Ako Aotearoa welcomes new Director

Ako Aotearoa is delighted to announce the appointment of Helen Lomax (Te Aitanga-ā-Māhaki) as its new Director. The appointment follows an international search for an outstanding leader to take Ako Aotearoa, the National Centre for Tertiary Teaching Excellence, to the next stage of its development.

The announcement was made jointly to staff yesterday by Ako Aotearoa Board Chair Dr Graeme Benny and Massey University Assistant Vice-Chancellor Professor Giselle Byrnes.

“Helen brings huge knowledge of the entire tertiary sector, great credibility and an engaging and empathetic leadership style to this important role. We are delighted that Helen will lead Ako Aotearoa in this new capacity”, says Professor Byrnes.

Dr Benny adds, “The Ako Aotearoa Board and Management are charting an exciting and challenging future for the organisation in supporting the tertiary teaching sector and learners. Helen has been the major contributor to our new strategic plan and thus we are delighted that she will now be able to lead the organisation to deliver on our goals.”

Acting in the role of Director since February this year, Helen has forged ahead with Ako Aotearoa’s comprehensive five-year plan of strategic development, and is especially well placed to continue driving this work.

Prior to the Acting Director role, Helen held the position of Deputy Director Sector Services at Ako Aotearoa for two and a-half years. Her knowledge and insight of the public sector and tertiary education environment have contributed much in how Ako Aotearoa partners with the tertiary sector to drive success for all learners, with particular attention on addressing parity for Māori and Pacific.

Ms Lomax will commence formally in the role on 25 June 2018.

ENDS

© Scoop Media