Four new members have been appointed to the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) Board, Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds announced.
“I am pleased to appoint and welcome Emeritus Professor Sally Davenport MNZM, Dr Uluomato'otua (Ulu) Saulaulu Aiono ONZM, Mr Simon Flood and Mr Michael (Mike) Chapman as new members of the TEC Board,” Ms Simmonds says.
“These appointments will strengthen the TEC Board and ensure it has the skills and focus to drive the implementation of the Government’s priorities for the tertiary education and training system.
“The new members will help ensure the Board provides the expert oversight needed to guide the TEC through re-establishing regional polytechnics, focusing investment on the skills employers need, and ensuring New Zealand’s universities remain at the forefront of research and innovation.”
Dr Alan Bollard CNZM will remain as Chair of the TEC Board, with Robin Hapi CNZM continuing in the Deputy Chair role.
“I would like to acknowledge and thank the four departing TEC Board members for their service: Emeritus Professor Alastair MacCormick CNZM, Deidre Shea MNZM, Kirk Hope, and Samuela (Sam) Sefuiva.
“Each has contributed meaningfully to the tertiary education system during their tenure. I especially wish to recognise the longstanding service of Emeritus Professor MacCormick, who has been a member of the Board since May 2017.”
The four incoming members each bring extensive knowledge and leadership experience.
Emeritus Professor Sally Davenport has held key positions in research and innovation, including at Victoria University of Wellington and the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology. She also served on the Productivity Commission board and was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2018 for services to science.
Dr Ulu Aiono is a respected innovator and leader in South Auckland. He is Chair of The Cause Collective and has served on the councils of Manukau Institute of Technology and Auckland University of Technology. He was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Otago and named an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to business and community development.
Mr Simon Flood brings financial expertise to the board, with a background in global investment management, including at Merrill Lynch. He is currently Chair of Queenstown Airport and a director across several South Island organisations.
Mr Mike Chapman has a strong track record in the primary sector, previously leading Horticulture New Zealand and Kiwifruit New Zealand. He has held roles in regulatory and legal sectors and served in the Royal New Zealand Navy.
The new members will begin three-year terms, as the Board supports delivery and investment decisions in the lead-up to 2026.
“I look forward to working with the refreshed Board as we head into 2026 with a clear focus on the TEC’s delivery and investment priorities,” Ms Simmonds says.