New research has uncovered how many university staff are working in non-academic roles.

The New Zealand Initiative study found there are up to 50 percent more non-academics than academics.

Compared to other countries, New Zealand has the highest ratio of non-academic to academic staff.

Research fellow and Victoria University professor Dr James Kierstead says they're not recommending universities just cut those roles - but it is a major cost.

He says New Zealand universities spend about 45 percent of their total wage expenses on non-academic salaries.

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