Hon Nikki Kaye

Associate Minister of Education

24 June 2014 Media Statement
Karen Poutasi joins Network for Learning Board

Associate Education Minister Nikki Kaye today announced the appointment of Dr Karen Poutasi to the board of Network for Learning (N4L).

N4L is the Crown company responsible for the Government’s $211 million investment in a managed network for schools, which will provide quick and reliable internet complete with uncapped data, web filtering and network security services.

The company last week reached a milestone ahead of schedule with its 500thschool connection, and is on track to connect all participating schools to the managed network by the end of 2016.

“I am delighted that Dr Poutasi is joining the N4L Board,” says Ms Kaye. “N4L has a crucial role to play in the delivery of future-focused education.

“As a state sector expert with strong education connections, Dr Poutasi will complement N4L’s mix of directors, who between them have experience in the ICT, telecommunications and education sectors along with commercial, financial and legal expertise.”

Rick Shera, Linda Tame and Humphrey Wikeepa have been reappointed to the board.

Notes to editors

Dr Karen Poutasi of Paraparaumu has more than 25 years’ experience in the public sector, holding chief executive roles for almost 19 of these.

She is Chief Executive of the New Zealand Qualification Authority. Prior to that she was Director-General of Health for 11 years and is a former medical practitioner. She is the Chair of Basketball New Zealand, the New Zealand Committee for Harkness Fellowships, and is a member of the Ian Axford Fellowships Board.

Dr Poutasi received a CNZM for services to health in 2006. She has a strong understanding of public management and the implementation of government policy, with a particular interest in education and the Pasifika community.

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