UC takes regional impact showcase to Parliament

At the annual Parliamentary reception hosted by Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Hon Penny Simmonds, Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) highlighted its crucial role as the second-largest employer in Waitaha Canterbury and as a talent pipeline for the region.

Contributing over $790 million to the local economy, UC is a huge driver of economic growth, with one in two UC graduates who remain in Aotearoa New Zealand opting to join the Canterbury workforce.

UC is in a positive position to exceed 24,000 students by the end of 2024, and Minister Simmonds congratulated the University on its growing enrolment numbers, proactive approach to building strategic partnerships and responding to community needs.

UC’s strategic partnership with Business Canterbury as well as its endorsement of the Christchurch Economic Ambition developed by ChristchurchNZ were highlighted throughout the evening.

“The University of Canterbury does an amazing job of sharing their research and their expertise, and the impact of that plays out right across our community,” says Business Canterbury chief executive Leeann Watson. “In return, the information that comes from our business community is fed back to the University, so graduates come out with the right skills and the right attributes.”

Also joining UC at the event was Tāwhaki chief executive Linda Falwasser. UC has recently developed a strategic partnership with the Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre, highlighting UC’s involvement in space launch activities and the aerospace industry.

UC’s commitment to engagement is evident in its Strategic Vision 2020-2030 strategic vision, Tangata Tū, Tangata Ora, which aims to further integrate the University into the fabric of Ōtautahi Christchurch and Waitaha Canterbury to deploy its expertise and knowledge to make a positive difference regionally and in the world.