Maharey Announces Further Appointments To Tertiary Councils

New Government appointees to university, polytechnic and college of education councils were announced today by Associate Education (Tertiary Education) Minister Steve Maharey.

Tertiary institution councils have the responsibility under the Education Act for the governance of New Zealand's thirty-eight public tertiary institutions. The councils are composed of community, industry, staff, student and Ministerial representatives and appointments. Mr Maharey said that the new Government was making the appointments to tertiary institution councils to strengthen their ability to respond to the local needs of their communities and ensure the quality of their programmes.

"Attracting high quality council members is essential if our public tertiary institutions are to make a successful transition to the cooperative and collaborative tertiary system we are committed to building.

"The Cabinet has agreed to appoint the following people to university, polytechnic and college of education councils to replace resigning and retiring members:

* Greg Taylor, Principal of Mount Albert Grammar School, to the University of Auckland Council. Mr Taylor's extensive knowledge of the Auckland education sector will be an asset to the Council;

* Trisha McEwan, Human Resources Director for Fletcher Challenge Limited Group, to the University of Waikato Council, who brings her experience in strategic human resources management;

* Shaan Winiata Stevens, Executive Director of Guinness Gallagher Corporate Advisors, to Victoria University of Wellington Council, who has wide experience in the corporate sector;

* Sir Angus Tait, the founder and Managing Director of Tait Electronics, is being reappointed to University of Canterbury Council. Sir Angus is an experienced businessman with strong commercial, national and international networks;

* John Simpson, General Manager Finance/Chief Financial Officer of Aoraki Corporation, to the University of Canterbury Council. Mr Simpson’s strong financial skills will be particularly valuable to the Council;

* Dr Sue Bagshaw, Medical Training Co-ordinator for the Southern Region of the NZ Family Planning Association and Senior Medical Officer for the Youth Health Centre, to the University of Canterbury Council. Dr Bagshaw brings to the Council her experience in the education and research fields and her wide community links;

* Ella Henry, Director of the University of Auckland’s Maori Indigenous Research and Development Unit, to the Northland Polytechnic Council. Ms Henry has strong community links, and governance, management and education experience;

* Caroline Ball, management consultant, to the Taranaki Polytechnic Council, whose extensive management experience will be valuable to the Council;

* Dennis Sharman, technology consultant, to the Whitireia Community Polytechnic Council, whose skills and expertise in the information technology field will be valuable to the institution;

* David Penney, Programming Publicist for Telstra Saturn Ltd, to the Wellington College of Education Council. Mr Penney’s brings his knowledge of the tertiary sector, student issues and communication skills to the Council;

* Anne Urwlin, business consultant, to the Christchurch College of Education Council. Ms Urwlin has particular expertise and experience in governance roles, financial management and strategic planning;

* Suzanne Merriman, Managing Director of Marshall & Heaphy Chartered Accountants, to the Tai Poutini Polytechnic Council. Ms Merriman has wide accountancy experience and wide community links;

* Jay Sepie, Management Advisor at the Department of Labour, to the Tai Poutini Polytechnic Council. Ms Sepie’s has experience in community development and links to education initiatives on the West Coast; and,

* Rosemary Carruthers, Barrister and Solicitor, is being reappointed to the Aoraki Polytechnic Council. Ms Carruthers brings her strong leadership skills, experience in governance and wide community links to the Council.

"The demands on tertiary governance and management are likely to increase as we build a more integrated and responsive national tertiary education system. The Government is fortunate to have been able to secure the services of these excellent new council members," Steve Maharey said.

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