The Tertiary Education Union is criticising a plan by Destiny Church to establish its own university, saying it could lead to an influx of so-called mock universities.
The church announced plans on New Year's Day to build schools, an auditorium and a university on about 10 acres of land in South Auckland.
A union spokesperson says it is worried a Destiny Church university would muddy New Zealand's reputation as a top tertiary provider.
However, Stephen Day believes it is highly unlikely that the church would be able to establish a university under the Education Act's strict criteria.
Mr Day says it is possible the church could set up a private training institute with links to an overseas university instead.
