New community representatives appointed to Polytechnic

- 30 March 2011

Four new community representatives were appointed to Bay of Plenty Polytechnic’s Council at Wednesday night’s monthly Council meeting.

The eight-strong Council comprises four ministerial appointees and four community representatives. Each community representative is chosen for their skills, experience and connectedness to industry, community, tangata whenua, and/or secondary and tertiary education. Appointees will serve a four year term, commencing 1 May 2011.

Bringing together almost a century of experience and expertise, the Polytechnic is pleased to introduce its four community representatives, Brian Gould, Graham Young, Paul Logan and Sylvia Willisin.

Brian Gould is current chair of the National Centre for Tertiary Teaching Excellence, the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO and the Eastern Bay Primary Health Alliance. He is the ex Vice Chancellor of the University of Waikato (1994 – 2004). In 2005, he was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit and in 2006 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Waikato.

Graham Young brings many years experience in education as former principal of Tauranga Boys’ College (1984 – 2008). Graham is current National Secondary Coordinator of New Zealand Aspiring Principals programme. He is also a leadership and management consultant for the Institute of Professional Studies at the University of Waikato.

Paul Logan is continuing as a Community Representative of Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Council. He is the Managing Director and franchise owner of ‘Need a Nerd’ Tauranga. Paul has spent 20 years in the motor industry and has seen the benefits of good vocational training.

Sylvia Willisin of Ngati Ranginui iwi and Ngai Tamarawaho hapu is the Kaunihera Māori representative. She is one of the founders of the Huria Management Trust and its current Chief Executive. Sylvia brings more than 20 years of service to the Tauranga and Western Bay Communities to the Polytechnic Council.

Incumbent members endorsed these four appointments at the Council meeting. Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Council Chairperson, Ian Turner said he was delighted with the skills and experience all four community representatives bring to the table.

“We’re looking forward to working together to progress Bay of Plenty Polytechnic’s vision of being a leader in the tertiary sector,” said Mr Turner.

The significant service and contribution from outgoing community representatives, Aroha Luttenberger, Fleur Sweeney and Paula Thompson and were also acknowledged by Mr Turner.

ENDS

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