SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Elected representation 

Student voice is central to all University activities as demonstrated through student representation on Lincoln University's governing body – the Council, alongside representatives from academic and general staff. The Council’s functions, duties and powers are defined in the Education and Training Act 2020. The Act mandates that Council acknowledge the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi in its operations and provides statutory protection for the University’s autonomy and the academic freedom of its staff and students.

Council members include an academic staff member, a general staff member and a student representative. Staff members – both academic and general – are elected by staff, while the student representative is the President of the Lincoln University Student Association. Staff members serve a four-year term and are elected by the permanent members of that group of staff, while the student representative is appointed annually.  

The Council is made up of 12 members: Four members appointed by the relevant Minister of the Crown, the Vice-Chancellor of Lincoln University, one permanent member of the academic staff, one permanent member of the general staff, one member who is appointed following an election by Lincoln University students, one member who is appointed after consultation with Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and three members are appointed by the Council, at least one of whom shall be alumni of Lincoln University. 

Students' union 

Lincoln University recognises the Lincoln University Students Association (LUSA) as an independent student union, which is promoted on our website and provides representation, support, and activities to enrich the student experience. The University also supports Te Awhioraki, which represents Māori students and is managed by Māori students, as well as LUPISA, which fosters Pasifika identity through social, cultural, and academic events alongside LUSA.  
LUSA is represented on the Lincoln University Council, with the President elected annually.  

In its commitment to the student experience, the Lincoln University Students’ Association (LUSA) works alongside the University to put students at the centre of everything and stimulate improvements to the student experience. LUSA endeavours to ensure fair and diverse student representation on relevant University committees and working groups that reflect all cultures and identities. Through its services for students, LUSA provides confidential advice and support covering academic concerns, mental well-being, and financial difficulties. If need be, LUSA will facilitate connections and discussions with relevant University staff to assist a student with a matter of concern.  

Events and clubs held or organised through LUSA are designed to foster togetherness among students of all cultures, build friendships and connections, and support physical and mental wellbeing. The ultimate goal of the social and recreational activities offered to students through LUSA is to provide a safe, inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment.  

Working with government 

Lincoln University works closely with local, regional and national government. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with the Selwyn District Council and Environment Canterbury Regional Council.

With the University's research focused on government priorities of sustainability and the bioeconomy, our researchers sit on a variety of government working groups, advisory groups and committees including:   

• Canterbury Aoraki Conservation Board (Distinguished Professor Philip Hulme – appointed by the Minister)  
• Climate Change Action Committee, Environment Canterbury Regional Council (Professor Anita Wreford)  
• Independent review panel to oversee decisions made under the Severe Weather Emergency Recovery Legislation Act (Associate Professor Hamish Rennie, appointed by government).  
• National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (Dr Kathryn Bicknell) 
• Climate Change Commission’s Technical Advisory Group on Land Use (Professor Anita Wreford). 

Policy outreach and education

Lincoln University collaborates closely with government departments, government-funded public research organisations, regional authorities, other universities, and Māori to provide research that supports policy development and enhances practice.

Areas of expertise include climate change, sustainable agriculture, disaster resilience, agribusiness, environmental planning and protection, biosecurity, recreation and tourism.

In 2024, Lincoln University collaborated in 112 government-funded research projects including:

• Biosecurity and pest management  
• Disaster resilience and preparedness  
• Managing and reducing N2O emissions from agriculture 
• Food safety, technology and sovereignty 
• Climate Change Adaptation.  

Between 2021 and 2024, Lincoln University has been cited in over 10,000 policies. 
 

Participation in government research

In 2024, Lincoln University released its commissioned report for the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. The Report on the situational analysis of New Zealand’s bioeconomy will help inform policy decisions as New Zealand tries to balance the economic and environmental challenges and costs of utilising our biological resources.  
 
Through this research and engagement, Lincoln University researchers are building capacity amongst decision-makers and policymakers. They also play a significant role in providing expert and technical testimony. In 2024, Lincoln University’s Entomology Research Collection hosted a group from the Christchurch City Council’s Regional Parks Port Hills and Banks Peninsula Biodiversity Team. The group are responsible for a wide range of biodiversity work in the region, including weed and vertebrate pest control through to ecological restoration. Their two-hour visit aimed to improve the group’s knowledge and understanding of insect biodiversity in New Zealand. 

Encouraging debate 

In its role as a critic and conscience of society, Lincoln University supports debate on key issues for New Zealanders. Our State of the Land series of thought leadership events, expert-led debates and community forums creates a safe space for discussion, collaboration and fresh perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the land-based industries. They all include a dedicated time and space for networking and are attended by those in the rural industry sector, science, government and the general community.

In 2024, 28 events were attended by nearly 2,000 people. Events included discussions on the shift to smart farming, the future of New Zealand’s agricultural Workforce, the growth of the green economy, farmer wellbeing, and cultivating a sustainable future together. Another 14 events were held through the Lincoln University Centre of Excellence – Transformative Agribusiness. These included Exploring Sustainable Diets: Environmental Impacts and Nutritional Quality, Global and Local Approaches to Climate-Resilient Land Use, and a Genetic Perspective on Beef Production Sustainability.