Joint statement regarding medical admissions

The University of Otago advises that resolution has been reached in the court action which sought to challenge aspects of its Medical Admissions process. The University and the Applicant make the following joint statement and have agreed not to make further comment.

The University accepts that the proceedings have highlighted the desirability of increased clarity and transparency in its Medical Admissions process. The Applicant is satisfied that the University will be taking appropriate steps over time towards that outcome.

The Applicant accepts that any review of the admissions process must be carried out in respectful consultation with a range of interested parties, including Māori and Pasifika communities, and recognises that the court proceedings are an unhelpful distraction which will not assist with the thoughtful dialogue required.

As previously stated by the University, any discussions will include careful consideration and broad consultation, informed by the University’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its Māori and Pacific Strategic Frameworks.

The University remains fully committed to the principles which underpin its Mirror on Society Policy, which is a cornerstone of admissions to Health Sciences Professional Programmes at Otago.

The agreement between the parties contains no commitments by the University as to the outcome of any individual’s application for admission or as to any changes to the Medical Admissions process. Nor has any compensation been paid. The constructive dialogue with the University has satisfied the Applicant that the guidance for the future that a court ruling could provide is not required at this stage.

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