Ex-Labour MP Grant Robertson seems to have let the mask slip, flying his political - and ideological - colours in a recent communication as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Otago.

The former Labour deputy and Finance Minister was unequivocal in his denouncement of New Zealand First's Definitions of Woman and Man bill currently before Parliament; and presented his personal view of governent fiscal policy as an institutional position, appearing to frame Budget 2026 as detrimental to the student body. 

While the University claims that does not breach the political neutrality expected of educational institutions, Stephanie Martin of the Free Speech Union explains that is exactly what has occurred.

Text 8168, keyword 'Comments' to share your thoughts.

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Tune into Thoughts & Comments from 10:00am - 2:00pm on the Rhema Media App.

For more from the show, visit the Thoughts & Comments page at rhema.co.nz.

Ex-Labour MP Grant Robertson seems to have let the mask slip, flying his political - and ideological - colours in a recent communication as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Otago.
The former Labour deputy and Finance Minister was unequivocal in his denouncement of New Zealand First's&nbsp;<a href="https://legislation.govt.nz/bill/members/2026/296/en/latest/">Definitions of Woman and Man bill</a> currently before Parliament; and presented his personal view of governent fiscal policy as an institutional position, appearing to frame Budget 2026 as detrimental to the student body.&nbsp;
While the <a href="https://apc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nzherald.co.nz%2Fnz%2Fotago-university-rejects-claims-grant-robertson-breached-neutrality-rules-over-definitions-of-woman-and-man-bill%2FQFWKAB3ABFBU5AOAPYPHEUCH5M%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cdavina.west%40rhemamedia.co.nz%7C103b4e8720ef4ef6fe1608dec1cf3f4f%7C877a00a829534efe9ce90f8b6137075c%7C0%7C0%7C639161293044683400%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=bbpye57Aia9pGxjTivkEEuOVZDWHEgPOtF1RB4ZxSYI%3D&amp;reserved=0">University claims</a> that does not breach the political neutrality expected of educational institutions, Stephanie Martin of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsu.nz/blog/otago-vice-chancellors-email-undermines-institutional-neutrality-within-academia">Free Speech Union</a> explains that is exactly what has occurred.
Text 8168, keyword 'Comments' to share your thoughts.
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Tune into Thoughts &amp; Comments from 10:00am - 2:00pm on the Rhema Media App. For more from the show, visit the <a href="https://www.rhema.co.nz/listen-on-demand/video-podcast/thoughts-and-comments" aria-label="Link Thoughts &amp; Comments">Thoughts &amp; Comments</a> page at rhema.co.nz.

Thoughts & Comments brings social commentary to current issues and a faith perspective to the latest news. Hosted by Andrew Urquhart, a seasoned broadcaster with over three decades of experience. In each episode, Andrew chats with a wide range of guests and experts who bring their wisdom and insight to a huge variety of topics, including politics, psychology, societal trends, theology, geopolitical analysis, social policy, and spirituality. We’ll give you something worth thinking about! Thoughts & Comments with Andrew Urquhart, wherever you get your Podcasts.

Thoughts &amp; Comments brings social commentary to current issues and a faith perspective to the latest news. Hosted by Andrew Urquhart, a seasoned broadcaster with over three decades of experience. In each episode, Andrew chats with a wide range of guests and experts who bring their wisdom and insight to a huge variety of topics, including politics, psychology, societal trends, theology, geopolitical analysis, social policy, and spirituality. We&rsquo;ll give you something worth thinking about! Thoughts &amp; Comments with Andrew Urquhart, wherever you get your Podcasts.