Call for university merger by Lincoln and Massey

Massey University professor Paul Moughan says although NZ still has some world-class science teams in certain areas, it has lost the lead in some other areas of agrifood. "˜Now is the time to muster our resources and achieve new alignments in agrifood research and tertiary education,' he says. Writing in Massey University newsletter MasseyNews, Moughan notes that overseas there are numerous recent examples of the merging of complementary agrifoods research and training organizations reports Rural News. He says in the case of universities, such re-alignments are also driven by the educational imperative that the undergraduate educational experience should be broad-based and that students should be exposed to diverse disciplines and lines of thinking. "˜Much of a student's learning occurs outside formal lectures and the whole academic and social milieu of the university is very important. "˜Many of the best modern universities recognise that the education of students is enhanced when teaching and learning is undertaken within a diverse mix of students, staff and disciplines.' A recent move to merge state-owned crown research institute AgResearch and Lincoln fell through. He says combining Massey's and Lincoln's strengths will create a world-class organisation of critical size and would offer undergraduate and postgraduate scholars an unsurpassed broad-based educational experience. "˜The two institutions are highly complementary, each possessing strengths and areas of specialisation, that would enhance the other. "˜For example, Massey's strengths in veterinary science and food science would hugely augment Lincoln's offerings "“ just as Lincoln's prowess in areas such as environmental science, agri-commerce and bioprotection, would be great assets for Massey.' Moughan says it is time to put parochialism to one side. "˜Our industries, our people, our nation deserve the best. Let's provide it. Such a decision is not just of passing interest but is critical to our future prosperity.' He notes that recently NZ has lost its way when it comes to producing agrifoods efficiently. Moughan says NZ is no longer the world's lowest cost pastoral producers and has been outflanked by competitors.