Tertiary education leader takes senior position at Waiariki

17 April 2014

Tertiary education leader takes up senior position at Waiariki

Waiariki Institute of Technology is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Jefferies as Director of Partnerships and Planning.

Richard is an accomplished senior tertiary education leader, having been Provost (Deputy Chief Executive) at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi for five years and with 20 years consulting experience in the tertiary education sector. He has led a wide range of research projects in the tertiary sector focusing in particular on Māori economic and professional development while also leading and editing the translation of English language books into te reo Māori.

Richard’s passion for education, his wide ranging experience and extensive networks and stakeholder links in the area of Māori educational, community and economic development will be extremely valuable to Waiariki and its distinctive bicultural focus.

Chief Executive Professor Margaret Noble said, “We are delighted to welcome Richard as a member of Waiariki’s senior management team. His leadership and academic skills will make an important contribution to achieving our aim of being a first choice institute, developing student potential through our strong links with business, iwi and the community. Richard will be leading a range of strategic areas including student recruitment and administration, secondary outreach and regional development, and business and stakeholder links.”

Richard said, “I am excited to be joining Waiariki Institute of Technology, its values reflect the key attributes to be an organisation that is distinctly bicultural. The education offered by Waiariki has the potential to transform lives and to develop the future prosperity of the Bay of Plenty region and I am looking forward to ensuring that Waiariki students – Māori, Pakeha and international – are well prepared to provide effective contribution to the regional economy and role models for future generations.”

Richard completed a Bachelor of Management Studies and Diploma of Teaching at Waikato University, and is currently undertaking a PhD on renewal in Māori - medium education. Richard will commence his employment with Waiariki on 28th April.

ENDS

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