Dear Mr Grant,

 

I refer to your request of 26 April 2023. The University’s response
follows:

 

“Could you please provide the details of such arrangements including cost,
deliverables (e.g. livestream, op-ed) and internal communications about
the intention and value of marketing materials regarding sustainability
with organisations such as The Chronicle of Higher Education and Times
Higher Education”

 

The rate card for the following items of sponsored content on The
Chronicle of Higher Education’s website was $25,000 USD:

 

 1. [1]https://sponsored.chronicle.com/sustaina...
 2. [2]https://www.chronicle.com/events/virtual...

Your request for internal communications is refused under section
9(2)(g)(i) of the Official Information Act, to maintain the effective
conduct of public affairs through the free and frank expression of
opinions by, between or to members of the University in the course of
their duty. If the University had not refused this part of your request
under this ground, we would have considered issues relating to substantial
collation or research.

 

In terms of the intention and value of our engagement with The Chronicle
of Higher Education and Times Higher Education, this was to manifest the
University’s strategy, Taumata Teitei, in action. The opening message of
Taumata Teitei from the Vice-Chancellor refers to the university’s
commitment to sustainable ecosystems. It further commits to ecologically
sustainable systems, an equitable and just society, well-being for all and
a thriving economy based upon innovation. The Vice-Chancellor’s opening
message further outlines that if we are “to succeed (in our purpose) we
must be a strongly principled and value-led academic community, holding
ourselves and our partners to values that support academic freedom,
curiosity, research-driven knowledge, sustainability, impact and
engagement”.  The strategy identifies four key impacts the University
seeks to achieve in the period 2020-2030, including “leading transition to
sustainable ecosystems”. Under this impact Taumata Teitei states “We will
strengthen our recognition as a global leader in sustainable and ethical
practices through our education, research and engagement and by our
internal policies and practices."

 

You have the right to make a complaint to an Ombudsman if you are
dissatisfied with the University’s response.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Landon Watt
Legal Advisor
Office of the Vice-Chancellor

University of Auckland

 

From: Mr Grant <[3][FOI #22566 email]> 
Sent: Wednesday, 26 April 2023 12:20 pm
To: legal <[4][University of Auckland request email]>
Subject: Official Information request - Expenses and Communications
for Sustainability Marketing Material

 

Dear University of Auckland,

The university is sponsoring content with The Chronicle of Higher
Education regarding sustainability and leadership. Could you please
provide the details of such arrangements including cost, deliverables
(e.g. livestream, op-ed) and internal communications about the
intention and value of marketing materials regarding sustainability
with organisations such as The Chronicle of Higher Education and Times
Higher Education.

Yours faithfully,
Mr Grant

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References

Visible links
1. https://sponsored.chronicle.com/sustaina...
2. https://www.chronicle.com/events/virtual...
3. mailto:[FOI #22566 email]
4. mailto:[University of Auckland request email]
5. mailto:[FOI #22566 email]
6. mailto:[University of Auckland request email]
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