Education Minister Chris Hipkins has announced that he's rejected the name change to Victoria University of Wellington, meaning Vic isn't being flicked!

Thank you all for your support, for sharing this petition, for having your say through the various submission processes, and for your kind messages of encouragement.

I've been personally blown away by the response, humbled to have met along the way some truly amazing people, and privileged to have read the incredible stories of people's connection with Vic.

So what happens from here? There is the potential that Victoria University of Wellington could mount a judicial review to the Education Minister's decision, or could try and push the name change through again following a second round of consultation.

I'd strongly encourage the Vice Chancellor to not pursue that course of action, and instead focus on the key drivers of student numbers - that is the quality of teaching and research, and the facilities and support available for students and staff on campus.

This issue has already been divisive enough for the university community, and it makes no sense to prolong things and further antagonise people and endure the subsequent damage to the university's reputation that entails.

Thank you all again for your support. None of this would've been possible without you not only signing this petition, but also how you've shared it with your family and friends, and had your say through other forums. I'm proud to say that we did this all without any of us spending a single cent, which reflects the deep attachment people have with the identity of Victoria University of Wellington.

Meri Kirihimete,

Gwynn Compton

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