The University Council head, Chancellor Sue McCormack said: “We thank the Hon. Kit Toogood QC for his significant work in completing his independent investigation. Today the Hon. Kit Toogood QC has released his Findings and Recommendations into the delay in discovering Mason’s death. As indicated at the commencement of the investigation, the University Council has ensured that Findings and any Recommendations have been made public. On behalf of the University Council we accept the Findings and the Council, on behalf of the University, commits to ensuring the Recommendations will be implemented.
“Our students, parents, whānau and schools can be assured that we are committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of our students. Mason’s tragic death will not be forgotten and we welcome the Education (Pastoral Care of Domestic Tertiary Students) Interim Code of Practice 2019 that came into force on 1 January 2020 setting clear standards of student accommodation across all of New Zealand.”
Chancellor McCormack went on to add ”Whilst the University has awaited the completion of the investigation Vice- Chancellor Professor Cheryl de la Rey and her management team have completed their own internal review and examined the new Education (Pastoral Care) Amendment Act 2019. In response to this, on 11 December Vice- Chancellor Professor Cheryl de la Rey issued a statement pertaining to these improvements. The Council has confidence that these improvements will provide our students with a smoother transition into Uni life and help set them up for success with their University studies.”
Vice- Chancellor Professor Cheryl de la Rey added “Now that we have received Hon. Kit Toogood’s Findings and Recommendations, we will reassess against all of our actions already taken. We will ensure the highest standards are met, and we will work tirelessly to exemplify best-practice pastoral care.”
As previously advised, new measures being put in place at UC are:
Early Alert System
UC is implementing a new dashboard platform that will provide students and staff with an enhanced real-time view of engagement with learning systems and academic progress. Dedicated UC resources will be responsible for monitoring and escalating issues as they arise. This will enable students who need more support to be identified and followed up more quickly.
Social Connectivity (Buddies)
In the lecture theatres and beyond, and in collaboration with the UCSA and student clubs, UC will also introduce a “Connection” programme available to all first-year students to participate in a buddy system to help each other as they transition into a new life situation.
Orientation+ Programme
An expanded induction programme covering support services, the student code of conduct, consent awareness, belonging/inclusiveness and alcohol/drugs/risks for first-year students will be offered. The goal is to increase understanding and awareness for first-year students to maximise their wellbeing and ensure they understand how to access all relevant support services available.
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Media Interviews and Queries
Due to the ongoing Coroner’s process regarding Mason’s death and the prohibited publication orders in place, conducting an interview at this time is very difficult. The University does want to be transparent and we do care very much about this matter, and want to co-operate fully where we can.
Therefore we suggest that the best approach might be for questions to be submitted, and where we can, the Chancellor Sue McCormack will provide responses.
The Hon. Kit Toogood QC has advised that he does not consider it is appropriate to comment publicly on the Findings and Recommendations.
