Priming The Pipeline Critical For Graduate Retention

The Government’s voluntary bonding scheme for graduates acknowledges the economic value of a university education, according to the New Zealand Vice-Chancellors’ Committee.

Professor Roger Field, who chairs the universities’ representative body, says increased public investment in the university system would increase the supply of doctors, nurses, teachers and veterinarians.

“The issue here is not just retaining these highly-skilled graduates in New Zealand, it is also about having sufficient numbers undertaking university education in the relevant disciplines.”

At present the number of students studying medicine, dentistry and veterinary science at New Zealand universities is strictly capped as the cost of providing places for these resource intensive disciplines is expensive for both Government and provider.

“It is clear that New Zealand is short of doctors and nurses, as well as veterinarians, especially in rural areas. Tough economic times do not over rule the need to have sufficient students in the pipeline to meet the country’s future health care and animal health needs.

“More investment in the university system through increased student funding in high cost categories such as medicine would go a long way to ensuring New Zealand’s workforce needs are met in areas vital to community health and an economy still largely based on agricultural exports.

“While moves to retain graduates vital to New Zealand’s economic and social well-being are to be commended, there has to be enough graduates in the first place if such policies are to work.”