Vice-chancellor until 2021

University of Otago vice-chancellor Prof Harlene Hayne will be in the role until 2021, it was announced yesterday.

University chancellor John Ward said in a press release Prof Hayne's contract had been extended to August 2021.

Prof Hayne, who was appointed in 2011, said it was a ‘‘great privilege'' to be able to continue in the role.

‘‘Perhaps most important, I am extremely pleased that I will be the vice-chancellor when the University of Otago celebrates its 150th birthday in 2019,'' she said.