Vineeta Rao
Auckland, June 13, 2025
Professor Dawn Freshwater, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Auckland, has announced THAT she will step down from her role at the end of 2025, concluding a pivotal chapter in the university’s leadership.
Her resignation comes just six months after she was reappointed for another five-year term. She is due to leave the role in early 2026.
Leadership Change
Professor Freshwater, who became the first woman to lead the University in its 140-year history, took on the role in March 2020, just days before New Zealand entered its first Covid-19 lockdown. Her tenure has since been defined by steady leadership through crisis, a bold strategic vision, and a deep commitment to equity and academic excellence.
In a statement, Professor Freshwater said her decision followed “deep reflection” and was driven by personal and professional considerations.
“It has been an extraordinary privilege to serve the University of Auckland and the people of Aotearoa New Zealand. Together, we have weathered unprecedented challenges and laid the foundations for an ambitious, inclusive, and globally connected future,” she said.
A legacy in Tertiary Education
Professor Freshwater, originally from the UK and a registered mental health nurse by training, brought academic expertise in public health and psychosocial care to her senior leadership roles in Australia and New Zealand.
Before joining Auckland, she was Vice-Chancellor at the University of Western Australia.
She led the development of Taumata Teitei, the University’s 10-year strategic plan, which embedded goals around Indigenous partnership, climate action, and global impact. Her leadership also saw stronger international partnerships and progress in research funding, digitisation, and student well-being support.
She helmed the swift and successful transition of the university to an online teaching module during the pandemic, enabling both domestic and international students to continue their education despite lockdowns.
During her tenure, the University sustained its global ranking in the top 100 universities and a growing number of academics from the university gained recognition globally. Other notable developments during her tenure include research partnerships through Horizon Europe, the success of the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the development of the Newmarket Innovation Precinct.
The controversy
Despite her many accomplishments, Professor Freshwater’s high-profile tenure was not without controversy and turmoil.
Her appointment as Vice Chancellor, at an annual salary package of $766,000, one of the highest in the public sector, at a time of budget and programme cuts, reviews, and faculty mergers raised eyebrows as well as questions about resource allocation priorities. Her supporters argue that her predecessor Stuart McCutcheon was also one of the highest-paid public sector employees.
In 2021, it was discovered that the University had purchased a $5 million mansion in Parnell for the residence of the new Vice-Chancellor. It was revealed that the new Vice-Chancellor was paying rent of $1100 per week, well below the estimated market rate of $2000 per week. After a controversy that Professor Freshwater herself described as ‘regrettable,’ the University sold the property, making $1 million profit.
There were also several pushbacks from staff over curriculum shakeups and faculty mergers, including a significant revolt in August 2024 over her push to review and cut several small courses spanning law, business and other faculties.
This happened again in early 2025 when Professor Freshwater attempted to merge two faculties, business and law, an action that many feared would jeopardise the 140-year-old Law School.
Employment Dispute
Professor Freshwater’s tenure also saw the University embroiled in a rather public employment dispute with high-profile Scientist Siouxsie Wiles.
Ms Wiles was eventually awarded $205,000 after she hauled the University to the Employment Relations Authority in 2022, accusing them of not doing enough to protect her from abuse and threats during the pandemic. Critics say that Professor Freshwater did not do enough to protect academic voices.
“No Hidden Agenda”
University Chancellor Cecilia Tarrant acknowledged Professor Freshwater’s leadership and addressed speculation surrounding the timing of her departure.
“Let me be clear; Professor Freshwater’s decision to step down is her own and has the full support and understanding of the University Council. Any suggestion to the contrary is inaccurate and does a disservice to the significant contribution she has made. She leaves on her own terms, with our deep gratitude and respect,” Ms Tarrant said.
Ms Tarrant praised Professor Freshwater’s “courageous and values-led leadership” during some of the most difficult years in higher education history.
“She has steered us with clarity, empathy, and a relentless focus on what truly matters: people, knowledge, and impact,” she said.
The University will begin an international search for her successor in the coming months.
Many staff and students have expressed admiration for her approachability and principled stance on key issues. “She was not just a figurehead,” said one postgraduate student. “She showed up when it mattered; during strikes, consultations, and even in our lecture halls.”
Professor Freshwater plans to return to the UK for personal and professional reasons. In her farewell message, she acknowledged the University whānau and the wider community.
“This role has been one of the great honours of my life. Thank you for trusting me, challenging me, and walking this path together. Ngā mihi nui,” she said.
Vineeta Rao is an Indian Newslink Reporter based in Auckland.
