Wednesday, 25 September 2024 10:55

Beware groupthink

Written by The Hound

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

OPINION: Massey University has long been, and still is, a core part of the NZ farming scene, training the next generation of farmers, growers, agronomists and more, and doing great research too.

But new research suggests they may have an issue with academic freedom, with the latest Massey Engagement Pulse survey showing many staff there do not feel free to voice their opinions "for fear of reprisal" for not toeing the party line.

Only 5% agreed there was "honest two-way communication" (66% disagreed) and 9% agreed the leadership kept people informed about what is happening (61% disagreed).

The Free Speech Union says the same trend has been seen at the woke AUT and Auckland Uni, where they say debate and dissent is not welcomed.

This old mutt just hopes Masey isn't going the same way.

Featured

DCANZ Urges Next Government to Back Dairy Export Growth

Dairy processors are ready to further boost New Zealand’s export earnings but want the incoming government to match their ambition with good policy.

Massey VC Says University Best Placed to Support Dairy

Massey University is best placed to solve the “problems” facing the dairy industry, says vice chancellor, Pierre Venter.

Synlait’s Longest-Serving Employee Joins Executive Team

Synlait's longest serving employee – a man who joined the Canterbury-based milk processor even before it began processing milk – is now its newest executive.

LIC Chief Says BVD Eradication in NZ Is Within Reach

A dairy industry leader believes eradicating the common and costly disease, Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) is within reach.

$10/kgMS Milk Price Looks Possible as Powder Prices Climb

A farmgate milk price of $10/kgMS this season is firming up as milk powder prices soar and the New Zealand dollar weakens.

Federated Farmers Welcomes ACT’s New Farming Policies

Federated Farmers has welcomed new rural policies released by ACT, saying they align closely with its own election priorities.

National

Rural Waste Sorted NZ: New Farm Waste Website Launches

Farmers are being encouraged to rethink how they manage waste on farm with the launch of ruralwastesorted.co.nz, a new website…

India FTA Removes 33% Tariff on NZ Sheepmeat

New Zealand’s red meat sector has welcomed the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement taking effect, which removes India’s 33% tariff…

NZ Forestry Exports to India Now Tariff Free

More than 95 per cent of New Zealand’s forestry and wood exports to India can now enter tariff free as…

Federated Farmers Backs Year 11 Agricultural Science

Federated Farmers is backing Feilding High School’s call to keep Agriculture and Horticultural Science as a standalone subject in Year…

NZ Food and Fibre Exports Hit $65.2b, $1b Above Forecast

Food and fibre exports have returned a billion- dollar bonus to the country.

Machinery & Products

Massey Ferguson to Add Compact Tractors in ITL partnership

Massey Ferguson has announced a strategic supply partnership with International Tractors Limited (ITL), a manufacturer of low-horsepower and compact tractors,…