- Hon Dr Shane Reti
Universities Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced five new appointments and three reappointments to the governing councils of Lincoln University, Massey University, Victoria University of Wellington and Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.
"Universities and wānanga have critical responsibilities in the education and development of talent this country needs. To enable this important role, we need capable and experienced councils for our tertiary education institutions," says Dr Reti.
"I am very pleased to appoint Grant Miller to Lincoln University Council, Mei Fern Johnson and Megan Evans to the Victoria University of Wellington Council, and Jeremy Gardiner and Dr Warren Williams to the Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi Council.
"I am also pleased to reappoint David Jensen to the Lincoln University Council, Ross Buckley to Massey University Council and Rauru Kirikiri to the Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi Council. I appreciate their willingness to serve another term at these important institutions."
Lincoln University Council
Grant Miller has been appointed to the Lincoln University Council, alongside the reappointment of David Jensen. Grant Miller is a farmer, professional director and consultant, who until recently served as an elected Councillor on the Selwyn District Council.
Victoria University of Wellington Council
Mei Fern Johnson and Megan Evans are new appointments to the Victoria University of Wellington Council.
Mei Fern Johnson is a lawyer and holds a partnership in a law firm. She brings more than 25 years' experience providing legal advice to a broad range of clients across the private and public sectors.
Megan Evans is also a lawyer and law firm partner. She has extensive experience in and knowledge of employment law and legislation design and development.
Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi Council
Jeremy Gardiner and Dr Warren Williams are new appointments to the Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi Council.
Jeremy Gardiner (Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Pikiao, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Te Whakatōhea) is a former Chief Executive who has commercial acumen and entrepreneurial skills, and extensive experience in Māori economic development.
Dr Warren Williams (Ngai Tūhoe, Waikato) is a Chief Executive and has valued leadership and governance experience in the technology sector.
"I thank all the new appointments for accepting these important strategic leadership roles. The level of commitment shown across the university councils is very much appreciated. I would like to acknowledge those reappointed members who are continuing to support and serve the tertiary education institutions," says Dr Reti.
"I also wish to thank the outgoing council members for their contributions."
The outgoing council members are Hon Maryan Street (Victoria University of Wellington) and Dr Tuihana Pook and Charlie Tawhiao (Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi).
