6 Mar 2010

Change of policy urged over brain drain

7:51 pm on 6 March 2010

Auckland University vice chancellor Stuart McCutcheon says a change in Government policy is needed to stop some of New Zealand's brightest students and academics being lured overseas by foreign universities.

He says current investment policy does not cover the maintenance or enhancement of what universities offer.

Professor McCutcheon says universities from Australia, the United States and Asia regularly send "raiding parties" to entice staff and students overseas.

He says the University of Adelaide last year offered all-expenses paid trips to New Zealand students thinking about studying there.

The Australian National University advertised for professors from New Zealand, offering to take not only the professors themselves, but also their entire research groups.

Prof McCutcheon says the economics department at Auckland university lost six personnel in one year to foreign universities.

A union representing university students says it is seriously concerned by Prof McCutcheon's claim.

The Union of Students' Associations says the Government last year axed a $20 million fund aimed at closing the pay gap for university staff.

Its co-president David Do says it is one reason why staff are continuing to leave.

"Students benefit from having the best quality tutors possible and they lose out if experienced lecturers and teachers move overseas and they take away the knowledge and experience that they have," he said.

Mr Do says the Government should restore the fund which was axed last year.