It’s somewhat ironic and apt that Victoria/Wellington University’s name debate is now a political argument.

Ronald Reagan can perhaps lay claim to the phrase ‘explaining is losing’ – and that is exactly what happens when you use the term Victoria University. (Reagan’s contention was that messaging needs to be as simple as possible, with as little explanation as possible required).

This is where the name Victoria University comes undone.

Oh, you mean the one in Toronto, no, Melbourne, well how about Kampala, Uganda, or the other half dozen or so dotted around the world.

From simply a (removing) confusion point of view, Victoria University should be Wellington University.

Because the latter name is the start of the Capital’s university story. Paying homage to a dead monarch is a dumb way to begin your conversation with the world and the rest of New Zealand.

Now I do appreciate that some alumni of Victoria University may have a sentimental attachment to the moniker…but sorry, tough.

From a storytelling viewpoint – and everything is story – it should be Wellington University.

And the emotional blackmail being heaped on the people charged with running a commercial business needs to stop, immediately. Local body and national politicians need to remove their blinkers.

‘Explaining is losing’; and those fanning the flames for retention of a dead name should butt out.

The queen is long dead – Long live Wellington University.

(Alternative points of view, with its reasoning are welcome!)