The University of Otago has made a final announcement on staff cuts, with 160 full-time-equivalent (FTE) general staff set to go, rather than the 182 originally proposed.

A meeting with staff on Thursday revealed a revised business case which proposed a university-wide re-configuration of support services.

The business case now allows for 160 fewer FTE general staff positions.

University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Harlene Hayne, says they realise the review was creating anxiety and uncertainty for staff.

"As I said in July, I highly value our staff, and we will do our utmost to offer support through this period of change," Prof Hayne said.

"I am more confident than ever that we need to make these changes if we are to adapt to the highly complex environment in which we operate."

The university is expected to save $14.9 million annually from the changes, which will be made over several years.

"There is no doubt that feedback from staff has strengthened the business model that I presented (Thursday)," Prof Hayne said.

"There is wide recognition that we need to change the way we do business in several areas and we need to focus our collective efforts to get this right.

"There are a number of initiatives in the business case that will help students make their way through our sometimes-complex university systems. We're very much looking forward to making improvements in this area," she said.