University staff in New Zealand are shocked at the content of a leaked briefing document prepared by Government of New Zealand officials for the ministers of Education and Finance.

The document outlines an integrated package of reforms designed to turn existing state tertiary (post-secondary) institutions into profit-making companies, run by boards of directors handpicked by the Minister of Education.

Association of University Staff (NZ) President, Ijan Beveridge, said that "the net outcome of the proposal for students is that fees would inevitably continue to rise and at a much faster rate than previously." Officials recommend the New Zealand Government cease its commitment to fund 75 per cent of tuition costs and introduce a universal education voucher system. The voucher system would represent a total cash figure "roughly equivalent to five years full-time study." Students would pay at least 25 per cent of their tuition costs, the additional 75 per cent of costs would be charged against their voucher.

Departmental officials are also proposing the separation of teaching and research funding. Minimum research standards would be developed specifying the quantity and quality of research activities. Students would not be able to draw on their voucher if their university could not meet these minimum requirements.

"These proposals are so radical that they call into question the role of Ministers in the policy making process," said Mr. Beveridge.

Mr. Beveridge said that representatives of all stakeholders in the public tertiary education sector would be calling for an urgent meeting with the two ministers as it was clear that officials were ignoring the views of stakeholders.