Official Information Act Request - Rebranding
Adam Irish made this Official Information request to University of Otago
The request was refused by University of Otago.
From: Adam Irish
Dear University of Otago,
I am writing to you under the Official Information Act 1982 to seek information regarding the University of Otago's recent rebranding, consultation processes, and the claim of support from the university community. Specifically, I request the following information:
Approval of rebranding decision:
a) Who were the individuals or decision-making bodies responsible for approving the University of Otago's rebranding decision? Please provide the names and titles of these individuals or bodies.
b) What was the decision-making process followed for the approval of the rebranding decision? Please describe the steps taken and the criteria considered during this process.
Profiles of decision-makers:
a) Could you please provide the profiles of the individuals who approved the rebranding decision? This should include their names, professional positions, personal and family histories in Otago, connections to Otago University, and any affiliations they have. Please provide the meeting minutes and who voted for and against the rebranding.
b) Additionally, please provide information regarding the decision-makers' knowledge of the history of the University of Otago, including any qualifications, research, or expertise they possess in this area.
Consultation with Otago Scottish Heritage Council, Heritage NZ, the Presbyterian Church in Dunedin, and Kia Tahu:
a) Did the University of Otago consult with the Otago Scottish Heritage Council, Heritage NZ, or the Presbyterian Church in Dunedin during the development of its branding proposals?
b) If consultation did take place, please provide details regarding the nature, extent, and outcomes of these consultations.
c) What was the extent of Kia Tahu's involvement in the branding proposal development and decision-making processes? Please provide details on the specific aspects they were consulted on, the feedback they provided, and the dates and at what stage of the proposal was their feedback sought and received.
Clarification on the statement made in a recent Stuff article:
a) In a recent Stuff article (https://i.stuff.co.nz/pou-tiaki/13252368...), it was mentioned by Council member Suzanne Ellison that "it was about elevating the name, and improving something that wasn’t ‘’quite right’’". Please provide explanation and/or further clarification regarding the meaning of this statement.
Involvement of individuals responsible for forecasting student numbers in financial decisions:
a) Were the same individuals who were responsible for the erroneous forecasting of student numbers involved in the financial decisions related to the initial allocation of funding for this rebranding project?
b) If yes, please provide details of their involvement and the extent to which their input influenced the financial decisions.
Employment status of individuals involved:
a) Have any individuals who were involved in the student number forecasting and funding allocation for the rebranding proposal subsequently lost their jobs or no longer work at the University of Otago? If yes, please provide information on the nature of their departure and the reasons for their departure.
Support for rebranding proposals:
a) How did the University of Otago determine that two-thirds of the university community supports the rebranding proposals? Please provide information on the methodology used to assess the alleged level of support.
b) What specific questions was used to gauge the level of support (and the simplified extrapolation) for the two thirds support for the rebranding proposal?
c) Was the rebranding proposal presented to the entire university community for feedback and input? If so, please provide details of the channels or methods used to gather feedback.
d) What percentage of alumni responded to the survey and what was their percentage of support for the rebranding.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your timely response.
Yours sincerely,
Adam Irish
From: UoO - Official Information Act
University of Otago
Tēnā koe Adam
I acknowledge receipt of your Official Information Act request.
If we have any questions or need to seek clarification on any points we will be in touch soon. Otherwise, we will seek to respond to your request as soon as practicable and no later than 20 working days after the date your request was received (by 9 August 2023). If we are unable to respond to your request by then, we will notify you of an extension of this timeframe.
Ngā mihi
Kelsey
Kelsey Kennard
Official Information and Compliance Coordinator | Kaituitui Pārongo Ōkawa me te Tautukunga
Office of the Registrar | Te Tari o Te Pouroki
University of Otago | Te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo
New Zealand | Aotearoa
Email | Īmera [University of Otago request email]
From: UoO - Official Information Act
University of Otago
Tēnā koe Adam
I refer to your information request dated 11 July 2023 made under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act). You have requested information in relation to the University of Otago's new brand.
The Act requires that we advise you of our decision on your request no later than 20 working days after the date your request was received. Unfortunately, it will not be possible to meet that time limit. We are therefore writing to notify you, pursuant to section 15A of the Act, of an extension of the time to make our decision in respect of your request, by a further 7 working days - to Friday 18 August. However, we will endeavour to provide the information sooner if possible.
This extension is necessary both (i) because your request necessitates a search through a large quantity of information and meeting the time limit would unreasonably interfere with our operations, and (ii) to allow for consultation necessary to make a decision on your request. We thank you for your patience and apologise for the delay.
While we have extended the timeframe to make our decision in respect of your request, I note that the following weblinks may be helpful, as they are relevant background to some of the information you have requested:
- University Council meeting papers from 8 August 2023: https://www.otago.ac.nz/council/meetings...
- Current University Council membership: https://www.otago.ac.nz/council/membersh...
Please also find attached a copy of the Tuakiritaka Consultation Findings document, which is publicly available on the University website: https://tuakiritaka.otago.ac.nz/#consult.... This report presents the findings and analysis of the Tuakiritaka project consultation undertaken, including the results of a survey of University of Otago alumni, staff and students.
If you are not satisfied with our extension of time, you have the right to make a complaint to the Ombudsman under section 28(3) of the Act. However, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss any concerns with you first.
Ngā mihi
Kelsey
Kelsey Kennard
Official Information and Compliance Coordinator | Kaituitui Pārongo Ōkawa me te Tautukunga
Office of the Registrar | Te Tari o Te Pouroki
University of Otago | Te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo
New Zealand | Aotearoa
Email | Īmera [University of Otago request email]
From: UoO - Official Information Act
University of Otago
Tēnā koe Adam
Please see attached the University of Otago's response to your Official Information Act request dated 11 July 2023.
Ngā mihi
Kelsey
Kelsey Kennard
Official Information and Compliance Coordinator | Kaituitui Pārongo Ōkawa me te Tautukunga
Office of the Registrar | Te Tari o Te Pouroki
University of Otago | Te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo
New Zealand | Aotearoa
Email | Īmera [University of Otago request email]
From: Adam Irish
Dear UoO - Official Information Act,
Why didn't the University of Otago consult with the Otago Scottish Heritage Council, Heritage NZ, or the
Presbyterian Church in Dunedin during the development of its branding proposals. The University was founded in part due to Presbyterian focus on education and was financially backed by them in its establishment. Why were these groups not consultanted?
https://nzhistory.govt.nz/page/universit...
Yours sincerely,
Adam
From: UoO - Official Information Act
University of Otago
Kia ora Adam
I refer to your email dated 19 August 2023 requesting additional information in relation to your Official Information Act request dated 11 July 2023. You have requested information in relation to why the University of Otago did not consult with the Otago Scottish Heritage Council, Heritage NZ, or the Presbyterian Church in Dunedin during the development of its branding proposals.
The University was clear and transparent in the design and implementation of consultation on Tuakiritaka (https://tuakiritaka.otago.ac.nz/). Consultation was carried out with our close stakeholder communities, namely students, staff, mana whenua, and alumni. While members of our close stakeholder communities may have been part of the Otago Scottish Heritage Council, Heritage NZ or the Presbyterian Church in Dunedin, for the purposes of the Tuakiritaka rebranding project, they were not considered key stakeholders.
The University of Otago is immensely proud of its past. While recognising and embracing our heritage, including our Scottish founders, the University also acknowledges the desire to build on the strength of our history. We believe the changes to the University’s brand reflect the whakapapa (heritage) of all those who have contributed to the University’s heritage until this point, and into the future. The concept of the Ôtâkou channel in the Otago Harbour, which forms the heart of the tohu (symbol), reflects on the arrival of our European settlers as well as those who came before.
We note that our current Coat of Arms will remain in alumni publications, graduation certificates and ceremonies, and will be retained as part of the decorative features of our heritage buildings on campus. Our residential colleges, clubs and societies, and sports teams can also continue to use the Coat of Arms.
Ngâ mihi
Kelsey
Kelsey Kennard
Official Information and Compliance Coordinator | Kaituitui Pârongo Ôkawa me te Tautukunga
Office of the Registrar | Te Tari o Te Pouroki
University of Otago | Te Whare Wânanga o Otâgo
New Zealand | Aotearoa
Email | Îmera [University of Otago request email]
From: Adam Irish
Dear UoO - Official Information Act,
Hi Kelsey,
Why were they not considered key stakeholders? And who decided this?
Yours sincerely,
Adam Irish
From: UoO - Official Information Act
University of Otago
Tēnā koe Adam
The University was clear, transparent, and followed all legislative requirements in the design and implementation of Tuakiritaka consultation, which was approved by the University Council. Consultation was carried out with the University's close stakeholder communities, namely current students, staff, mana whenua, and alumni.
While members of our broader communities may be part of the groups mentioned, they were not considered University stakeholder and there is no legal requirement to consult with these groups.
Ngā mihi
Kelsey
Kelsey Kennard
Official Information and Compliance Coordinator | Kaituitui Pārongo Ōkawa me te Tautukunga
Office of the Registrar | Te Tari o Te Pouroki
University of Otago | Te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo
New Zealand | Aotearoa
Email | Īmera [University of Otago request email]
From: Adam Irish
Thanks Kelsay,
Follow up request OIA.
You mentioned legal requirements. Can you please provide the reference to the legislation your alluding to and how the University interpreted this with regards to the stakeholders it did consider University stakeholders. Or is this just saying there is an absence of legislation in general so the decision makers took it upon themselves to determine who are and aren't regarded as stakeholder communities?
I would imagine the logos on the University's heritage buildings would be protected under Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014. So the logos and buildings can't be distroyed or modified. Is this considered by the University?
https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/publ...
And that the legal name of the University is protected, as it is used in the University of Otago Amendment Act 1961. Is this also considered or the University doesn't care about advertising and trading under its non-legal name?
https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/publ...
Lastly who determined who are stakeholder communities for the project or wider consultation process.
Many thanks,
Adam
From: UoO - Official Information Act
University of Otago
Tēnā koe Adam
I acknowledge receipt of your subsequent request for information under the Official Information Act 1982.
If we have any questions or need to seek clarification on any points we will be in touch soon. Otherwise, we will seek to respond to your request as soon as practicable and no later than 20 working days after the date your request was received (by 19 January 2024). Please note that "working day" is defined in the Act and excludes public holidays and the period between 25 December - 15 January. If we are unable to respond to your request by then, we will notify you of an extension of this timeframe.
Ngā mihi
Kelsey
Kelsey Kennard
Official Information and Compliance Coordinator | Kaituitui Pārongo Ōkawa me te Tautukunga
Office of the Registrar | Te Tari o Te Pouroki
University of Otago | Te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo
New Zealand | Aotearoa
Email | Īmera [University of Otago request email]
From: UoO - Official Information Act
University of Otago
Tēnā koe Adam
I refer to your information request dated 30 November 2023 made under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act). You have requested additional information in relation to Tuakiritaka - the University of Otago's brand project.
The Act requires that we advise you of our decision on your request no later than 20 working days after the date your request was received. Unfortunately, it will not be possible to meet that time limit. We are therefore writing to notify you, pursuant to section 15A of the Act, of an extension of the time to make our decision in respect of your request, by a further five working days - to Friday 26 January.
This extension is necessary to allow for consultations necessary to make a decision on your request. We thank you for your patience - we will endeavour to provide the information sooner if possible.
If you are not satisfied with our extension of time, you have the right to make a complaint to the Ombudsman under section 28(3) of the Act. However, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss any concerns with you first.
Ngā mihi
Kelsey
Kelsey Kennard
Official Information and Compliance Coordinator | Kaituitui Pārongo Ōkawa me te Tautukunga
Office of the Registrar | Te Tari o Te Pouroki
University of Otago | Te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo
New Zealand | Aotearoa
Email | Īmera [University of Otago request email]
From: UoO - Official Information Act
University of Otago
Tēnā koe Adam
Thank you for your patience. Please see attached the University of Otago's response to your Official Information Act request dated 30 November 2023.
Ngā mihi
Kelsey
Kelsey Kennard
Official Information and Compliance Coordinator | Kaituitui Pārongo Ōkawa me te Tautukunga
Office of the Registrar | Te Tari o Te Pouroki
University of Otago | Te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo
New Zealand | Aotearoa
Email | Īmera [University of Otago request email]
From: Adam Irish
Dear UoO - Official Information Act,
Under the Official Information does the new Minister of Education have the power through special direction or otherwise to cancel the University of Otago's rebranding. Additionally can the Minister reduce the University of Otago's funding/appropriation through the Ministry of Education by a level equal to that which has been planned and set aside by the University. If so what is the total amount needed for the implementation of the rebranding.
Yours sincerely,
Adam Irish
From: UoO - Official Information Act
University of Otago
Tēnā koe Adam
I acknowledge receipt of your new Official Information Act request.
If we have any questions or need to seek clarification on any points we will be in touch soon. Otherwise, we will seek to respond to your request as soon as practicable and no later than 20 working days after the date your request was received (by 18 March 2024). If we are unable to respond to your request by then, we will notify you of an extension of this timeframe.
Ngā mihi
Kelsey
Kelsey Kennard
Official Information and Compliance Coordinator | Kaituitui Pārongo Ōkawa me te Tautukunga
Office of the Registrar | Te Tari o Te Pouroki
University of Otago | Te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo
New Zealand | Aotearoa
Email | Īmera [University of Otago request email]
From: UoO - Official Information Act
University of Otago
Tēnā koe Adam
Please see attached the University of Otago's response to your Official Information Act request dated 19 February 2024.
Ngā mihi
Kelsey
Kelsey Kennard
Official Information and Compliance Coordinator | Kaituitui Pārongo Ōkawa me te Tautukunga
Office of the Registrar | Te Tari o Te Pouroki
University of Otago | Te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo
New Zealand | Aotearoa
Email | Īmera [University of Otago request email]
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