PANW has ties to the Israeli Defence Force and government. But Otago University vice-chancellor Grant Robertson said he does not "accept the characterisation of the partnership" as being linked to warfare. Otago Staff for Palestine member Prof Richard Jackson said the agreement with PANW could pose a major "reputation risk" for the university. "This is a company that’s deeply embedded with the Israeli government and it’s deeply embedded with what the Israeli government’s doing. Mr Robertson said the partnership with PANW followed discussions with several technology companies about supporting the university in developing programmes in digital technology.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 24, 2026 15:37 UTC