The ACT Party has criticised the University of Canterbury for what it calls “ethnicity-based social engineering” after first-year mathematics students were informed that some tutorial sessions were reserved to prioritise Māori and Pasifika students.
Students selecting tutorial times were met with a message stating “Note that Tutorials 02, 13, and 16 are currently closed for self-allocation. This is because these tutorials will prioritise filling with Māori and Pasifika students via auto-allocation to help facilitate cohort tutorial groups. The goal is to build whanaungatanga (relationships) and manaakitanga (care/respect).
“The tutorials will be opened for self-allocation closer to the term start. If you have been pre-allocated into one of these groups and want to switch, you are free to do so.
“If you are part of this cohort but haven’t been picked up by the semi-automated pre-allocation system and want to be enrolled, you can contact the tutor via email
Finally, if you are not part of this cohort but are only able to make one of these tutorial times, you are encouraged to get in touch via email.”
ACT condemned the move, saying it “prevents race-mixing within tutorial groups” and is another example of “divisive social engineering” in New Zealand’s universities.
The party pointed to the Government’s commitment to delivering services based on need rather than race, arguing that while universities operate independently, they are taxpayer-funded and must “get the message that segregation is not acceptable.”
In a statement to Chris Lynch Media, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Professor Catherine Moran said “The University of Canterbury (UC) provides students with a wide range of tutorial and lab options.
“These tutorials are not exclusive to any group. The content, teaching approach, and learning objectives are the same across all tutorial options.
UC has an internationally renowned student success programme, which is informed by research and best practice to support academic achievement.
“UC remains committed to ensuring all students, regardless of background, have access to high-quality education and the support they need to succeed.”
Minister for Universities, Shane Reti’s office said “The Minister doesn’t have any comment. This is an operational matter for Canterbury University, they would be the best point of contact for a statement and context.”
The Human Rights Commission declined to comment.
