Outgoing University of Otago chancellor Stephen Higgs said he would dearly have loved to say yes, but the reality was, the university was operating in an extreme environment during his leadership.
"Certainly, when I started on the council 12 years ago, the university sector as a whole was in a much better position, and [since then] there’s been a long period of government funding not matching the cost increases, and Covid-19 and the drop in enrolments.
"As a consequence of that, society’s changed, and all those things have had a big impact.
"So, I think in the circumstances, I’ve led a team which I think has done a good job of responding to that.
"I’m proud of the structured response to the financial situation.
"I’ve left with that work incomplete, but significant progress has been made in terms of financial improvements, and there is still more work for the team to do."
Mr Higgs said one of the things he was most proud of introducing to the university during his time as chancellor was Pae Tata — the university’s strategic plan until 2030, which outlines the principles, priorities and success measures for the mid-term, across teaching, research and operations.
He was also pleased to have overseen the selection of new vice-chancellor Grant Robertson this year.
"I leave feeling confident that the university is in very good management hands with Grant and the wider team. He brings a broad range of skills to the role.
"So, a combination of Pae Tata, a strong VC, a passionate management team and immensely capable staff set up the university well for a successful future."
Mr Higgs was an Otago commerce graduate, who later became a lecturer in professional taxation at the university for 15 years.
He was also a tax adviser to the university for many years through his firm, Polson Higgs, and he serves as a trustee on the University of Otago Foundation Trust.
He became a university councillor in 2012, before going on to become the pro-chancellor in 2018, and then the chancellor in 2022.
He stepped down as chancellor last week after two and a-half years in the role.
"I enjoyed the role and would have been happy to carry on, but I do think there’s some good discipline in getting fresh blood after a 12-year period on council, which is the maximum someone can serve."
He said working at the university had been the highlight of his career and he was sad to be leaving.
He was now officially semi-retired, and planned to continue working on several boards around the city.
"I’ll still keep my brain active and spend a bit of time in business, which I enjoy.
"It’ll give me a bit more time to spend on holidays and family and grandchildren and other things."
Trish Oakley, who has been on the university council since 2018 and been pro-chancellor since 2022, took over as chancellor on October 1.
