Otago Uni head steps down following health battle
The University of Otago vice-chancellor is stepping down
Professor David Murdoch, who has battled ill-health, will take a position as a distinguished professor at the university’s Christchurch campus.
“I am deeply thankful for all the support I received while I was ill recently.”
He had made a full recovery, but that had led to he and his wife “to reflect on our future direction”.
“This led to the difficult decision to take up new opportunities and to undertake a different pathway at this time.”
Murdoch would also take up opportunities with the University of Oxford.
Chancellor Stephen Higgs thanked him for his contributions to Otago University during his time as cice-chancellor.
“David is one of New Zealand’s foremost experts in infectious diseases and we are delighted that he will be able to continue to contribute to this important field and others in his capacity as Distinguished Professor.”
Murdoch was appointed to the position of vice-chancellor at the start of February 2022.
Deputy vice-chancellor Professor Helen Nicholson would continue in the role of acting vice-chancellor until a permanent replacement was found.
Nicholson had fronted media after it was revealed the tertiary institution was facing a $60 million deficit, with the potential loss of hundreds of jobs.
Meanwhile, a global search process would be undertaken to find a permanent replacement.
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
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3.7% Second half of November
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41.1% 1st December
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17.1% A week before Christmas
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36.9% Whenever you wish
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1.2% Other - I'll share below
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Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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