Universities New Zealand
@universitiesnz.ac.nz
Universities New Zealand is the peak body for New Zealand's eight universities. We ensure universities deliver high-quality education through robust quality assurance systems; we co-ordinate international education policy; provide sector coordination, inform and influence decision-making, and administer scholarships. We are a statutory body. Under the Education Amendment Act 1990, we have statutory authority for the quality assurance of academic programmes delivered in New Zealand’s universities, and administering scholarships. The eight university Vice-Chancellors meet on a formal basis six times a year. The current Chair for 2017-2018 is Professor Stuart McCutcheon, Vice-Chancellor of The University of Auckland. The position of Chair rotates every two years. Universities New Zealand is supported by a small team led by the Chief Executive, Chris Whelan, who is responsible to the Chair and Vice-Chancellors. A team of Portfolio Managers drive work programmes focusing on key sector issues. The work programme is informed by a network of specialist committees and advisory groups, made up of representatives from each university. We are funded by New Zealand’s eight universities. Universities New Zealand was established under the Education Act 1961 as the New Zealand Vice-Chancellors’ Committee. Since 2010 we have operated as Universities New Zealand. Our Māori name, Te Pōkai Tara, represents a flock of Caspian Terns, the largest species of tern and an inhabitant of New Zealand’s shores, moving together on a journey upwards. It evokes a connection with the source of knowledge and it carries with it a sense of the awakening that university education can provide. Our visual imagery features eight Caspian Terns, representing each New Zealand university.
Universities New Zealand's Company Logos


Universities New Zealand's Brand Colors
Hex Code
Color name
RGB
HSL
CMYK
#27277F
Bay of Many
39, 39, 127
240, 53, 33
69, 69, 0, 50
#298098
Jelly Bean
41, 128, 152
193, 58, 38
73, 16, 0, 40
#FFFFFF
White
255, 255, 255
0, 0, 100
0, 0, 0, 0
About Universities New Zealand
Universities New Zealand, also known as Te Pōkai Tara, serves as the peak body for New Zealand's eight universities, representing their collective interests both nationally and internationally. Established under the Education Act 1961, this statutory authority is dedicated to ensuring high-quality education through stringent quality assurance systems. The organization plays a pivotal role in coordinating international education policy and promoting sector-wide collaboration, influencing decision-making regarding educational initiatives.
Offering a range of services, Universities New Zealand administers scholarships, and provides vital support for academic programs, ensuring they meet rigorous standards. The name Te Pōkai Tara symbolizes unity and the pursuit of knowledge, reflecting the transformative journeys facilitated by university education. By championing the contributions of universities to New Zealand’s cultural, social, and economic landscape, Universities New Zealand fosters an environment where education thrives, ultimately benefiting students both domestically and internationally. With a commitment to excellence, the organization embraces its role in shaping the future of higher education in New Zealand.
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Science and Education
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