The proposal to downsize the campus angered and disappointed community leaders in Balclutha and the tertiary education union.
On Wednesday, following a three-month review of Lincoln University’s operations, a plan was announced to cut more than 50 people’s jobs at the university, including the roles at its Telford campus, a division of the university that was merged five years ago.
University bosses visited Telford yesterday and outlined the roles under threat. Telford shearing senior tutor Ken Payne, who is also a Clutha district councillor, was at the meeting and described the mood as sombre and emotional.
He described the proposal as "cherry-picking" and a "hell of a blow" to the district.
He said there was no guarantee those affected would be able to find jobs in the district. Several of the jobs under threat should not be going, he said.
However, he was not surprised by the proposal and said "we could see it coming for a long time".
There had been many visits from Lincoln officials and discussions about the future had been going on throughout this year.
Mr Payne’s job was not under threat in the proposal but he was "angry for the rest of the people".
He was "absolutely shocked" the equine course was in the firing line and he questioned how the courses were being marketed.
About 55 people are employed at Telford.
Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan said he was "furious" with how it had panned out.
"I rue the day we ever had anything to do with Lincoln."
The university had withdrawn and whittled away at Telford ever since it took it over.
He said "Telford is the jewel in our crown".
It was about time Lincoln took a "jolly good look at themselves and the way they have acted", he said.
"Where is Lincoln’s honour in this whole process?"
Jobs under threat included tutoring, management, administrative and hospitality staff.
As well as threatening the 17 positions at the Telford campus, the university was considering transferring the Telford division to another education provider.
Lincoln vice-chancellor Robin Pollard said in Balcutha yesterday it was in negotiations with several providers, including the Southern Institute of Technology and the Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre.
Resources and staff were reviewed in an attempt to improve the university’s financial performance, Dr Pollard said. Demand for courses had dwindled and staff were deemed surplus to requirement, he said.
He understood Telford was important to the Clutha district and there was an obvious feeling of frustration, anxiety and anger.
"I hope staff can turn their minds to building a future for Telford campus."
Tertiary Education Union national president Sandra Grey said the TEU was "absolutely determined" to minimise job losses and ensure courses at Telford continued no matter who owned it.
Dr Grey did not understand why courses at Telford were being threatened, as agriculture was one of New Zealand’s primary industries.
Dr Pollard said there was a significant drop in student enrolment and a low demand for the courses.
He said there was a chance the decision could still be changed based on submissions received from staff on the proposal, and he encouraged staff to express their views.
Lincoln University has run up $7million in deficits over the past five years.
The proposal said the plan aimed to improve the university’s "fitness" and explore potential partnerships with other organisations.
Staff in disestablished positions or not offered redeployment would be issued with notices of redundancy.
Submissions close on December 12. Dr Pollard anticipated a final decision would be made and staff informed on December 16.
