The university has proposed major cuts to the languages and cultures department, citing "declining demand".
If the proposed changes go ahead, the number of papers offered in the curriculum would be reduced from 78 to 33 from 2025, saving the university about $1.2 million.
It also proposes phasing out Asian studies, European studies and German from 2025.
Head of Department Associate Prof Antonie Alm said staff were aware of a proposed restructure of the curriculum, but were shocked by the extent of the changes.
"The department felt betrayed because we feel that we provided information to the university about how we could restructure the curriculum," she said.
The languages and cultures department consists of 16 staff who once had their own departments for foreign languages such as German, French and Chinese.
"We are already very much reduced into one programme."
The university administration knew the proposal warranted feedback from the department, but it initially only gave two weeks for a counter proposal to be developed.
"There will be an extension, but the initial timeframe was very unfair."
She accepted declining demand meant some level of change was required, but felt the university’s proposal went too far.
"New Zealand as a society doesn’t value language education.
"It is not supported at secondary level and this has a flow-on effect at the tertiary level."
She was unable to confirm the details of the counter proposal, but said the importance of language education should not be underestimated.
"People need to be reminded that language skills are important due to their cognitive and cultural benefits.
"We need to ensure universities are teaching languages so we can equip people for the world."
Humanities division pro-vice-chancellor Prof Jessica Palmer, who wrote the proposal, said the university had consulted directly with staff for several months before its release.
She declined to comment on Associate Prof Alm’s concerns about the proposal.
"I am acutely aware that a change process can be difficult for potentially affected staff and I will not be discussing the specifics of this process outside of this group."
