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The vice-chancellor of the University of Otago is stepping down after less than 18 months in the post.
Professor David Murdoch has been on sick leave since March this year but has since recovered.
During his absence, the university has been considering making several hundred staff redundant in a bid to save $60 million.
He will return to its Christchurch campus as a distinguished professor.
The university said professor Helen Nicholson would continue as acting vice-chancellor until a permanent replacement was found following a global search.
For more news from around New Zealand, go to RNZ
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