Up to 100 science jobs at Massey University could be slashed in efforts to cut costs.
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Science staff were sent a revised discussion document setting out two options to cut expenses, both of which could result in a third of the staff losing their jobs and specialist courses dropped.
Earlier this year management also suggested dropping the science degree from its Albany campus, in Auckland.
Tertiary Education Union organiser Heather Warren said the latest proposal has left staff feeling exhausted and anxious for the future.
She said the university funding models were flawed and the proposal threatened access to good quality science education.
A Massey University spokesperson said: "The College of Sciences has released a second discussion document following a first round of staff feedback and consultation.
"This discussion document explores possible solutions to address the college's financial position which faces costs that are rising at a faster rate than income. This includes looking at the size of the college's academic portfolio and the curriculum offered.
"Massey University is committed to working and engaging with staff, students and stakeholders to hear their feedback so we can collectively work towards creating a sustainable financial future for the college while continuing to apply our expertise and leadership to grow knowledge of the natural, productive and built environments through our core activities of research and teaching.
"While this process is underway, and no decisions have yet been made, we cannot make any comment about potential outcomes."
In May, staff on casual contracts at Massey University's science faculties had their jobs axed with the Tertiary Education Union saying many of those affected were post-graduate or PhD students.
At that time the university would not confirm how many staff were affected but issued a written statement saying Massey was focused on making sure it remained "financially sustainable" post Covid-19.