666 days ago

Otago Uni head steps down following health battle

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Dunedin News

The University of Otago vice-chancellor is stepping down

Professor David Murdoch, who has battled ill-health, will take a position as a distinguished professor at the university’s Christchurch campus.

“I am deeply thankful for all the support I received while I was ill recently.”

He had made a full recovery, but that had led to he and his wife “to reflect on our future direction”.

“This led to the difficult decision to take up new opportunities and to undertake a different pathway at this time.”

Murdoch would also take up opportunities with the University of Oxford.

Chancellor Stephen Higgs thanked him for his contributions to Otago University during his time as cice-chancellor.

“David is one of New Zealand’s foremost experts in infectious diseases and we are delighted that he will be able to continue to contribute to this important field and others in his capacity as Distinguished Professor.”

Murdoch was appointed to the position of vice-chancellor at the start of February 2022.

Deputy vice-chancellor Professor Helen Nicholson would continue in the role of acting vice-chancellor until a permanent replacement was found.

Nicholson had fronted media after it was revealed the tertiary institution was facing a $60 million deficit, with the potential loss of hundreds of jobs.

Meanwhile, a global search process would be undertaken to find a permanent replacement.

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6 days ago

Show us your projects

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Whether it's craft, haberdashery, woodwork or upcycling, we'd love to see what you've been working on lately.
You may even spark someone else's creativity...

Tell us about your current project or show us a picture in the comments below...

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22 hours ago

Poll: If you could rewind time, would you choose a different career?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

It might not be too late for you, but some people look back and wish they had taken a different career path.

If you could go back in time, would you choose something different? Let us know what you would have chosen in the comments below.

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If you could rewind time, would you choose a different career?
  • 61.1% Yes
    61.1% Complete
  • 38.9% No
    38.9% Complete
  • 0% Other - I'll share below
    0% Complete
270 votes