New Zealand respects the collective decision of the University of the South Pacific’s governing council to reappoint Professor Pal Ahluwalia as its vice-chancellor.
Responding to questions from this newspaper, the NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said their country would continue to work with stakeholders to find a solution in the best interests of
students.
“New Zealand remains concerned by the ongoing management and governance challenges at the USP,” the ministry said.
When approached for a comment on the matter, the Australian High Commission in Suva said it did not have any comments at the moment.
The two countries were responding as USP’s major donors.
Last week Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry questioned the two countries’ stand on Government’s decision to withhold its annual grant to USP.
Mr Chaudhry called on both countries to divert some of their budgetary support for the Fijian government towards USP to make up for the default in Fiji’s annual grant payments.
Questions sent to Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum last week remain unanswered.
