consultation with key stakeholders.
This year it was also determined prudent
to review our executive management
structure. At the conclusion of the five-
year contract for Te Pouhere Bentham
Ohia, Te Mana Whakahaere decided it was
timely and appropriate to go to market to
seek out the very best applicants to lead
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa for the next five
years. It has been seven years since we last
did so and, with the role of appointing the
chief executive one of the key functions
of council and with a fresh new landscape
ahead for Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, we
decided collectively to advertise the chief
executive position. We progressed the
CEO recruitment process throughout 2012
and it will culminate in the appointment
of a chief executive – the incumbent or
otherwise – in April 2013.
Employing the best people
As I reiterated to our staff throughout
2012, our commitment to assuring the
brightest possible future for Te Wānanga
o Aotearoa dictates that we must
constantly seek to review and improve
our operation and our progress. In support
of this perspective, we continue to seek
out the very best of advice in all areas
of our business. In March, we were very
fortunate to secure the services of Janice
Shiner – the former chief executive of the
Tertiary Education Commission. During
her time at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa,
Janice met with Te Mana Whakahaere
to discuss ways in which effective
governance and management contribute
to raising educational achievement. I
know I speak for my colleagues when I
say we valued the erudite and insightful
recommendations Janice contributed to
the conversation.
Remaining competitive
In July, a significant proportion of our
funding once again came under threat
through the Level 1 and 2 Review process.
Through this mechanism, the Government
seeks to introduce competition between
tertiary institutions delivering education
at levels 1 and 2 in pursuit of maximum
return on its investment. Traditionally, Te
Wānanga o Aotearoa has focused heavily
on programmes at these levels to meet the
needs of its tauira. I am extremely happy
to report that we were very successful in
our bid, with our funding levels remaining
unchanged. I believe this result is a
testament to the regard with which our
programmes are held within government
and the value we contribute to the tertiary
sector at these levels.
Welcoming a new member
In September, we welcomed Nicholas
Manukau to the council table as the
new tauira representative. Nicholas
has a background in education and the
environment and is a valuable addition to
our team. I thank Jo Hymers (the outgoing
tauira representative) for her contribution
during her time with us, and I wish her
well for the future. I also acknowledge and
thank all members of Te Mana Whakahaere
for their dedication and their contributions
to this institution, and for ensuring that
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa remains true to
its philosophy.
Richard Batley
Chairperson
We will
provide
programmes
that lead to
academic
fulfilment and
meaningful
employment.
“
“
Te pŪrongo 2012
10
