26 January 2005

New chairperson for Tertiary Education Commission

Education Minister Trevor Mallard announced today he is appointing Hon Russell Marshall as chair of the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC).

“Russell Marshall has had a long and impressive public service career which includes 18 years as a member of parliament, during which time he held ministerial portfolios in Education, Foreign Affairs and Pacific Island Affairs,” Trevor Mallard said.

“The Tertiary Education Commission is a relatively new organisation that has developed well in its first two years of operation. It plays a vital role in implementing the government’s strategy for tertiary education and in allocating the funding for tertiary education organisations. It is important that the leadership of the Tertiary Education Commission is strong to ensure that the progress made so far continues.

“Russell is an ideal candidate to take on the role of chair. He helped set the platform for the Tertiary Education Strategy as chair of the Tertiary Education Advisory Commission (TEAC) in 2000/1. The work of TEAC led directly to the establishment of the Tertiary Education Commission.

“Leadership of the commission requires an understanding of how the broad range of entities in the tertiary sector operate. Russell has that range of knowledge, having been a former university chancellor and through his involvement with the polytechnic sector and international education. He has also been chair of the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO.”

Russell Marshall will shortly be returning to New Zealand after a term as High Commissioner to London. His appointment is effective from April 4 but in the interim he will have a role as chair elect, in the appointment of a new chief executive.

“Since April 2004 the role of chair has been filled by the deputy chair Kaye Turner and I am grateful to Kaye for her work in the role during that time. Kaye will be continuing in her permanent role as deputy chair and her input will be vital in ensuring continuity for the organisation.

“I am pleased to have such strength in the governance of the commission as it moves to appoint a new chief executive and continues with the work of implementing a co-ordinated tetiary education strategy,” Trevor Mallard said.

ENDS

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