than ever to meet society’s most pressing challenges such as the spread of disease, climate change, biodiversity decline and food security.
A Massey University spokesperson says that they are committed to engaging with staff and students to hear their feedback. The time for submissions on the discussion document was extended to Monday, March 23. “While this process is underway, and no decisions have yet been made, we cannot make any further comment about potential outcomes,” the spokesperson says.
James says he hopes that there will be genuine discussion about the future. “We have some ideas how costs can be cut while keeping science at Albany campus,” he says. “There is an opportunity for a forward-looking business model that looks at how growth in this area could fuel science at both campuses. I believe management is listening.”
