Dear Colleagues,  
During this time of global challenge, I am writing with a message of solidarity and support to partners in the University Alliance of the Silk Road (USAR), and to acknowledge China’s impressive response to the Covid-19 outbreak.  
As China is slowly returning to a more stable situation, New Zealand is in a ‘lockdown’ for at least four weeks in an attempt to flatten the curve of community transmission here.
In line with our government’s decision to move to the country’s highest Covid-19 alert level, our University has closed, and academic and non-academic staff are now working from home. Teaching will resume on Tuesday 28 April, when all classes will be taught online. Academic staff will be using the coming weeks to ensure consistency and quality in our online delivery on the resumption of teaching.  
Our University has robust procedures and plans in place to manage pandemic events. We are taking particular care of our international students regarding all aspects of their studies and wellbeing at the University, including those in halls of residence.  
We have also been considering how to address the adverse impacts of the pandemic on our global partnerships. In times of crisis there is also opportunity, and we will be using the coming weeks to think strategically and creatively about sustainable cooperation models for a post-Covid-19 future.  
This pandemic is taking a terrible toll on all of our countries. In these tumultuous and challenging times, it is now more important than ever for governments and societies to work together to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 on the global community.  
I extend my best wishes to you all and your university staff and students as we confront this global challenge together.

Yours sincerely

Grant Guilford

Vice-Chancellor