We've had an update from Derek Leask, High
Commissioner for New Zealand, about the Centre for New Zealand
Studies. The High Commission meet regularly with Birkbeck regarding
the Centre's future, and are keeping us informed about future plans
for this valuable New Zealand resource.
Derek has asked us to share the following
information from his letter to us with you:
"Recent statements have
incorrectly suggested that the Centre has been closed permanently
and I wish to confirm that there has been no decision taken to
formally close the Centre.
Birkbeck College is
currently reviewing the
Centre, its mandate,
activities and funding options, in order to determine how studies
related to New Zealand can best continue at the College.
As part of the review
process, Birkbeck is drawing together a small group of senior
academics involved in New Zealand Studies to undertake an
independent review and to advise on the best way forward. We hope
that Birkbeck will be in a position to advise us of the composition
of the group soon.
The High Commission has
made known the New Zealand Government’s wish that the work initiated
at the Centre for New Zealand Studies be continued. We have agreed
to support the decision to undertake a review because the New
Zealand Government has a strong interest in finding a robust,
long-term future for New Zealand Studies at Birkbeck College.
We have been assured that
resources donated to the Centre by the New Zealand Government and
other private individuals will remain accessible throughout the
review period in the Centre’s current premises, under the care of
the University of London. Access can be organised by contacting
Fiona Bernardone in the Vice-Chancellor’s office on 020 7862 8006.
The College has also advised that New Zealand groups who had been
using the Centre for various events are welcome to contact them
through Professor Philip Dewe
p.dewe@bbk.ac.uk to discuss
what access to the Centre will be possible. We understand the
Centre’s three enrolled PhD students will continue their studies and
have been assigned new supervisors."
