Commissioner appointed at Unitec

Education Minister Chris Hipkins has appointed a Commissioner at Unitec, after receiving the final submission from the Auckland-based institute of technology’s Council, which supported the move.

Mr Hipkins announced today that he was dissolving the Unitec Council and appointing Murray Strong as Commissioner to address Unitec’s financial difficulties.

“Unitec needs urgent and significant financial support and I believe that a Commissioner is needed to ensure both the Tertiary Education Commission and I have the oversight we need,” Chris Hipkins said.

The new Commissioner is Murray Strong, who is also the Government-appointed Crown Manager at Tai Poutini Polytechnic on the South Island’s West Coast.

“Murray Strong is extremely experienced in working with tertiary organisations. As well as his role with Tai Poutini Polytechnic, he was the Commissioner appointed to the Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki when it needed one in 2006.”

“His experience will be crucial to turning around Unitec’s financial situation and putting it on a sustainable path. He’s already playing a major role in the Government’s ITP 2020 roadmap project, which will ensure a sustainable and thriving network of institutions of technology and polytechnics around the country. This should give real confidence to students at staff about Unitec’s future.”

Mr Strong will initially be supported by an independent financial advisor, who is already in place. An advisory group will be appointed by the Minister once the commissioner has identified the skills and experience needed to support him in exercising his functions, duties and powers.

Unitec is facing a shortfall of approximately $19 million this year and $27 million in 2019 if no changes are made and Mr Hipkins said the Government is considering options to address Unitec’s financial issues.

“Our message for students at this time is that the Government is committed to ensuring top quality vocational education and training is available at Unitec now and in the future,” Chris Hipkins said.

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