UCOL strengthens community links

Media Release

15 July 2013

UCOL strengthens community links

Jo Hayes has joined staff at Whanganui UCOL as Director of Community Relations to help strengthen links with the community and follow-up on recommendations from the Joint Wanganui District Council and UCOL Taskforce. 

Jo is well known to many people in Whanganui, having been Chief Executive of Nga Tai O Te Awa Trust in Whanganui for over six years, and more recently Director of Awatea Management Solutions.  She is an experienced executive manager with over 13 years’ of experience in senior and executive management positions in the health, social and education sectors.

Mayor Annette Main said she is delighted that UCOL has made this appointment to progress greater community interaction.

“It is great to see UCOL committing to strengthening links with the community, which was one of the key focus areas in the recent UCOL-Wanganui District Council Joint Taskforce report,” Mayor Main said.

“Through that process, both organisations have recognised the importance of ongoing collaboration. The Council intends to invite UCOL to form a strategic partnership with us to ensure the continuance of a strong and viable tertiary institution within Wanganui.

“I welcome Jo’s appointment and we look forward to working with her for the benefit of tertiary education in our community.”

Jo will work closely with Whanganui UCOL senior managers Tim Snape, Katrina Langdon and Lesley Baylis as well as staff, building on existing connections and actioning initiatives from the joint Taskforce that build closer community ties.  Jo’s appointment is until March 2014 when UCOL will look at progress that has been made and evaluate what type of on-going role and activity is required for the future. 

Jo lives in Apiti and is looking forward to spending time in Whanganui after having worked in the South Island for the last few years.

ENDS

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