New Chief Executive for Qualifications Authority

The New Zealand Qualifications Authority today announced the appointment of Dr Norman Kingsbury as Chief Executive. Dr Kingsbury commences a one-year appointment on 20 October.

The New Zealand Qualifications Authority Chair, Dr Frank Wood, expressed enthusiasm in making the announcement. “Dr Kingsbury will bring balance and stability to the Authority through his broad sector and management experience.”

“The Authority has made significant advances over the last few months and Dr Kingsbury has the credentials necessary to build on the new momentum. We can look forward to strong leadership, strengthened relationships with our clients, and further development of quality management,” said Dr Wood.
Dr Kingsbury has had a long and distinguished involvement in education at all levels. From 1964 to 1988 he held various senior positions at the University of Waikato and was the university’s foundation Registrar.

He was involved in the ‘Learning for Life’ reforms from 1988 to 1990, and was Director of Tertiary Education Implementation at the Ministry of Education from 1991 to 1993, when important funding reforms were being developed.

Dr Kingsbury is currently chair of the Universities Academic Audit Unit and the Polytechnic Programmes Committee. He is provost for the establishment of a new post-graduate college endowed by Waikato-Tainui and was involved in the establishment of two wänanga.

He has overseas experience at management and government levels, and has served on school boards and the board of Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School. He has long standing interests in Mäori education.

Dr Wood said the board had been fortunate to acquire the services of such a diversely experienced person. “He has a deep understanding of education in this country and is respected in all sectors. His breadth of trust and experience is important to the Qualifications Authority as our work covers the full array of post-compulsory education and training. This one year appointment provides a very appropriate bridge as government refines the role of education agencies in its five steps ahead strategies.”
“Over the next twelve months the Authority will have its future role clarified and be involved in changes to the structure of the National Qualifications Framework. These are crucial strategic considerations. We also have important immediate tasks. We are introducing major refinements to our quality assurance service and gearing up for the new secondary qualifications to come into effect in 2001,” said Dr Wood.

“Meanwhile, we continue to reinforce the impact of National Certificates and Diplomas in tertiary and industry training. We are very proud of the services we offer the country but we are always fine-tuning. We continue to make important advances in the administration of national examinations, for example. All of this while we are looking ahead and contributing to important policy developments,” said Dr Wood.

“We need firm and experienced leadership and consider ourselves fortunate to have acquired the services of Dr Kingsbury,” said Dr Wood.

Dr Kingsbury is a Justice of the Peace and has been involved in many community organisations outside formal education.

ENDS

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