Council Committees

The University Council has six committees plus the Academic Board.

Audit and Risk Committee

The Audit and Risk Committee assists Council in relation to oversight of strategic and operational risk management, health and safety management, internal and external audit, statutory financial reporting, and legislative compliance.

• Hon Maryan Street—Chair
• John Allen
• William Bell-Purchas
• Professor Brigitte Bönisch-Brednich
• David Smol

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee assists Council in relation to the University's budget, long term capital plan, funding strategy, treasury management, and financial performance.

• Alan Judge—Chair
• John Allen
• Professor Richard Arnold
• Asifa Hanif
• David McLean
• Professor Nic Smith
• Hon Maryan Street
• James Te Puni

People and Culture Committee

The People and Culture Committee assists Council to meet its responsibility to monitor and evaluate the Vice-Chancellor’s performance and develop a culture at the University which supports the delivery of its strategic priorities as they relate to people and culture.

• John Allen—Chair
• Hon Maryan Street
• James Te Puni

Victoria Honours Committee

The Victoria Honours Committee makes recommendations to Council regarding the criteria, conferment or award for/of an honorary degree, Hunter Fellowship or any other honorary award which Council may wish to bestow.

• John Allen—Chair
• Professor Kevin Dew (academic staff member)
• Professor Phil Lester (academic staff member)
• Professor Nicole Moreham (academic staff member)
• Professor Nic Smith
• David Smol
• Hon Maryan Street
• Vacancy (PGSA member)

Te Aka Matua—Māori Advisory Committee

The purpose of Te Aka Matua is to assist Council to discharge its governance responsibilities in relation to Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

• Pania Gray—Chair
• John Allen
• Associate Professor Meegan Hall
• Professor Rawinia Higgins
• Professor Nic Smith
• Hon Maryan Street
• Matthew Reweti (external member)
• Selwyn Katene (external member)
• Kaea Hudson (Ngāi Tauira 2025 co-president)
• Aria Ngarimu (Ngāi Tauira 2025 co-president)
• Vacancy (student member not on Ngāi Tauira executive)

Nominations Panel

The Nominations Panel ensures Council has the skills, knowledge, diversity and experience for Victoria University of Wellington to meet the challenges ahead and to achieve its strategic goals. It also oversees the appointment of three Council members.

• John Allen—Chair
• Professor Carmen Dalli (academic staff member)
• Professor Rawinia Higgins (Te Aka Matua member)
• Professor Nic Smith (Vice-Chancellor)
• Liban Ali (VUWSA President)
• Robyn Bargh (external member)
• Brenda Pilott (external member)
• Vacancy (professional staff member)