Universities

The 8 universities

• Auckland University of Technology(external link)
• Lincoln University(external link)
• Massey University(external link)
• University of Auckland(external link)
• University of Canterbury(external link)
• University of Otago(external link)
• University of Waikato(external link)
• Victoria University of Wellington(external link)

Their research role 

Universities are a vital part of modern society and are important not just for teaching but also for research and the development of society as a whole. As centres of research excellence they play an important role in economic transformation and development.

The universities play a prominent part in the New Zealand research environment, a role in keeping with their statutory obligations.  Under the Education Act (section 162) the research and teaching functions of universities are required to be closely interdependent and they are expected to meet international standards of research.

The universities:

• account for one-third of all research and development produced in this country
• are the home to many of the country’s researchers
• are the main providers of fundamental research in New Zealand, putting them in a pivotal position to contribute to innovation. 

All of the universities have set up commercialisation entities to capitalise on their fast-growing research outputs and connect research expertise to business users.  These activities are worth $350 million a year.