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PRESS RELEASE
From: Richard Batley, Te Mana Whakahaere chairman
Date: June 19, 2015
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa believes a move to elect a council on skill and experience is necessary for the organisation’s success.
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa believes the move from a representative-based council to one that is skills-based will provide greater accountability and results for its stakeholders.
Te Mana Whakahaere chairman Richard Batley today said the changes reflect a shift towards the need to have highly-skilled representatives providing governance to ensure the organisation’s progress, sustainability and success.
“Te Wānanga o Aotearoa would like to make a sincere acknowledgement of the contributions of its former members over the past 30 years,” said Mr Batley.
“However, our organisation operates in a changing and highly-competitive tertiary education market – one which demands exceptional skill-sets and experience.”
Under the constitution for Te Mana Whakahaere, the Council for Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, will consist of:
– Three members appointed by the Minister for Tertiary Education
– Six members appointed by Te Mana Whakahaere – one of whom must be a current or former Te Wānanga o Aotearoa student.
When appointing members of Te Mana Whakahaere, the constitution states that regard must be made to the Te Wānanga o Aotearoa Skill Matrix.
This matrix encompasses a vast range of skills and experience Te Mana Whakahaere deems as necessary requirements for its members to govern and fulfil their duties to the council.
The changes to the Te Mana Whakahaere make-up from 17 to nine members are as a result of changes in the Education Act.
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa refutes suggestions the proposed new council structure “lacks democratic safeguards”.
Consultation for the proposed governance restructure model began at the end of 2013 throughout New Zealand with all of its stakeholders.
Staff representation will be accommodated with a separate forum for staff that reports directly to Te Taiurungi (CEO) Jim Mather, who will advocate on their behalf to the council.
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa will farewell its old council and welcomes its new members on July 29.
Copyright © 2015, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com
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